When it comes to choosing a graphics card for your gaming PC build, two names often pop up in the mid-range segment - the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 Ti and the older GTX 750 Ti. Although the 750 Ti has been around since 2014, it's still a popular choice due to its affordability. But how does it fare against the newer 1660 Ti? Let's delve into a detailed comparison to help you make an informed decision.
The GeForce GTX 1660 Ti and the GTX 750 Ti are both from Nvidia, but they're based on different architectures, Turing (1660 Ti) and Maxwell (750 Ti), respectively. This means they perform considerably differently, with the 1660 Ti offering a significant upgrade in terms of raw power.
Performance: Where the 1660 Ti Leaves the 750 Ti Behind
The GTX 1660 Ti boasts a CUDA core count of 1536, more than double the 750 Ti's 640. This results in a massive increase in performance. The 1660 Ti's boost clock speed is also higher at 1770 MHz compared to the 750 Ti's 1253 MHz. Here's a breakdown of their performance in different scenarios:
Gaming Performance
The 1660 Ti obliterates the 750 Ti in gaming benchmarks. In games like Assassin's Creed Odyssey, the 1660 Ti is around 70% faster than the 750 Ti. It performs exceptionally well even in demanding titles, thanks to its higher CUDA core count and better architecture.
Here's a quick comparison:
- 1660 Ti: Around 80 FPS in AC: Odyssey (High settings, 1080p)
- 750 Ti: Around 45 FPS in AC: Odyssey (Medium settings, 720p)
Ray Tracing and DLSS
One of the 1660 Ti's standout features is its support for real-time ray tracing and DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling). These technologies significantly enhance visual quality and performance in supported games. The 750 Ti lacks these capabilities due to its older architecture.
For instance, in games like Control or Metro Exodus, the 1660 Ti can deliver a decent 60 FPS at 1080p with ray tracing enabled and DLSS set to quality mode. The 750 Ti can't even run these games smoothly at lower settings.
Power Consumption and Thermals: The 750 Ti's Unfair Advantage
While the 1660 Ti is more powerful, it also consumes more power. The 750 Ti, with its lower TDP of 75W, has an advantage here. It doesn't require an external PCIe power connector and generates less heat, making it an excellent choice for small form factor builds or budget rigs.
The 1660 Ti, with a TDP of 120W, needs an external power connector and can run hotter, especially under load. However, Nvidia's cooling solution for the 1660 Ti is quite efficient, and many third-party manufacturers offer cooler alternatives.
Price and Value
The 750 Ti's main selling point is its lower price. It's often found at much lower prices than the 1660 Ti, making it a popular choice for budget gaming builds. However, its performance doesn't justify its price when compared to the 1660 Ti.
The 1660 Ti, though more expensive, offers exceptional value for its performance. It's not just faster; it also supports technologies like ray tracing and DLSS, which can significantly enhance your gaming experience.
Conclusion: The 1660 Ti is Future-Proof, But the 750 Ti Has Its Place
The GeForce GTX 1660 Ti's superior performance, support for modern technologies, and slight premium price justify its place as one of the best mid-range graphics cards. It's a great choice for gamers looking to future-proof their build.
However, the GTX 750 Ti still has its place. If you're on a tight budget, or if you're building a small form factor rig where power consumption is a concern, the 750 Ti can still hold its own. Just don't expect to play demanding games at high settings.
Both cards have their uses, and the choice between them depends on your specific needs and budget. If performance and future-proofing are your priorities, opt for the GTX 1660 Ti. But if affordability and low power consumption are your concerns, the GTX 750 Ti might be the better choice.