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When choosing a graphics card for gaming and content creation, understanding the performance differences between popular models is essential. The Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 6GB and the GTX 1660 Super are two such options that often come up for comparison. This article provides a detailed benchmark comparison of these GPUs across modern titles to help gamers and enthusiasts make informed decisions.
Overview of the GPUs
The Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 6GB is part of Nvidia’s latest RTX 30 series, featuring ray tracing capabilities and DLSS support. It is built on the Ampere architecture, offering improved performance and efficiency over previous generations.
The GTX 1660 Super belongs to the GTX 16 series, based on the Turing architecture. It lacks hardware-accelerated ray tracing but is known for its solid performance in 1080p gaming at a competitive price point.
Benchmarking Methodology
Benchmarks were conducted using a high-performance gaming rig with identical system specifications, differing only in the GPU. The tested titles include popular AAA games released in recent years, such as Cyberpunk 2077, Control, and Shadow of the Tomb Raider. Each game was tested at 1080p and 1440p resolutions, with settings set to high or ultra, depending on the title.
Test Setup Details
- CPU: Intel Core i7-12700K
- RAM: 16GB DDR4-3200
- Storage: NVMe SSD
- Operating System: Windows 11
- Drivers: Latest Nvidia drivers as of testing date
Performance Results
Cyberpunk 2077
At 1080p, the RTX 3050 averaged around 45 FPS on high settings, while the GTX 1660 Super achieved approximately 38 FPS. At 1440p, the RTX 3050 maintained around 35 FPS, outperforming the GTX 1660 Super’s 28 FPS.
Control
In Control, the RTX 3050 delivered an average of 70 FPS at 1080p with ray tracing enabled, whereas the GTX 1660 Super managed 55 FPS without ray tracing. Disabling ray tracing on the RTX 3050 resulted in similar performance to the GTX 1660 Super.
Shadow of the Tomb Raider
Both cards performed well in Shadow of the Tomb Raider, with the RTX 3050 averaging 80 FPS at 1080p and 65 FPS at 1440p. The GTX 1660 Super scored 70 FPS at 1080p and 55 FPS at 1440p.
Ray Tracing and DLSS Performance
The RTX 3050’s ray tracing capabilities provide a noticeable visual enhancement in supported titles. DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling) further boosts performance, allowing higher frame rates without sacrificing image quality. The GTX 1660 Super does not support ray tracing or DLSS, limiting its performance in modern, ray-traced titles.
Price and Value Considerations
As of the latest market data, the RTX 3050 is priced higher than the GTX 1660 Super. However, its advanced features, better performance in modern titles, and future-proofing with ray tracing support make it a compelling choice for gamers seeking longevity and enhanced visuals.
Conclusion
In benchmark comparisons across recent titles, the Nvidia RTX 3050 6GB consistently outperforms the GTX 1660 Super, especially in ray-traced games and at higher resolutions. For gamers looking for better performance and future-proofing, the RTX 3050 offers significant advantages. However, the GTX 1660 Super remains a cost-effective option for 1080p gaming with no need for ray tracing features.