The GTX 970 vs GTX 1660 Super debate remains surprisingly relevant for budget gamers and PC builders looking at the used GPU market. Although the GTX 970 was a flagship graphics card when it launched, the GTX 1660 Super benefits from a newer architecture, better efficiency, faster memory, and stronger performance in modern games.
If you’re deciding between these two NVIDIA GPUs for 1080p gaming, content creation, or upgrading an older system, this guide will break down the differences and help you determine which card delivers the best value today.
Feature-by-Feature Comparison Table
Before diving into gaming benchmarks and real-world performance, let’s compare the core specifications of both graphics cards.
| Feature | GTX 970 | GTX 1660 Super |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Maxwell | Turing |
| Launch Year | 2014 | 2019 |
| CUDA Cores | 1,664 | 1,408 |
| Base Clock | 1,050 MHz | 1,530 MHz |
| Boost Clock | 1,178 MHz | 1,785 MHz |
| VRAM | 4GB GDDR5 | 6GB GDDR6 |
| Memory Bus | 256-bit | 192-bit |
| Memory Bandwidth | 224 GB/s | 336 GB/s |
| TDP | 145W | 125W |
| Power Connector | 6-pin + 6-pin | 8-pin |
| DirectX Support | DirectX 12 | DirectX 12 |
| NVENC Encoder | Older Generation | Turing NVENC |
| Recommended PSU | 500W | 450W |
Quick Highlights Table
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick summary of the major differences between the GTX 970 and GTX 1660 Super.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Gaming Performance | GTX 1660 Super |
| 1080p Gaming | GTX 1660 Super |
| Power Efficiency | GTX 1660 Super |
| VRAM Capacity | GTX 1660 Super |
| Memory Speed | GTX 1660 Super |
| Streaming Quality | GTX 1660 Super |
| Used Market Value | GTX 970 |
| Budget Builds | GTX 970 |
| Longevity | GTX 1660 Super |
Key Takeaways
The GTX 970 and GTX 1660 Super target similar audiences, but their age difference creates a noticeable performance gap.
Key Points
- GTX 1660 Super is typically 25–40% faster in modern games.
- GTX 1660 Super includes 6GB of GDDR6 memory, making it better for newer titles.
- GTX 970 can still handle many esports games at 1080p.
- GTX 1660 Super consumes less power despite delivering higher performance.
- Streamers benefit from the superior Turing NVENC encoder on the GTX 1660 Super.
- GTX 970 remains attractive for extremely low-budget gaming PCs.
GTX 970 vs GTX 1660 Super Gaming Performance
Gaming performance is where the GTX 1660 Super clearly pulls ahead.
At 1080p High settings, the GTX 1660 Super consistently delivers smoother gameplay and better frame rates in modern AAA games. Titles such as Cyberpunk 2077, Hogwarts Legacy, Starfield, and Call of Duty generally run significantly better on the newer card thanks to its faster GDDR6 memory and architectural improvements.
Estimated Average FPS at 1080p High
| Game | GTX 970 | GTX 1660 Super |
|---|---|---|
| Fortnite | 95 FPS | 135 FPS |
| Apex Legends | 75 FPS | 115 FPS |
| GTA V | 85 FPS | 125 FPS |
| Red Dead Redemption 2 | 42 FPS | 65 FPS |
| Cyberpunk 2077 | 32 FPS | 50 FPS |
| Forza Horizon 5 | 50 FPS | 78 FPS |
For gamers focused on modern AAA titles, the GTX 1660 Super offers a noticeably better experience.
GTX 970 vs GTX 1660 Super for Streaming and Content Creation
The GTX 1660 Super includes NVIDIA’s highly regarded Turing NVENC encoder.
Benefits include:
- Better stream quality at identical bitrates
- Lower CPU usage while streaming
- Faster video exports
- Improved compatibility with OBS and modern software
While the GTX 970 can still stream, creators will appreciate the improvements offered by the GTX 1660 Super.
GTX 970 vs GTX 1660 Super Power Consumption
Power efficiency is another area where the newer GPU shines.
| Metric | GTX 970 | GTX 1660 Super |
|---|---|---|
| TDP | 145W | 125W |
| Heat Output | Higher | Lower |
| PSU Requirement | 500W | 450W |
| Efficiency | Good | Excellent |
The GTX 1660 Super produces less heat while delivering substantially better performance.
