The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 660 is a popular mid-range graphics card that was released in 2012 as part of the Kepler series. It was designed to provide a balance between performance and power consumption, making it an attractive option for gamers and graphics enthusiasts who want a high-quality visual experience without breaking the bank. In this article, we will delve into the world of the GTX 660, exploring its features, performance, and most importantly, its price.
Introduction To The GTX 660
The GTX 660 is based on the GK106 GPU, which is a variant of the Kepler architecture. It features 960 CUDA cores, 80 texture mapping units, and 24 render outputs. The card has a base clock speed of 980 MHz and a boost clock speed of up to 1033 MHz. It also comes with 2 GB of GDDR5 memory, which provides a memory bandwidth of 144 GB/s.
Performance Of The GTX 660
The GTX 660 is capable of delivering smooth performance in modern games at medium to high settings. It can handle games such as Fortnite, League of Legends, and Overwatch at 1080p resolution with ease. However, it may struggle with more demanding games such as Assassin’s Creed Odyssey and Cyberpunk 2077 at higher resolutions.
Benchmarks and Comparisons
In terms of benchmarks, the GTX 660 scores around 4,500-5,000 points in the 3DMark Fire Strike test. This puts it ahead of the AMD Radeon HD 7870, but behind the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 670. The card also performs well in games such as Battlefield 3 and Crysis 3, with frame rates ranging from 30-60 FPS at 1080p resolution.
Pricing Of The GTX 660
The price of the GTX 660 can vary depending on the region, retailer, and availability. At launch, the card had a suggested retail price of around $229. However, prices have fluctuated over time due to factors such as supply and demand, competition from other graphics cards, and the introduction of new models.
Current Market Price
As of now, the GTX 660 can be found on online marketplaces such as Amazon and eBay for around $100-$150. This is a significant reduction from its original launch price, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious gamers and graphics enthusiasts. However, it’s worth noting that prices can vary depending on the seller, the condition of the card, and any additional features or bundles that may be included.
Factors Affecting Price
Several factors can affect the price of the GTX 660, including:
- Region and retailer: Prices can vary depending on the region and retailer, with some sellers offering discounts or promotions that can reduce the price.
- Condition and warranty: The condition of the card, as well as any warranty or support that may be included, can impact the price. New or refurbished cards with a warranty may be more expensive than used or open-box cards without a warranty.
- Availability and demand: The availability of the card, as well as demand from gamers and graphics enthusiasts, can drive up or down the price. If the card is hard to find or in high demand, prices may be higher.
- Competition from other graphics cards: The introduction of new graphics cards, such as the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 or the AMD Radeon RX 560, can impact the price of the GTX 660. If newer cards offer better performance at a similar price point, the GTX 660 may be discounted to remain competitive.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 660 is a mid-range graphics card that offers a balance between performance and power consumption. Its price can vary depending on the region, retailer, and availability, but it can currently be found on online marketplaces for around $100-$150. The GTX 660 is a great option for budget-conscious gamers and graphics enthusiasts who want a high-quality visual experience without breaking the bank. However, it’s worth noting that newer graphics cards may offer better performance at a similar price point, so it’s essential to do your research and compare prices before making a purchase.
Final Thoughts
The GTX 660 may not be the most powerful graphics card on the market, but it’s a reliable and affordable option for those who want to play modern games at medium to high settings. Its price makes it an attractive option for those who are building a budget gaming PC or looking to upgrade their existing graphics card. With its Kepler architecture and 2 GB of GDDR5 memory, the GTX 660 is a great choice for anyone who wants a high-quality visual experience without spending a fortune.
What Is The GTX 660 And How Does It Compare To Other NVIDIA Graphics Cards?
The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 660 is a mid-range graphics card that was released in 2012 as part of the Kepler series. It is based on the GK106 GPU and offers 960 CUDA cores, 2GB of GDDR5 memory, and a 128-bit memory bus. In terms of performance, the GTX 660 is positioned between the higher-end GTX 670 and the lower-end GTX 650. It provides a significant boost in performance compared to the previous generation of mid-range graphics cards and is capable of handling demanding games and applications at high settings.
The GTX 660 is a popular choice among gamers and graphics enthusiasts due to its balance of performance and power consumption. It has a TDP of 140W, which is relatively low compared to other high-end graphics cards, making it a great option for those looking to build a powerful gaming rig without breaking the bank. Additionally, the GTX 660 supports a range of advanced technologies, including NVIDIA’s PhysX, 3D Vision, and Surround, which provide an enhanced gaming experience. Overall, the GTX 660 is a great mid-range graphics card that offers excellent performance and features at an affordable price point.
What Are The Key Features And Specifications Of The GTX 660?
