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MSI GeForce GTX 1660 Gaming X Review | 118 Data compared

Avg. price:~£210VRAM:6 GBMemory bus width:192 bitThermal Design Power (TDP):130 W

MSI GeForce GTX 1660 Gaming X Review: Compare 118 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Graphics cards category and whether it is worth buying.

MSI GeForce GTX 1660 Gaming X

5.5/10

▼Worse than 81% of graphics cards

6.7

▼Worse than 74%

5.1

▼Worse than 83%

9.4

★Better than 95%

2.6
Gaming
Gaming
2.6/ 10
✕
What it is
Evaluates core hardware and software specifications for gaming performance.
When it matters
When you want to play demanding mobile games, 3D titles, or run graphics-intensive apps smoothly.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components
45.0%
1.6
Floating-point performance
25.0%
3.6
VRAM
20.0%
1.0
Ray tracing cores / units
10.0%
7.6
PCI Express (PCIe) version
5.0
Video editing
Video editing
5.0/ 10
✕
What it is
Evaluates core hardware and software specifications for video editing performance.
When it matters
When evaluating how effectively this graphics-cards meets your specific video editing needs.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components
35.0%
7.0
AV1 encode
30.0%
3.6
VRAM
20.0%
1.6
Floating-point performance
15.0%
7.6
PCI Express (PCIe) version
2.6
1080p
1080p
2.6/ 10
✕
What it is
Evaluates core hardware and software specifications for 1080p performance.
When it matters
When evaluating how effectively this graphics-cards meets your specific 1080p needs.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components
55.0%
1.6
Floating-point performance
25.0%
3.6
VRAM
10.0%
1.0
Ray tracing cores / units
10.0%
7.6
PCI Express (PCIe) version
2.4
1440p
1440p
2.4/ 10
✕
What it is
Evaluates core hardware and software specifications for 1440p performance.
When it matters
When evaluating how effectively this graphics-cards meets your specific 1440p needs.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components
50.0%
1.6
Floating-point performance
30.0%
3.6
VRAM
15.0%
1.0
Ray tracing cores / units
5.0%
7.6
PCI Express (PCIe) version
2.5
4K
4K
2.5/ 10
✕
What it is
Evaluates core hardware and software specifications for 4k performance.
When it matters
When evaluating how effectively this graphics-cards meets your specific 4k needs.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components
40.0%
1.6
Floating-point performance
35.0%
3.6
VRAM
20.0%
1.0
Ray tracing cores / units
5.0%
7.6
PCI Express (PCIe) version

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Technical Specifications of graphics card MSI GeForce GTX 1660 Gaming X

5.5

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Performance

3.4

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3DMark Time Spy benchmark score

3DMark Port Royal score

PassMark (G3D) result

PassMark (DirectCompute) result

Floating-point performance

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Memory

3.5

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VRAM

Memory type

GDDR5

GDDR version

Memory bus width

Maximum memory bandwidth

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Platform & Features

7.9

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PCI Express (PCIe) version

PCIe lanes

DirectX version

Vulkan version

OpenGL version

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Connectivity & Media

8.7

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Max displays supported

Max digital resolution

DisplayPort outputs

DisplayPort version

DisplayPort link rates

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Power & Cooling

8.8

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Thermal Design Power (TDP)

Power consumption while under peak load

Recommended PSU wattage

Board power limit

PCIe power spec

130 W

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Design

8.9

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Size

247x 127x 46 mm

Length

Height

Slot width

Weight

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MSI GeForce GTX 1660 Gaming X vs the average graphics card

Why is MSI GeForce GTX 1660 Gaming X better than the average graphics card?

