When it comes to mid-range graphics cards, two names often come to mind: the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1070 and the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 Ti. Both cards have their own strengths and weaknesses, and choosing between them can be a daunting task, especially for those who are new to the world of PC gaming. In this article, we’ll dive deep into the specifications, performance, and features of both cards to help you make an informed decision.
Specifications
Let’s start with the specifications of both cards. The Nvidia GeForce GTX 1070 was released in 2016 as part of the Pascal generation, while the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 Ti was released in 2019 as part of the Turing generation.
| Specification | GTX 1070 | GTX 1660 Ti |
|---|---|---|
| Cores | 1920 | 1408 |
| Base Clock | 1506 MHz | 1500 MHz |
| Boost Clock | 1683 MHz | 1770 MHz |
| Memory | 8 GB GDDR5 | 6 GB GDDR6 |
| Memory Bus | 256-bit | 192-bit |
| Power Consumption | 150W | 120W |
As you can see, the GTX 1070 has more cores, a higher base clock, and a wider memory bus than the GTX 1660 Ti. However, the GTX 1660 Ti has a higher boost clock and newer GDDR6 memory.
Performance
Now that we’ve covered the specifications, let’s talk about performance. The GTX 1070 was a powerhouse in its time, capable of handling 1440p gaming with ease. However, with the release of newer games, its performance has begun to show its age.
1080p Performance
At 1080p, the GTX 1070 can still hold its own, averaging around 100-120 FPS in most modern games. However, the GTX 1660 Ti is not far behind, averaging around 90-110 FPS in the same games.
Benchmark Results
Here are some benchmark results from popular games at 1080p:
- Fortnite: GTX 1070 – 120 FPS, GTX 1660 Ti – 110 FPS
- Overwatch: GTX 1070 – 110 FPS, GTX 1660 Ti – 100 FPS
- Apex Legends: GTX 1070 – 100 FPS, GTX 1660 Ti – 90 FPS
1440p Performance
At 1440p, the GTX 1070 starts to show its age, averaging around 70-90 FPS in most modern games. The GTX 1660 Ti, on the other hand, averages around 60-80 FPS.
Benchmark Results
Here are some benchmark results from popular games at 1440p:
- Fortnite: GTX 1070 – 80 FPS, GTX 1660 Ti – 70 FPS
- Overwatch: GTX 1070 – 90 FPS, GTX 1660 Ti – 80 FPS
- Apex Legends: GTX 1070 – 80 FPS, GTX 1660 Ti – 70 FPS
Features
Both cards have their own set of features that set them apart from each other.
GTX 1070 Features
The GTX 1070 has several features that were advanced for its time, including:
- Simultaneous Multi-Frame Sampled Anti-Aliasing (SMAA): A more efficient form of anti-aliasing that reduces performance impact.
- Dynamic Super Resolution (DSR): A feature that renders games at a higher resolution and then downscales them to the native resolution for improved image quality.
- Multi-Frame Sampled Anti-Aliasing (MFAA): A more efficient form of anti-aliasing that reduces performance impact.
GTX 1660 Ti Features
The GTX 1660 Ti, on the other hand, has several features that take advantage of its newer architecture, including:
- Turing Shaders: Faster and more efficient shaders that improve performance and reduce power consumption.
- DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling): A feature that uses AI to improve image quality and reduce performance impact.
- Variable Rate Shading (VRS): A feature that reduces shading complexity and improves performance in games that support it.
Power Consumption
Power consumption is an important consideration for gamers who want to build a system that is both powerful and efficient.
GTX 1070 Power Consumption
The GTX 1070 has a TDP of 150W, which is relatively high for a mid-range card. This means that it may require a more powerful power supply and may produce more heat and noise.
GTX 1660 Ti Power Consumption
The GTX 1660 Ti, on the other hand, has a TDP of 120W, which is lower than the GTX 1070. This makes it a more efficient option for gamers who want to build a system that is both powerful and environmentally friendly.
Price
Finally, let’s talk about price. The GTX 1070 is an older card, and as such, its prices have dropped significantly over time. You can find a used or refurbished GTX 1070 for around $200-$300.
The GTX 1660 Ti, on the other hand, is a newer card, and its prices are still relatively high. You can find a new GTX 1660 Ti for around $400-$500.
Conclusion
So, which card is better: the GTX 1070 or the GTX 1660 Ti? The answer depends on your specific needs and preferences.
If you’re looking for a card that can handle 1440p gaming with ease and don’t mind sacrificing some power efficiency, the GTX 1070 may be the better option. However, if you’re looking for a card that is more power-efficient and has newer features like DLSS and VRS, the GTX 1660 Ti may be the better option.
