ASUS GTX 1660 Super OC 6GB: Review & Specs

by Alex Braham 43 views

Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the ASUS GTX 1660 Super OC 6GB GDDR6, a graphics card that has been a favorite among gamers and PC enthusiasts for its sweet spot of performance and affordability. This card is designed to deliver a stellar 1080p gaming experience and even dabble in some 1440p gaming, all without breaking the bank. We’ll explore its key features, performance metrics, and why it remains a relevant choice in today's market. So, buckle up and let's get started!

Key Features and Specifications

The ASUS GTX 1660 Super OC 6GB GDDR6 is built on NVIDIA's Turing architecture, which brings a blend of performance and efficiency. Unlike the regular GTX 1660, the Super variant comes with GDDR6 memory, a significant upgrade that boosts memory bandwidth and overall performance. Let's break down the key specs:

  • GPU: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Super
  • Architecture: Turing
  • CUDA Cores: 1408
  • Boost Clock: Varies by model, typically around 1800-1860 MHz (OC models)
  • Memory: 6GB GDDR6
  • Memory Speed: 14 Gbps
  • Memory Interface: 192-bit
  • Memory Bandwidth: 336 GB/s
  • TDP: 125W
  • Outputs: DisplayPort 1.4, HDMI 2.0b, DVI-D (varies by model)

The "OC" in the name stands for "Overclocked," meaning ASUS has factory-tuned the card to run at higher clock speeds than the reference GTX 1660 Super. This provides a performance boost right out of the box, without you having to tweak settings manually. The 6GB of GDDR6 memory is plenty for most modern games at 1080p and ensures smooth texture loading and rendering.

Design and Cooling

ASUS offers several variants of the GTX 1660 Super OC, each with different cooler designs. Common features include:

  • Dual-Fan or Triple-Fan Cooling: ASUS uses custom-designed fans that provide excellent airflow and heat dissipation. The fans often feature wing-blade designs to maximize static pressure and reduce noise.
  • DirectCU Technology: This involves direct contact of heat pipes with the GPU die, improving thermal transfer.
  • Auto-Extreme Technology: ASUS’s automated manufacturing process reduces manufacturing defects and ensures consistent quality.
  • Reinforced Backplate: Many models come with a backplate that not only adds to the aesthetics but also provides structural rigidity, preventing the PCB from bending.

These cooling solutions ensure that the card remains cool and quiet even under heavy gaming loads, which is crucial for maintaining stable performance and extending the lifespan of the components.

Performance Benchmarks

Now, let’s talk about performance. The ASUS GTX 1660 Super OC 6GB GDDR6 is designed for 1080p gaming, and it excels in this area. Here are some benchmarks you can expect in popular games:

  • Fortnite: 1080p Ultra settings: 90-120 FPS
  • Overwatch: 1080p Ultra settings: 120-150 FPS
  • Apex Legends: 1080p High settings: 80-100 FPS
  • Cyberpunk 2077: 1080p Medium settings: 45-55 FPS
  • Assassin’s Creed Valhalla: 1080p High settings: 50-60 FPS

At 1440p, the card can still deliver playable frame rates in many games, especially if you’re willing to tweak the settings. For example, in games like The Witcher 3 or Shadow of the Tomb Raider, you can expect around 40-50 FPS on medium to high settings.

Compared to its predecessor, the GTX 1660, the Super variant offers a significant performance uplift, thanks to the faster GDDR6 memory. It also trades blows with the GTX 1660 Ti in many scenarios, making it an excellent value proposition.

Overclocking Potential

If you're the kind of person who likes to push your hardware to the limit, the ASUS GTX 1660 Super OC 6GB GDDR6 has some overclocking headroom. Using software like MSI Afterburner or ASUS GPU Tweak II, you can increase the core and memory clocks to squeeze out even more performance.

Keep in mind that overclocking results can vary depending on the specific card, cooling solution, and silicon lottery. Always monitor your temperatures and ensure that your power supply can handle the increased power draw. With a stable overclock, you can often gain an additional 5-10% performance boost, which can make a noticeable difference in demanding games.

Pros and Cons

To give you a balanced view, here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of the ASUS GTX 1660 Super OC 6GB GDDR6:

Pros:

  • Excellent 1080p Performance: Handles most games at high to ultra settings with smooth frame rates.
  • Good Value: Offers a great balance of performance and price, making it accessible to budget-conscious gamers.
  • GDDR6 Memory: Provides a significant performance boost compared to the regular GTX 1660.
  • Overclocking Potential: Allows enthusiasts to squeeze out extra performance.
  • Efficient Power Consumption: With a TDP of 125W, it doesn't require a high-end power supply.
  • Advanced Cooling Solutions: ASUS’s custom coolers keep the card cool and quiet.

Cons:

  • Ray Tracing Limitations: Lacks the dedicated ray tracing cores found in RTX cards, so ray tracing performance is limited.
  • 1440p Gaming Requires Compromises: While it can handle 1440p gaming, you may need to lower settings to maintain playable frame rates.
  • Potentially Outdated: Newer cards offer more performance for a similar price.

Alternatives to Consider

If you're considering the ASUS GTX 1660 Super OC 6GB GDDR6, here are some alternatives you might want to check out:

  • NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050: Offers better performance and supports ray tracing and DLSS.
  • AMD Radeon RX 6600: Provides similar or better performance and is often available at a competitive price.
  • Intel Arc A580/A750: Intel's entry into the GPU market, offering good performance and features at a competitive price point.

These alternatives might offer better future-proofing and additional features like ray tracing and DLSS, but they may also come at a higher price.

Who is This Card For?

The ASUS GTX 1660 Super OC 6GB GDDR6 is perfect for:

  • 1080p Gamers: Those looking for a smooth and enjoyable gaming experience at 1080p resolution.
  • Budget-Conscious PC Builders: Individuals who want a capable graphics card without breaking the bank.
  • Gamers Who Don't Need Ray Tracing: Players who are not particularly interested in ray tracing and prefer higher frame rates.
  • Entry-Level VR Enthusiasts: It can handle some VR titles, though you may need to adjust settings for optimal performance.

How to Buy

Finding the ASUS GTX 1660 Super OC 6GB GDDR6 can be a bit tricky these days, as it's an older card. However, you can still find it on:

  • Online Marketplaces: Check sites like eBay, and other similar platforms.
  • Local Computer Stores: Some local stores may still have it in stock.
  • Used Hardware Markets: Keep an eye on forums and communities where people sell used hardware.

When buying from these sources, make sure to check the seller's reputation and the condition of the card. Ask for photos and, if possible, test the card before purchasing.

Conclusion

The ASUS GTX 1660 Super OC 6GB GDDR6 remains a solid choice for gamers looking for excellent 1080p performance at an affordable price. While it may not have the latest features like ray tracing, it still delivers smooth frame rates in most modern games. If you're on a tight budget and don't need the bells and whistles of newer cards, the GTX 1660 Super OC is definitely worth considering. Just remember to weigh your options and consider the alternatives before making a decision. Happy gaming, folks!