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30.8% lower PSU requirement
This graphics card has a lower PSU requirement than the average graphics card (450 W vs 650 W). The average graphics card has a PSU requirement of 650 W.
450 W vs 650 W
39.5% lower TDP
This graphics card has a lower TDP than the average graphics card (130 W vs 215 W). The average graphics card has a TDP of 215 W.
130 W vs 215 W
14.3% faster VRAM clock
This graphics card has a higher VRAM clock than the average graphics card (2001 MHz vs 1750 MHz). The average graphics card runs its VRAM at 1750 MHz.
2,001 MHz vs 1,750 MHz
0.5 slot/s slimmer design
This graphics card occupies fewer slots than the average graphics card (2 slot/s vs 2.5 slot/s). The average graphics card occupies 2.5 slot/s.
2 slot/s vs 2.5 slot/s
17.9% higher user score
User score
9.4/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the graphics card.
When it matters
When you want to understand how a graphics card performs in real use and how reliable it is in terms of performance, temperatures, noise, stability, and long-term ownership.
Score distribution
▼
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
MSI GeForce GTX 1660 Gaming X
the average graphics card
MSI GeForce GTX 1660 Gaming X has a higher user score than the average graphics card (9.43 vs 8.000).
9.43 vs 8
38 mm shorter card length
This graphics card is shorter than the average graphics card (247 mm vs 285 mm). The average graphics card has a length of 285 mm.
247 mm vs 285 mm
37.8% lower board power limit
This graphics card has a lower board power limit than the average graphics card (140 W vs 225 W). The average graphics card has a board power limit of 225 W.
140 W vs 225 W
2.52x cheaper
MSI GeForce GTX 1660 Gaming X is cheaper than the average graphics card (£210 vs £530).
£210 vs £530

17.9% higher user score
User score
9.4/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the graphics card.
When it matters
When you want to understand how a graphics card performs in real use and how reliable it is in terms of performance, temperatures, noise, stability, and long-term ownership.
Score distribution
▼
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
MSI GeForce GTX 1660 Gaming X
the average graphics card
MSI GeForce GTX 1660 Gaming X has a higher user score than the average graphics card (9.43 vs 8.000).
9.43 vs 8
2.52x cheaper
MSI GeForce GTX 1660 Gaming X is cheaper than the average graphics card (£210 vs £530).
£210 vs £530
2.26x more popular
MSI GeForce GTX 1660 Gaming X is more popular than the average graphics card (9.51 vs 4.2).
9.51 vs 4.22

14.3% faster VRAM clock
This graphics card has a higher VRAM clock than the average graphics card (2001 MHz vs 1750 MHz). The average graphics card runs its VRAM at 1750 MHz.
2,001 MHz vs 1,750 MHz

More NVENC sessions
This graphics card has more concurrent NVENC sessions than the average graphics card (12 vs 8). The average graphics card has 8 concurrent NVENC sessions.
12 vs 8

30.8% lower PSU requirement
This graphics card has a lower PSU requirement than the average graphics card (450 W vs 650 W). The average graphics card has a PSU requirement of 650 W.
450 W vs 650 W
39.5% lower TDP
This graphics card has a lower TDP than the average graphics card (130 W vs 215 W). The average graphics card has a TDP of 215 W.
130 W vs 215 W
37.8% lower board power limit
This graphics card has a lower board power limit than the average graphics card (140 W vs 225 W). The average graphics card has a board power limit of 225 W.
140 W vs 225 W

0.5 slot/s slimmer design
This graphics card occupies fewer slots than the average graphics card (2 slot/s vs 2.5 slot/s). The average graphics card occupies 2.5 slot/s.
2 slot/s vs 2.5 slot/s
38 mm shorter card length
This graphics card is shorter than the average graphics card (247 mm vs 285 mm). The average graphics card has a length of 285 mm.
247 mm vs 285 mm

Why is MSI GeForce GTX 1660 Gaming X worse than the average graphics card?

