The GTX 1660 Ti and GTX 750 Ti are both popular choices among budget-conscious gamers, but which one should you get? Released years apart, these Nvidia graphics cards differ significantly in specs and performance. Let's dive into each, their strengths, and compare them side-by-side.
The GTX 1660 Ti, released in 2019, is built on the Turing architecture, while the GTX 750 Ti, launched in 2014, is based on the Maxwell architecture. The age and architectural difference already hint at a significant performance gap, but let's explore further.
Performance and Specs
The GTX 1660 Ti boasts 1536 CUDA cores, a 1.77 GHz boost clock, and 6GB GDDR6 memory. It's designed to handle modern games at 1080p with high to ultra settings. On the other hand, the GTX 750 Ti has 640 CUDA cores, a 1.02 GHz boost clock, and 2GB GDDR5 memory, meeting the needs of entry-level gaming.
In benchmarks, the GTX 1660 Ti consistently outperforms the GTX 750 Ti, offering frame rates up to 300% higher in newer titles. It also surpasses in older games, delivering higher frame rates at similar or lower power consumption.
1080p Performance
At 1080p, the GTX 1660 Ti achieves playable frame rates in demanding titles like 'Red Dead Redemption 2' and 'Assassin's Creed Odyssey'. In contrast, the GTX 750 Ti struggles with these games, requiring low settings and resolution scaling for smooth gameplay.
Even in less demanding games, the GTX 1660 Ti delivers significantly higher frame rates than the GTX 750 Ti. For instance, in 'League of Legends', the GTX 1660 Ti averages 120 FPS, while the GTX 750 Ti averages around 60 FPS.
Power Consumption and Thermals
Despite its superior performance, the GTX 1660 Ti consumes less power than the GTX 750 Ti. The 1660 Ti has a 120W TDP, while the 750 Ti has a 90W TDP. This difference is due to the architectural advancements in the Turing architecture, which improve efficiency.
In terms of thermals, the GTX 1660 Ti runs cooler and quieter than the GTX 750 Ti, thanks to its more efficient cooling design and lower power consumption.
Value for Money
The GTX 1660 Ti offers excellent value for money, as its performance aligns with its price point. It delivers high frame rates in modern games, making it a solid choice for 1080p gaming. Conversely, the GTX 750 Ti is now outdated and struggles with newer titles, making it a less attractive option.
Moreover, the GTX 750 Ti's 2GB VRAM limits its future-proofing. In contrast, the GTX 1660 Ti's 6GB VRAM and Turing architecture will serve gamers better in the coming years as games continue to demand more from graphics cards.
Ultimately, if you're building a new system or upgrading from an older GPU, the GTX 1660 Ti is a clear choice due to its superior performance, efficiency, and value for money. For those on a tight budget with low gaming demands, the GTX 750 Ti might suffice, but it's essential to consider the significant compromises in gaming performance and future-proofing.