The world of graphics cards has always been evolving, with newer models offering improved performance and enhanced features. Among the popular options in the mid-range segment, the NVIDIA GTX 1060 has been a go-to choice for gamers seeking a solid balance between price and performance. However, with the release of the GTX 1660, enthusiasts are left wondering whether it is worth upgrading their GPUs. In this article, we will conduct a comprehensive comparison between the GTX 1060 and the GTX 1660, evaluating their differences in terms of specifications, gaming performance, and overall value, to help you make an informed decision about whether or not it’s worth the switch.
Brief Overview Of The GTX 1060 And GTX 1660 Graphics Cards
The GTX 1060 and GTX 1660 are both mid-range graphics cards developed by Nvidia. The GTX 1060, released in 2016, was a highly popular choice for budget-conscious gamers due to its excellent performance and competitive price. It featured 6GB of VRAM and offered smooth gameplay at 1080p resolution.
On the other hand, the GTX 1660, launched in 2019, aimed to provide a substantial performance boost over its predecessor while maintaining an affordable price point. It featured 6GB of GDDR5 VRAM and enhanced architecture, resulting in improved performance and efficiency.
In terms of raw specifications, the GTX 1660 offered higher clock speeds and more CUDA cores compared to the GTX 1060, which translated into better gaming performance. However, it is essential to consider various factors like benchmarks, visual enhancements, power consumption, and cost to determine if the upgrade is truly worth it. Let’s delve into each aspect to understand whether upgrading from the GTX 1060 to GTX 1660 is a prudent choice.
Performance Comparison: Examining Benchmarks And FPS (frames Per Second)
When considering whether it is worth upgrading from a GTX 1060 to a GTX 1660, one key aspect to examine is the performance difference between the two graphics cards. This can be determined by looking at benchmarks and FPS (frames per second).
Benchmarks are standardized tests that evaluate the performance of hardware components. They provide a numerical score, allowing users to compare different graphics cards objectively. FPS, on the other hand, measures the number of frames rendered per second during gameplay, indicating the smoothness and responsiveness of the graphics.
In terms of performance, the GTX 1660 generally outperforms the GTX 1060 across a range of games and applications. It offers higher FPS and better overall gaming experiences, particularly at higher resolutions or with more demanding graphics settings. The GTX 1660’s newer architecture and increased CUDA cores contribute to these performance improvements.
However, it’s important to note that the extent of the performance gain may vary depending on the specific games and settings used. Users should consider their individual gaming preferences and needs before deciding whether the performance boost justifies the upgrade from a GTX 1060 to a GTX 1660.
Graphics Quality: Evaluating Visual Enhancements And Improvements
When considering an upgrade from the GTX 1060 to the GTX 1660, one important factor to consider is the graphics quality. The GTX 1660 offers several visual enhancements and improvements over its predecessor.
Firstly, the GTX 1660 features the Turing architecture, which provides better performance and increased visual fidelity. With its newer and more advanced architecture, the GTX 1660 delivers sharper and more realistic graphics, thanks to improved shading, lighting, and texture rendering.
Additionally, the GTX 1660 offers support for newer technologies such as DirectX 12 and Vulkan, which further enhance the overall visual experience. These technologies enable more realistic and immersive effects, including ray tracing and advanced post-processing techniques.
Moreover, the GTX 1660 boasts higher memory bandwidth and faster clock speeds, resulting in smoother gameplay and reduced screen tearing compared to the GTX 1060. It also has more video memory (6GB compared to 3GB or 6GB on the GTX 1060), allowing for higher resolution textures and better overall visual quality.
Overall, if visual enhancements and improved graphics quality are important to you as a gamer or content creator, upgrading from the GTX 1060 to the GTX 1660 can offer a significant improvement in your gaming or professional work experience.
Power Efficiency: Analyzing The Energy Consumption And Thermal Performance
When considering an upgrade from the GTX 1060 to the GTX 1660, power efficiency is an important factor to consider. The GTX 1660 boasts superior power efficiency compared to its predecessor, the GTX 1060. This means that the GTX 1660 consumes less energy while delivering similar performance, resulting in reduced electricity bills and a greener gaming experience.
In terms of thermal performance, the GTX 1660 also holds an advantage. The card runs cooler compared to the GTX 1060, thanks to its more advanced architecture and improved manufacturing process. The lower thermal output translates to better cooling capabilities for the system and potentially longer lifespan for other components.
Gamers who prioritize energy efficiency and value a cooler system will greatly benefit from upgrading to the GTX 1660. Not only will their electricity bills decrease, but they will also have a more reliable and optimized gaming setup. Plus, if they aim to overclock their graphics card, the GTX 1660’s efficient design allows for better thermal headroom, enabling greater overclocking potential while maintaining stability.
Cost Considerations: Comparing The Price Difference Between The GTX 1060 And GTX 1660
When considering an upgrade from the GTX 1060 to the GTX 1660, cost is one of the essential factors to consider. The price difference between these two graphics cards can vary depending on the brand, model, and any ongoing promotions.
On average, the GTX 1660 is priced slightly higher than its predecessor, the GTX 1060. However, this price difference is often justified by the improved performance and newer technologies offered by the GTX 1660.
It’s crucial to determine whether the additional cost justifies the upgrade for your specific needs. If you are a casual gamer or primarily use your computer for non-demanding tasks, sticking with the GTX 1060 might be a more cost-effective option. On the other hand, if you heavily rely on your GPU for gaming or require more power for graphic-intensive tasks, the GTX 1660 could offer significant performance improvements for the price.