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6 GB less VRAM
This graphics card has fewer VRAM than the average graphics card (6 GB vs 12 GB). The average graphics card has 12 GB VRAM.
6 GB vs 12 GB
40 fewer ray tracing cores
This graphics card has fewer ray tracing cores than the average graphics card (0 vs 40). The average graphics card has 40 ray tracing cores.
0 vs 40
25.7% lower boost clock speed
This graphics card has a lower boost GPU clock than the average graphics card (1860 MHz vs 2505 MHz). The average graphics card has a boost GPU clock of 2505 MHz.
1,860 MHz vs 2,505 MHz
18 fewer compute units
This graphics card has fewer compute units than the average graphics card (22 vs 40). The average graphics card has 40 compute units.
22 vs 40
2.4x larger process node
This graphics card has a higher process node than the average graphics card (12 nm vs 5 nm). The average graphics card uses a process node of 5 nm.
12 nm vs 5 nm
64 bit narrower memory bus
This graphics card has a narrower memory bus than the average graphics card (192 bit vs 256 bit). The average graphics card has a memory bus width of 256 bit.
192 bit vs 256 bit
1 fewer fans
This graphics card has fewer fans than the average graphics card (2 vs 3).
2 vs 3
No DLSS support
This graphics card does not support DLSS, the average graphics card does.
No vs yes

7.9% worse value for money
MSI GeForce GTX 1660 Gaming X has worse value for money than the average graphics card (6.67 vs 7.2).
6.67 vs 7.2

40 fewer ray tracing cores
This graphics card has fewer ray tracing cores than the average graphics card (0 vs 40). The average graphics card has 40 ray tracing cores.
0 vs 40
25.7% lower boost clock speed
This graphics card has a lower boost GPU clock than the average graphics card (1860 MHz vs 2505 MHz). The average graphics card has a boost GPU clock of 2505 MHz.
1,860 MHz vs 2,505 MHz
18 fewer compute units
This graphics card has fewer compute units than the average graphics card (22 vs 40). The average graphics card has 40 compute units.
22 vs 40
96 fewer TMUs
This graphics card has fewer TMUs than the average graphics card (88 vs 184). The average graphics card has 184 TMUs.
88 vs 184
58.8% lower texture rate
This graphics card has a lower texture rate than the average graphics card (157.1 GTexel/s vs 381.2 GTexel/s). The average graphics card has a texture rate of 381.2 GTexel/s.
157.1 GTexel/s vs 381.2 GTexel/s
144 fewer AI cores
This graphics card has fewer AI cores than the average graphics card (0 vs 144). The average graphics card has 144 AI cores.
0 vs 144
45.3% lower pixel rate
This graphics card has a lower pixel rate than the average graphics card (89.3 GPixel/s vs 163.2 GPixel/s). The average graphics card has a pixel rate of 163.2 GPixel/s.
89.28 GPixel/s vs 163.2 GPixel/s
76.8% lower FP32 performance
This graphics card has a lower FP32 performance than the average graphics card (5.2 TFLOPS vs 22.57 TFLOPS). The average graphics card has FP32 performance of 22.57 TFLOPS.
5.24 TFLOPS vs 22.57 TFLOPS
20.3% lower base clock speed
This graphics card has a lower base GPU clock than the average graphics card (1530 MHz vs 1920 MHz). The average graphics card has a base GPU clock of 1920 MHz.
1,530 MHz vs 1,920 MHz
16 fewer ROPs
This graphics card has fewer ROPs than the average graphics card (48 vs 64). The average graphics card has 64 ROPs.
48 vs 64
48.2% lower PassMark score
This graphics card has a lower PassMark score than the average graphics card (11737 points vs 22653 points). The average graphics card has a PassMark score of 22653 points.
11,737 points vs 22,653 points
59.1% lower gaming score
This graphics card has a lower gaming score than the average graphics card (6000 points vs 14678.5 points). The average graphics card has a gaming score of 14678.5 points.
6,000 points vs 14,678.5 points
70% lower compute score
This graphics card has a lower compute score than the average graphics card (3617 points vs 12074 points). The average graphics card has a compute score of 12074 points.
3,617 points vs 12,074 points
77.2% lower compute throughput
This graphics card has a lower compute throughput than the average graphics card (5.2 TFLOPS vs 22.98 TFLOPS). The average graphics card has compute throughput of 22.98 TFLOPS.
5.24 TFLOPS vs 22.98 TFLOPS
66.2% lower FP16 performance
This graphics card has a lower FP16 performance than the average graphics card (10.1 TFLOPS vs 29.7 TFLOPS). The average graphics card has FP16 performance of 29.725 TFLOPS.
10.05 TFLOPS vs 29.725 TFLOPS
66.7% lower FP64 performance
This graphics card has a lower FP64 performance than the average graphics card (0.2 TFLOPS vs 0.48 TFLOPS). The average graphics card has FP64 performance of 0.48 TFLOPS.
0.16 TFLOPS vs 0.48 TFLOPS
2,944 fewer FP32 units
This graphics card has fewer FP32 units than the average graphics card (1,408 vs 4,352). The average graphics card has 4,352 FP32 units.
1,408 vs 4,352

