Have you found yourself wondering, “Which is better, the GTX 1660 Ti or the RTX 2060?” If you’re in the market for a new graphics card or simply curious about the differences, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll break down the distinctions between these two popular GPUs, helping you make an informed decision.
Introduction to GTX 1660 Ti and RTX 2060
Before diving into the nitty-gritty details, it’s crucial to understand what these two graphics cards are and where they fit in the market.
Overview of GTX 1660 Ti
The GTX 1660 Ti is part of NVIDIA’s 16-series graphics cards, which are known for delivering solid performance at a more affordable price point. It’s based on the Turing architecture, which also powers the more advanced RTX cards, minus some features like ray tracing.
Overview of RTX 2060
On the other hand, the RTX 2060 belongs to the 20-series lineup and includes more advanced features such as real-time ray tracing and AI-enhanced graphics. It also utilizes the Turing architecture but offers more advanced capabilities than the 16-series cards.
Key Specifications
Understanding the raw specifications can help you see where each card stands. Let’s compare them side-by-side.
| Feature | GTX 1660 Ti | RTX 2060 |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Turing | Turing |
| CUDA Cores | 1536 | 1920 |
| Base Clock Speed | 1500 MHz | 1365 MHz |
| Boost Clock Speed | 1770 MHz | 1680 MHz |
| VRAM | 6GB GDDR6 | 6GB GDDR6 |
| Memory Bandwidth | 288 GB/s | 336 GB/s |
| TDP (Thermal Design Power) | 120W | 160W |
| Ray Tracing Cores | None | 30 |
| Tensor Cores | None | 240 |
| MSRP | $279 | $349 |
Performance
When it comes to performance, different factors come into play such as CUDA cores, clock speeds, and more. Here, we break down how each card performs in real-world scenarios.
Gaming Performance
1080p Gaming
Both cards handle 1080p gaming well, but the RTX 2060 has a slight edge due to its higher number of CUDA cores and additional features.
- GTX 1660 Ti: Offers excellent 1080p performance, capable of running most games at high settings with smooth frame rates.
- RTX 2060: Also excels at 1080p but can handle ultra settings on more demanding titles, thanks to the additional horsepower.
1440p Gaming
If you’re planning on gaming at 1440p, both cards can handle it, but there are some differences.
- GTX 1660 Ti: It can still provide good performance at 1440p, but expect to drop the settings to maintain smooth gameplay.
- RTX 2060: This card shines at 1440p, often able to handle high to ultra settings without significant frame rate drops.
Related:
Is RTX Necessary For Gaming?
Ray Tracing and AI Features
The RTX 2060 has specialized hardware for real-time ray tracing and AI-enhanced graphics, which can make a substantial difference in games that support these features.
- RTX 2060: Offers real-time ray tracing and DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling), making games look more realistic with enhanced lighting and textures.
- GTX 1660 Ti: Lacks ray tracing cores and Tensor cores, so you won’t get these advanced features.
Power Consumption and Cooling
Graphics cards can consume a considerable amount of power, and you’ll need to ensure your system can handle it.
Power Requirements
- GTX 1660 Ti: TDP of 120W, which is lower. It can comfortably run on a 450W power supply.
- RTX 2060: TDP of 160W, requiring at least a 500W power supply.
Cooling Solutions
Both cards generally come with efficient cooling solutions, but there’s a difference in heat output.
- GTX 1660 Ti: Runs cooler due to its lower power consumption.
- RTX 2060: Runs hotter and may require a more robust cooling solution.
Pricing and Value for Money
Let’s discuss the financial aspect, which could be a deal-breaker for many.
Initial Cost
- GTX 1660 Ti: Priced at around $279, it offers great value for budget-conscious gamers.
- RTX 2060: It comes in at about $349. While more expensive, it provides additional features and better performance.
Long-Term Value
The total cost of ownership isn’t just the purchase price but also factors in future-proofing.
- GTX 1660 Ti: Excellent for those on a budget, but may need upgrading sooner.
- RTX 2060: While more costly, its advanced features make it more future-proof.
Real-World Benchmarks and User Reviews
Numbers can tell a part of the story, but real-world tests and user reviews add colour to it.
Benchmark Tests
Synthetic Benchmarks
- 3DMark Fire Strike (1080p)
- GTX 1660 Ti: Around 13,500 points
- RTX 2060: Around 16,000 points
Real-World Gaming Benchmarks
| Game Title | GTX 1660 Ti (FPS) | RTX 2060 (FPS) |
|---|---|---|
| Shadow of the Tomb Raider (1080p) | 75 | 90 |
| Fortnite (1080p) | 110 | 130 |
| Battlefield V (1080p, RTX Off) | 70 | 85 |
| Battlefield V (1080p, RTX On) | NA | 60 |
User Reviews
GTX 1660 Ti
- Positives: Great performance for the price, runs cool and quiet, low power consumption.
- Negatives: Lacks advanced features like ray tracing, and may need an upgrade sooner for future titles.
RTX 2060
- Positives: Excellent performance, future-proof with ray tracing and DLSS, good 1440p performance.
- Negatives: Higher price, greater power consumption.
Suitability for Different Users
Knowing your specific needs will help you decide which card is right for you.
Casual Gamers
- GTX 1660 Ti: Perfect for playing popular titles at high settings without breaking the bank.
- RTX 2060: Overkill for casual gamers focused on value, but ensures smooth gameplay for future-proofing.
Enthusiast Gamers
- GTX 1660 Ti: Good but may not satisfy high-end gaming needs at higher resolutions or settings.
- RTX 2060: Ideal for enthusiasts who want cutting-edge features and enhanced graphics.
Content Creators
- GTX 1660 Ti: Decent, but may struggle with more demanding rendering tasks.
- RTX 2060: Excellent for content creation due to additional CUDA cores, ray tracing, and AI capabilities.
Software and Driver Support
Timely and reliable driver updates ensure smooth performance and compatibility.
NVIDIA Drivers
Both cards benefit from NVIDIA’s frequent driver updates, ensuring optimal performance and compatibility with the latest games.
Game Optimization
Both cards can utilize NVIDIA’s GeForce Experience software for game optimization, but the RTX 2060 may offer better performance tweaks in ray-traced games.
Future-Proofing
Future-proofing is crucial, especially if you don’t plan on upgrading frequently.
GTX 1660 Ti
- Pros: Great for current titles and esports games.
- Cons: Limited by lack of future-ready features like ray tracing and DLSS.
RTX 2060
- Pros: More future-proof with advanced features and better performance.
- Cons: Higher initial investment, but likely to last longer.
Conclusion
So, which is better, the GTX 1660 Ti or the RTX 2060? The answer ultimately depends on your specific needs and budget.
- If you’re looking for a budget-friendly card that delivers solid 1080p performance without advanced features, the GTX 1660 Ti is an excellent choice.
- However, if you want more advanced capabilities, and future-proofing, and are willing to spend a little extra, the RTX 2060 is the better option.
No matter which card you choose, both offer excellent performance and value in their respective categories. Hopefully, this guide has provided you with the insights needed to make an informed decision. Happy gaming!
