Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 vs. AMD Radeon RX 590: Which Mainstream Graphics Card to Buy?


6 min read 14-11-2024
Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 vs. AMD Radeon RX 590: Which Mainstream Graphics Card to Buy?

In the rapidly evolving world of computer graphics, the battle between Nvidia and AMD for dominance continues to heat up. With gamers and content creators always on the lookout for the best graphics card that offers the perfect balance of performance, price, and efficiency, the competition often boils down to the most popular mainstream options available. Among these, the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 and the AMD Radeon RX 590 have emerged as two of the standout choices for budget-conscious consumers. But which one should you buy? Let's dive deep into a detailed comparison of these two graphics cards, examining their specifications, performance benchmarks, and real-world applicability to help you make an informed decision.

Understanding the Market Position

Before we delve into the specifics of the GTX 1660 and RX 590, it's crucial to understand their positions in the market. Both cards are designed for 1080p gaming, providing an affordable entry point for gamers who do not want to spend exorbitantly on high-end graphics hardware. With a price range that generally falls between $200 to $300, these cards cater primarily to casual and mainstream gamers who demand good performance without breaking the bank.

Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660: An Overview

Launched in March 2019, the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 is built on the Turing architecture, but it doesn't come equipped with the ray tracing capabilities that are seen in some of its higher-end siblings. The GTX 1660 is designed with a focus on traditional rasterization, delivering strong performance across a wide range of titles.

Key Specifications:

  • CUDA Cores: 1408
  • Base Clock: 1530 MHz
  • Boost Clock: 1785 MHz
  • Memory: 6GB GDDR5
  • Memory Interface: 192-bit
  • TDP: 120W

The GTX 1660 boasts a solid power efficiency rating, offering great performance per watt. It's well-suited for 1080p gaming, even at higher settings, making it a reliable choice for many gaming rigs.

AMD Radeon RX 590: An Overview

The AMD Radeon RX 590, released in November 2018, is based on the Polaris architecture, which was known for its power efficiency and competitive performance. The RX 590 primarily targets the same budget segment as the GTX 1660, focusing on delivering high-quality visuals in 1080p and 1440p gaming scenarios.

Key Specifications:

  • Stream Processors: 2304
  • Base Clock: 1469 MHz
  • Boost Clock: 1545 MHz
  • Memory: 8GB GDDR5
  • Memory Interface: 256-bit
  • TDP: 225W

One standout feature of the RX 590 is its larger memory capacity, which can provide an advantage in certain gaming and content creation tasks, especially with higher resolution textures.

Performance Analysis

When evaluating graphics cards, performance metrics such as frame rates, thermal performance, and gaming resolution capabilities are key determinants of a card’s suitability for your needs.

Benchmarks: Gaming Performance

In various gaming benchmarks, we can see how these cards stack up against each other:

  • Call of Duty: Warzone

    • GTX 1660: ~75 FPS at High settings
    • RX 590: ~70 FPS at High settings
  • Fortnite

    • GTX 1660: ~100 FPS at High settings
    • RX 590: ~95 FPS at High settings
  • Shadow of the Tomb Raider

    • GTX 1660: ~60 FPS at Medium settings
    • RX 590: ~57 FPS at Medium settings

From the data, it's evident that the GTX 1660 edges out the RX 590 in terms of frame rates in popular titles, particularly at High settings. This advantage can be attributed to its more refined architecture and enhanced driver support from Nvidia.

Thermals and Noise Levels

Thermal performance is crucial, especially for gamers who spend long hours in front of their screens.

  • GTX 1660: Typically runs at a maximum temperature of around 70°C under load, maintaining a relatively quiet fan profile.
  • RX 590: Can reach temperatures up to 80°C and operates slightly noisier than the GTX 1660, particularly under heavy loads.

In this category, the GTX 1660’s efficiency clearly presents it as the better choice, particularly for users who are concerned about noise levels in their gaming environment.

Power Consumption and Efficiency

Power consumption is another vital consideration when choosing between the GTX 1660 and RX 590.