6 GB less VRAM
This graphics card has fewer VRAM than the average graphics card (6 GB vs 12 GB). The average graphics card has 12 GB VRAM.
6 GB vs 12 GB
64 bit narrower memory bus
This graphics card has a narrower memory bus than the average graphics card (192 bit vs 256 bit). The average graphics card has a memory bus width of 256 bit.
192 bit vs 256 bit
57.1% lower memory bandwidth
This graphics card has a lower memory bandwidth than the average graphics card (192.1 GB/s vs 448 GB/s). The average graphics card has a memory bandwidth of 448 GB/s.
192.1 GB/s vs 448 GB/s
57.9% slower memory speed
This graphics card has a lower effective memory speed than the average graphics card (8004 MHz vs 19000 MHz). The average graphics card reaches an effective memory speed of 19000 MHz.
8,004 MHz vs 19,000 MHz
95.8% smaller L2 cache
This graphics card has fewer L2 cache than the average graphics card (1 MB vs 24 MB). The average graphics card has 24 MB L2 cache.
1 MB vs 24 MB
50% smaller L1 cache
This graphics card has fewer L1 cache than the average graphics card (64 vs 128). The average graphics card has 128 L1 cache.
64 vs 128

2.4x larger process node
This graphics card has a higher process node than the average graphics card (12 nm vs 5 nm). The average graphics card uses a process node of 5 nm.
12 nm vs 5 nm
No DLSS support
This graphics card does not support DLSS, the average graphics card does.
No vs yes
No ray tracing
This graphics card does not support ray tracing, the average graphics card does.
Older PCIe version
This graphics card supports an older PCIe version than the average graphics card (3 vs 4).
3.0 vs 4.0
No AI upscalers
This graphics card does not support AI upscalers, the average graphics card does.
4 older
This graphics card was released earlier than the average graphics card (2019 vs 2023).
March 2019
2,019 vs 2,023
Worse SAM support
This graphics card offers worse SAM support than the average graphics card (no vs yes).
Older DirectX version
This graphics card supports an older DirectX version than the average graphics card (12 vs 12 Ultimate).
12 vs 12 Ultimate
Older encoder generation
This graphics card uses an older encoder generation than the average graphics card (6 vs 8). The average graphics card uses encoder generation 8.
6 vs 8
No sampler feedback
This graphics card does not support sampler feedback, the average graphics card does.
71.2% fewer transistors
This graphics card has fewer transistors than the average graphics card (6600 million vs 22900 million). The average graphics card has 22900 million transistors.
6,600 million vs 22,900 million
Older shader model
This graphics card supports an older shader model than the average graphics card (6.7 vs 6.8).
6.7 vs 6.8

No AV1 encoding
This graphics card does not support AV1 encoding, the average graphics card does.
No AV1 decoding
This graphics card does not support AV1 decoding, the average graphics card does.
No vs yes
Narrower encode codec support
This graphics card supports narrower hardware encode codec support than the average graphics card (H.264/H.265 vs H.264/H.265/AV1/VP9).
H.264/H.265 vs H.264/H.265/AV1/VP9
Older DisplayPort version
This graphics card supports an older DisplayPort version than the average graphics card (1.4 vs 1.4a).
1.4 vs 1.4a
Narrower decode codec support
This graphics card supports narrower hardware decode codec support than the average graphics card (H.264/H.265/VP9/MPEG-2/VC-1 vs H.264/H.265/AV1/VP9/MPEG-2/VC-1).
H.264/H.265/VP9/MPEG-2/VC-1 vs H.264/H.265/AV1/VP9/MPEG-2/VC-1
Older HDMI version
This graphics card supports an older HDMI version than the average graphics card (2.0b vs 2.1).
2.0b vs 2.1
Older HDCP version
This graphics card supports an older HDCP version than the average graphics card (2.2 vs 2.3).
2.2 vs 2.3
2 fewer monitors per output type
This graphics card supports fewer monitors per output type than the average graphics card (1 vs 3). The average graphics card supports 3 monitors per output type.
1 vs 3
Older NVDEC generation
This graphics card has a lower NVDEC generation than the average graphics card (4 vs 6). The average graphics card offers NVDEC generation 6.
4 vs 6

