Quick Answer
The GeForce GTX 1660 SUPER and GTX 1080 Ti represent two different generations and market segments of graphics cards. The GTX 1080 Ti generally offers significantly higher performance, but the GTX 1660 SUPER is typically more power-efficient and was positioned at a much lower price point at launch.
GeForce GTX 1660 SUPER vs GeForce GTX 1080 Ti: Full Comparison
Introduction
Comparing the GeForce GTX 1660 SUPER and the GTX 1080 Ti is an interesting exercise in understanding how graphics technology and market positioning evolve. While they share the “GeForce GTX” branding, they are products from different eras and tiers. This comparison aims to clarify their architectural differences, performance characteristics, and key features to help explain their respective roles in the GPU landscape.
Architecture and Specifications
The core difference between these cards lies in their underlying architecture and specifications, which dictates their performance potential.
- GTX 1080 Ti (Pascal Architecture): This card is based on the older Pascal architecture and was a flagship model. It features a much larger GPU die with 3584 CUDA cores, 11GB of high-speed GDDR5X memory on a 352-bit bus, and a higher transistor count.
- GTX 1660 SUPER (Turing Architecture): Built on the more modern Turing architecture (but without RT or Tensor cores), it was a mid-range offering. It utilizes 1408 CUDA cores and 6GB of GDDR6 memory on a 192-bit bus. Its key advancement is the more efficient architecture and faster memory technology compared to standard GDDR5.
The GTX 1080 Ti’s specifications are substantially larger, reflecting its former high-end status.
Performance Comparison
In terms of raw performance for gaming and content creation, there is a clear hierarchy.
- Gaming Performance: The GTX 1080 Ti generally delivers higher frame rates, often comparable to a modern RTX 3060 in many titles. It is better suited for 1440p and 4K gaming. The GTX 1660 SUPER is typically considered a strong 1080p card, capable of handling most games at high settings.
- Content Creation & Compute: Due to its greater number of CUDA cores and wider memory bus, the GTX 1080 Ti usually performs better in GPU-accelerated tasks like video editing, 3D rendering, and other professional workloads.
- Architectural Efficiency: While the GTX 1080 Ti is more powerful, the GTX 1660 SUPER benefits from a newer architecture that can offer better performance per watt.
Features and Technologies
Beyond raw specs, the feature sets of these cards differ due to their generational gap.
- NVENC Encoder: The GTX 1660 SUPER includes a newer, more efficient NVENC encoder (Turing-based) which is beneficial for video streaming and recording with minimal performance impact. The GTX 1080 Ti uses an older, less efficient encoder.
- Ray Tracing & DLSS: Neither card supports hardware-accelerated ray tracing or DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling), as these features were introduced with the RTX series that followed.
- Display Outputs: Both cards typically support multiple displays. The GTX 1080 Ti often featured a DVI port, while the GTX 1660 SUPER models more commonly use DisplayPort and HDMI.
Power and Thermal Design
Power consumption and cooling are practical considerations for any system build.
- TDP (Thermal Design Power): The GTX 1080 Ti has a TDP of 250 watts, requiring a robust power supply and good case cooling. The GTX 1660 SUPER has a TDP of 125 watts, making it less demanding on the system’s power and cooling.
- Cooling Solutions: Due to its higher heat output, GTX 1080 Ti models often featured larger, more complex cooling systems. The GTX 1660 SUPER could frequently be found in more compact dual-fan or even single-fan designs.
Comparison Table
| Feature | GeForce GTX 1660 SUPER | GeForce GTX 1080 Ti |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Turing (12nm) | Pascal (16nm) |
| GPU Die | TU116 | GP102 |
| CUDA Cores | 1408 | 3584 |
| VRAM | 6GB GDDR6 | 11GB GDDR5X |
| Memory Bus | 192-bit | 352-bit |
| Memory Bandwidth | 336 GB/s | 484 GB/s |
| Base / Boost Clock | 1530 MHz / 1785 MHz (typical) | 1481 MHz / 1582 MHz (typical) |
| TDP | 125 Watts | 250 Watts |
| Recommended PSU | 450W (typical) | 600W (typical) |
| NVENC Encoder | Turing (7th Gen) | Pascal (6th Gen) |
| Ray Tracing / DLSS | Not Supported | Not Supported |
| Typical Performance Tier | 1080p Gaming | 1440p / 4K Gaming |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the main difference between the GTX 1660 SUPER and GTX 1080 Ti?
The main differences are performance tier and architecture. The GTX 1080 Ti is a former high-end card with significantly more CUDA cores and VRAM, offering higher performance. The GTX 1660 SUPER is a newer, mid-range card focused on efficiency and 1080p gaming.
Which card is better for 1440p gaming?
The GTX 1080 Ti is generally better suited for 1440p gaming due to its higher performance ceiling and larger memory buffer. The GTX 1660 SUPER can handle some less demanding titles at 1440p but is primarily designed for 1080p resolution.
Does the newer GTX 1660 SUPER have any advantages over the older GTX 1080 Ti?
Yes. The GTX 1660 SUPER typically has a lower power consumption, generates less heat, and features a more modern video encoder (NVENC) which is beneficial for streaming. Its architecture is also more efficient on a per-watt basis.
Can either of these cards do ray tracing?
No. Both the GeForce GTX 1660 SUPER and GTX 1080 Ti lack the dedicated RT Cores required for hardware-accelerated ray tracing, a feature introduced with the RTX series of graphics cards.
Final Thoughts
The GeForce GTX 1660 SUPER and GTX 1080 Ti serve different purposes and come from distinct eras in graphics card development. The GTX 1080 Ti stands out for its higher raw performance, making it a relevant consideration for those seeking performance for higher-resolution gaming or compute tasks. The GTX 1660 SUPER offers a balance of modern architecture, efficiency, and capable 1080p performance. The choice between them often depends on the specific performance needs, system power constraints, and the types of applications being used.