The GTX 980 vs 1660 Super debate remains surprisingly relevant for budget-conscious gamers. While the GTX 980 was NVIDIA’s flagship Maxwell GPU when it launched, the GTX 1660 Super belongs to a newer generation built on the more efficient Turing architecture.
Although both cards target 1080p gaming, they approach performance differently. The GTX 980 offers a wider memory bus and more raw horsepower for older titles, while the GTX 1660 Super benefits from architectural improvements, faster GDDR6 memory, lower power consumption, and better driver optimization.
In this comparison, we’ll examine gaming performance, specifications, efficiency, and value to help determine which card deserves a place in your gaming PC.
Feature-by-Feature Comparison Table
The table below provides a granular hardware specification analysis breakdown, highlighting structural, core count, and processing differences between both graphics processors.
Before diving into detailed analysis, here’s a side-by-side look at the key specifications.
| Feature | GTX 980 | GTX 1660 Super |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Maxwell | Turing |
| Launch Year | 2014 | 2019 |
| CUDA Cores | 2048 | 1408 |
| Base Clock | 1126 MHz | 1530 MHz |
| Boost Clock | 1216 MHz | 1785 MHz |
| VRAM | 4GB GDDR5 | 6GB GDDR6 |
| Memory Speed | 7 Gbps | 14 Gbps |
| Memory Bus | 256-bit | 192-bit |
| Memory Bandwidth | 224 GB/s | 336 GB/s |
| TDP | 165W | 125W |
| Recommended PSU | 500W | 450W |
| NVENC Encoder | Older Generation | Improved Turing Encoder |
| DLSS Support | No | No |
| Ray Tracing Support | No | No |
Quick Highlights Table
This quick reference summary details distinct platform features, driver long-term stability, and key generational advantages at a single glance.
If you’re short on time, these highlights summarize the most important differences.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| 1080p Gaming | GTX 1660 Super |
| Power Efficiency | GTX 1660 Super |
| VRAM Capacity | GTX 1660 Super |
| Streaming & Recording | GTX 1660 Super |
| Raw Compute Power | GTX 980 |
| Memory Bus Width | GTX 980 |
| Modern Driver Optimization | GTX 1660 Super |
| Overall Value Today | GTX 1660 Super |
Key Takeaways
When comparing GTX 980 vs 1660 Super, the differences extend beyond raw specifications.
Key Points
Evaluating cross-generational benchmarking data yields clear patterns regarding modern API runtime scenarios and legacy execution bottlenecks:
- VRAM Limitations: The 4GB frame buffer on the GTX 980 severely bottlenecks modern triple-A gaming engines at 1080p High/Ultra presets, causing asset pop-in and stuttering. The 1660 Super’s 6GB GDDR6 pool handles assets much more comfortably.
- Architectural Shading Power: Despite the GTX 980 possessing 2,048 CUDA cores compared to the 1660 Super’s 1,408, the 1660 Super outperforms it in modern games due to architectural improvements, such as concurrent floating-point and integer execution paths.
- Memory Bandwidth Supremacy: Utilizing advanced GDDR6 memory modules allows the GTX 1660 Super to reach 336 GB/s of bandwidth across a narrower 192-bit bus, outperforming the GTX 980’s 224 GB/s throughput.
- Driver Support Split: Modern game optimizations heavily target Turing architectures and newer. The older Maxwell core architecture inside the GTX 980 sees diminishing software refinements for recent game launches.
GTX 980 vs 1660 Super Gaming Performance
Gaming is where this comparison matters most.
At 1080p resolution, the GTX 1660 Super typically outperforms the GTX 980 by approximately 10–20% in modern AAA games. The advantage becomes more noticeable in newer titles that demand additional VRAM and benefit from architectural improvements.
Popular Game Performance (1080p High Settings)
| Game | GTX 980 | GTX 1660 Super |
|---|---|---|
| Cyberpunk 2077 | 40 FPS | 50 FPS |
| Hogwarts Legacy | 38 FPS | 48 FPS |
| Red Dead Redemption 2 | 50 FPS | 60 FPS |
| Fortnite | 95 FPS | 120 FPS |
| Apex Legends | 90 FPS | 115 FPS |
| Call of Duty Warzone | 55 FPS | 70 FPS |
The 6GB memory buffer on the GTX 1660 Super also reduces texture limitations and stuttering in modern games.
