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 made waves in the gaming community for its impressive performance and affordability. If you're on the hunt for a GPU that can deliver a solid 1080p gaming experience without breaking the bank, then this card might just be what you need. Let's explore its features, performance metrics, and why it stands out in a crowded market.

The ASUS GTX 1660 Super OC 6GB GDDR6 isn't just another graphics card; it's a carefully engineered piece of hardware designed to provide gamers with a smoother, more immersive experience. The 'OC' in its name stands for 'Overclocked,' meaning it comes with a factory-boosted clock speed right out of the box, giving you a performance edge over the standard GTX 1660 Super models. This is particularly beneficial in demanding games where every frame per second (FPS) counts. ASUS has also incorporated its custom cooling solutions, like the dual-fan design, to ensure that the card remains cool and quiet even during intense gaming sessions. This cooling efficiency not only maintains consistent performance but also extends the lifespan of the card by preventing thermal throttling. Furthermore, the 6GB of GDDR6 memory is a significant upgrade over the older GDDR5, offering faster data transfer rates and improved overall performance. This boost in memory bandwidth is crucial for handling high-resolution textures and complex scenes in modern games, ensuring a fluid and visually rich gaming experience. Beyond gaming, the GTX 1660 Super OC is also a capable performer in other graphically intensive tasks, such as video editing and 3D rendering. Its NVIDIA Turing architecture provides a solid foundation for these workloads, making it a versatile option for content creators as well as gamers. The card also supports NVIDIA's suite of software features, including GeForce Experience, which offers tools for game optimization, driver updates, and streaming, enhancing the overall user experience. In summary, the ASUS GTX 1660 Super OC 6GB GDDR6 is a well-rounded graphics card that delivers excellent performance, efficient cooling, and a range of features that cater to both gamers and content creators, making it a standout choice in its class.

Key Features of the ASUS GTX 1660 Super OC

So, what makes this card special? Let's break down the key features:

  • 6GB GDDR6 Memory: The move to GDDR6 memory is a game-changer, offering significantly faster speeds compared to the older GDDR5. This translates to smoother gameplay, especially at higher resolutions and settings.
  • Overclocked Performance: ASUS has factory overclocked this card, meaning you get a boost in performance right out of the box. No need to tinker with settings unless you want to push it even further.
  • Dual-Fan Cooling: ASUS's custom dual-fan cooling solution keeps the card running cool and quiet, even during intense gaming sessions. This is crucial for maintaining consistent performance and extending the lifespan of the card.
  • NVIDIA Turing Architecture: Based on NVIDIA's Turing architecture, the GTX 1660 Super offers a great balance of performance and efficiency. It also supports features like NVIDIA ShadowPlay and Ansel.
  • Compact Design: The card's design ensures it fits into most PC builds, making it a versatile choice for various setups.

These features combine to make the ASUS GTX 1660 Super OC 6GB GDDR6 a compelling option for gamers looking for a performance upgrade without spending a fortune.

Performance Benchmarks

Alright, let's get to the juicy part – how does this card actually perform in games? The ASUS GTX 1660 Super OC 6GB GDDR6 is designed for 1080p gaming, and it excels in this area. You can expect to run most modern titles at high or ultra settings with frame rates well above 60 FPS. In less demanding games, you might even be able to push it to 1440p with reasonable settings.

Here's a quick rundown of expected performance in some popular titles:

  • Fortnite: Expect well over 100 FPS at 1080p with Epic settings.
  • Overwatch: Easily achieve 100+ FPS at 1080p with Ultra settings.
  • Call of Duty: Modern Warfare: You should see around 70-90 FPS at 1080p with High settings.
  • Cyberpunk 2077: This is a more demanding title, but you can still get a playable 40-50 FPS at 1080p with Medium settings.