Ultimately, it is essential to strike a balance between budget and performance when deciding whether to upgrade to the GTX 1660 from the GTX 1060.
VR Capabilities: Assessing The Potential For Virtual Reality Experiences
Virtual reality (VR) gaming has gained significant popularity in recent years, offering a more immersive and interactive experience for gamers. When considering an upgrade from the GTX 1060 to the GTX 1660, it’s essential to assess the potential for VR capabilities.
The GTX 1660 offers notable improvements in VR performance compared to its predecessor. With faster clock speeds, more CUDA cores, and enhanced memory bandwidth, the GTX 1660 delivers a smoother and more immersive VR experience. It can handle demanding VR games and applications with ease, ensuring a high level of detail and low latency.
Moreover, the GTX 1660’s improved Turing architecture provides better support for VR features such as Variable Rate Shading and Foveated Rendering, contributing to enhanced visual quality and performance optimization. These advancements make the GTX 1660 a solid choice for gamers looking to step into the world of virtual reality without breaking the bank.
While the GTX 1060 can still handle VR experiences, the GTX 1660 offers a noticeable performance boost, ensuring a more enjoyable and seamless virtual reality gaming experience. If VR is a significant factor in your gaming preferences, upgrading to the GTX 1660 is definitely worth considering.
Future Compatibility: Examining The Longevity And Support For Newer Technologies
With technology constantly advancing, it is essential to consider the future compatibility of graphics cards. The GTX 1660 offers better future-proofing compared to the GTX 1060.
The GTX 1060 is a reliable card for current gaming needs. However, as newer games and technologies emerge, it may struggle to keep up with demanding requirements. On the other hand, the GTX 1660 comes equipped with newer architecture and improved performance, making it better suited for upcoming games.
The GTX 1660 takes advantage of NVIDIA’s Turing architecture, which provides enhanced capabilities such as real-time ray tracing and AI-driven features. While the GTX 1060 lacks these features, the GTX 1660 ensures compatibility with these cutting-edge technologies, bringing more immersive gaming experiences in the future.
Additionally, the GTX 1660 offers better driver support and optimizations for newer games. NVIDIA continuously releases driver updates to improve performance and stability, giving gamers an edge with the latest titles.
Overall, if you are looking for a graphics card that can withstand future gaming demands and support emerging technologies, upgrading from the GTX 1060 to the GTX 1660 is a worthwhile investment.
User Feedback And Experiences: Gathering Insights From Gamers Who Upgraded From GTX 1060 To GTX 1660
One of the most valuable sources of information when considering an upgrade is hearing from other gamers who have already made the switch. Gathering feedback and insights from users who upgraded from the GTX 1060 to the GTX 1660 can provide valuable perspectives on the benefits and drawbacks of the upgrade.
Many gamers who made the upgrade reported noticeable improvements in performance. The GTX 1660 offers higher clock speeds and more CUDA cores, resulting in smoother gameplay and increased frame rates. Gamers noted that demanding games ran more smoothly and experienced fewer drops in frame rates.
Additionally, users praised the GTX 1660 for its enhanced graphics quality. The Turing architecture in the GTX 1660 provides better visual effects and improved textures, resulting in a more immersive gaming experience. Graphics-intensive games showed more vivid details and crisper images.
In terms of power efficiency, users found the GTX 1660 to be more energy-efficient compared to the GTX 1060. The GTX 1660 consumes less power while still delivering impressive performance, resulting in lower temperatures and quieter operation.
Overall, gamers who upgraded from the GTX 1060 to the GTX 1660 reported a satisfying improvement in their gaming experience. The combination of improved performance, enhanced graphics quality, and better power efficiency made the upgrade worthwhile for many users.
FAQ
FAQ 1: What are the main differences between the GTX 1060 and the GTX 1660?
The GTX 1660 offers several key improvements over the GTX 1060. Firstly, the GTX 1660 boasts a newer architecture, Turing, compared to the Pascal architecture in the GTX 1060. This leads to improved performance and energy efficiency. Secondly, the GTX 1660 has a higher base and boost clock speed, resulting in faster overall processing power. Lastly, the GTX 1660 features more video memory, with options for 6GB or even 12GB, compared to the 3GB or 6GB options available for the GTX 1060.
FAQ 2: Will I see a significant performance boost by upgrading from GTX 1060 to GTX 1660?
Yes, upgrading from the GTX 1060 to the GTX 1660 will provide a noticeable performance boost. Users can expect a performance increase of around 15-30% depending on the games and applications being used. This means you’ll be able to play newer games at higher graphics settings or achieve higher frame rates with the GTX 1660 compared to the GTX 1060.
FAQ 3: Is it worth upgrading from GTX 1060 to GTX 1660?
Whether it is worth upgrading from the GTX 1060 to the GTX 1660 depends on your specific needs and budget. If you are looking for improved performance in gaming or graphics-intensive applications and can afford the upgrade, the GTX 1660 is a recommendable choice. However, if you are satisfied with the performance of the GTX 1060, it may be more cost-effective to wait for a more substantial upgrade in the future.
Final Verdict
In conclusion, upgrading from the GTX 1060 to the GTX 1660 can certainly be worth it, depending on individual needs and budget constraints. While both graphics cards offer excellent performance, the GTX 1660 provides noticeable improvements in terms of power efficiency and overall gaming experience. With faster clock speeds and higher memory bandwidth, the GTX 1660 ensures smoother gameplay and better frame rates, especially for newer games with demanding graphics. However, it’s important to evaluate one’s specific requirements and consider factors such as cost and future upgrade plans before making a decision.