GPU Comparison

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

Quick Verdict

On raw speed the GeForce GTX 1660 comes out dramatically faster — about 43% ahead of the GeForce GTX 980. 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
NVIDIA
GeForce GTX 1660
Price
€230
Performance
10%
VRAM
6 GB GDDR5
Key Specs Advantage
+47% Boost Clock (1,785 MHz vs 1,216 MHz)
Price
€824
Performance
7%
VRAM
4 GB GDDR5
Key Specs Advantage
+45% CUDA Cores (2,048 vs 1,408)
+33% Memory Bus (256-bit vs 192-bit)
+17% Bandwidth (224.3 GB/s vs 192 GB/s)

GeForce GTX 1660 vs GeForce GTX 980: In-Depth Breakdown

Performance: GeForce GTX 1660 vs GeForce GTX 980

The GeForce GTX 1660 is dramatically faster, around 43% ahead of the GeForce GTX 980. Both cards sit in the same broad class, well suited to entry-level 1080p.

Price & Value

The GeForce GTX 1660 currently lists from $230 EUR, $594 EUR less than the GeForce GTX 980 at $824 EUR. Because it's both faster and competitively priced, the GeForce GTX 1660 wins on performance-per-dollar by about 412%. The GeForce GTX 980 still sits about $275 EUR above its $549 EUR MSRP.

Power & Efficiency

At 120W against 165W, the GeForce GTX 1660 is both the lower-power and the more efficient card, making it the easier build to cool and power. Its more modern Turing architecture on a TSMC 12nm process is part of why it does more with each watt.

VRAM & Future-Proofing

The GeForce GTX 1660 carries 6GB versus 4GB on the GeForce GTX 980. The extra 2GB helps at 4K, with high-resolution texture packs, and for content-creation or local-AI workloads that exhaust smaller buffers. The GeForce GTX 980's memory is also faster — 224 GB/s versus 192 GB/s (256-bit vs 192-bit bus) — which helps feed the GPU at 4K and with heavy textures.

Generation & Longevity

The GeForce GTX 1660 is roughly 5 years newer than the GeForce GTX 980 (Turing vs Maxwell), so it generally benefits from a more modern architecture and longer driver-support runway.

Which should you buy: GeForce GTX 1660 or GeForce GTX 980?

The GeForce GTX 1660 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 980 if you find it at a steep discount.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the GeForce GTX 1660 better than the GeForce GTX 980?

The GeForce GTX 1660 is dramatically faster, roughly 43% ahead. If your budget allows, it's the stronger pick.

Which is better for 4K gaming, the GeForce GTX 1660 or the GeForce GTX 980?

Neither is a dedicated 4K card; both are best at entry-level 1080p. For 4K you'd want a faster GPU, or lean on upscaling.

Is the GeForce GTX 980 worth the extra $594 EUR over the GeForce GTX 1660?

Only if you need the extra performance or features; on pure value the GeForce GTX 1660 comes out ahead.

Does the GeForce GTX 1660 have enough VRAM advantage to matter?

Its 6GB (vs 4GB) 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 GTX 980
ArchitectureTuringMaxwell
Process NodeTSMC 12nmTSMC 28nm
CUDA Cores (CUDA Cores / CUDA Cores)1,4082,048

Clock Speeds

SpecificationGeForce GTX 1660GeForce GTX 980
Base Clock1,530 MHz1,126 MHz
Boost Clock1,785 MHz1,216 MHz

Memory

SpecificationGeForce GTX 1660GeForce GTX 980
VRAM Capacity6 GB4 GB
Memory TypeGDDR5GDDR5
Memory Bus192-bit256-bit
Memory Speed8 Gbps7 Gbps
Bandwidth192 GB/s224.3 GB/s

Connectivity & Power

SpecificationGeForce GTX 1660GeForce GTX 980
InterfacePCIe 3.0 x16PCIe 3.0 x16
TDP120 W165 W
Power Connectors1x 8-pin2x 6-pin
ReleasedMar 2019Sep 2014