  • GTX 1660: With a TDP of 120W, the GTX 1660 is incredibly power-efficient, allowing users to pair it with a lower-wattage power supply.
  • RX 590: With a TDP of 225W, the RX 590 is significantly less efficient, which may necessitate a more robust power supply, particularly for users looking to overclock their graphics card.

This efficiency translates to less heat generation and quieter operation, making the GTX 1660 the better option for gamers who prioritize a cooler and quieter system.

Features and Technologies

Beyond raw performance, features that enhance the gaming experience can also make a significant impact on your decision.

Nvidia Technologies: GTX 1660

The GTX 1660 benefits from several proprietary technologies that enhance its gaming capabilities:

  • Nvidia G-Sync: Provides a smoother gaming experience by eliminating screen tearing.
  • GameWorks: A suite of tools that allows developers to create stunning visual effects.
  • Nvidia Experience: Simplifies game optimization and allows users to share gameplay captures easily.

These features collectively offer a more polished gaming experience, particularly in titles that support Nvidia’s ecosystem.

AMD Technologies: RX 590

The RX 590, on the other hand, boasts:

  • FreeSync: Similar to G-Sync, FreeSync offers variable refresh rates but does not require a specific monitor.
  • Radeon Chill: A power-saving feature that dynamically adjusts frame rates based on user input.
  • Radeon ReLive: Allows users to record and stream their gameplay with ease.

While the RX 590’s features are solid, they may not resonate as strongly with gamers looking for a robust performance, making the GTX 1660 more appealing for high-performance scenarios.

Price and Availability

Pricing can fluctuate based on availability, demand, and market conditions. Both cards generally retail in the mid-range bracket, with prices for the GTX 1660 usually hovering around $229, while the RX 590 can be found for approximately $210, depending on the retailer and sales.

Where to Buy?

Both graphics cards are widely available across major retailers and e-commerce platforms such as Amazon, Newegg, and Best Buy. Always be sure to compare prices and consider sales to get the best deal. Additionally, if possible, try to check local availability to avoid shipping delays, especially during peak demand seasons.

Final Verdict: Which One to Buy?

So, after this extensive comparison, which card should you consider?

  • If you are a budget gamer looking for the best performance per watt, excellent thermal performance, and you prioritize quieter operations, then the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 is a superior choice.
  • On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly larger memory capacity for texture-heavy games or you're looking to save a bit of cash, the AMD Radeon RX 590 is a solid contender.

Ultimately, both cards hold their own in the mainstream segment, providing good performance for 1080p gaming. Your choice will depend heavily on personal preference, specific game titles you intend to play, and your overall system configuration.

Conclusion

Choosing between the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 and the AMD Radeon RX 590 boils down to your specific needs as a gamer. While the GTX 1660 presents a more polished and efficient performance with a slight edge in gaming benchmarks, the RX 590 still delivers solid performance at a competitive price point. In today's market, making an informed decision ensures that your gaming experience remains enjoyable without breaking the bank.


FAQs

1. What is the primary difference in memory between the GTX 1660 and RX 590?
The GTX 1660 comes with 6GB of GDDR5 memory, whereas the RX 590 features 8GB of GDDR5. The extra memory in the RX 590 can be beneficial for games that use larger textures.

2. Which graphics card is better for eSports games?
Generally, the GTX 1660 performs slightly better in popular eSports titles due to its higher average frame rates, making it a preferable choice for competitive gaming.

3. Do I need a specific power supply for these graphics cards?
The GTX 1660 has a lower TDP of 120W, which means it can work with a more modest power supply. The RX 590, with a TDP of 225W, will likely require a more powerful supply for optimal performance, especially during overclocking.

4. Can these graphics cards handle 1440p gaming?
Both the GTX 1660 and RX 590 can handle 1440p gaming, but performance may vary depending on the game. Generally, they perform better at 1080p, and gaming at 1440p may require lowering settings for smoother frame rates.

5. Is there a significant price difference between the two cards?
Pricing can vary based on availability and retailer, but generally, the RX 590 is priced slightly lower than the GTX 1660, although the difference may not always be substantial. Always check current prices before making a purchase.