Subscores
The GeForce GTX 660 isn't just another slightly modified version of the GeForce GTX 680. In this model, Nvidia has decided to change the graphics chip, replacing the GK104 with the GK106. And this has had a positive effect, as the GK106 is a pretty powerful piece of kit!
To compensate, Nvidia has slightly boosted the GPU's base clock speed to 980 MHz compared with 915 MHz in the Ti model. The GPU Boost function—which ups the GPU clock speed in relation to power use— makes for a minimum clock speed of 1033 MHz. In practice, the model we tested mainly worked at 1058 MHz.
Finally, you get 2 GB of 192-bit GDDR5 memory. The memory clock is 1502 MHz, like in higher-end models.
The PNY XLR8 GeForce GTX 660
Size, Noise, Heat
In terms of design, the GTX 660 has the same basic features as the GeForce GTX 660 Ti and the GeForce GTX 670. It therefore has a 17 cm PCB with an off-centre fan mounted on top. This adds extra length to the card, which in total is 24 cm long.
The cooling system in the reference card is the same as in other models in this series, but here it gets a better score than the other models we've tested. That's because the GPU used in this model doesn't get as hot as the chip used in the GTX 660 Ti and GTX 670. When gaming, the fan doesn't spin as quickly either (1860 rpm rather than 2500 rpm) and is a little less noisy. However, the noise it does make is just as unpleasant, even at idle.
We'd therefore always recommend you pick up a branded, modified card that uses a different heatsink/fan system, like the MSI N660 Twin Frozr 2GD5/OC for example.
Power Use
Power use is handled pretty well here. When idle, our test computer only used 45.8 watts, which is ten or so watts less than with the GTX 660 Ti. When gaming, the test computer's consumption stayed under 200 watts. These results are certainly good, but the GTX 660 still comes in just above the AMD Radeon HD 7870 which uses a little less power.
Performance in Games
In games, the GeForce GTX 660 turned out to be 9% slower than the high-end GTX 660 Ti. However, this card comes in just ahead of AMD's Radeon HD 7870, its direct competitor. That said, the difference between the two is slight, so it'll be well worth keeping an eye on the price of both models before making your choice.
Average general performances
Click on the graph to see all our test results and compare
graphics cards in the Face-Off.
In the end, this Nvidia graphics card has the makings of a best-seller. At this level in the market, the GeForce GTX 660 is an attractive package with good performance levels and a decent price tag. However, we're really not fans of Nvidia's cooling system, so we recommend you look for a customised model that uses a different fan/heatsink.
See Graphics Card Performance Index Table
Nvidia GeForce GTX 660: Tech Specs
The GK106 GPU used in the GTX 660 is based on the Kepler architecture, as seen in higher-end models. Here, however, the number of CUDA cores has been reduced to 960 compared with 1344 in the GeForce GTX 660 Ti, the next model up. However, you still get 24 ROP units.
The GeForce GTX 660 reference edition
To compensate, Nvidia has slightly boosted the GPU's base clock speed to 980 MHz compared with 915 MHz in the Ti model. The GPU Boost function—which ups the GPU clock speed in relation to power use— makes for a minimum clock speed of 1033 MHz. In practice, the model we tested mainly worked at 1058 MHz.
Finally, you get 2 GB of 192-bit GDDR5 memory. The memory clock is 1502 MHz, like in higher-end models.
The PNY XLR8 GeForce GTX 660
Size, Noise, Heat
In terms of design, the GTX 660 has the same basic features as the GeForce GTX 660 Ti and the GeForce GTX 670. It therefore has a 17 cm PCB with an off-centre fan mounted on top. This adds extra length to the card, which in total is 24 cm long.
The cooling system in the reference card is the same as in other models in this series, but here it gets a better score than the other models we've tested. That's because the GPU used in this model doesn't get as hot as the chip used in the GTX 660 Ti and GTX 670. When gaming, the fan doesn't spin as quickly either (1860 rpm rather than 2500 rpm) and is a little less noisy. However, the noise it does make is just as unpleasant, even at idle.
We'd therefore always recommend you pick up a branded, modified card that uses a different heatsink/fan system, like the MSI N660 Twin Frozr 2GD5/OC for example.
Power Use
Power use is handled pretty well here. When idle, our test computer only used 45.8 watts, which is ten or so watts less than with the GTX 660 Ti. When gaming, the test computer's consumption stayed under 200 watts. These results are certainly good, but the GTX 660 still comes in just above the AMD Radeon HD 7870 which uses a little less power.
Performance in Games
In games, the GeForce GTX 660 turned out to be 9% slower than the high-end GTX 660 Ti. However, this card comes in just ahead of AMD's Radeon HD 7870, its direct competitor. That said, the difference between the two is slight, so it'll be well worth keeping an eye on the price of both models before making your choice.
Average general performances
Click on the graph to see all our test results and compare
graphics cards in the Face-Off.
In the end, this Nvidia graphics card has the makings of a best-seller. At this level in the market, the GeForce GTX 660 is an attractive package with good performance levels and a decent price tag. However, we're really not fans of Nvidia's cooling system, so we recommend you look for a customised model that uses a different fan/heatsink.
See Graphics Card Performance Index Table
Pros
- Competitive gaming performances
- Power use
- Nice extra functions: framerate capping, advanced vertical sync, etc.
Cons
- Noisy, unpleasant fan
- GPU Boost can lead to minor differences in performance between cards
Conclusion
This is a well-rounded graphics card with decent enough power use and gaming performances. However, make sure you pick up a modified model, as cards using the standard cooling system (seen in the Nvidia reference card) are way too noisy.
OUR SCORE
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