Ultimately, the choice between the GTX 1070 and the GTX 1660 Ti comes down to your specific needs and budget. We hope this article has provided you with the information you need to make an informed decision.
What is the main difference between the GTX 1070 and GTX 1660 Ti?
The main difference between the GTX 1070 and GTX 1660 Ti is the generation and architecture they belong to. The GTX 1070 is a part of the Pascal generation, which is an older architecture, whereas the GTX 1660 Ti is part of the Turing generation, which is a newer and more modern architecture. This difference in architecture affects their performance, power consumption, and feature set.
The GTX 1660 Ti, being a newer card, has some features that the GTX 1070 lacks, such as ray tracing, AI-enhanced graphics, and variable rate shading. On the other hand, the GTX 1070 has a higher CUDA core count and a wider memory bus, which gives it an edge in certain tasks. Overall, the choice between the two cards depends on your specific needs and preferences.
Which card is better for 1440p gaming?
The GTX 1660 Ti is generally considered better for 1440p gaming due to its newer architecture and improved performance. It has a higher clock speed and more efficient memory management, which allows it to handle higher resolutions and detail settings more smoothly. Additionally, the GTX 1660 Ti has a more modern feature set, including support for NVIDIA’s DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling) technology, which can improve performance in compatible games.
That being said, the GTX 1070 is still a capable card for 1440p gaming, especially if you’re not pushing the limits of graphics quality. If you’re looking for a more affordable option and don’t need the latest and greatest features, the GTX 1070 might still be a good choice. However, if you want the best possible performance at 1440p, the GTX 1660 Ti is likely the better option.
What is the power consumption of each card?
The power consumption of the GTX 1070 is generally higher than that of the GTX 1660 Ti. The GTX 1070 has a TDP of around 150W, whereas the GTX 1660 Ti has a TDP of around 120W. This means that the GTX 1660 Ti is more power-efficient and may be a better option for those who are concerned about energy consumption or have limited power supply capacity.
It’s worth noting that the actual power consumption of each card can vary depending on the specific model, overclocking, and system configuration. However, in general, the GTX 1660 Ti is a more power-efficient option that can provide similar or better performance to the GTX 1070 while using less power.
Can the GTX 1070 handle 4K gaming?
The GTX 1070 is capable of handling 4K gaming, but it may not be able to handle the highest detail settings and frame rates at this resolution. The card’s performance starts to drop off at 4K, and you may need to make some compromises on graphics quality to achieve smooth gameplay.
That being said, the GTX 1070 is still a capable card for 4K gaming, especially if you’re willing to make some sacrifices on graphics quality. If you’re looking for a more affordable option for 4K gaming, the GTX 1070 might still be a good choice. However, if you want the best possible performance at 4K, you may want to consider a more powerful card like the RTX 2070 or RTX 2080.
Is the GTX 1660 Ti worth the extra cost?
The GTX 1660 Ti is generally more expensive than the GTX 1070, but it’s worth the extra cost if you need the latest and greatest features and performance. The GTX 1660 Ti offers improved performance, newer architecture, and support for modern technologies like ray tracing and DLSS.
If you’re looking for a future-proof option that can handle the latest games and graphics intensive tasks, the GTX 1660 Ti is a better choice. However, if you’re on a budget and don’t need the latest features, the GTX 1070 might still be a good option.
Can I overclock the GTX 1070?
Yes, the GTX 1070 can be overclocked to some extent, but its older architecture and design limitations mean that its overclocking headroom is limited. You may be able to squeeze out some extra performance through overclocking, but the gains will likely be modest compared to newer cards like the GTX 1660 Ti.
Overclocking the GTX 1070 also requires more expertise and tweaking, as the card’s voltage and power limits need to be carefully adjusted to avoid instability and damage. If you’re not comfortable with overclocking and tweaking, it’s best to stick with the stock settings.
Which card is better for content creation?
The GTX 1660 Ti is generally better suited for content creation tasks like video editing, 3D modeling, and rendering due to its newer architecture and improved performance in compute-intensive tasks. The GTX 1660 Ti’s Tensor cores and RT cores also provide improved performance in AI-enhanced applications and ray tracing.
That being said, the GTX 1070 is still a capable card for content creation, especially for tasks that don’t heavily rely on the latest features and technologies. If you’re working with older software or don’t need the latest features, the GTX 1070 might still be a good choice. However, if you need the best possible performance and features for modern content creation tasks, the GTX 1660 Ti is likely the better option.