The world of graphics cards is a constantly evolving landscape, with new technologies and innovations emerging every year. Two popular options that have garnered significant attention in the gaming community are the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 and the GTX 970. While the GTX 970 was a flagship model in its time, the GTX 1660 has been making waves with its impressive performance and power efficiency. In this article, we’ll delve into the details of both graphics cards, comparing their features, performance, and value to determine which one comes out on top.
Understanding the GTX 970
The GTX 970 was released in 2014 as part of NVIDIA’s Maxwell generation of graphics cards. It was a high-end model, boasting 1664 CUDA cores, 4GB of GDDR5 memory, and a 256-bit memory bus. The GTX 970 was known for its exceptional performance, power efficiency, and advanced features like NVIDIA’s proprietary technologies, such as PhysX, TXAA, and DSR.
Key Features of the GTX 970
- 1664 CUDA cores
- 4GB GDDR5 memory
- 256-bit memory bus
- 1050 MHz base clock speed
- 1178 MHz boost clock speed
- 148 GB/s memory bandwidth
- Support for DirectX 12, OpenGL 4.5, and Vulkan
Understanding the GTX 1660
The GTX 1660, on the other hand, was released in 2019 as part of NVIDIA’s Turing generation of graphics cards. It features 1408 CUDA cores, 6GB of GDDR6 memory, and a 128-bit memory bus. The GTX 1660 is a more power-efficient and affordable option compared to the GTX 970, while still delivering impressive performance and features like NVIDIA’s DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling) and Variable Rate Shading.
Key Features of the GTX 1660
- 1408 CUDA cores
- 6GB GDDR6 memory
- 128-bit memory bus
- 1784 MHz boost clock speed
- 336 GB/s memory bandwidth
- Support for DirectX 12, OpenGL 4.6, and Vulkan
- NVIDIA DLSS and Variable Rate Shading
Performance Comparison
When it comes to performance, the GTX 1660 and GTX 970 are closely matched, but the GTX 1660 has a slight edge in modern games. According to benchmarks, the GTX 1660 outperforms the GTX 970 in games like Fortnite, PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds, and Apex Legends, while the GTX 970 still holds its own in older titles like The Witcher 3 and Grand Theft Auto V.
Benchmark Results
| Game | GTX 970 (FPS) | GTX 1660 (FPS) |
| — | — | — |
| Fortnite | 80 | 90 |
| PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds | 70 | 80 |
| Apex Legends | 60 | 70 |
| The Witcher 3 | 60 | 55 |
| Grand Theft Auto V | 50 | 45 |
Power Consumption and Efficiency
One area where the GTX 1660 excels is power consumption and efficiency. With a TDP of 125W, the GTX 1660 is significantly more power-efficient than the GTX 970, which has a TDP of 145W. This means that the GTX 1660 requires less power to deliver similar performance, making it a more attractive option for those looking to build a power-efficient gaming PC.
Power Consumption Comparison
| Graphics Card | TDP (W) |
| — | — |
| GTX 970 | 145 |
| GTX 1660 | 125 |
Value and Price
In terms of value and price, the GTX 1660 is generally more affordable than the GTX 970, especially when considering the performance and features it offers. The GTX 1660 can be found for around $200-$250, while the GTX 970 is typically priced around $300-$350.
Price Comparison
| Graphics Card | Price (USD) |
| — | — |
| GTX 970 | $300-$350 |
| GTX 1660 | $200-$250 |
Conclusion
In conclusion, while the GTX 970 was a powerful graphics card in its time, the GTX 1660 has surpassed it in many areas, including performance, power efficiency, and value. With its advanced features, improved performance, and lower power consumption, the GTX 1660 is the better choice for those looking to build a gaming PC or upgrade their existing graphics card.
Final Verdict
- The GTX 1660 offers better performance in modern games
- The GTX 1660 is more power-efficient and requires less power to deliver similar performance
- The GTX 1660 is generally more affordable than the GTX 970
- The GTX 1660 features advanced technologies like DLSS and Variable Rate Shading
Ultimately, the choice between the GTX 1660 and GTX 970 depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a powerful graphics card that offers excellent performance, power efficiency, and value, the GTX 1660 is the better choice.
What are the key differences between the GTX 1660 and GTX 970 graphics cards?
The GTX 1660 and GTX 970 are two distinct graphics cards from different generations, with the GTX 970 being a part of the older Maxwell architecture and the GTX 1660 belonging to the more recent Turing architecture. One of the primary differences between the two is their performance, with the GTX 1660 offering improved frame rates and better power efficiency. Additionally, the GTX 1660 supports newer technologies such as DirectX 12, Variable Rate Shading, and Adaptive Shading, which are not available on the GTX 970.
