When choosing a graphics card, gamers and content creators often compare models to find the best fit for their needs and budget. Two popular options are the AMD Radeon RX 6500 XT and the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Super. This article provides a detailed comparison based on benchmarks and recommendations to help you make an informed decision.

Overview of the RX 6500 XT and GTX 1660 Super

The AMD Radeon RX 6500 XT is a mid-range GPU released in early 2022, targeting budget-conscious gamers. It features RDNA 2 architecture, 4GB of GDDR6 memory, and is designed for 1080p gaming. The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Super, launched in 2019, is based on Turing architecture and offers solid performance for its price point, with 6GB of GDDR5 memory.

Benchmark Performance Comparison

Benchmark tests reveal notable differences in performance between the two cards. In popular gaming titles at 1080p resolution, the GTX 1660 Super generally outperforms the RX 6500 XT, especially in titles optimized for NVIDIA hardware.

Gaming Benchmarks

  • Shadow of the Tomb Raider: GTX 1660 Super averages 75 FPS, while RX 6500 XT averages 60 FPS.
  • Cyberpunk 2077: GTX 1660 Super achieves around 45 FPS, compared to 35 FPS on RX 6500 XT.
  • Fortnite: Both cards perform well, with GTX 1660 Super averaging 120 FPS and RX 6500 XT around 100 FPS.

Features and Technologies

The RX 6500 XT supports AMD FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR) for upscaling and performance boosts, but lacks hardware-accelerated ray tracing. The GTX 1660 Super does not support ray tracing or DLSS but offers reliable performance without additional features.

Power Consumption and Pricing

The RX 6500 XT has a TDP of approximately 107W, making it energy-efficient and suitable for smaller power supplies. The GTX 1660 Super consumes around 125W. Price-wise, the RX 6500 XT is usually more affordable, often priced around $200, whereas the GTX 1660 Super typically costs about $250.

Recommendations Based on Use Case

For gamers prioritizing high frame rates and better performance in AAA titles, the GTX 1660 Super is the preferable choice. It offers more VRAM and higher overall performance. However, if budget constraints are significant and you primarily play less demanding games or use the GPU for general tasks, the RX 6500 XT provides good value.

Conclusion

Both the AMD Radeon RX 6500 XT and NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Super are capable graphics cards within their respective segments. The GTX 1660 Super generally outperforms the RX 6500 XT in gaming benchmarks, but the latter offers a more budget-friendly option with decent performance for everyday use. Your choice should depend on your specific gaming needs, budget, and whether features like ray tracing are important to you.