NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 vs. NVIDIA GeForce GTX 660

Attribute	NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050	NVIDIA GeForce GTX 660
Release Date	October 2016	September 2012
Architecture	Pascal	Kepler
Core Clock	1354 MHz	980 MHz
Boost Clock	1455 MHz	1033 MHz
Memory Size	2 GB	2 GB
Memory Type	GDDR5	GDDR5
Memory Bus	128-bit	192-bit

Introduction

When it comes to choosing a graphics card for your gaming or multimedia needs, NVIDIA is a brand that often comes to mind. Two popular options in their lineup are the GeForce GTX 1050 and the GeForce GTX 660. Both cards have their own set of attributes and features that make them appealing to different types of users. In this article, we will compare the two cards in terms of performance, specifications, and price to help you make an informed decision.

Performance

The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 is a more recent release compared to the GeForce GTX 660, and as such, it offers better performance in most aspects. The GTX 1050 is based on the Pascal architecture, which provides improved efficiency and performance over the older Kepler architecture found in the GTX 660. The GTX 1050 also has a higher base clock speed and more CUDA cores, resulting in better overall gaming performance and faster rendering speeds for multimedia tasks.

Specifications

When it comes to specifications, the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 has a clear advantage over the GTX 660. The GTX 1050 features 2GB of GDDR5 memory, compared to the 2GB of GDDR5 memory found in the GTX 660. The GTX 1050 also has a higher memory bandwidth and a lower TDP, making it more power-efficient than the GTX 660. Additionally, the GTX 1050 supports newer technologies such as DirectX 12 and Vulkan, which can result in better performance in modern games.

Price

One of the key factors that many users consider when choosing a graphics card is the price. The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 is generally priced higher than the GTX 660 due to its newer architecture and improved performance. However, the GTX 1050 offers better value for money in terms of performance per dollar, making it a more cost-effective option in the long run. The GTX 660, while cheaper, may not provide the same level of performance and features as the GTX 1050.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 and the GeForce GTX 660 have their own strengths and weaknesses. The GTX 1050 offers better performance, specifications, and support for newer technologies, making it a more future-proof option for gaming and multimedia tasks. On the other hand, the GTX 660 may be a more budget-friendly option for users who are looking for a basic graphics card without the need for high-end performance. Ultimately, the choice between the two cards will depend on your specific needs and budget.