GeForce GTX 1660 vs GeForce RTX 3050 6GB
Raw performance is basically a wash between the GeForce GTX 1660 and GeForce RTX 3050 6GB — the gap is within margin of error. But the GeForce RTX 3050 6GB is the better value, undercutting it by $46,577 JPY for the performance you get.
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GeForce GTX 1660 vs GeForce RTX 3050 6GB: In-Depth Breakdown
Performance: GeForce GTX 1660 vs GeForce RTX 3050 6GB
The GeForce GTX 1660 and GeForce RTX 3050 6GB post nearly the same score in our performance index, so neither holds a meaningful raw-speed advantage. Both are best suited to entry-level 1080p gaming.
Price & Value
Pricing has the GeForce RTX 3050 6GB at $34,980 JPY, $46,577 JPY under the GeForce GTX 1660's $81,557 JPY. Despite being slower, the GeForce RTX 3050 6GB offers the better performance-per-dollar (~133% better value), so budget-focused buyers should weigh it carefully. The GeForce RTX 3050 6GB still sits about $34,811 JPY above its $169 JPY MSRP. The GeForce GTX 1660 still sits about $81,338 JPY above its $219 JPY MSRP.
Power & Efficiency
Power draw favors the GeForce GTX 1660 (120W vs 130W), and it's the more efficient card too, so it's the easy pick if thermals or a smaller PSU matter.
Memory & Bandwidth
The GeForce RTX 3050 6GB's memory is faster — 224 GB/s versus 192 GB/s (128-bit vs 192-bit bus) — which helps feed the GPU at 4K and with heavy textures.
Generation & Longevity
The GeForce RTX 3050 6GB is roughly 3 years newer than the GeForce GTX 1660 (Ampere vs Turing), so it generally benefits from a more modern architecture and longer driver-support runway.
Which should you buy: GeForce GTX 1660 or GeForce RTX 3050 6GB?
Choose the GeForce GTX 1660 if you want the most performance and can absorb the higher price. If you're optimizing for value, the GeForce RTX 3050 6GB stretches your money further for near-identical performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the GeForce GTX 1660 better than the GeForce RTX 3050 6GB?
Which is better for 4K gaming, the GeForce GTX 1660 or the GeForce RTX 3050 6GB?
Is the GeForce GTX 1660 worth the extra $46,577 JPY over the GeForce RTX 3050 6GB?
Which should you buy: GeForce GTX 1660 or GeForce RTX 3050 6GB?
Technical Specifications Comparison
Architecture & Cores
| Specification | GeForce GTX 1660 | GeForce RTX 3050 6GB |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Turing | Ampere |
| Process Node | TSMC 12nm | Samsung 8nm |
| CUDA Cores (CUDA Cores / CUDA Cores) | 1,408 | 2,560✓ |
| Ray Tracing Cores | — | 20 |
| Tensor / AI Cores | — | 80 |
Clock Speeds
| Specification | GeForce GTX 1660 | GeForce RTX 3050 6GB |
|---|---|---|
| Base Clock | 1,530 MHz | 1,552 MHz✓ |
| Boost Clock | 1,785 MHz✓ | 1,777 MHz |
Memory
| Specification | GeForce GTX 1660 | GeForce RTX 3050 6GB |
|---|---|---|
| VRAM Capacity | 6 GB | 6 GB |
| Memory Type | GDDR5 | GDDR6 |
| Memory Bus | 192-bit✓ | 128-bit |
| Memory Speed | 8 Gbps | 14 Gbps✓ |
| Bandwidth | 192 GB/s | 224 GB/s✓ |
Connectivity & Power
| Specification | GeForce GTX 1660 | GeForce RTX 3050 6GB |
|---|---|---|
| Interface | PCIe 3.0 x16 | PCIe 4.0 x8 |
| TDP | 120 W✓ | 130 W |
| Power Connectors | 1x 8-pin | 1x 8-pin |
| Released | Mar 2019 | Jan 2022 |