GTX 970 vs GTX 1660 Super Specifications Explained
While raw specifications don’t tell the entire story, they help explain why the GTX 1660 Super consistently outperforms the GTX 970 in modern games.
The GTX 970 is based on NVIDIA’s Maxwell architecture, which was highly efficient for its time. However, the GTX 1660 Super uses the newer Turing architecture, bringing higher clock speeds, architectural improvements, and support for a more advanced NVENC encoder.
One of the biggest upgrades is memory technology. The GTX 970 uses 4GB of GDDR5 memory, while the GTX 1660 Super features 6GB of faster GDDR6 memory. This provides substantially more memory bandwidth and allows the newer card to handle modern textures and game assets more effectively.
For users playing today’s games, the architectural improvements and larger VRAM buffer make the GTX 1660 Super a much more capable GPU.
GTX 970 vs GTX 1660 Super for Gaming
Gaming requirements have changed dramatically over the past decade. Many modern titles now recommend at least 6GB of VRAM, making the GTX 1660 Super better suited for current and upcoming games.
Esports Games
Both GPUs still perform well in competitive games such as:
- Fortnite
- Valorant
- Counter-Strike 2
- Rocket League
- League of Legends
The GTX 970 remains playable, but the GTX 1660 Super typically delivers higher frame rates and more headroom for high-refresh-rate monitors.
AAA Games
Modern AAA titles favor the GTX 1660 Super because of its additional VRAM and newer architecture.
Examples include:
- Cyberpunk 2077
- Hogwarts Legacy
- Starfield
- Black Myth: Wukong
- Forza Horizon 5
The GTX 970 can still run many of these games, but users may need to reduce texture quality and overall graphics settings to maintain smooth gameplay.
Future-Proofing
If you’re building a PC that you plan to keep for several years, the GTX 1660 Super is the safer investment. The extra 2GB of VRAM and stronger performance provide a better experience in newer game releases.
GTX 970 vs GTX 1660 Super for Different Users
Different users have different priorities. Here’s a quick recommendation based on your needs.
| User Type | Recommended GPU | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Budget Gamer | GTX 970 | Lowest upfront cost |
| Casual Gamer | Either | Both can handle light gaming |
| Competitive Gamer | GTX 1660 Super | Higher FPS in esports titles |
| AAA Gamer | GTX 1660 Super | Better performance and VRAM |
| Content Creator | GTX 1660 Super | Superior NVENC encoder |
| First-Time Builder | GTX 1660 Super | Better long-term value |
| Future-Proof Upgrade | GTX 1660 Super | More suitable for newer games |
Price-to-Performance Comparison
Price is often the deciding factor when shopping for used graphics cards.
| Scenario | Better Choice |
|---|---|
| Cheapest Possible Gaming PC | GTX 970 |
| Best Performance Per Dollar | GTX 1660 Super |
| Long-Term Ownership | GTX 1660 Super |
| Short-Term Budget Upgrade | GTX 970 |
| Streaming and Recording | GTX 1660 Super |
| Modern AAA Gaming | GTX 1660 Super |
If the GTX 1660 Super costs only slightly more than the GTX 970 in your local market, it is usually worth paying the difference.
Benchmark Summary
The following table summarizes the average performance difference between the two cards across a wide range of games.
| Gaming Scenario | GTX 970 | GTX 1660 Super |
|---|---|---|
| 1080p Low Settings | Baseline | ~35% Faster |
| 1080p High Settings | Baseline | ~35–40% Faster |
| 1440p Medium Settings | Baseline | ~30% Faster |
| AAA Gaming | Good | Very Good |
| Esports Gaming | Very Good | Excellent |
| Streaming While Gaming | Good | Excellent |
Overall, the GTX 1660 Super provides a noticeable performance advantage in nearly every workload.
