Table of Contents
GTX 1660 vs GTX 1660 Super
Choosing between GTX 1660 vs GTX 1660 Super can be confusing, especially in 2026 when both GPUs exist mostly on the used market.
On paper, they look very similar. Same architecture. Same VRAM size. Same PCIe support.
But in real use, they don’t feel the same, and that difference matters if you’re spending your own money.
This comparison breaks everything down clearly:
- Specs that actually matter
- Real-world gaming expectations
- Power, thermals, and used-market risks
- And finally, which GPU makes sense for you
GTX 1660 vs GTX 1660 Super Key Differences
| Feature | GTX 1660 | GTX 1660 Super |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Turing | Turing |
| CUDA Cores | 1408 | 1408 |
| VRAM | 6GB GDDR5 | 6GB GDDR6 |
| Memory Bandwidth | Much Lower | Significantly Higher |
| PCIe Interface | PCIe 3.0 x16 | PCIe 3.0 x16 |
| Power Draw | Slightly Lower | Slightly Higher |
| Used Market Value | Depends heavily on price | Usually better value |
| Streaming / NVENC | Good | Very Good |
Note: GTX 1660 Super isn’t a new GPU design, it’s simply faster because of higher memory bandwidth.
Architecture & Core Specs
Both GPUs are built on NVIDIA’s Turing architecture, and both use the same 1408 CUDA cores.
This is why many buyers assume performance should be identical.
But GPU performance is not just about cores.
Key Spec Difference That Actually Matters
| Spec | GTX 1660 | GTX 1660 Super |
|---|---|---|
| Memory Type | GDDR5 | GDDR6 |
| Memory Bandwidth | Lower | 40% Higher |
What this means in real use:
- GTX 1660 Super feeds data to the GPU much faster
- This improves FPS stability, texture loading, and 1% lows
- Especially noticeable in modern games and busy scenes
Note: Clock speeds look similar on paper, but memory speed is where the Super pulls ahead consistently.
Gaming Performance
1080p Esports Titles
Both GPUs handle esports well:
If you’re competitive and care about smoothness more than graphics, Super is clearly stronger.
1080p AAA Games
This is where the difference becomes obvious.
Note: Average FPS numbers can lie. Smoothness depends on 1% lows, and this is where Super consistently wins.
Power Consumption & Efficiency
| Aspect | GTX 1660 | GTX 1660 Super |
|---|---|---|
| TDP | 120W | 125W |
| PSU Recommendation | 450–500W | 500W |
| Heat Output | Lower | Slightly Higher |
In real systems:
- Difference in power draw is small
- Both are easy to run on older PCs
- Neither stresses your PSU heavily
✔ GTX 1660 is slightly more efficient
✔ GTX 1660 Super trades a bit more power for noticeably better performance
Thermals & Noise
This matters more than brand names in 2026.
To properly judge a used card, it’s not enough to rely on idle temperatures. Long gaming sessions and sustained load reveal real behavior. Running a proper GPU stress test helps identify thermal throttling, unstable clocks, or cooling issues that may not appear during short tests.
Similarly, understanding what counts as a safe or normal temperature is important. Knowing the average GPU temperature under load gives you a clear benchmark to decide whether a card is healthy or already struggling.
⚠️Warning: A poorly maintained GTX 1660 Super can perform worse than a clean GTX 1660. Condition matters more than model name.
Variants & Models
Both GPUs come in:
- Dual-fan
- Single-fan
- Factory OC versions
Real advice:
- Dual-fan > single-fan
- Don’t overpay for factory OC
- Cooling quality > brand name
Note: Performance difference between variants is small, thermals and noise difference is not.
GTX 1660 vs GTX 1660 Super Alternatives
Spec Basics Comparison
This table compares only the core specifications that matter at a glance.
| GPU | Architecture | VRAM | Memory Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| GTX 1660 | Turing | 6GB | GDDR5 |
| GTX 1660 Super | Turing | 6GB | GDDR6 |
| GTX 1650 Super | Turing | 4GB | GDDR6 |
| RX 5500 XT | RDNA 1 | 8GB | GDDR6 |
| RX 6400 | RDNA 2 | 4GB | GDDR6 |
Streaming, Recording & NVENC
This is an underrated difference.
| Feature | GTX 1660 | GTX 1660 Super |
|---|---|---|
| NVENC Encoder | Yes | Yes (Better experience) |
| Casual Streaming | Good | Very Good |
| Gameplay Recording | Good | More stable |
If you:
- Stream casually
- Record gameplay
- Edit videos
Note: GTX 1660 Super is the better tool, and far better than RX 6400-class GPUs.
Price & Value
This is where beginners make mistakes.
Simple rule:
- If the price difference is small, buy GTX 1660 Super
- If GTX 1660 is significantly cheaper, it can make sense
GTX 1660 is only worth it when:
- You find a clean used unit
- Price gap is large
- Expectations are realistic
Note: Never buy either GPU overpriced. At the wrong price, both become bad decisions.
Who Should Buy Which GPU?
Buy GTX 1660 Super if:
- You want smoother 1080p gaming
- You play modern AAA titles
- You stream or record
- Price difference is reasonable
- You can test used condition properly
Buy GTX 1660 if:
- You just want stable 1080p gaming
- You find a very good used deal
- You’re okay with medium settings
- You prioritize lower power draw
Final Verdict
GTX 1660 Super is the better GPU.
No debate there.
But value depends on price.
Quick summary:
✔ Same core, faster memory
✔ Better FPS stability
✔ Better for modern games & content creation
GTX 1660 still works, but it’s already at the edge of comfort in modern games.
Buy GTX 1660 Super if:
You want fewer compromises and smoother gaming.
Buy GTX 1660 if:
You get it cheap and understand its limits.
If both are similarly priced?
Always pick GTX 1660 Super.
