GeForce GTX 1660 vs GeForce RTX 2060 12GB
The GeForce RTX 2060 12GB is a massive performance leap — leading the GeForce GTX 1660 by roughly 40% in our performance index. The GeForce GTX 1660, however, delivers more performance per dollar — $128 GBP cheaper.
Maximum Capacity Reached. Remove a model to add another. (2/2)
GeForce RTX 2060 12GB vs GeForce GTX 1660: In-Depth Breakdown
Performance: GeForce RTX 2060 12GB vs GeForce GTX 1660
The GeForce RTX 2060 12GB is dramatically faster, around 40% ahead of the GeForce GTX 1660. That gap is enough to move it up a tier: the GeForce RTX 2060 12GB is comfortable at 1080p, while the GeForce GTX 1660 is better matched to entry-level 1080p. The GeForce RTX 2060 12GB packs 2,176 CUDA cores versus 1,408 on the GeForce GTX 1660.
Price & Value
On price, expect to pay $158 GBP for the GeForce GTX 1660 versus $287 GBP for the GeForce RTX 2060 12GB. Despite being slower, the GeForce GTX 1660 offers the better performance-per-dollar (~29% better value), so budget-focused buyers should weigh it carefully. The GeForce GTX 1660 is trading below its $219 GBP MSRP — a genuine deal.
Power & Efficiency
The GeForce GTX 1660 draws just 120W versus 184W for the GeForce RTX 2060 12GB, and it also delivers more performance per watt — so it runs cooler and quieter and needs less PSU headroom.
VRAM & Future-Proofing
With 12GB against 6GB, the GeForce RTX 2060 12GB has more headroom for 4K textures and memory-hungry creative/AI tasks where the GeForce GTX 1660's 6GB can fall short. The GeForce RTX 2060 12GB's memory is also faster — 336 GB/s versus 192 GB/s — which helps feed the GPU at 4K and with heavy textures.
Generation & Longevity
The GeForce RTX 2060 12GB is roughly 2 years newer than the GeForce GTX 1660, so it generally benefits from a more modern architecture and longer driver-support runway.
Which should you buy: GeForce GTX 1660 or GeForce RTX 2060 12GB?
Choose the GeForce RTX 2060 12GB 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 2060 12GB better than the GeForce GTX 1660?
Which is better for 4K gaming, the GeForce GTX 1660 or the GeForce RTX 2060 12GB?
Is the GeForce RTX 2060 12GB worth the extra $128 GBP over the GeForce GTX 1660?
Does the GeForce RTX 2060 12GB have enough VRAM advantage to matter?
Which should you buy: GeForce GTX 1660 or GeForce RTX 2060 12GB?
Technical Specifications Comparison
Architecture & Cores
| Specification | GeForce GTX 1660 | GeForce RTX 2060 12GB |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Turing | Turing |
| Process Node | TSMC 12nm | TSMC 12nm |
| CUDA Cores (CUDA Cores / CUDA Cores) | 1,408 | 2,176✓ |
Clock Speeds
| Specification | GeForce GTX 1660 | GeForce RTX 2060 12GB |
|---|---|---|
| Base Clock | 1,530 MHz✓ | 1,470 MHz |
| Boost Clock | 1,785 MHz✓ | 1,650 MHz |
Memory
| Specification | GeForce GTX 1660 | GeForce RTX 2060 12GB |
|---|---|---|
| VRAM Capacity | 6 GB | 12 GB✓ |
| Memory Type | GDDR5 | GDDR6 |
| Memory Bus | 192-bit | 192-bit |
| Memory Speed | 8 Gbps | 14 Gbps✓ |
| Bandwidth | 192 GB/s | 336 GB/s✓ |
Connectivity & Power
| Specification | GeForce GTX 1660 | GeForce RTX 2060 12GB |
|---|---|---|
| Interface | PCIe 3.0 x16 | PCIe 3.0 x16 |
| TDP | 120 W✓ | 184 W |
| Power Connectors | 1x 8-pin | 1x 8-pin |
| Released | Mar 2019 | Dec 2021 |