Historical verdict: Hardware Secrets’ September 18, 2012 review found EVGA’s GeForce GTX 660 SuperClocked (SC) to be a worthwhile factory-overclocked version of NVIDIA’s mainstream GTX 660. It cost about the same as the reference card while delivering a measurable, generally modest performance increase.
2026 verdict: It is now legacy hardware. The review remains valuable for documenting Kepler-era performance and design, but the card’s 2GB of VRAM, aging drivers, and used-card reliability risks make it suitable mainly for inexpensive retro, older-esports, or archival builds—not as a general modern gaming recommendation.
Which EVGA GTX 660 was reviewed?
The tested product was the EVGA GeForce GTX 660 SuperClocked 2GB, not a GTX 660 Ti and not one of EVGA’s faster FTW or 3GB variants. The review was published on September 18, 2012; the page has also carried a March 13, 2023 update or recrawl date.
| Specification | EVGA GTX 660 SC 2GB |
|---|---|
| GPU generation | NVIDIA Kepler |
| CUDA cores | 960 |
| Base clock | 1,046 MHz |
| Advertised boost clock | Approximately 1,111 MHz |
| Memory | 2GB GDDR5 |
| Effective memory clock | 6,008 MHz |
| Memory interface | 192-bit |
| Outputs | DVI-I, DVI-D, HDMI and DisplayPort |
| Power connector | One six-pin PCIe connector |
| Form factor | Standard dual-slot card |
The model lineup discussed in the review included 2GB and 3GB SuperClocked cards, Signature 2 versions and FTW versions. Their clocks, memory capacities and coolers are not interchangeable with the tested 2GB SC.
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#1 Best Overall
- Powered by the NVIDIA Blackwell architecture and DLSS 4
- Powered by GeForce RTX 5080
- Integrated with 16GB GDDR7 256bit memory interface
- PCIe 5.0
- WINDFORCE cooling system
EVGA’s core clocks were higher than NVIDIA’s reference 980 MHz base and 1,033 MHz boost clocks. The advertised boost value is a target used by GPU Boost, not a frequency guaranteed under every temperature, voltage and power condition.
Product layout and cooler details are documented in Hardware Secrets’ card overview.
How did it differ from the reference GTX 660?
The SC retained the reference GPU, 2GB capacity, 192-bit bus and 6.0 Gbps-class GDDR5 memory. Its principal change was a factory GPU overclock.
Rank #2
- Powered by Radeon RX 9070 XT
- WINDFORCE Cooling System
- Hawk Fan
- Server-grade Thermal Conductive Gel
- RGB Lighting
| Specification | Reference GTX 660 | EVGA GTX 660 SC |
|---|---|---|
| CUDA cores | 960 | 960 |
| Base clock | 980 MHz | 1,046 MHz |
| Boost clock | 1,033 MHz | Approximately 1,111 MHz |
| Memory | 2GB GDDR5 | 2GB GDDR5 |
| Memory bus | 192-bit | 192-bit |
| Memory bandwidth | 144.2 GB/s | Comparable reference memory subsystem |
| Board power | 140 W | Based on the same GTX 660 class |
| System PSU recommendation | 450 W | 450 W reference recommendation |
| Power connector | One six-pin | One six-pin |
| Bus | PCI Express 3.0 | PCI Express 3.0 |
Reference figures are from NVIDIA’s GTX 660 specifications. In practical terms, EVGA sold a faster-clocked GTX 660 rather than a different performance class of GPU.
Cooler, board layout and installation
EVGA used a compact dual-slot design with a 65 mm radial fan, aluminum heatsink, copper base and an 8 mm heatpipe. The cooler contacted memory chips on the component side; memory chips on the solder side did not receive a dedicated cooler. A radial fan can direct some heat toward the rear exhaust, useful in cramped cases, but its design should not be assumed to match the acoustic or thermal behavior of a modern multi-fan open-air cooler.
NVIDIA lists a 9.5-inch reference-card length. EVGA’s shroud can differ, so check the exact card before buying. The system also needs a full-length PCI Express slot, a functioning six-pin connector and room for two slots. The display outputs are DVI-I, DVI-D, HDMI and DisplayPort.
Rank #3
- AMD Radeon RX 550 Chipset, Silver plated PCB & all solid capacitors provide lower temperature, higher efficiency & stability
- 9CM unique fan provide low noise and huge airflow for your GPU
- GPU Boost Clock / Memory Speed : up to 1183 MHz / 4GB GDDR5 / 6000 MHz Memory, Stream Processors 512, Perfect for 3D CAD/CAM working, video and photo editing, Video Games @1080p
- Support: DirectX 12, Shader Model 5.0, OpenGL 4.6/4.5, 4K Video Decode
What Hardware Secrets tested
The review is a snapshot of a 2012 test environment. It used period DirectX 9 and DirectX 11 games at high or maximum image-quality settings, with resolutions including 1,920×1,200, 2,560×1,536 and 2,560×1,600 depending on the title. FRAPS was used in several game tests. The suite included:
- StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty
- Far Cry 2
- Aliens vs. Predator
- DiRT 3
- Deus Ex: Human Revolution
- Battlefield 3
- 3DMark 11 Professional
- Media Espresso 6.5
Method details appear in the review’s test-method section. These results should not be read as measurements for current Windows versions, drivers, APIs or games.
