Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into a head-to-head comparison of two popular graphics cards: the RTX 2080 Super and the GTX 1660 Super. If you're in the market for a new GPU or just curious about how these two stack up, you've come to the right place. We'll break down their specs, performance, features, and ultimately, help you decide which one offers the best bang for your buck. Let's get started!

Overview of RTX 2080 Super

The RTX 2080 Super was introduced as a high-end graphics card, designed to deliver exceptional gaming performance at high resolutions and settings. Built on the Turing architecture, it boasts features like real-time ray tracing and DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling), enhancing visual fidelity and performance in supported games. The RTX 2080 Super aimed to bridge the gap between the RTX 2080 and the flagship RTX 2080 Ti, offering a compelling option for gamers seeking top-tier performance without breaking the bank entirely. This GPU came packed with 8GB of GDDR6 memory and a robust number of CUDA cores, ensuring smooth gameplay and excellent graphical fidelity in demanding titles. For gamers and content creators alike, the RTX 2080 Super was a powerhouse capable of handling virtually anything thrown at it.

When the RTX 2080 Super hit the scene, it was all about bringing that high-end, drool-worthy performance to a slightly more accessible price point. We're talking about a card that could chew through the latest AAA games at 1440p and even 4K resolutions without breaking a sweat. The inclusion of ray tracing was a big deal, promising to bring a whole new level of realism to gaming visuals. Plus, with DLSS, you could crank up those graphics settings without sacrificing precious frames per second. It wasn't just about raw power, though. The RTX 2080 Super also brought improved efficiency and thermal performance compared to its predecessor, making it a more refined and well-rounded option for serious gamers. For those looking to max out their gaming experience, the RTX 2080 Super was definitely a card to consider. Its robust architecture and advanced features ensured that it remained a relevant and powerful choice for quite some time.

The RTX 2080 Super isn't just about gaming; it's a solid choice for content creators too. Whether you're editing videos, rendering 3D models, or diving into graphic design, this card has the horsepower to handle it all. The CUDA cores and ample memory make complex tasks run smoothly, and the support for technologies like NVENC can significantly speed up video encoding. This means you can spend less time waiting for your projects to render and more time actually creating. The RTX 2080 Super also offers excellent compatibility with professional software, ensuring that you can seamlessly integrate it into your existing workflow. So, if you're a content creator looking for a reliable and powerful GPU, the RTX 2080 Super is definitely worth considering. It's a versatile card that can handle both gaming and creative tasks with ease, making it a valuable investment for anyone serious about their craft. Ultimately, the RTX 2080 Super aimed to deliver a premium experience, combining cutting-edge features with the raw power needed to handle the most demanding games and applications.

Overview of GTX 1660 Super

The GTX 1660 Super, on the other hand, was positioned as a mid-range graphics card, targeting gamers looking for excellent 1080p performance at a more affordable price. Based on the Turing architecture (without the ray tracing and DLSS cores found in the RTX series), the GTX 1660 Super offered a significant upgrade over the original GTX 1660, primarily due to its faster GDDR6 memory. This allowed it to compete effectively with the GTX 1660 Ti while maintaining a lower price point. The GTX 1660 Super was designed to provide a smooth and enjoyable gaming experience in a wide range of titles, without requiring users to break the bank. It quickly became a popular choice for budget-conscious gamers who still wanted respectable performance and modern features.

When the GTX 1660 Super arrived, it was all about bringing that sweet spot of performance and affordability to the masses. It was designed as a direct upgrade to the original GTX 1660, and the key difference was the move to GDDR6 memory. This seemingly small change made a huge impact, boosting performance to levels that rivaled the more expensive GTX 1660 Ti in many scenarios. For gamers targeting 1080p resolution, the GTX 1660 Super was an absolute gem, delivering smooth frame rates in most titles without requiring you to dial down the settings too much. It was also a great option for older systems, as it didn't require a super beefy power supply or the latest motherboard. The GTX 1660 Super quickly became a favorite among budget-conscious gamers who wanted a solid, reliable card that could handle their favorite games without emptying their wallets. Its value proposition was undeniable, making it one of the most popular mid-range GPUs on the market.

The GTX 1660 Super isn't just a great option for gamers; it's also a solid choice for those who need a reliable GPU for everyday tasks and light content creation. While it may not have the raw power of the RTX 2080 Super, it's still capable of handling video editing, graphic design, and even some 3D rendering tasks without too much trouble. The Turing architecture provides excellent efficiency, meaning it won't suck up too much power or generate excessive heat. This makes it a great option for smaller form factor PCs or systems with limited cooling capabilities. The GTX 1660 Super also supports modern features like NVENC, which can significantly speed up video encoding, making it a practical choice for content creators on a budget. So, if you're looking for a versatile and affordable GPU that can handle a variety of tasks, the GTX 1660 Super is definitely worth considering. It's a reliable workhorse that won't break the bank, making it a smart choice for many users.