Power Consumption and Efficiency
One of the biggest advantages of the GTX 1660 Super is efficiency.
| Metric | GTX 980 | GTX 1660 Super |
|---|---|---|
| TDP | 165W | 125W |
| Process Node | 28nm | 12nm |
| Heat Output | Higher | Lower |
| Power Efficiency | Good | Excellent |
The newer manufacturing process allows the GTX 1660 Super to generate less heat while delivering superior performance.
For gamers with smaller cases or modest power supplies, this efficiency advantage can be significant.
GTX 980 vs 1660 Super for Streaming
If you stream gameplay or create content, the GTX 1660 Super is the clear winner.
The Turing-generation NVENC encoder provides:
- Better video quality
- Lower CPU usage
- Improved streaming performance
- More efficient game recording
Many streamers still use Turing NVENC because it offers quality comparable to x264 medium settings while requiring far fewer system resources.
Pros & Cons of GTX 980 vs 1660 Super
Choosing between these GPUs depends on your budget and workload.
GTX 980 Pros
- Strong performance in older games
- Wider 256-bit memory bus
- Often inexpensive on the used market
- Solid DX11 gaming performance
GTX 980 Cons
- Only 4GB VRAM
- Higher power consumption
- Older architecture
- Less future-proof
GTX 1660 Super Pros
- Better overall gaming performance
- 6GB GDDR6 memory
- Excellent power efficiency
- Superior NVENC encoder
- Better support for modern games
GTX 1660 Super Cons
- Slightly more expensive
- No DLSS support
- No hardware ray tracing
Buying Recommendations
Buy the GTX 980 If:
- You find one at an extremely low price.
- You primarily play older esports games.
- You’re building a temporary budget gaming PC.
- Power consumption isn’t a major concern.
Buy the GTX 1660 Super If:
- You play modern AAA games.
- You stream or create content.
- You want better long-term value.
- You need lower power consumption.
- You prefer smoother 1080p gaming performance.
For most users in 2026, the GTX 1660 Super is the safer investment.
Final Verdict
In the battle of GTX 980 vs 1660 Super, the newer card wins overall.
While the GTX 980 remains impressive considering its age, the GTX 1660 Super delivers stronger gaming performance, lower power consumption, more VRAM, and a superior streaming experience. The architectural improvements and GDDR6 memory help it maintain an advantage in modern titles.
Unless you find a GTX 980 at a dramatically lower price, the GTX 1660 Super is the better choice for most gamers looking for a reliable 1080p graphics card.
FAQ Section
Q1: Is GTX 1660 Super faster than GTX 980?
Ans: Yes. The GTX 1660 Super is generally 10–20% faster in modern games and offers better efficiency.
Q2: Does GTX 980 have more raw power than GTX 1660 Super?
Ans: In some synthetic benchmarks and older DX11 workloads, the GTX 980 can be competitive, but the GTX 1660 Super performs better overall in gaming.
Q3: Is 4GB VRAM enough in 2026?
Ans: For many modern AAA games, 4GB VRAM is becoming restrictive. The GTX 1660 Super’s 6GB VRAM provides a noticeable advantage.
Q4: Which card is better for streaming?
Ans: GTX 1660 Super is significantly better due to its Turing NVENC encoder.
Q5: Can GTX 980 run modern games?
Ans: Yes. It can still run many modern games at 1080p with adjusted settings, though VRAM limitations may impact performance.
Q6: Does either card support ray tracing?
Ans: No. Neither the GTX 980 nor the GTX 1660 Super includes dedicated ray-tracing hardware.
Q7: Which GPU offers better value today?
Ans: The GTX 1660 Super generally offers better value because of its stronger gaming performance, improved efficiency, and larger VRAM capacity.
Short Conclusion
The GTX 980 vs 1660 Super comparison shows how architectural improvements can outweigh older flagship status. While the GTX 980 remains capable for older and esports titles, the GTX 1660 Super provides better gaming performance, lower power consumption, more VRAM, and a superior streaming experience. For most gamers building or upgrading a budget gaming PC in 2026, the GTX 1660 Super is the more balanced and future-proof choice.
If you have any questions about “GTX 980 vs 1660 Super: Which Graphics Card Is Better”, then feel free to let us know through your comments.