Alternatives to Consider
If neither card perfectly fits your budget or needs, there are several worthwhile alternatives worth considering.
| GPU | Why Consider It |
|---|---|
| GTX 1060 6GB | Similar performance with 6GB VRAM |
| GTX 1070 | Faster than both GPUs with 8GB VRAM |
| GTX 1650 Super | Efficient budget gaming option |
| RX 580 8GB | Strong value and extra VRAM |
| RX 5500 XT 8GB | Good 1080p performance with 8GB memory |
Depending on local pricing, some of these alternatives may offer better value than either the GTX 970 or GTX 1660 Super.
Pros & Cons of GTX 970 vs GTX 1660 Super
Choosing between the GTX 970 vs GTX 1660 Super depends largely on your budget and performance expectations.
GTX 970 Pros
- Very affordable on the used market
- Strong esports performance
- Wide availability
- Good for older games
- Still capable of 1080p gaming
GTX 970 Cons
- Only 4GB VRAM
- Older Maxwell architecture
- Higher power consumption
- Weaker streaming performance
- Struggles with newer AAA games
GTX 1660 Super Pros
- Excellent 1080p gaming card
- 6GB GDDR6 memory
- Superior power efficiency
- Better NVENC encoder
- Longer lifespan for future games
GTX 1660 Super Cons
- Higher used-market price
- No ray tracing support
- Can be difficult to find in excellent condition
Buying Recommendations
Buy the GTX 970 If:
- You have an extremely tight budget.
- You mainly play esports titles.
- You are upgrading an older PC.
- You find one at a significantly lower price than a GTX 1660 Super.
Buy the GTX 1660 Super If:
- You play modern AAA games.
- You want stronger 1080p performance.
- You stream or create content.
- You need more VRAM for future titles.
- You want the better long-term investment.
For most gamers, the GTX 1660 Super is the smarter purchase if the price difference isn’t excessive.
Final Verdict
In the GTX 970 vs GTX 1660 Super matchup, the GTX 1660 Super is the clear overall winner. It delivers significantly better gaming performance, lower power consumption, faster memory, improved streaming capabilities, and a more future-proof 6GB VRAM configuration.
The GTX 970 still has value for budget-conscious gamers who primarily play older or competitive esports titles. However, if you’re looking for a graphics card that can comfortably handle modern games at 1080p, the GTX 1660 Super remains the superior choice.
Winner: GTX 1660 Super
FAQ Section
Q1: Is the GTX 1660 Super faster than the GTX 970?
Ans: Yes. The GTX 1660 Super is typically 25–40% faster depending on the game and graphics settings.
Q2: Is 4GB VRAM enough in 2026?
Ans: For esports and older games, yes. However, many modern AAA titles benefit from 6GB or more VRAM.
Q3: Can the GTX 970 still run modern games?
Ans: Yes, but you’ll often need to lower settings to Medium or Low for acceptable frame rates.
Q4: Is the GTX 1660 Super good for streaming?
Ans: Absolutely. Its Turing NVENC encoder provides excellent streaming quality with minimal performance impact.
Q5: Which GPU is better for 1080p gaming?
Ans: The GTX 1660 Super is significantly better for modern 1080p gaming and delivers smoother frame rates.
Q6: Does the GTX 1660 Super support ray tracing?
Ans: No. While it uses the Turing architecture, it lacks dedicated RT cores for hardware ray tracing.
Q7: Which card offers better value on the used market?
Ans: The GTX 970 offers better upfront affordability, while the GTX 1660 Super provides better overall value through stronger performance and longevity.
Q8: Is GTX 1660 Super worth upgrading from GTX 970?
Ans: Yes. The GTX 1660 Super typically delivers 30–40% better gaming performance, improved power efficiency, more VRAM, and a superior NVENC encoder for streaming and recording.
Q9: Can GTX 1660 Super run games at 1440p?
Ans: Yes. While it is primarily a 1080p graphics card, many games remain playable at 1440p Medium settings with good frame rates. Less demanding esports titles can often run at High settings without issue.
Short Conclusion
When comparing the GTX 970 vs GTX 1660 Super, the GTX 1660 Super stands out as the better all-around graphics card thanks to its faster gaming performance, larger VRAM capacity, improved efficiency, and superior streaming capabilities. The GTX 970 remains a decent ultra-budget option, but for most gamers seeking a reliable 1080p experience in 2026, the GTX 1660 Super is the card worth buying.
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