Key Differences and Specifications

To really understand the difference between these two cards, let's dive into their specifications:

As you can see, the RTX 2080 Super boasts significantly more CUDA cores, higher memory bandwidth, and the inclusion of ray tracing and DLSS capabilities. The GTX 1660 Super, on the other hand, is more power-efficient and comes at a lower price point.

Performance Comparison

In terms of performance, the RTX 2080 Super generally outperforms the GTX 1660 Super by a significant margin, especially at higher resolutions like 1440p and 4K. In most games, you can expect the RTX 2080 Super to deliver significantly higher frame rates and smoother gameplay. However, the GTX 1660 Super still holds its own at 1080p, providing a playable experience in most titles, often at medium to high settings. The RTX 2080 Super shines in visually demanding games and those that take advantage of ray tracing and DLSS, offering a noticeably more immersive experience. If you're looking for the best possible performance and visual fidelity, the RTX 2080 Super is the clear winner. But if you're on a budget and primarily game at 1080p, the GTX 1660 Super is a very capable option.

The performance gap between the RTX 2080 Super and the GTX 1660 Super is quite noticeable, especially when you start cranking up the graphics settings. In titles like Cyberpunk 2077 or Assassin's Creed Valhalla, the RTX 2080 Super can maintain smooth frame rates at 1440p or even 4K, while the GTX 1660 Super might struggle to keep up, requiring you to lower the resolution or settings to achieve playable frame rates. However, in less demanding games like esports titles such as Counter-Strike: Global Offensive or Valorant, the GTX 1660 Super can still deliver excellent performance at 1080p, often reaching high refresh rates. The RTX 2080 Super's advantage becomes even more apparent when ray tracing is enabled. Games like Control or Metro Exodus showcase the stunning visual enhancements that ray tracing can bring, and the RTX 2080 Super has the horsepower to handle these effects without sacrificing too much performance. Overall, the RTX 2080 Super is the clear winner in terms of raw performance, but the GTX 1660 Super is still a viable option for budget-conscious gamers who are willing to make some compromises.

When comparing these two GPUs, it's important to consider the types of games you play and the resolution you're targeting. If you're primarily playing older titles or esports games at 1080p, the GTX 1660 Super will likely provide a satisfactory experience without breaking the bank. However, if you're eager to dive into the latest AAA games with all the eye candy turned on, the RTX 2080 Super is the better choice. Its ability to handle higher resolutions and demanding graphical effects ensures a smoother and more immersive gaming experience. Furthermore, if you're interested in exploring the world of ray tracing, the RTX 2080 Super is the only option, as the GTX 1660 Super lacks the necessary hardware. Ultimately, the best GPU for you depends on your individual needs and budget. The RTX 2080 Super offers superior performance, but the GTX 1660 Super provides excellent value for money, making it a popular choice for budget-conscious gamers.

Features and Technologies

The RTX 2080 Super has several key features and technologies that set it apart. The most notable is its support for real-time ray tracing, which simulates the physical behavior of light to create more realistic and immersive visuals. It also supports DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling), an AI-powered technology that can boost performance without sacrificing image quality. These features can significantly enhance the gaming experience in supported titles. The GTX 1660 Super lacks these features, as it does not have the dedicated hardware (RT and Tensor cores) required to run them. However, it still supports other NVIDIA technologies like Ansel and ShadowPlay, which allow you to capture and share your gameplay moments.

Ray tracing and DLSS are two game-changing technologies that give the RTX 2080 Super a distinct advantage. Ray tracing brings a whole new level of realism to gaming visuals, with accurate reflections, shadows, and lighting effects that were previously impossible to achieve. Imagine walking through a rain-soaked city in Cyberpunk 2077 and seeing the neon lights reflecting realistically off the puddles on the ground. That's the power of ray tracing. DLSS, on the other hand, uses artificial intelligence to upscale lower-resolution images to higher resolutions, resulting in sharper and more detailed visuals without sacrificing performance. This means you can crank up the graphics settings without worrying about frame rates dropping too low. The GTX 1660 Super simply can't compete with these technologies, as it lacks the dedicated hardware to run them effectively. While it does support other NVIDIA features like Ansel and ShadowPlay, these are more about capturing and sharing your gameplay rather than enhancing the visual experience. Overall, the RTX 2080 Super's advanced features make it a more future-proof and immersive option for gamers who want the best possible visuals.

