Quick Answer
The GeForce GTX 980 Ti and GTX 1660 SUPER are graphics cards from different NVIDIA generations. The GTX 980 Ti is a former high-end card with more raw compute power and VRAM, while the GTX 1660 SUPER is a newer, mid-range card featuring a more efficient architecture and support for modern features like GDDR6 memory.
GeForce GTX 980 Ti vs GeForce GTX 1660 SUPER: Full Comparison
Introduction
Comparing graphics cards from different generations can be insightful, especially for users considering upgrades or evaluating performance in the used market. This analysis examines the GeForce GTX 980 Ti, a flagship model from the Maxwell era, against the GeForce GTX 1660 SUPER, a mid-range offering from the more recent Turing lineup. We will explore their architectural differences, performance characteristics, feature sets, and power requirements to provide a clear understanding of where each card stands.
Architecture and Manufacturing Process
The core technologies behind these two GPUs are fundamentally different, impacting efficiency and feature support.
- GeForce GTX 980 Ti: Based on NVIDIA’s Maxwell 2.0 architecture, built on a 28nm manufacturing process. It utilizes the GM200 GPU.
- GeForce GTX 1660 SUPER: Built on the newer Turing architecture (specifically the TU116 GPU) but without RT or Tensor cores. It is manufactured using a more advanced 12nm FinFET process, which generally improves power efficiency.
The shift to a smaller process node for the GTX 1660 SUPER typically results in better performance per watt, despite its older architectural lineage compared to full Turing RTX cards.
Performance and Gaming
Performance is a key consideration, but it varies significantly depending on the game and resolution.
- Raw Compute Power: The GTX 980 Ti often holds an advantage in pure compute tasks and memory bandwidth due to its 6GB of wider 384-bit GDDR5 memory. In older titles or at higher resolutions like 1440p, it can sometimes match or slightly outperform the GTX 1660 SUPER.
- Modern Game Optimization: The GTX 1660 SUPER frequently performs better in newer games that are optimized for more recent architectures. Its GDDR6 memory provides high bandwidth on a narrower bus, and driver support is typically more focused on current-generation hardware.
- 1080p Gaming: For 1080p gaming, the GTX 1660 SUPER is generally a very capable and consistent performer, often providing a smoother experience in modern titles.
Features and Technologies
The feature set divergence highlights the technological gap between the two generations.
- NVENC Encoder: The GTX 1660 SUPER includes a significantly improved NVENC encoder (Turing-based) which is much more efficient for video recording and streaming compared to the older encoder in the GTX 980 Ti.
- Display Outputs: The GTX 1660 SUPER usually offers more modern display connectivity, including DisplayPort 1.4 and HDMI 2.0b, supporting higher refresh rates and resolutions. The GTX 980 Ti typically features DisplayPort 1.2 and HDMI 2.0.
- Architectural Features: While neither card supports real-time ray tracing (RTX), the Turing architecture in the GTX 1660 SUPER includes other enhancements like concurrent execution of integer and floating-point operations, which can improve gaming performance in certain scenarios.
Power and Thermal Design
Power consumption and cooling are practical considerations for any system build.
- TDP (Thermal Design Power): The GTX 980 Ti has a TDP of 250W, requiring a robust power supply with adequate PCIe power connectors (typically one 8-pin and one 6-pin). The GTX 1660 SUPER has a much lower TDP of 125W, often drawing power from a single 8-pin or sometimes just the PCIe slot.
- Heat Output: Due to its higher power draw, the GTX 980 Ti generates more heat, which typically necessitates a more substantial cooling solution. The GTX 1660 SUPER is easier to cool and can often be found in compact or dual-fan designs that run quietly.
Comparison Table
| Feature | GeForce GTX 980 Ti | GeForce GTX 1660 SUPER |
|---|---|---|
| GPU Architecture | Maxwell (GM200) | Turing (TU116, no RT/Tensor cores) |
| Manufacturing Process | 28nm | 12nm FinFET |
| VRAM | 6GB GDDR5 | 6GB GDDR6 |
| Memory Bus | 384-bit | 192-bit |
| Base / Boost Clock | ~1000 MHz / ~1076 MHz | ~1530 MHz / ~1785 MHz |
| CUDA Cores | 2816 | 1408 |
| TDP | 250W | 125W |
| Recommended PSU | 600W or greater | 450W or greater |
| NVENC Encoder | Older Generation (Pre-Pascal) | 7th Gen (Turing) |
| Display Outputs (Typical) | DisplayPort 1.2, HDMI 2.0, DVI-DL | DisplayPort 1.4, HDMI 2.0b |
| Launch Date | June 2015 | October 2019 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Which card is better for 1080p gaming today?
The GTX 1660 SUPER is generally the more consistent and reliable choice for modern 1080p gaming due to its newer architecture, better driver support for recent titles, and superior power efficiency.
Does the GTX 980 Ti’s higher VRAM bandwidth make it faster?
While the GTX 980 Ti’s 384-bit bus provides high bandwidth, the GTX 1660 SUPER’s GDDR6 memory is faster per pin. In practice, raw bandwidth is only one factor; architectural efficiency, driver optimization, and game engines play a larger role in final performance.
Is the GTX 1660 SUPER more future-proof?
Typically, yes. Its newer Turing architecture, modern display outputs, efficient NVENC encoder, and ongoing driver support from NVIDIA give it advantages for future software and connectivity needs compared to the older GTX 980 Ti.
What is the main trade-off between these two cards?
The main trade-off is between the GTX 980 Ti’s higher potential raw performance in some scenarios (often at the cost of significant power and heat) versus the GTX 1660 SUPER’s modern features, efficiency, and more consistent performance in current games.
Final Thoughts
This comparison illustrates the evolution of GPU technology over a four-year period. The GeForce GTX 980 Ti remains a testament to high-end performance of its time, with specifications that can still hold up in certain situations. The GeForce GTX 1660 SUPER represents a shift towards greater efficiency and modern feature integration at a mainstream performance level. The choice between them often comes down to prioritizing raw horsepower from a previous flagship within a capable, high-power system, or opting for the newer, more balanced, and feature-rich mid-range option. Factors like system power supply, case cooling, and the specific games or applications being used are crucial in making an informed decision.