1 fewer fans
This graphics card has fewer fans than the average graphics card (2 vs 3).
2 vs 3
No dual BIOS
This graphics card does not include dual BIOS, the average graphics card does.
No vs yes
14 °C higher idle temperature
This graphics card has a higher idle temperature than the average graphics card (51 °C vs 37 °C). The average graphics card has an idle temperature of 37 °C.
51 °C vs 37 °C

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

tweaktown.com

19/03/2019

Summary of the review

MSI GeForce GTX 1660 GAMING X & VENTUS XS Review - TweakTown TechPowerUp +2

MSI GeForce GTX 1660 Review Summary The MSI GeForce GTX 1660 GAMING X and VENTUS XS graphics cards are highly efficient, budget-friendly options targeting 1080p and entry-level 1440p gamers looking to upgrade from older hardware like the GTX 960. Built on NVIDIA's 12nm Turing TU116 architecture, these custom cards feature 1,408 CUDA cores and 6GB of GDDR5 memory. The premium GAMING X variant utilizes the advanced TWIN FROZR 7 cooling technology and features a factory-overclocked boost clock of 1,860MHz alongside customizable RGB lighting. Meanwhile, the compact VENTUS XS relies on a smaller TORX Fan design with a slightly lower 1,830MHz boost clock, making it an excellent space-saving solution for mini-ITX desktop builds. Both models require only a single 8-pin PCIe power connector and maintain incredibly cool operation. Pros and Cons Pros: Outstanding 1080p gaming performance, delivering over 100 FPS in titles like Battlefield V and Rainbow Six Siege. Exceptional power efficiency, with the entire test system drawing an impressive average of just 172W. Thermals remain remarkably low at just above 60°C, keeping noise to a minimum and allowing the fans...

bit-tech.net

14/03/2019

Summary of the review

Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 Review feat. MSI Gaming X - Bit-Tech

The MSI GeForce GTX 1660 Gaming X is a highly refined version of Nvidia's mainstream Turing-based GPU, which scales down the TU116 architecture to 1,408 CUDA cores and utilizes cheaper 6GB GDDR5 memory to lower pricing. MSI equips this specific model with its impressive Twin Frozr 7 thermal design, featuring twin Torx 3.0 fans with low-load quiet technology, a 247mm dual-slot form factor, and subtle RGB lighting via Mystic Light software. It provides solid out-of-the-box performance enhancements by lifting the power budget to 130W to deliver a core factory overclock boost speed of 1,860MHz, which is 75MHz higher than stock specifications. The reviewer highlights several notable pros, including its premium build quality featuring a supportive metal backplate and a robust cooling solution capable of handling much higher thermal loads. It also provides an excellent three-year warranty compared to the typical two-year industry standard. However, notable cons center around value, as the steep £250/$269 price point directly matches faster GTX 1660 Ti variants like the MSI Ventus, despite the Gaming X keeping its memory at stock speeds and lacking RT or...

