Is the GTX 1660 Suitable for Today’s Gamers?

The GTX 1660 is a popular graphics card for those looking for a balance between performance and affordability. However, is it the best choice for today's market, or should you consider alternatives like the GTX 1660 Ti or even the RTX 2060? Let's dive deeper into the capabilities and limitations of this card.

Graphics Card Price Performance GTX 1660 6GB GDDR5 $249 - $279 Mid to High Settings, 1080p GTX 1660 Ti $299 - $329 Better Performance, 1440p Support RTX 2060 $349 - $399 Higher Performance, 1440p Support

Is the GTX 1660 Good Enough?

Yes, the GTX 1660 is indeed a solid mid-range card that can deliver decent performance for most gamers. It can handle most modern titles at medium to high settings, particularly at 1080p resolution. However, it may struggle with demanding games at 1440p or even 4k, and may require some tweaking to reach optimal settings.

While the GTX 1660 offers good performance at 1080p, especially for less demanding games, it may not be a wise investment if you plan to game at higher resolutions like 1440p or 4k. On the other hand, the GTX 1660 Ti and RTX 2060 provide better performance and are more future-proof.

Real-World Performance and Recommendations

For specific genres, the GTX 1660 can handle certain game types well. For example, FPS competitive shooters like CS:GO or Valorant can run at respectable frame rates, often around 120fps, which is still a sweet spot for many gamers. However, consistency can be an issue, as certain games may dip to 30fps, especially if settings are pushed to ultra.

To maximize performance, ensure you have an appropriate CPU, preferably an i5 8th gen or later, as anything lower can bottleneck the GPU. 16GB of RAM is also recommended, with at least 3000 MHz speed for smoother gameplay.

Performance Comparison

The GTX 1660 6GB GDDR5 is a slightly upgraded version of the GTX 1060 6GB, offering about 90% of the performance. However, the GTX 1060 6GB can be purchased for around $275, providing similar performance at a lower price point. This makes it a more cost-effective option for those who want to game at 1080p medium to high settings.

With regards to other cards, the GTX 1660 Super (GDDR6) and the RTX 2060 Super offer better performance, albeit at a slightly higher cost. The former is a step up from the GTX 1660 Ti, while the latter can deliver performance similar to an RTX 2070.

Currently, a GTX 1660 can be found for around $440 on eBay. For about $275, a GTX 1060 6GB can be purchased, offering 90% of the performance but at a significantly lower cost. Considering the limitations of the GTX 1660, especially in 1440p gaming, it might not be the best time to spend over $400 on this card.

Similarly, the GTX 1660 Super is more suitable for 1440p gaming, but it can be found for $520, which may be out of reach for some gamers. The RTX 2060 Super, while offering near-RTX 2070 performance, remains a better value proposition.

For those who want to save and still enjoy decent gaming performance without breaking the bank, the GTX 1660 may still be a good choice. However, for those looking for more future-proof and stable performance, the GTX 1660 Ti or RTX 2060 are better options.

Ultimately, the decision depends on your specific gaming needs and budget. If you're looking for a good balance between cost and performance, the GTX 1660 is a solid choice for 1080p gaming. However, if you plan to game at higher resolutions or want more robust performance, consider upgrading to the GTX 1660 Ti or RTX 2060.