When it comes to choosing the right graphics card for gaming, creative work, or general computing, the options can be overwhelming. Among the many choices available in the NVIDIA lineup, the GTX 1650 Super and GTX 1660 often come up in discussions among gamers and PC enthusiasts. This article aims to thoroughly compare the GTX 1650 Super and GTX 1660, answering the pivotal question: Is the GTX 1650 Super better than the GTX 1660?
Understanding the Graphics Cards: GTX 1650 Super vs. GTX 1660
Before making a decision, it’s crucial to understand the specifications, features, and performance metrics of both graphics cards. Let’s delve deeper into what makes each card distinct.
NVIDIA GTX 1650 Super: Overview and Features
Released in late 2019 as an upgrade to the original GTX 1650, the GTX 1650 Super is built on the Turing architecture. This card was designed to deliver budget-friendly performance while still accommodating gamers who demand decent frame rates in 1080p resolutions.
Key Specifications of GTX 1650 Super:
- CUDA Cores: 1280
- Base Clock: 1530 MHz
- Boost Clock: 1725 MHz
- Memory: 4 GB GDDR6
- Memory Bus Width: 128-bit
With a competitive price, this card aims to offer value for money to the entry-level segment of gamers.
NVIDIA GTX 1660: Overview and Features
On the other hand, the GTX 1660 was also released in March 2019 and signifies a solid step up from the older GTX 1650. It’s a mid-range card catered to gamers looking for more power without breaking the bank.
Key Specifications of GTX 1660:
- CUDA Cores: 1408
- Base Clock: 1530 MHz
- Boost Clock: 1785 MHz
- Memory: 6 GB GDDR5
- Memory Bus Width: 192-bit
The GTX 1660 aims to deliver a more well-rounded performance, suitable for a wide range of gaming scenarios.
Performance Comparison: GTX 1650 Super vs GTX 1660
After reviewing the specifications, let’s shift our focus to real-world performance metrics. Performance can be categorized into various aspects, including gaming experiences, benchmark results, thermal output, and power consumption.
Gaming Performance
When it comes to gaming performance, both GPUs can easily handle eSports titles and less demanding games at high settings. However, more modern AAA titles typically place a greater strain on graphics resources.
1. 1080p Gaming
- GTX 1650 Super: Generally produces decent frame rates across various titles. Games like “Fortnite” and “League of Legends” run very smoothly on high settings.
- GTX 1660: Outperforms the GTX 1650 Super by a noticeable margin in most titles, especially at higher settings. It can easily handle games like “Assassin’s Creed Odyssey” and “Call of Duty: Modern Warfare” with good frame rates.
2. 1440p Gaming
- GTX 1650 Super: Struggles more at higher resolutions, becoming less viable for 1440p gaming.
- GTX 1660: More capable and allows for acceptable frame rates in less demanding games, making it the better option for multi-tasking users.
Benchmark Scores
To further substantiate the claims, let’s look at benchmark scores in popular benchmarking applications.
| Graphics Card | 3DMark Fire Strike | Unigine Heaven |
|---|---|---|
| GTX 1650 Super | 12,000 | 1,500 |
| GTX 1660 | 14,000 | 1,750 |
The data above illustrates that the 1660 holds a clear advantage in both synthetic benchmarks.
Thermals and Power Consumption
Thermals and power consumption are vital elements considering the overall system stability and cost-efficiency.
- GTX 1650 Super: Typically operates with lower power consumption, drawing around 100W, making it suitable for less robust power supplies.
- GTX 1660: Consumes more power, averaging about 120W. While it is slightly power-hungry, it often translates into better performance—a trade-off many gamers are willing to accept.
Pricing and Availability
A significant factor whenever choosing a graphics card is price.
Pricing for the GTX 1650 Super
As a budget-friendly option, the GTX 1650 Super typically retails for around $150 to $200. This makes it exceptionally appealing for gamers looking for cost-effective solutions.
Pricing for the GTX 1660
Conversely, the GTX 1660 generally ranges from $200 to $250. This price point labels it as a more mid-range graphics card, justifying its performance potential.
Which One Should You Choose? Final Verdict
The decision between the GTX 1650 Super and GTX 1660 ultimately hinges on your needs, budget, and the gaming experience you seek.
- Choose GTX 1650 Super if:
- You are on a tight budget and need basic gaming performance.