techpowerup.com

14/03/2019

Summary of the review

MSI GeForce GTX 1660 Gaming X 6 GB Review - TechPowerUp

The TechPowerUp review of the MSI GeForce GTX 1660 Gaming X highlights its premium, highly refined implementation of NVIDIA’s Turing architecture. Key pros include the exceptional Twin Frozr 7 thermal design, which delivers low, silent operation with an idle fan-stop feature, alongside a solid factory overclock (1860 MHz boost) that improves performance over the GTX 1060 and RX 590. However, as a GTX card, it lacks RT and Tensor cores for raytracing or DLSS, and utilizes 6GB of GDDR5 memory at a standard 8 Gbps. Furthermore, the review notes a significant con in its premium price point, which sits very close to the faster GTX 1660 Ti, hurting its value proposition.

kitguru.net

14/03/2019

Summary of the review

MSI GTX 1660 Gaming X 6G Review - KitGuru

The MSI GTX 1660 Gaming X 6G relies on the TU116 Turing architecture, featuring 1,408 CUDA cores and 6GB of standard GDDR5 memory running at 8 Gbps, which mirrors the 192.1 GB/sec bandwidth of the older GTX 1060. Positioned as a high-end variation of Nvidia's budget GPU, it demands a £249.99 premium compared to the baseline £199 MSRP. The primary pros highlighted for this card include its premium Twin Frozr 7 cooling system, customizable RGB lighting, and a solid factory overclock that pushes the boost clock to 1,860MHz right out of the box. The major con of this GPU is its steep price increase, forcing consumers to consider if the premium features justify a 25% price hike over the baseline model. On the technical side, it suffers from reduced hardware capabilities compared to the 1660 Ti, losing one Texture Processing Cluster, two Streaming Multiprocessors, and 128 CUDA cores. Furthermore, using older GDDR5 memory rather than the faster GDDR6 memory found on its larger sibling limits its overall memory bandwidth.

guru3d.com

14/03/2019

Summary of the review

MSI GeForce GTX 1660 Gaming X review - Guru3d

The MSI GeForce GTX 1660 Gaming X is a top-tier mainstream card for 1080p and entry-level 1440p gaming, powered by Nvidia's Turing architecture. Key strengths include the exceptionally quiet Twin Frozr 7 cooling system, which keeps load temperatures under 65°C, along with low power consumption, premium aesthetics, and solid factory-overclocked performance. YouTube · However, the card lacks ray tracing and Tensor cores and utilizes 6GB of slower GDDR5 memory, making it unsuitable for 4K gaming. Additionally, the design lacks DVI and VirtualLink connectivity, and its open-fan, top-down cooling design requires good case ventilation, as noted in the Guru3D review. YouTube ·

lesnumeriques.com

19/04/2019

Summary of the review

Test Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 : pour jouer en Full HD sans dépenser une fortune

Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 Review Summary The Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 is a budget-friendly graphics card designed specifically for smooth Full HD (1080p) gaming without breaking the bank. Built on the Turing architecture using a TU116 GPU, it makes a few technical concessions compared to its "Ti" sibling, most notably swapping faster GDDR6 memory for 6GB of slower GDDR5 on a 192-bit bus, which drops the bandwidth from 288 GB/s to 192 GB/s. Despite this bottleneck, tests on a compact, factory-overclocked Palit StormX variant showed highly stable performance in game benchmarks, keeping frame rates reliably between 50 and 100 fps at maximum graphics settings. This makes it roughly 20% faster than the older GTX 1060 and 10% faster than AMD's competing Radeon RX 590. While 1440p gaming is possible on lighter titles, it requires sacrificing anti-aliasing and other heavy graphical options to maintain fluid framerates. Key Pros and Cons Pro: Excellent, fluid performance for modern Full HD gaming. Pro: Highly efficient, low power consumption averaging just 113W. Pro: Compact hardware design fits easily into small PC cases. Con: Noticeable acoustic...

elchapuzasinformatico.com

14/03/2019

Summary of the review

Review: MSI GeForce GTX 1660 Gaming X(geeknetic.es) | 14 de marzo de 2019 | MSI GeForce GTX 1660 GAMING X Review(hardzone.es) | 14 de marzo de 2019 |...

