GeForce GTX 1660 vs GeForce RTX 2070
Performance-wise the GeForce RTX 2070 is out front, dramatically faster, roughly 50% up on the GeForce GTX 1660. Value tips toward the GeForce GTX 1660, though: $165 CAD cheaper for what you get.
Maximum Capacity Reached. Remove a model to add another. (2/2)
GeForce RTX 2070 vs GeForce GTX 1660: In-Depth Breakdown
Performance: GeForce RTX 2070 vs GeForce GTX 1660
The GeForce RTX 2070 is dramatically faster, around 50% ahead of the GeForce GTX 1660. That gap is enough to move it up a tier: the GeForce RTX 2070 is comfortable at 1080p, while the GeForce GTX 1660 is better matched to entry-level 1080p. The GeForce RTX 2070 packs 2,304 CUDA cores versus 1,408 on the GeForce GTX 1660.
Price & Value
Right now the GeForce GTX 1660 starts at $95 CAD against $260 CAD for the GeForce RTX 2070. Despite being slower, the GeForce GTX 1660 offers the better performance-per-dollar (~82% better value), so budget-focused buyers should weigh it carefully. The GeForce GTX 1660 is trading below its $219 CAD MSRP — a genuine deal. The GeForce RTX 2070 is trading below its $499 CAD MSRP — a genuine deal.
Power & Efficiency
The GeForce GTX 1660 is the lighter draw at 120W against the GeForce RTX 2070's 175W, making it the easier card to power and cool. The GeForce RTX 2070 draws more in absolute terms but squeezes out more performance per watt, so budget for a beefier PSU if you go that route.
VRAM & Future-Proofing
The GeForce RTX 2070's 8GB (vs 6GB on the GeForce GTX 1660) gives it more room for 4K textures and memory-hungry creative or AI workloads. The GeForce RTX 2070's memory is also faster — 448 GB/s versus 192 GB/s (256-bit vs 192-bit bus) — which helps feed the GPU at 4K and with heavy textures.
Which should you buy: GeForce GTX 1660 or GeForce RTX 2070?
Choose the GeForce RTX 2070 if you want the most performance and can absorb the higher price. If you're optimizing for value, the GeForce GTX 1660 stretches your money further for only slightly lower performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the GeForce RTX 2070 better than the GeForce GTX 1660?
Which is better for 4K gaming, the GeForce GTX 1660 or the GeForce RTX 2070?
Is the GeForce RTX 2070 worth the extra $165 CAD over the GeForce GTX 1660?
Does the GeForce RTX 2070 have enough VRAM advantage to matter?
Which should you buy: GeForce GTX 1660 or GeForce RTX 2070?
Technical Specifications Comparison
Architecture & Cores
| Specification | GeForce GTX 1660 | GeForce RTX 2070 |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Turing | Turing |
| Process Node | TSMC 12nm | TSMC 12nm |
| CUDA Cores (CUDA Cores / CUDA Cores) | 1,408 | 2,304✓ |
| Ray Tracing Cores | — | 36 |
| Tensor / AI Cores | — | 288 |
Clock Speeds
| Specification | GeForce GTX 1660 | GeForce RTX 2070 |
|---|---|---|
| Base Clock | 1,530 MHz✓ | 1,410 MHz |
| Boost Clock | 1,785 MHz✓ | 1,620 MHz |
Memory
| Specification | GeForce GTX 1660 | GeForce RTX 2070 |
|---|---|---|
| VRAM Capacity | 6 GB | 8 GB✓ |
| Memory Type | GDDR5 | GDDR6 |
| Memory Bus | 192-bit | 256-bit✓ |
| Memory Speed | 8 Gbps | 14 Gbps✓ |
| Bandwidth | 192 GB/s | 448 GB/s✓ |
Connectivity & Power
| Specification | GeForce GTX 1660 | GeForce RTX 2070 |
|---|---|---|
| Interface | PCIe 3.0 x16 | PCIe 3.0 x16 |
| TDP | 120 W✓ | 175 W |
| Power Connectors | 1x 8-pin | 1x 8-pin |
| Released | Mar 2019 | Oct 2018 |