Another significant difference is the memory configuration, with the GTX 970 typically coming with 4GB of GDDR5 memory, while the GTX 1660 often features 6GB of GDDR6 memory. This increased memory bandwidth and capacity give the GTX 1660 an edge in handling more demanding games and applications. Furthermore, the GTX 1660 has a lower TDP (thermal design power) of 120W compared to the GTX 970’s 145W, making it a more power-efficient option.
Which graphics card is better suited for 1080p gaming?
For 1080p gaming, the GTX 1660 is generally the better choice. It offers improved performance and frame rates compared to the GTX 970, making it well-suited for playing modern games at high settings. The GTX 1660’s increased memory bandwidth and capacity also help to handle the demands of 1080p gaming, providing a smoother and more responsive experience.
In contrast, the GTX 970 may struggle to maintain high frame rates in more demanding games at 1080p, especially with detailed graphics settings. While it can still handle 1080p gaming, the GTX 970’s performance may not be as consistent or smooth as the GTX 1660. Therefore, if you’re looking for a better 1080p gaming experience, the GTX 1660 is the recommended choice.
Can the GTX 970 still handle modern games?
While the GTX 970 is an older graphics card, it can still handle many modern games, albeit at lower settings. However, its performance may not be as smooth or consistent as newer graphics cards like the GTX 1660. The GTX 970’s aging architecture and limited memory capacity can make it struggle with more demanding games, especially those that utilize newer technologies like ray tracing or artificial intelligence.
That being said, the GTX 970 can still provide a decent gaming experience for less demanding games or those that are not as graphically intensive. Additionally, many modern games offer scalable graphics settings, allowing you to adjust the settings to achieve a smoother experience on the GTX 970. However, if you’re looking to play the latest games at high settings, the GTX 1660 or a more modern graphics card may be a better option.
What are the power consumption differences between the GTX 1660 and GTX 970?
The GTX 1660 has a lower TDP (thermal design power) of 120W compared to the GTX 970’s 145W. This means that the GTX 1660 consumes less power than the GTX 970, making it a more power-efficient option. The reduced power consumption of the GTX 1660 can lead to lower electricity bills and less heat generated, which can be beneficial for those who want to build a more energy-efficient gaming PC.
Additionally, the GTX 1660’s lower power consumption can also make it a better option for those who want to build a smaller or more compact gaming PC. With a lower TDP, the GTX 1660 requires less cooling and can be paired with a smaller power supply, making it easier to build a more compact gaming system.
Is the GTX 1660 compatible with older systems?
The GTX 1660 is generally compatible with older systems, but it may require some upgrades or modifications to ensure compatibility. The GTX 1660 requires a PCIe 3.0 x16 slot, which is commonly found on most modern motherboards. However, older systems may have PCIe 2.0 slots, which can still work with the GTX 1660 but may limit its performance.
Additionally, the GTX 1660 requires a 6-pin PCIe power connector, which may not be available on older power supplies. In this case, you may need to upgrade your power supply to ensure compatibility with the GTX 1660. It’s also important to check that your system’s BIOS is updated to support the GTX 1660, as some older systems may not recognize the graphics card.
Can the GTX 970 be upgraded to the GTX 1660?
Upgrading from the GTX 970 to the GTX 1660 is possible, but it may require some additional upgrades or modifications to your system. The GTX 1660 requires a more modern system configuration, including a PCIe 3.0 x16 slot and a 6-pin PCIe power connector. If your system meets these requirements, you can simply replace the GTX 970 with the GTX 1660.
However, if your system is older, you may need to upgrade your motherboard, power supply, or other components to ensure compatibility with the GTX 1660. Additionally, you may need to reinstall your operating system and drivers to ensure that the GTX 1660 is properly recognized and utilized. It’s essential to check your system’s specifications and compatibility before attempting to upgrade to the GTX 1660.
Is the GTX 1660 worth the upgrade from the GTX 970?
Whether or not the GTX 1660 is worth the upgrade from the GTX 970 depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you’re looking for improved performance, better power efficiency, and support for newer technologies, the GTX 1660 may be a worthwhile upgrade. Additionally, if you’re planning to play more demanding games or want a smoother gaming experience, the GTX 1660 is likely a better choice.
However, if you’re on a tight budget or don’t need the latest and greatest graphics card, the GTX 970 may still be sufficient for your needs. It’s essential to weigh the costs and benefits of upgrading to the GTX 1660 and consider your specific requirements before making a decision. If you can find a good deal on the GTX 1660 or want the latest features and performance, it may be worth considering the upgrade.