Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 vs Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660

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

For most buyers the Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 is the better pick — it scores 86/100 to the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660's 37, leading on Memory and Theoretical Performance. Choose the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 instead if core specifications matters most to you, where it comes out ahead.

Verdict

Our overall take, at a glance

Key takeaways

  • Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 leads Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 overall by 49 points (86 vs 37 out of 100).
  • Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 stands out on Core Specifications Maximum Power: 575 W (379% more), Memory Capacity: 32 GB (433% more), Memory Bandwidth: 1,792 GB/s (833% more).
  • Best value: Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 (from $219) — the strongest score-per-dollar of the two.
Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 leads overall
Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090
86
Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660
37
Why it stands out
  • Core Specifications Maximum Power: 575 W (379% more)
  • Memory Capacity: 32 GB (433% more)
  • Memory Bandwidth: 1,792 GB/s (833% 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 RTX 5090

The Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 is the flagship model of the GeForce RTX 50 series, which is the successor to Nvidia's GeForce 40 series. This GPU utilizes the Blackwell architecture, featuring fourth-generation RT cores and fifth-generation Tensor Cores for various compute tasks.

Best for Professional computingBest for Advanced renderingBest for AI compute
Pros
  • Supports GDDR7 video memory
  • Uses the Blackwell microarchitecture with high graphics frequencies and large L2 caches
  • Features fourth-generation RTX cores for hardware-accelerated real-time ray tracing and fifth-generation Tensor Cores

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

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 RTX 5090

Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660

Performance

Higher benchmark score = faster

Nvidia GeForce RTX 509038,858
Nvidia GeForce GTX 166011,608

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

Review Videos

Hand-picked expert reviews for each product

Detailed Specifications

The full spec sheet, side by side

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 vs Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 comparison

Based on our overall comparison score, Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 rates higher at 93/100 versus 45/100 for Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 — a 48-point lead. Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 is the stronger overall pick, though the right choice still depends on which specs matter most to you; the full spec table above breaks down every difference.
Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 and Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 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 93/100 for Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 and 45/100 for Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660.
At launch, Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 was the more affordable option ($219) versus Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 ($1999). Weigh that against the overall scores (93/100 vs 45/100) 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.
If you want the higher-rated gpus option overall, Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 (93/100) edges out Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 (45/100). But if Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 is cheaper or stronger on the specific specs you care about, it can still be the better buy — use the spec table and strengths profile above to decide.

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