Is the GTX 1660 Super worth buying?
The GeForce GTX 1660 Super is an older, entry-level gaming card. It can still make sense for affordable 1080p gaming, especially if you already own a compatible PC or find a clean used card at a low price. But it has just 6GB of video memory, lacks hardware ray tracing, and is no longer a good choice at prices close to newer GPUs.
Before shopping, compare its used price with current entry-level cards and check how the games you play perform on your system. The 1660 Super suits lighter games, older releases, and reduced settings. Newer games can demand more than its memory allows, causing stutter or forcing lower texture quality even when average frame rates seem acceptable.
What performance to expect
Expect solid results in esports games and older titles at 1080p, often with medium-to-high settings depending on the game. Demanding modern releases are a different story: you may need low or medium settings, reduced textures, and sometimes an upscaling option to keep gameplay smooth. Performance varies with the game, CPU, and settings, so treat broad claims about a fixed frame rate with caution.
The card is based on an older design and does not support hardware-accelerated ray tracing. Its 6GB of VRAM is the bigger practical constraint. If you want to play recent games with high-resolution textures, or keep a graphics card for several more years, a newer model with more memory is a safer buy.
Compare your options
| Option | Best for | Main trade-off | Buying advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Used GTX 1660 Super | Low-cost 1080p and lighter games | 6GB VRAM; no hardware ray tracing | Consider it only at a clear discount, with a return option if possible. |
| Newer entry-level GPU | New builds and recent games | Costs more upfront | Compare memory capacity, warranty, power needs, and game performance. |
| Keep your current GPU | Anyone whose existing card still meets their needs | You miss out on a performance increase | Often the best value if an upgrade would be small. |
New or used: what to buy
Most 1660 Super cards are now found used, and that can be reasonable if the price is low enough. Search for a used GTX 1660 Super, but compare listings carefully: the same GPU may be sold by different board partners with different cooler designs, condition, and warranty coverage.
Ask for the exact model, photos of the card and its ports, and proof that it works under load. A card that has spent years running hot may have noisy or failing fans, while dust, corrosion, or damaged connectors can signal trouble. Avoid listings that provide no returns, hide the card’s condition, or offer an implausibly low price. If possible, test it before the return window closes: check for visual artifacts, crashes, fan noise, and temperatures during a game or graphics test.
A new 1660 Super is usually hard to justify unless it costs less than a meaningfully faster, newer card. Check the total price, not just the sticker price, and don’t pay extra for an old card’s unused-game bundle or elaborate cooler. If a current entry-level GPU is only a little more, its warranty and extra memory may be worth the difference. Compare available entry-level gaming cards with 8GB of VRAM against the 1660 Super before deciding.
Check your PC before buying
The GTX 1660 Super typically draws power through one 8-pin PCIe connector, but check the specific card’s requirements before purchase. Confirm that your power supply has the right connector and adequate capacity; don’t rely on an unsuitable adapter as a fix. Also measure your case, since partner cards vary in length and thickness. A card that blocks nearby slots or cannot fit the case is a costly mistake.
For a big performance improvement, the rest of the PC matters. A very old or low-end CPU can limit frame rates, particularly in competitive games. If your current GPU is already close to the 1660 Super, upgrading the graphics card alone may not be worthwhile. And if your aim is higher-resolution gaming, video editing, or demanding new releases, saving for a stronger card is usually better than buying the 1660 Super as a temporary fix.
Who should buy it?
Buy a GTX 1660 Super if your budget is tight, you play mostly lighter or older games at 1080p, and you can verify the card’s condition. It is also a reasonable replacement when your current GPU has failed and you need an inexpensive stopgap. A used listing with a return period is safer than a no-returns bargain.
Skip it if you expect high settings in the newest games, want ray tracing, or plan to keep the card through several future game releases. The 6GB memory limit will become more noticeable as games get heavier. In those cases, save for a newer GPU with more VRAM rather than stretching the lifespan of an old design.
FAQ
Is the GTX 1660 Super still good for 1080p gaming?
Yes, for esports, older games, and many less demanding titles. New releases may require low settings or reduced texture quality, and performance varies by game.
Is 6GB of VRAM enough?
It can be enough for lighter 1080p gaming, but it limits newer games and high-resolution textures. If you want more headroom, look for a newer card with more memory.
Should I buy a used GTX 1660 Super?
Only if the price is low, the card’s condition is clear, and you have a way to return or test it. Check the fans, connectors, temperatures, and stability.
Does the GTX 1660 Super support ray tracing?
It does not have dedicated hardware for ray tracing, so it is not the right choice if ray-traced effects are important to you.
