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Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →The GTX 1660 is the better card. It is typically about 15–25% faster than the desktop GTX 1060 6GB in rasterized 1080p games, has a newer Turing design and a better video encoder, and is the safer used purchase when prices are close. A healthy GTX 1060 6GB is still fine for older and competitive games, so replacing it with a GTX 1660 is usually a modest upgrade rather than a dramatic one. The GTX 1060 3GB is a different proposition: its smaller VRAM pool and reduced core count make the GTX 1660 a clearly preferable choice.
What is being compared?
This comparison covers the desktop GTX 1660 6GB, GTX 1060 6GB and GTX 1060 3GB. Laptop, OEM and factory-overclocked cards can have different clocks, coolers, connectors and power limits.
| Specification (reference or typical) | GTX 1660 | GTX 1060 6GB | GTX 1060 3GB |
|---|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Turing | Pascal | Pascal |
| GPU | TU116 | GP106 | GP106 |
| CUDA cores | 1,408 | 1,280 | 1,152 |
| Typical base/boost clock | 1,530/1,785 MHz | 1,506/1,708 MHz | 1,506/1,708 MHz |
| VRAM | 6GB GDDR5 | 6GB GDDR5 | 3GB GDDR5 |
| Memory bus | 192-bit | 192-bit | 192-bit |
| Memory bandwidth | 192 GB/s | 192 GB/s | 192 GB/s |
| Reference board power | About 120W | About 120W | About 120W |
| RT/Tensor cores | None | None | None |
The GTX 1660’s advantage is not extra bandwidth. It comes from Turing’s shader, cache, scheduling and efficiency improvements, plus higher typical clocks and more CUDA cores. The core and memory specifications are documented by Tom’s Hardware’s GTX 1660 review and its GTX 1060 review.
Gaming performance
1080p rasterized games
Expect a noticeable but not revolutionary uplift from a GTX 1060 6GB to a GTX 1660—commonly around 15–25% across broad 1080p rasterized testing. The exact result changes with the game, preset, driver, CPU and whether averages or frame-time lows are measured. Tom’s Hardware’s GPU hierarchy is useful context, but no single percentage applies to every title.
#1 Best Overall
- Memory Speed:14 Gbps.Digital Max Resolution:7680x4320
- Chipset: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Super
- Boost clock: 1815 MHz
- Memory Interface: 192-Bit
- Video Memory: 6GB GDDR6
The 3GB model
Against the GTX 1060 3GB, the GTX 1660’s advantage is often larger in practice. Twice the VRAM avoids texture limits and some stutter that can affect newer games, while the 3GB card also has fewer CUDA cores. It is not merely a 6GB card with half the memory.
1440p, esports and new AAA games
Both cards are most comfortable at 1080p with medium-to-high settings. At 1440p, their limited performance and 6GB maximum become more restrictive; neither is an ideal modern 1440p purchase. Esports games can run well on either at reduced settings, although an older CPU or insufficient system RAM may hide much of the GTX 1660’s GPU advantage. New AAA releases may require reduced textures, effects or upscaling, and a newer card is not automatically guaranteed to run every current game well.
Features, encoding and driver outlook
The GTX 1660 uses Turing but is not an RTX card. Neither GPU has dedicated ray-tracing or Tensor cores, and neither provides DLSS hardware acceleration. Software ray tracing may work through supported APIs, but performance is generally unsuitable for an RTX-style experience.
Turing’s NVENC encoder makes the GTX 1660 the stronger choice for OBS streaming, game capture and hardware H.264/H.265 recording. The GTX 1060 can encode video, but its Pascal encoder is older. Editing and compute applications still depend on their own CUDA, codec, VRAM and version requirements.
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- Chipset: Nvidia Geforce GT 1030, Silver plated PCB & all solid capacitors provide lower temperature, higher efficiency & stability
- Low Profile SSF Ready & Slim ITX size perfect in many cases (Low Profile Bracket Included)
- New Nvidia Pascal Architecture, 1x Faster Then Geforce GT1030 2GD4 & 3x Faster Than GeForce GT730 (Watch the left video for details)
- GPU Boost Clock / Memory Speed : up to 1468 MHz / 2GB GDDR5 64bit / 6000 MHz Memory
- Support Nvidia Technology, avoid using unofficial software
As of August 18, 2026, NVIDIA’s published plan places Pascal in legacy support: new Game Ready optimizations ended after October 2025, while critical-security updates continue for a limited period. That does not make a GTX 1060 stop working; it means future game optimization and general support are less favorable than for Turing. See NVIDIA’s support plan.
Power, cooling and compatibility
Reference board power is roughly 120W for all three cards, so the GTX 1660 is not automatically a lower-wattage card. Its efficiency can deliver more performance per watt, but temperatures and noise depend on the partner cooler, factory overclock and the card’s condition.
Rank #4
- High-Quality Graphic Cards for PC Gaming - designed to provide you with an immersive and realistic gaming experience. This powerful graphics card for gaming PC is perfect for gamers who demand the best performance and visual quality.
- NVIDIA Graphics Card with Dual Fan VR Ready OC - Equipped with a 192-bit HDMI/DP 6GB GDRR6 HDCP Support, the MSI GTX 1660 TI Ventus XS 6G OC is a top-of-the-line NVIDIA graphics card that delivers stunning visuals and smooth gameplay for an unforgettable gaming experience.
- Computer Graphics Cards with DirectX 12 Support - compatible with the latest DirectX 12 technology, ensuring that you can enjoy the most advanced and cutting-edge gaming titles without any performance hiccups.