The MSI GeForce GTX 1660 Gaming X, based on the Turing architecture without RT/tensor cores, functions as a high-performance 1080p successor to the GTX 1060, utilizing GDDR5 memory and featuring a robust 4 phase PCB. A key advantage is the Twin Frozr VII cooling solution with Torx 3.0 fans, which offers exceptional thermal management (roughly 62°C under load) and silent, zero-RPM fan operation under low loads. Pros include the premium, aesthetic design with customizable RGB lighting and solid manual overclocking capabilities. However, the primary con is its high 279-euro launch price, which encroaches on the superior GTX 1660 Ti, reducing the value proposition for budget-conscious users.

hardware.info

04/07/2019

Summary of the review

39 Midrange videokaarten van 200-400 euro review

This 2019 review evaluates 39 midrange graphics cards priced between €200 and €400 to determine the best options for Full HD and QHD gaming. The testing covers a massive lineup of Nvidia architectures, including ten RTX 2060s, eleven GTX 1660 Tis, six GTX 1660s, and six GTX 1650s, alongside older AMD alternatives like the RX Vega 56, RX 590, and RX 580. Benchmarks across popular titles like Assassin's Creed Odyssey, Battlefield V, and Shadow of the Tomb Raider assess real-world performance, alongside testing for noise levels, cooling efficiency, power consumption, and long-term durability. The major benefit highlighted in the review is the excellent performance-to-price ratio of Nvidia's updated midrange lineup, offering affordable cards tailored for specific resolutions like the GTX 1660 for Full HD and the RTX 2060 for QHD. Furthermore, the RTX 2060 adds modern features by introducing ray tracing to an affordable price bracket. However, the review notes several downsides, including the high and fluctuating prices of remaining AMD stock, which complicated direct value comparisons. Additionally, Nvidia's own highly-rated RTX 2060 Founders Edition is excluded from recommendations due...

tweakers.net

05/04/2019

Summary of the review

GTX 1660 en 1660 Ti Round-up

Tweakers evaluated twelve custom-cooled Nvidia GTX 1660 and 1660 Ti cards, highlighting the TU116 GPU's high efficiency, 10% average overclocks from brands like MSI and Gigabyte, and excellent 1080p/1440p performance. While premium designs offer superb cooling and low noise, the high-end cards suffer from poor price-to-performance due to their cost approaching the faster RTX 2060, alongside a 6GB VRAM limitation.

Third-party reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.

Reviews last updated: June 2026 · How we calculate this

What we like about MSI GeForce GTX 1660 Gaming X

Excellent thermal performance with peaks typically around 63°C - 65°C under load
Extremely quiet operation, often described as 'virtually silent' thanks to Twin Frozr 7 cooling and fans that stop at idle
High build quality featuring a premium gunmetal grey design and a sturdy metal backplate
Solid 1080p gaming performance, capable of handling most modern titles at high settings
Good manual overclocking headroom, with some users reaching over 2000 MHz on the core
Attractive, customizable RGB lighting via MSI Mystic Light

What we don't like about MSI GeForce GTX 1660 Gaming X

High price premium over the base MSRP, sometimes making more powerful cards a better value
Lacks modern features like dedicated Ray Tracing (RT) cores or DLSS support found in RTX series
Only 6GB of GDDR5 VRAM, which can be a limitation for some demanding 1440p textures
No DVI or USB-C (VirtualLink) connectors for older or specific VR displays
Relatively large dual-slot size compared to more compact, budget-oriented GTX 1660 models

Verdict

The MSI GeForce GTX 1660 Gaming X is a premium, factory-overclocked graphics card featuring 1,408 CUDA cores and a boosted core clock of 1860 MHz. It is equipped with 6GB of GDDR5 memory on a 192-bit bus, delivering 192.1 GB/s bandwidth to provide reliable 1080p gaming performance. Its primary characteristics include the Twin Frozr 7 thermal design with dual Torx 3.0 fans and Zero Frozr technology for silent operation during low loads, along with a brushed metal backplate and customizable Mystic Light RGB. Main pros include exceptional cooling efficiency, near-silent acoustic performance, and high build quality for its class; however, it lacks dedicated RT and Tensor cores for ray tracing and DLSS, and it was originally noted for a higher price premium compared to entry-level 1660 models.

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