The GTX 660 has a number of key features and specifications that make it an attractive option for gamers and graphics enthusiasts. These include 960 CUDA cores, 2GB of GDDR5 memory, and a 128-bit memory bus, which provide fast and efficient performance. The card also supports a range of advanced technologies, including DirectX 11, OpenGL 4.2, and NVIDIA’s proprietary technologies such as PhysX, 3D Vision, and Surround. Additionally, the GTX 660 has a number of display output options, including VGA, HDMI, and DisplayPort, making it easy to connect to a range of monitors and displays.
In terms of performance, the GTX 660 is capable of handling demanding games and applications at high settings. It has a base clock speed of 980MHz and a boost clock speed of 1033MHz, which provides a significant boost in performance compared to lower-end graphics cards. The card also has a memory clock speed of 1502MHz and a memory bandwidth of 144.2 GB/s, which provides fast and efficient access to memory. Overall, the GTX 660 is a powerful and feature-rich mid-range graphics card that offers excellent performance and value for its price.
How Much Does The GTX 660 Cost And Is It A Good Value For The Price?
The price of the GTX 660 can vary depending on the region, retailer, and availability. At launch, the card had a suggested retail price of around $229, which made it a competitive option in the mid-range market. However, prices have fluctuated over time, and the card can now be found for significantly less, often in the range of $150-$200. In terms of value, the GTX 660 is a great option for those looking for a powerful mid-range graphics card without breaking the bank. It offers excellent performance and features at an affordable price point, making it a great choice for gamers and graphics enthusiasts on a budget.
The value of the GTX 660 is also enhanced by its power efficiency and durability. The card has a relatively low TDP of 140W, which makes it a great option for those looking to build a powerful gaming rig without high power consumption. Additionally, the card is built with high-quality components and is designed to withstand the demands of gaming and graphics applications. Overall, the GTX 660 is a great value for its price, offering excellent performance, features, and durability at an affordable price point.
What Are The System Requirements For The GTX 660 And What Kind Of Performance Can I Expect?
The system requirements for the GTX 660 are relatively modest, making it accessible to a wide range of users. The card requires a minimum of 450W of power, a PCIe 3.0 slot, and a 64-bit operating system, such as Windows 7 or Windows 8. In terms of performance, the GTX 660 is capable of handling demanding games and applications at high settings. It can handle resolutions up to 2560×1600 and can run games such as Battlefield 3, Skyrim, and Call of Duty: Black Ops II at high frame rates.
The actual performance of the GTX 660 will depend on the specific system configuration and the applications being run. However, in general, the card can be expected to provide smooth and seamless performance in most modern games and applications. The card’s CUDA cores and memory bandwidth provide fast and efficient processing of graphics data, while its advanced technologies such as PhysX and 3D Vision enhance the overall gaming experience. Overall, the GTX 660 is a great option for those looking for a powerful mid-range graphics card that can handle demanding games and applications with ease.
How Does The GTX 660 Compare To Other Mid-range Graphics Cards, Such As The AMD Radeon HD 7870?
The GTX 660 is a competitive mid-range graphics card that offers excellent performance and features at an affordable price point. Compared to other mid-range graphics cards, such as the AMD Radeon HD 7870, the GTX 660 offers similar performance and features, but with a number of advantages. The GTX 660 has a more efficient architecture, which provides better performance per watt, and it also supports a range of advanced technologies, such as NVIDIA’s PhysX and 3D Vision, which enhance the overall gaming experience.
In terms of raw performance, the GTX 660 and the Radeon HD 7870 are closely matched, with the GTX 660 offering slightly better performance in some games and applications. However, the GTX 660 has a number of other advantages, including lower power consumption, higher quality components, and better driver support. Additionally, the GTX 660 is a more popular and widely adopted card, which means that it has better support from game developers and a wider range of compatible games and applications. Overall, the GTX 660 is a great option for those looking for a powerful mid-range graphics card that offers excellent performance, features, and value.
Can The GTX 660 Be Overclocked And What Kind Of Performance Gains Can I Expect?
The GTX 660 can be overclocked, which allows users to squeeze even more performance out of the card. Overclocking involves increasing the clock speed of the card’s GPU and memory, which can provide a significant boost in performance. The GTX 660 has a relatively high overclocking ceiling, with some users reporting clock speeds of over 1200MHz. However, overclocking requires careful tuning and monitoring of the card’s temperatures and voltages, as excessive heat and power consumption can damage the card.
The performance gains from overclocking the GTX 660 can be significant, with some users reporting increases of up to 20% in certain games and applications. However, the actual performance gains will depend on the specific system configuration, the applications being run, and the level of overclocking. It’s also important to note that overclocking can void the card’s warranty and may reduce its lifespan. Therefore, users should carefully weigh the benefits and risks of overclocking before attempting to overclock their GTX 660. Overall, overclocking can be a great way to get even more performance out of the GTX 660, but it requires careful tuning and monitoring to ensure safe and stable operation.