Quick Answer
The Radeon RX 6600 is a newer generation graphics card that typically offers higher performance, especially in modern games, and supports newer technologies like ray tracing and variable rate shading. The GeForce GTX 1660 SUPER is an older, more established option that can still provide a solid experience for 1080p gaming, often at a lower power draw.
Radeon RX 6600 vs GeForce GTX 1660 SUPER: Full Comparison
Introduction
Choosing a graphics card for a 1080p gaming setup often involves comparing options from different generations and architectures. The Radeon RX 6600, based on AMD’s RDNA 2 architecture, and the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 SUPER, built on the older Turing architecture, are two popular choices in this segment. This comparison will break down their specifications, performance, and feature sets to help clarify their differences and similarities, providing a clearer picture of what each card offers.
Architecture and Specifications
The fundamental difference lies in their underlying technology. The RX 6600 utilizes AMD’s RDNA 2 architecture, which is also found in current-generation consoles. The GTX 1660 SUPER is based on NVIDIA’s previous-generation Turing architecture but lacks dedicated ray tracing cores.
- RX 6600: Built on a 7nm process, it features 28 Compute Units, 1792 Stream Processors, and 8GB of GDDR6 memory on a 128-bit bus.
- GTX 1660 SUPER: Uses a 12nm process, with 1408 CUDA Cores and 6GB of faster GDDR6 memory (compared to the standard GTX 1660) on a 192-bit bus.
While the GTX 1660 SUPER has a wider memory bus, the RX 6600’s newer architecture and larger VRAM buffer are generally more advantageous for newer titles.
Gaming Performance
In terms of raw performance for 1080p gaming, the RX 6600 generally holds an advantage. The extent of this advantage can vary significantly depending on the specific game and its optimization for either architecture.
- Modern Titles: The RX 6600 typically performs better in demanding, newer games, often achieving higher average frame rates.
- Older or Esports Titles: Both cards are highly capable of delivering high frame rates in less demanding games. The difference here may be less pronounced.
- Ray Tracing: The RX 6600 includes hardware-accelerated ray tracing support, though its performance in ray-traced games at 1080p is often modest. The GTX 1660 SUPER does not have dedicated hardware for this feature.
Features and Technologies
The generational gap is evident in the supported feature sets. The RX 6600 benefits from being part of a more recent product stack.
- Upscaling: The RX 6600 supports AMD FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR), an upscaling technology to boost performance. The GTX 1660 SUPER supports NVIDIA’s DLSS, but only in its first version, which is available in a more limited selection of games.
- Video Encoding: The RX 6600 includes support for the AV1 video codec decode, which is becoming more relevant for streaming. The GTX 1660 SUPER does not support AV1.
- Power Efficiency: The GTX 1660 SUPER is often noted for its relatively low power consumption. The RX 6600, while efficient for its performance level, typically has a higher total board power.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Radeon RX 6600 | GeForce GTX 1660 SUPER |
|---|---|---|
| GPU Architecture | AMD RDNA 2 | NVIDIA Turing |
| Manufacturing Process | 7nm | 12nm |
| Stream Processors / CUDA Cores | 1792 | 1408 |
| VRAM | 8GB GDDR6 | 6GB GDDR6 |
| Memory Bus | 128-bit | 192-bit |
| Ray Tracing Cores | Yes (28 RT Accelerators) | No |
| Upscaling Technology | AMD FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR) | NVIDIA DLSS (Version 1.0) |
| AV1 Decode Support | Yes | No |
| Typical Board Power | ~132W | ~125W |
| PCI Express Interface | PCIe 4.0 x8 | PCIe 3.0 x16 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Which card is better for 1080p gaming?
The Radeon RX 6600 generally provides higher performance in modern 1080p games. However, the GeForce GTX 1660 SUPER remains a competent option, especially for titles that are a few years old or highly optimized.
Does the GTX 1660 SUPER support ray tracing?
No, the GTX 1660 SUPER does not have dedicated hardware for real-time ray tracing. The Radeon RX 6600 does include ray accelerators, enabling ray tracing support, though performance with it enabled can vary.
What is the main advantage of the RX 6600’s architecture?
The RDNA 2 architecture in the RX 6600 offers improved performance-per-watt over previous generations and introduces features like hardware-accelerated ray tracing and support for newer display and media technologies like AV1 decode.
Is the 6GB VRAM on the GTX 1660 SUPER a limitation?
For most games at 1080p high settings, 6GB is often sufficient. However, some newer titles with very high-resolution textures can exceed 6GB of VRAM usage, which may lead to performance impacts where the RX 6600’s 8GB could be beneficial.
Final Thoughts
This comparison highlights a choice between a newer, more feature-rich architecture and a proven, efficient previous-generation design. The Radeon RX 6600 typically delivers stronger performance in contemporary gaming scenarios and supports modern gaming technologies. The GeForce GTX 1660 SUPER offers a reliable experience for 1080p gaming, often with slightly lower power consumption. The decision between them often depends on the specific games being played, the importance of features like ray tracing or AV1 decode, and the overall system context.