- Video Cards for PC with Advanced Cooling System - This GPU graphics card features a dual fan design that efficiently dissipates heat, keeping your video cards for PC cool and stable even during intense gaming sessions.
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- Check the exact card’s 6-pin or 8-pin requirement; partner designs vary.
- Confirm case length, slot thickness and airflow.
- Verify that the PSU is a quality unit with the required PCIe connector.
- On used cards, worn fans, dried paste and damaged sockets matter more than nominal TDP.
NVIDIA’s comparison information illustrates why connector and dimensions must be checked for the specific manufacturer model.
Should you upgrade?
From a GTX 1060 6GB
Usually no. The GTX 1660 is a reasonable low-cost sidegrade-plus if it costs little, your current card is failing, you need better streaming quality, or you can switch with almost no net cost. If you expect a dramatic frame-rate transformation, save for a larger performance jump instead. Keep the 1060 when it is healthy and your games are older, competitive or otherwise running acceptably.
Best Value
- 【Amazing Gaminig Experience】GTX 1660 Super graphics card is a mainstream gaming GPU built on the 12 nm process, equipped with 192-Bit and 6GB GDDR6 memory with 14000 MHz. Providing computer enthusiasts with a smoother, higher quality gaming experience.
- 【High Definition Display Effect 】GTX 1660S 6GB Graphics Card has 3 monitor support ouput included 1X DVI Port+ 1X Display Port + 1X HDMI Port, can support three monitors. GTX 1660 super is connected to the rest of the system using a PCI-Express 3.0 x16 interface, supports up to 8K display, delivers more higher definition pc gaming effect.
- 【Powerful Cooling Performance】ZER LON cooling system uses a combination of traditional grooved and copper powder sintered composite heat pipes that directly contact the GPU core to quickly export core heat. At the same time, the integrated thermal design makes the core, memory, power supply MOS tube and the heatsink fully in contact, effectively reducing the working temperature, avoiding MOS tube overheating caused by full load degradation and other reasons, thus improving the stability and life
- 【VR-Ready Graphics】Equipped with advanced technologies, such as NVIDIA VRWorks, the GTX 1660S 6G graphics card provides an excellent virtual reality (VR) gaming experience. It ensures low latency, high compatibility, and stunning visuals for VR applications.
- 【What You Will Get】1x GTX 1660 Super 6GB graphics card, 2-Year Limited warranty, Before installing the driver, you must uninstall the old driver first, otherwise it may cause the driver installation to fail. You can download the driver for this graphics card directly from the official website. Select the driver corresponding to your computer's operating system for download and installation. Alternatively, you can use software that automatically installs drivers for the installation process.
From a GTX 1060 3GB
Yes, the move is more defensible. The GTX 1660 adds 3GB of VRAM, cores and newer architecture, making it substantially more comfortable for 1080p gaming. A newer GPU may still be better value if its price is close.
Buying your first card
Choose the GTX 1660 when it is only modestly more expensive than a tested GTX 1060 6GB, when you stream, or when you want to avoid buying a Pascal card in legacy support. Choose the 1060 6GB only when it is substantially cheaper and your games are undemanding.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Used-market reality in 2026
Observed US sold examples on August 18, 2026 put used GTX 1660 listings at roughly $88–$119.99, while one tested GTX 1060 6GB sold for $71.99. A separate tracker reported approximately $68 average and a roughly $60–$72 fair asking range for the 1060 6GB. These are dated signals, not guaranteed prices; shipping, condition, seller protection and returns change the value. Examples: GTX 1660, GTX 1660, GTX 1660, GTX 1660, GTX 1060 6GB, and price-tracking context.
Checklist before paying
- Confirm the exact model and VRAM with GPU-Z or clear seller photographs.
- Ask for a 15–30 minute load test or run one yourself after purchase.
- Watch for artifacts, driver crashes, black screens, fan grinding and abnormal temperatures.
- Inspect the PCIe edge connector and power socket.
- Prefer a seller with returns; avoid “untested,” “for parts” and mining-origin cards unless you accept the risk.
- Check physical clearance and PSU connectors.
Alternatives worth checking
Prices vary by country and date, so compare the actual used listing rather than relying on launch MSRP.
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- GTX 1660 Super: Usually preferable when close in price because it uses faster GDDR6. NVIDIA claimed up to 1.5× GTX 1060 6GB performance in a selected Rainbow Six Siege comparison, a vendor-selected maximum rather than a universal result (NVIDIA source).
- GTX 1660 Ti: Faster, but poor value if priced near newer cards.
- RTX 2060: A larger performance step with RT and Tensor hardware, though still limited to 6GB VRAM.
- RX 580 8GB or RX 5500 XT 8GB: More VRAM for rasterized games, with different power, driver and encoder trade-offs.
- Newer RTX or Intel Arc cards: Better upscaling, ray tracing and AV1 options, but only worthwhile at an acceptable 2026 price and with suitable CPU and game compatibility.
Decision table
| Situation | Best choice |
|---|---|
| Buying new to you at similar prices | GTX 1660 |
| Already own GTX 1060 3GB | GTX 1660 is a worthwhile improvement; newer is better if affordable |
| Already own GTX 1060 6GB | Keep it unless the GTX 1660 is exceptionally cheap |
| Streaming or recording | GTX 1660 |
| Cheapest functional 1080p option | GTX 1060 6GB when substantially cheaper and tested |
| Ray tracing, DLSS or AV1 required | Neither; buy a newer GPU |
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
