Quick Answer
The GeForce GTX 1660 SUPER is a newer, more power-efficient card based on the Turing architecture, offering excellent 1080p gaming performance. The older GeForce GTX 1080, a high-end card from the previous Pascal generation, generally provides higher raw performance and is better suited for higher resolution gaming, but lacks some modern architectural features.
GeForce GTX 1660 SUPER vs GeForce GTX 1080: Full Comparison
Introduction
Comparing graphics cards from different generations and market segments can be a common scenario for PC builders and upgraders. The GeForce GTX 1660 SUPER, a mid-range contender from 2019, often finds itself compared to the GeForce GTX 1080, a former flagship from 2016. This comparison is important for understanding the trade-offs between newer architecture and older, higher-tier raw performance. This article will break down their specifications, architectural differences, gaming performance, and features to provide a clear picture of where each card stands.
Architecture and Specifications
The core difference between these two GPUs lies in their underlying architecture and intended market segment.
- GeForce GTX 1660 SUPER: Built on NVIDIA’s Turing architecture (12nm process), but notably lacks dedicated RT (Ray Tracing) and Tensor cores. It utilizes GDDR6 memory, which provides a significant bandwidth advantage over standard GDDR5.
- GeForce GTX 1080: Based on the older Pascal architecture (16nm process). As a former flagship, it features a much wider memory bus and more CUDA cores, giving it higher theoretical compute performance. It uses GDDR5X memory.
While the GTX 1080 has a clear lead in core count and memory bus width, the GTX 1660 SUPER’s newer Turing architecture and faster GDDR6 memory help it close the gap in many scenarios.
Gaming Performance
Performance varies significantly depending on the game title, resolution, and graphical settings.
- 1080p Gaming: The GTX 1660 SUPER is an excellent 1080p card, capable of running most modern games at High to Ultra settings with high frame rates. The GTX 1080 typically performs 15-25% faster at this resolution, often pushing frame rates well beyond 100 FPS.
- 1440p Gaming: This is where the GTX 1080’s advantages become more apparent. Its higher memory bandwidth and core count make it more capable at 1440p resolution. The GTX 1660 SUPER can handle 1440p, but settings may need to be adjusted to Medium or High in more demanding titles to maintain smooth gameplay.
- Feature Support: Despite being newer, the GTX 1660 SUPER does not support hardware-accelerated ray tracing. Both cards rely on traditional rasterization.
Power, Heat, and Efficiency
The architectural generation gap is clearly reflected in power consumption and thermal design.
- TDP (Thermal Design Power): The GTX 1660 SUPER has a TDP of 125W, while the GTX 1080’s TDP is 180W. This makes the 1660 SUPER significantly more power-efficient.
- System Impact: The lower power draw of the 1660 SUPER typically means less heat output and potentially quieter operation. It also places less demand on the power supply, making it suitable for a wider range of pre-built and smaller systems.
- Cooling: GTX 1080 models, especially founder’s editions, often have more robust cooling solutions to manage the higher heat output, which can result in a larger physical size.
Comparison Table: GeForce GTX 1660 SUPER vs GTX 1080
| Feature | GeForce GTX 1660 SUPER | GeForce GTX 1080 |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Turing (12nm) | Pascal (16nm) |
| GPU | TU116 | GP104 |
| CUDA Cores | 1408 | 2560 |
| Base / Boost Clock | 1530 MHz / 1785 MHz | 1607 MHz / 1733 MHz |
| VRAM | 6 GB GDDR6 | 8 GB GDDR5X |
| Memory Bus | 192-bit | 256-bit |
| Memory Bandwidth | 336 GB/s | 320 GB/s |
| TDP | 125 W | 180 W |
| Recommended PSU | 450W | 500W |
| RT / Tensor Cores | No | No |
| NVENC Encoder | Turing (Improved) | Pascal |
| Typical Performance Tier | 1080p High Refresh / 1440p Medium | 1440p High / Entry-level 4K |
FAQ
What is the main difference between the GTX 1660 SUPER and the GTX 1080?
The main differences are architecture and market positioning. The GTX 1080 is an older flagship card with more raw power (CUDA cores, wider memory bus) suited for higher resolutions. The GTX 1660 SUPER is a newer, mid-range card based on a more efficient architecture with faster memory type (GDDR6), offering strong 1080p performance with lower power consumption.
Which card is better for 1440p gaming?
The GeForce GTX 1080 is generally the stronger performer for 1440p gaming due to its higher number of CUDA cores and 8GB of VRAM. It can maintain higher graphical settings and frame rates at this resolution compared to the GTX 1660 SUPER.
Does the GTX 1660 SUPER have ray tracing?
No. The GeForce GTX 1660 SUPER, like the GTX 1080, does not contain dedicated RT Cores for hardware-accelerated ray tracing. Ray tracing effects would need to be handled by the traditional CUDA cores, resulting in a very significant performance impact that is typically not practical.
Is the GTX 1080 still a good card?
Yes, the GTX 1080 remains a capable graphics card for 1080p and 1440p gaming. Its performance is often comparable to or slightly better than a modern RTX 3050 or RTX 2060 in traditional rasterization, though it lacks newer features like DLSS and hardware-based ray tracing.
Which card is more power-efficient?
The GeForce GTX 1660 SUPER is significantly more power-efficient, with a 125W TDP compared to the GTX 1080’s 180W TDP. This results in lower heat output and potentially lower system power costs over time.
Final Thoughts
This comparison highlights a classic choice between generational advancement and previous-generation high-end performance. The GeForce GTX 1660 SUPER represents a modern, efficient design that excels at 1080p gaming with minimal power draw. The GeForce GTX 1080, while older, continues to offer superior raw performance that makes it more viable for 1440p gaming. The decision often comes down to the target resolution, the importance of power efficiency, and the availability and condition of the typically older GTX 1080. For a strictly 1080p-focused, efficient build, the newer architecture of the 1660 SUPER is compelling. For users targeting higher resolutions who can accommodate the higher power draw, the GTX 1080’s performance legacy remains relevant.