- You mainly play less demanding games and eSports titles.
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Energy consumption is a priority for your build.
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Choose GTX 1660 if:
- You want better performance and are willing to spend a bit more.
- You play AAA games or wish to have a more versatile setup.
- You are interested in future-proofing your system for upcoming titles.
In conclusion, while the GTX 1650 Super is a capable graphics card for gamers on a budget, the GTX 1660 emerges as the more powerful option, providing enhanced performance across various applications. If you can stretch your budget, the GTX 1660 is undoubtedly worth the investment for a richer gaming experience, particularly as game requirements continue to evolve.
Whichever card you lean towards, remember that your specific usage scenarios and system specifications will play a critical role in your ultimate choice. Happy gaming!
What are the key specifications of the 1650 Super and the 1660?
The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Super features 4GB of GDDR6 memory, a base clock speed of 1530 MHz, and a boost clock speed of 1725 MHz. It is built on the TU116 architecture and comes with 1280 CUDA cores. This GPU is well-regarded for its efficiency in power consumption, making it a strong contender for budget gaming setups.
On the other hand, the GTX 1660 boasts 6GB of GDDR5 memory with a base clock of 1530 MHz and a boost clock of 1785 MHz. The 1660 is also based on the Turing architecture but lacks the ray tracing capabilities found in higher-end models. With 1408 CUDA cores, it provides slightly better performance in gaming and graphics-intensive applications compared to the 1650 Super.
How do the 1650 Super and 1660 perform in gaming?
In gaming scenarios, the GTX 1650 Super typically handles 1080p settings quite well, offering smooth frame rates for many popular titles. Many users appreciate its ability to provide decent performance at a lower price point, making it suitable for casual gamers and those looking to play less demanding games.
The GTX 1660, however, generally outperforms the 1650 Super by a noticeable margin, especially in more demanding titles. Gamers often find that the 1660 excels at maintaining higher frame rates and can even handle 1440p gaming in some cases, making it a more capable option for those looking for better performance in modern gaming.
What is the price difference between the 1650 Super and the 1660?
The GTX 1650 Super is typically priced lower than the GTX 1660, appealing to budget-conscious consumers. Prices can vary based on availability and retailer, but the 1650 Super often fits well within a tighter budget. This affordability makes it an attractive option for gamers who want to enter the market without spending a lot.
In contrast, the GTX 1660 is priced higher due to its superior performance and additional memory. Although it presents a higher initial cost, many users find the extra investment worthwhile for the enhanced gaming experience and future-proofing it offers. Thus, the decision often comes down to a balance between budget and performance needs.
Which graphics card is better for future-proofing?
In terms of future-proofing for gaming, the GTX 1660 is the better option. With its additional VRAM and slightly more powerful GPU architecture, it is likely to handle upcoming titles and updates more efficiently. Gamers looking to play new releases or play at higher settings are likely to benefit from the enhanced performance that the 1660 provides.
The GTX 1650 Super, while capable, may struggle with newer games as their graphical requirements increase over time. Users who plan to keep their system for a longer period or play more demanding games should seriously consider investing in the 1660 to ensure better longevity and performance in their gaming experience.
Are there significant thermal differences between the two cards?
When comparing thermals, both the GTX 1650 Super and the GTX 1660 are designed to be power-efficient, but they may exhibit different thermal performance based on the design of the individual cards. Typically, the 1650 Super runs cooler due to its lower power consumption, often allowing for quieter cooling solutions. However, it is still crucial to check specific reviews for the models being considered, as cooling efficiency can differ significantly between manufacturers.
The GTX 1660 may generate slightly more heat under load, given its higher performance, but many models come equipped with robust cooling solutions that manage temperatures well. Enthusiasts often find they can maintain optimal temperatures with good airflow and proper case management, ensuring the card performs at its best without overheating.
Which card is better for content creation tasks?
For content creation tasks, the GTX 1660 generally outperforms the GTX 1650 Super, particularly in applications that benefit from additional VRAM and more CUDA cores. Software like Adobe Premiere Pro and Blender can take advantage of the increased resources provided by the 1660, which results in faster rendering times and smoother playback in video editing projects.
While the 1650 Super is still capable of handling basic content creation tasks, it may struggle with more demanding workflows. Users focused on professional-level content creation or those who frequently work with high-resolution assets should lean towards the GTX 1660 for a smoother and more efficient experience.