Beyond ray tracing and DLSS, the RTX 2080 Super also offers a more robust set of features for content creators. Its CUDA cores and ample memory make it well-suited for tasks like video editing, 3D rendering, and graphic design. The GTX 1660 Super can handle these tasks as well, but it will likely take longer due to its lower specifications. The RTX 2080 Super also supports NVENC, NVIDIA's dedicated hardware encoder, which can significantly speed up video encoding and streaming. This is a valuable feature for content creators who want to produce high-quality videos quickly and efficiently. Furthermore, the RTX 2080 Super offers better compatibility with professional software, ensuring that you can seamlessly integrate it into your existing workflow. So, if you're a content creator who needs a powerful and versatile GPU, the RTX 2080 Super is definitely worth considering. It's a more future-proof investment that will allow you to tackle demanding tasks with ease.

Price and Value

When these cards were new, the RTX 2080 Super was significantly more expensive than the GTX 1660 Super. The price difference reflected the performance gap and the additional features offered by the RTX 2080 Super. However, on the used market, prices can vary widely. The GTX 1660 Super generally offers excellent value for budget-conscious gamers, while the RTX 2080 Super caters to those willing to pay a premium for top-tier performance and features. Consider your budget and the level of performance you require to determine which card offers the best value for you.

The price-to-performance ratio is a crucial factor when choosing between these two GPUs. The GTX 1660 Super shines in this area, offering excellent 1080p gaming performance at a very affordable price. You can often find it for a fraction of the cost of an RTX 2080 Super, making it a great option for budget-conscious gamers who want a solid and reliable card without breaking the bank. The RTX 2080 Super, on the other hand, offers significantly higher performance, but it comes at a much steeper price. While it may not offer the same price-to-performance ratio as the GTX 1660 Super, it's still a worthwhile investment for those who demand the best possible gaming experience and are willing to pay a premium for it. Ultimately, the best value depends on your individual needs and budget. If you're looking for the most bang for your buck, the GTX 1660 Super is the clear winner. But if you're willing to splurge for top-tier performance and features, the RTX 2080 Super is a more compelling option.

When evaluating the price and value of these two GPUs, it's also important to consider their long-term viability. The RTX 2080 Super's higher performance and advanced features like ray tracing and DLSS make it a more future-proof option. It will likely be able to handle newer games at higher settings for a longer period of time compared to the GTX 1660 Super. However, the GTX 1660 Super's affordability makes it a more accessible option for gamers who are on a tight budget or who don't necessarily need the latest and greatest features. It's also worth considering the used market, where you may be able to find these cards at significantly lower prices. In the end, the best value depends on your individual priorities and how much you're willing to spend on a graphics card. The RTX 2080 Super offers superior performance and features, but the GTX 1660 Super provides excellent value for money.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the RTX 2080 Super is the more powerful card, offering significantly better performance, ray tracing, and DLSS support. It's ideal for gamers who want the best possible experience at high resolutions and settings. The GTX 1660 Super, however, is an excellent budget-friendly option that delivers solid 1080p performance. Your choice depends on your budget and the level of performance you require.

Ultimately, the decision between the RTX 2080 Super and the GTX 1660 Super comes down to your individual needs and priorities. If you're a hardcore gamer who demands the best possible performance and is willing to pay a premium for it, the RTX 2080 Super is the clear winner. Its superior performance, ray tracing capabilities, and DLSS support make it a more future-proof and immersive option. However, if you're a budget-conscious gamer who primarily plays at 1080p, the GTX 1660 Super is a fantastic choice. It offers excellent value for money, delivering solid performance in most titles without breaking the bank. It's also a great option for those who are building a new PC on a tight budget or who simply don't need the extra horsepower of the RTX 2080 Super. So, weigh your options carefully, consider your budget, and choose the card that best suits your needs. Happy gaming!

Choosing between the RTX 2080 Super and the GTX 1660 Super requires a careful evaluation of your gaming habits, budget, and desired level of visual fidelity. The RTX 2080 Super is the clear choice for gamers who prioritize top-tier performance, ray tracing, and DLSS, and are willing to invest in a premium graphics card. It's a more future-proof option that will likely handle newer games at higher settings for a longer period of time. However, the GTX 1660 Super is an excellent choice for budget-conscious gamers who are primarily targeting 1080p resolution and are willing to make some compromises in terms of visual settings. It offers excellent value for money and delivers a solid gaming experience in most titles. Consider the types of games you play, the resolution you're targeting, and your budget when making your decision. Both cards are capable options, but they cater to different segments of the gaming market. Ultimately, the best choice is the one that best aligns with your individual needs and preferences. No matter which card you choose, you're sure to have a great gaming experience!