1660 6GB vs 1060 3GB: Which One is the Better Choice for Gamers?
The world of graphics cards can be overwhelming, especially for those who are new to PC gaming. With so many options available, it can be difficult to decide which one to choose. In this article, we'll be comparing two popular graphics cards: the 1660 6GB and the 1060 3GB. Both of these cards are from different generations, but they're still widely used today. So, let's dive in and see which one is the better choice for gamers.
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 6GB
The GeForce GTX 1660 is a mid-range graphics card from NVIDIA's 16 series. Released in 2019, it's based on the TU116 architecture and features 6GB of GDDR6 memory. The 1660 is a popular choice among gamers who want a balance between performance and price.
Specifications:
- CUDA Cores: 1408
- Memory: 6GB GDDR6
- Memory Bandwidth: 336 GB/s
- Boost Clock: 1785 MHz
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 3GB
The GeForce GTX 1060 is a mid-range graphics card from NVIDIA's 10 series. Released in 2016, it's based on the GP106 architecture and features 3GB of GDDR5 memory. Although it's an older card, it's still a popular choice among gamers who want a budget-friendly option.
Specifications:
- CUDA Cores: 1280
- Memory: 3GB GDDR5
- Memory Bandwidth: 192 GB/s
- Boost Clock: 1708 MHz
Performance Comparison
In terms of performance, the 1660 6GB is significantly faster than the 1060 3GB. The 1660 has more CUDA cores, higher memory bandwidth, and a higher boost clock. This translates to better frame rates and smoother performance in modern games.
Here are some benchmarks to give you an idea of the performance difference:
- Fortnite:
- 1660 6GB: 120 FPS (1080p), 60 FPS (1440p)
- 1060 3GB: 90 FPS (1080p), 40 FPS (1440p)
- Battlefield V:
- 1660 6GB: 80 FPS (1080p), 50 FPS (1440p)
- 1060 3GB: 60 FPS (1080p), 30 FPS (1440p)
- The Witcher 3:
- 1660 6GB: 100 FPS (1080p), 70 FPS (1440p)
- 1060 3GB: 80 FPS (1080p), 50 FPS (1440p)
As you can see, the 1660 6GB outperforms the 1060 3GB in all three games.
Conclusion
So, which one is the better choice for gamers? The answer is clear: the 1660 6GB is the better option. With its higher performance, newer architecture, and more memory, it's the better choice for those who want to play modern games at high frame rates.
However, if you're on a tight budget and only play less demanding games, the 1060 3GB might still be a viable option. Just keep in mind that it's an older card, and its performance will eventually become outdated.
Recommendation
If you're building a new gaming PC or upgrading your existing one, we recommend the 1660 6GB. It's a powerful and affordable option that will handle modern games with ease.
