1660 Super vs 3050 6GB: Which Mid-Range GPU Reigns Supreme?
The mid-range GPU market is a highly competitive space, with several options vying for the title of best value. Two popular contenders in this segment are the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 Super and the Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 6GB. In this article, we'll pit these two GPUs against each other to determine which one offers the best performance, features, and value for your money.
Performance Comparison
The GTX 1660 Super and RTX 3050 6GB are both based on the TU116 and Ampere architectures, respectively. The GTX 1660 Super features 1408 CUDA cores, 88 TMUs, and 48 ROPs, with a boost clock of up to 1785 MHz. The RTX 3050 6GB, on the other hand, boasts 2560 CUDA cores, 80 TMUs, and 48 ROPs, with a boost clock of up to 1777 MHz.
In terms of performance, the RTX 3050 6GB edges out the GTX 1660 Super in most modern games at 1080p and 1440p resolutions. The RTX 3050 6GB averages around 10-15% better performance than the GTX 1660 Super in games like Fortnite, Overwatch, and Apex Legends.
Benchmarks
| Game | GTX 1660 Super | RTX 3050 6GB |
|---|---|---|
| Fortnite (1080p) | 120 FPS | 138 FPS |
| Overwatch (1080p) | 120 FPS | 135 FPS |
| Apex Legends (1080p) | 90 FPS | 105 FPS |
| Assassin's Creed Odyssey (1440p) | 45 FPS | 55 FPS |
| The Witcher 3 (1440p) | 60 FPS | 70 FPS |
Features Comparison
The RTX 3050 6GB has several key features that set it apart from the GTX 1660 Super. These include:
Ray Tracing
The RTX 3050 6GB supports real-time ray tracing, a technology that enables more accurate lighting and reflections in supported games. While the GTX 1660 Super does not have this feature, it's worth noting that ray tracing can impact performance, so you'll need to weigh the benefits against the potential performance hit.
AI-Enhanced Graphics
The RTX 3050 6GB also features AI-enhanced graphics, which use machine learning to improve graphics quality and performance. This includes technologies like Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS) and AI-enhanced anti-aliasing.
Variable Rate Shading
Variable rate shading is another feature exclusive to the RTX 3050 6GB. This technology allows developers to optimize shading rates for different parts of the scene, reducing performance overhead and improving overall efficiency.
Power Consumption and Thermal Design
The GTX 1660 Super has a TDP of 125W, while the RTX 3050 6GB has a TDP of 130W. Despite the slightly higher power consumption, the RTX 3050 6GB tends to run cooler and quieter than the GTX 1660 Super, thanks to its more efficient architecture and thermal design.
Conclusion
So, which mid-range GPU reigns supreme? The answer depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize raw performance and don't care about ray tracing or AI-enhanced graphics, the GTX 1660 Super is still a great option. However, if you want the latest and greatest features, along with improved performance, the RTX 3050 6GB is the better choice.
Recommendation
- If you're a 1080p gamer who wants the best performance for the price, go with the GTX 1660 Super.
- If you're a 1440p gamer who wants the latest features and improved performance, choose the RTX 3050 6GB.
Ultimately, the decision comes down to your specific needs and budget. Both GPUs offer excellent value for their respective prices, so you can't go wrong either way.
