GPU Comparison

Select up to 2 GPUs to analyze their pricing, performance, and specifications side-by-side.

Quick Verdict

On raw speed the GeForce RTX 3090 comes out dramatically faster — about 290% ahead of the GeForce GTX 1660. It also wins on performance-per-dollar, making it the cleaner choice when you can afford it.

Maximum Capacity Reached. Remove a model to add another. (2/2)

VS
Price
$395 CAD
Performance
10%
VRAM
6 GB GDDR5
Key Specs Advantage
+5% Boost Clock (1,785 MHz vs 1,695 MHz)
NVIDIA
GeForce RTX 3090
Price
$1,990 CAD
Performance
39%
VRAM
24 GB GDDR6X
Key Specs Advantage
+645% CUDA Cores (10,496 vs 1,408)
+388% Bandwidth (936 GB/s vs 192 GB/s)
+100% Memory Bus (384-bit vs 192-bit)

GeForce RTX 3090 vs GeForce GTX 1660: In-Depth Breakdown

Performance: GeForce RTX 3090 vs GeForce GTX 1660

The GeForce RTX 3090 is dramatically faster, around 290% ahead of the GeForce GTX 1660. That gap is enough to move it up a tier: the GeForce RTX 3090 is comfortable at 1440p, while the GeForce GTX 1660 is better matched to entry-level 1080p. The GeForce RTX 3090 packs 10,496 CUDA cores versus 1,408 on the GeForce GTX 1660.

Price & Value

The GeForce GTX 1660 currently lists from $395 CAD, $405 CAD less than the GeForce RTX 3090 at $800 CAD. Because it's both faster and competitively priced, the GeForce RTX 3090 wins on performance-per-dollar by about 93%. The GeForce GTX 1660 still sits about $176 CAD above its $219 CAD MSRP. The GeForce RTX 3090 is trading below its $1,499 CAD MSRP — a genuine deal.

Power & Efficiency

On power, the GeForce GTX 1660 is the gentler choice at 120W versus 350W. The GeForce RTX 3090 is more efficient per watt because it's faster, but its higher 350W draw means more heat and a bigger PSU. Its more modern Ampere architecture on a Samsung 8nm process is part of why it does more with each watt.

VRAM & Future-Proofing

The GeForce RTX 3090 carries 24GB versus 6GB on the GeForce GTX 1660. The extra 18GB helps at 4K, with high-resolution texture packs, and for content-creation or local-AI workloads that exhaust smaller buffers. The GeForce RTX 3090's memory is also faster — 936 GB/s versus 192 GB/s (384-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 3090?

The GeForce RTX 3090 is the all-round winner here — it's faster and the better value, so buy it if it fits your budget. Only consider the GeForce GTX 1660 if you find it at a steep discount.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the GeForce RTX 3090 better than the GeForce GTX 1660?

The GeForce RTX 3090 is dramatically faster, roughly 290% ahead. If your budget allows, it's the stronger pick.

Which is better for 4K gaming, the GeForce GTX 1660 or the GeForce RTX 3090?

Neither is a dedicated 4K card; both are best at 1440p. For 4K you'd want a faster GPU, or lean on upscaling.

Is the GeForce RTX 3090 worth the extra $405 CAD over the GeForce GTX 1660?

Often yes — despite the higher price the GeForce RTX 3090 delivers better performance-per-dollar here.

Does the GeForce RTX 3090 have enough VRAM advantage to matter?

Its 24GB (vs 6GB) gives real headroom for 4K, heavy texture mods, and creative/AI work. At 1080p the gap matters less.

Technical Specifications Comparison

Architecture & Cores

SpecificationGeForce GTX 1660GeForce RTX 3090
ArchitectureTuringAmpere
Process NodeTSMC 12nmSamsung 8nm
CUDA Cores (CUDA Cores / CUDA Cores)1,40810,496
Ray Tracing Cores82
Tensor / AI Cores328

Clock Speeds

SpecificationGeForce GTX 1660GeForce RTX 3090
Base Clock1,530 MHz1,395 MHz
Boost Clock1,785 MHz1,695 MHz

Memory

SpecificationGeForce GTX 1660GeForce RTX 3090
VRAM Capacity6 GB24 GB
Memory TypeGDDR5GDDR6X
Memory Bus192-bit384-bit
Memory Speed8 Gbps19.5 Gbps
Bandwidth192 GB/s936 GB/s

Connectivity & Power

SpecificationGeForce GTX 1660GeForce RTX 3090
InterfacePCIe 3.0 x16PCIe 4.0 x16
TDP120 W350 W
Power Connectors1x 8-pin1x 12-pin
ReleasedMar 2019Sep 2020