GPU Comparison

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

Quick Verdict

The GeForce GTX 1660 is dramatically faster than the GeForce GTX 970, leading by roughly 57% in our performance index. It is also the stronger value pick here, so it's the easy recommendation if your budget allows.

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

VS
NVIDIA
GeForce GTX 1660
Price
Β£59
Perf Index
11%
Value Score
0.187
VRAM6GB GDDR5
Thermal TDP120W
Price
Β£237
Perf Index
7%
Value Score
0.029
VRAM4GB GDDR5
Thermal TDP145W

GeForce GTX 1660 vs GeForce GTX 970: In-Depth Breakdown

Performance: GeForce GTX 1660 vs GeForce GTX 970

The GeForce GTX 1660 is dramatically faster, around 57% ahead of the GeForce GTX 970. Both cards sit in the same broad class, well suited to entry-level 1080p.

Price & Value

Right now the GeForce GTX 1660 starts at $59 GBP against $237 GBP for the GeForce GTX 970. Because it's both faster and competitively priced, the GeForce GTX 1660 wins on performance-per-dollar by about 533%. The GeForce GTX 1660 is trading below its $219 GBP MSRP β€” a genuine deal. The GeForce GTX 970 is trading below its $329 GBP MSRP β€” a genuine deal.

Power & Efficiency

The GeForce GTX 1660 draws just 120W versus 145W for the GeForce GTX 970, and it also delivers more performance per watt β€” so it runs cooler and quieter and needs less PSU headroom. Its more modern Turing architecture on a TSMC 12nm process is part of why it does more with each watt.

VRAM & Future-Proofing

With 6GB against 4GB, the GeForce GTX 1660 has more headroom for 4K textures and memory-hungry creative/AI tasks where the GeForce GTX 970's 4GB can fall short. The GeForce GTX 970's memory is also faster β€” 224 GB/s versus 192 GB/s (256-bit vs 192-bit bus) β€” 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 970 (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 970?

The GeForce GTX 1660 is the all-round winner here β€” it's faster and the better value, so buy it if it fits your budget. Only consider the GeForce GTX 970 if you find it at a steep discount.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the GeForce GTX 1660 better than the GeForce GTX 970?

The GeForce GTX 1660 is dramatically faster, roughly 57% ahead. If your budget allows, it's the stronger pick.

Which is better for 4K gaming, the GeForce GTX 1660 or the GeForce GTX 970?

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 970 worth the extra $178 GBP 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.