These numbers are just estimates, and your actual performance may vary depending on your CPU, RAM, and other system components. However, they give you a good idea of what to expect from the ASUS GTX 1660 Super OC. It's a fantastic card for gamers who want a smooth and enjoyable 1080p experience without having to break the bank. The overclocked nature of this specific ASUS model provides a slight edge over the base GTX 1660 Super, making it a worthwhile investment for those seeking a little extra oomph. Keep in mind that optimizing your in-game settings can also significantly impact performance. Experiment with different configurations to find the sweet spot between visual quality and frame rate. For instance, lowering shadows or ambient occlusion can often provide a noticeable boost in FPS without significantly impacting the overall visual experience. Furthermore, ensure that your drivers are up to date, as NVIDIA regularly releases updates that can improve performance and stability. By staying proactive with driver updates and game settings, you can maximize the potential of the ASUS GTX 1660 Super OC 6GB GDDR6 and enjoy countless hours of smooth, immersive gaming.

Pros and Cons

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

Pros:

  • Excellent 1080p performance
  • Affordable price point
  • Factory overclocked for extra performance
  • Efficient cooling solution
  • Compact design for easy installation

Cons:

  • Not ideal for high-resolution (1440p or 4K) gaming at high settings
  • Lacks ray tracing capabilities (unlike the RTX series)
  • May struggle with the most demanding titles at ultra settings

Ultimately, the ASUS GTX 1660 Super OC 6GB GDDR6 shines as a mid-range graphics card, offering a sweet spot of performance and value. While it may not be the top choice for hardcore gamers who demand the highest frame rates at 4K resolution, it's an excellent option for those who prioritize 1080p gaming at high settings without breaking the bank. The factory overclock provides a noticeable boost in performance compared to the base GTX 1660 Super, ensuring smoother gameplay and a more immersive experience. The efficient cooling solution also contributes to consistent performance, preventing thermal throttling and extending the lifespan of the card. However, it's essential to consider the limitations of this card. It may struggle with the most demanding titles at ultra settings, and it lacks the ray tracing capabilities of the RTX series. If you're looking for a future-proof graphics card that can handle the latest visual effects, you might want to consider investing in a higher-end option. Nevertheless, for gamers who primarily play at 1080p and prioritize affordability, the ASUS GTX 1660 Super OC remains a compelling choice.

Alternatives to Consider

If the ASUS GTX 1660 Super OC 6GB GDDR6 isn't quite what you're looking for, here are a few alternatives to consider:

  • NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050: A step up in performance, with ray tracing capabilities.
  • AMD Radeon RX 6600: Competes directly with the RTX 3050, offering similar performance and features.
  • NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti: A slightly more powerful option than the GTX 1660 Super, but often at a higher price point.
  • Used NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060: Can sometimes be found at a similar price point, offering better performance and ray tracing.

When evaluating these alternatives, consider your budget, the resolution you plan to game at, and whether you value features like ray tracing. The RTX 3050 and RX 6600 are excellent choices if you want to future-proof your system and enjoy the latest visual effects. The GTX 1660 Ti offers a slight performance boost over the GTX 1660 Super, but it may not be worth the extra cost unless you find it at a significantly discounted price. Exploring the used market for an RTX 2060 can be a great way to get more performance for your money, but be sure to thoroughly test the card before purchasing to ensure it's in good working condition. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual needs and preferences.

Final Verdict

So, what's the final word on the ASUS GTX 1660 Super OC 6GB GDDR6? It's a fantastic card for 1080p gaming, offering a great balance of performance, features, and affordability. If you're building a budget-friendly gaming PC or upgrading from an older card, this is a solid choice. While it may not be the most powerful card on the market, it delivers excellent value for its price point. The ASUS GTX 1660 Super OC 6GB GDDR6 stands out as a reliable and efficient mid-range graphics card that caters to the needs of gamers who prioritize 1080p gaming at high settings. Its factory overclocked nature provides a noticeable boost in performance, ensuring smoother gameplay and a more immersive experience. The efficient cooling solution contributes to consistent performance, preventing thermal throttling and extending the lifespan of the card. While it may not be the top choice for hardcore gamers who demand the highest frame rates at 4K resolution, it's an excellent option for those who want to enjoy modern games without breaking the bank. Considering its affordability and performance, the ASUS GTX 1660 Super OC is a worthy investment for gamers seeking a smooth and enjoyable 1080p gaming experience.