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Documented benchmark results
| Game | Resolution | EVGA SC | Reference GTX 660 | SC advantage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| StarCraft II | 1,920×1,200 | 248.3 fps | 232.7 fps | 7% |
| StarCraft II | 2,560×1,600 | 180.7 fps | 171.4 fps | 5% |
| Aliens vs. Predator | 1,920×1,200 | 50.2 fps | 48.1 fps | 4% |
| Aliens vs. Predator | 2,560×1,600 | 39.8 fps | 35.8 fps | 11% |
| DiRT 3 | 1,920×1,200 | 72.2 fps | 69.6 fps | 4% |
| DiRT 3 | 2,560×1,600 | 60.8 fps | 55.8 fps | 9% |
| Battlefield 3 | 1,920×1,200 | 62.5 fps | 60.6 fps | 3% |
| Battlefield 3 | 2,560×1,600 | 48.8 fps | 44.3 fps | 10% |
Individual result pages are available for StarCraft II, Aliens vs. Predator, DiRT 3 and Battlefield 3.
Rank #4
- Powered by the NVIDIA Blackwell architecture and DLSS 4. System Requirements: Minimum 850W PSU with 16-pin 12V-2x6 (12VHPWR) connector required. Verify before purchasing.
- Military-grade components deliver rock-solid power and longer lifespan for ultimate durability. Compatibility: 348mm (13.7") length, 3.6 slots, 4.3 lbs. Confirm case clearance and slot spacing. GPU bracket included.
- Protective PCB coating helps protect against short circuits caused by moisture, dust, or debris
- 3.6-slot design with massive fin array optimized for airflow from three Axial-tech fans
- Phase-change GPU thermal pad helps ensure optimal thermal performance and longevity, outlasting traditional thermal paste for graphics cards under heavy loads
The factory overclock produced a real but modest uplift. Hardware Secrets summarized the card as 3%–12% faster than a standard GTX 660, 8%–36% faster than a Radeon HD 7850 and 15%–51% faster than a GeForce GTX 560 Ti in its own suite. Those ranges are review-specific, not universal performance guarantees; the conclusion is documented at the review conclusion.
Bjorn3D recorded approximately 46.3 fps in Battlefield 3 at 1,920×1,080, but its platform, settings and measurement process differed, so that figure should not be averaged with Hardware Secrets’ results. See Bjorn3D’s review.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Why it was attractive at launch
- EVGA listed the SC at approximately $230, the same nominal launch price as the reference GTX 660.
- The factory overclock provided extra performance without a stated MSRP premium.
- It delivered strong period 1080p-class performance against the Radeon HD 7850 and GTX 560 Ti in the cited tests.
- One six-pin connector and a 140 W-class board made it less demanding than many preceding Fermi cards.
- The card supported PCI Express 3.0, GPU Boost, PhysX, SLI and contemporary display standards.
Contemporary praise for noise and value can be found in EVGA’s vendor-curated 2012 roundup at EVGA’s awards page. It is not a standardized modern noise test, so “quiet” should not be treated as a measured decibel result.
Best Value
- System Compatibility Note: This 2‑slot card measures 249 mm (L) x 132 mm (W) x 41 mm (H) and requires a single 8‑pin power connector. Please verify available chassis clearance and ensure your power supply is rated for a recommended 550W before purchase.
- Dedicated Support: Please contact us directly through Amazon for any product questions or assistance you may require.
- Next‑Gen AMD RDNA 4 Architecture: Powered by the AMD Radeon RX 9060 XT GPU with 32 Compute Units featuring 3rd Gen Ray Tracing and 2nd Gen AI Accelerators, delivering exceptional 1440p gaming and AI‑enhanced performance.
- Blazing‑Fast Engine Clock: Delivers a boost clock of up to 3290 MHz and a game clock of 2700 MHz out of the box, providing the raw power for smooth, high‑framerate gameplay.
- 16GB GDDR6 Memory on 128‑Bit Bus: Equipped with 16GB of high‑speed GDDR6 memory running at 20 Gbps, offering ample capacity and bandwidth for modern game textures and creative applications.
Why the launch verdict does not transfer to 2026
- Only 2GB of VRAM limits modern texture settings and many newer games.
- Kepler is an old architecture with a legacy software and feature position.
- The original suite predates current engines, APIs, codecs, upscaling and frame-generation features.
- Used cards may have worn fans, dried thermal compound, damaged memory or unknown overclocking history.
- A nominal 450 W PSU recommendation does not make an aging or low-quality power supply safe.
- High maximum display-resolution specifications do not make the card a practical 4K gaming solution.
These are present-day buying qualifications, not measurements made by the 2012 review. The original $230 figure is historical launch pricing and should not anchor a used-market purchase.
Used-card checklist
- Confirm a full-length PCI Express slot and clearance for the exact dual-slot shroud.
- Verify a functioning six-pin PCIe lead and a reputable power supply.
- Check that DVI, HDMI or DisplayPort matches the monitor, or obtain the correct adapter.
- Prefer a seller with a return window; “untested” is a risk premium, not a bargain.
- Run a sustained graphics test and watch for artifacts, crashes, fan failure or abnormal temperatures.
- Judge the card by its actual price, condition and intended games—not by its 2012 MSRP.
Who should still consider it?
Reasonable use cases
Consider one only when it is very inexpensive, tested and returnable, and the goal is retro gaming, older esports software, basic display output or a temporary legacy build.
Reasons to walk away
Avoid it for current AAA gaming, high-resolution texture packs, modern video features, ray tracing, long-term driver support or a quiet contemporary system. Do not pay a premium merely because the box says SuperClocked.
Final assessment
In 2012, EVGA’s GTX 660 SC was a sensible refinement: the same 2GB Kepler platform as the reference GTX 660, but with a free factory overclock and a measurable advantage in Hardware Secrets’ tests. In 2026, it is best understood as documented legacy hardware. Its historical performance and compact design remain useful to enthusiasts and archivists, while its 2GB memory, age and uncertain used condition make newer low-power alternatives the safer choice whenever modern software is the priority.
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