Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 vs AMD Radeon RX 6500 XT

Updated Nov 2026 · Scored by the Let’s Compare Data Engine · How we score

The Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 and AMD Radeon RX 6500 XT are closely matched at 45 and 44/100. The Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 edges ahead on API Support and Benchmark, while the AMD Radeon RX 6500 XT leads on Core Specifications and Memory — pick the one whose strengths match what you'll actually use.

Verdict

Our overall take, at a glance

Key takeaways

  • Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 and AMD Radeon RX 6500 XT are closely matched overall (within 1 point).
  • Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 stands out on Memory Bandwidth: 192 GB/s (33% more), Benchmark G3D Mark: 11,608 (21% more), Core Specifications Maximum Power: 120 W (12% more).
  • AMD Radeon RX 6500 XT counters with Core Specifications Lithography Process: 6 nm (50% less), Memory Technology: GDDR6, Memory Capacity: 8 GB (33% more).
  • Best value: AMD Radeon RX 6500 XT (from $199) — the strongest score-per-dollar of the two.
Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 and AMD Radeon RX 6500 XT are closely matched
Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660
45
AMD Radeon RX 6500 XT
44
Where Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 stands out
  • Memory Bandwidth: 192 GB/s (33% more)
  • Benchmark G3D Mark: 11,608 (21% more)
  • Core Specifications Maximum Power: 120 W (12% more)
Where AMD Radeon RX 6500 XT stands out
  • Core Specifications Lithography Process: 6 nm (50% less)
  • Memory Technology: GDDR6
  • Memory Capacity: 8 GB (33% more)

In-depth analysisAI

AI-generated from the cited sources — may be incomplete or inaccurate; verify important details before deciding · generated Nov 2026.

Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660

The Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 is a mid-range desktop graphics card introduced in 2019, powered by Nvidia's TU116 graphics processor. Built on TSMC's 12nm Turing microarchitecture, it includes efficiency improvements like concurrent integer and floating-point execution. Designed for budget-conscious gamers, it delivers mid-tier desktop performance while omitting dedicated AI and ray-tracing hardware.

Best for Budget 1080p desktop gaming builds that do not prioritize real-time ray tracingBest for Upgrading older desktop systems to support modern DirectX 12 and Vulkan APIs
Pros
  • Utilizes Turing microarchitecture improvements such as concurrent integer and floating-point processing
  • Supports modern graphics APIs including DirectX 12.0, Vulkan 1.4, and OpenGL 4.6
  • Serves as an accessible mid-range option for 1080p desktop gaming
Cons
  • Lacks dedicated hardware RT (ray tracing) and Tensor (AI) cores
  • The GTX 16 series was officially discontinued in March 2024

AMD Radeon RX 6500 XT

The AMD Radeon RX 6500 XT is a budget desktop graphics card released in early 2022, manufactured on a 6nm process. It features 8 GB of GDDR6 memory on a 64-bit bus, delivering up to 5.77 TFLOPS of FP32 computing performance with a peak clock frequency of 2.815 GHz. Designed for basic desktop gaming and display output, it operates with a maximum power rating of 107 W.

Best for Budget desktop builds with low power supply headroom
Pros
  • Efficient 6nm manufacturing process
  • High maximum frequency reaching up to 2.815 GHz
  • Low total board power requirement of 107 W
Cons
  • Narrow 64-bit memory interface limits bandwidth to 144 GB/s

Value for Money

Which is the better deal for the price

Pre-filled with launch prices where known — enter today's price for an up-to-date check. Use the same currency for both.

Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660

AMD Radeon RX 6500 XT

Performance

Higher benchmark score = faster

Nvidia GeForce GTX 166011,608
AMD Radeon RX 6500 XT9,617

Benchmark score — a measured indicator of raw performance, not a guarantee of real-world speed.

Detailed Specifications

The full spec sheet, side by side

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 vs AMD Radeon RX 6500 XT comparison

They are closely matched: Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 scores 45/100 and AMD Radeon RX 6500 XT scores 43/100 in our overall comparison — within 2 points. Neither is a clear winner overall, so the decision comes down to the specific features and price that matter most to you.
Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 and AMD Radeon RX 6500 XT are compared side by side above across every spec in the gpus category — including performance, features and design — each scored 0–100 so you can see exactly where one leads the other. Our overall scores are 45/100 for Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 and 43/100 for AMD Radeon RX 6500 XT.
At launch, AMD Radeon RX 6500 XT was the more affordable option ($199) versus Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 ($219). Weigh that against the overall scores (45/100 vs 43/100) and the value-for-money meter above to judge whether the higher-rated model justifies its price for your needs. Current retail prices vary — check the retailer.
It's close — Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 (45/100) and AMD Radeon RX 6500 XT (43/100) score almost the same. Pick based on price and the individual specs that matter most to you; the comparison above shows where each one pulls ahead.

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