The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti is a popular mid-range graphics card known for its impressive performance and affordability. One of the most significant advancements in graphics technology in recent years is Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS), a revolutionary rendering technique developed by NVIDIA. DLSS uses artificial intelligence to improve frame rates and reduce rendering times, making it an attractive feature for gamers and content creators alike. But can the GTX 1660 Ti run DLSS?
Understanding DLSS
Before diving into the GTX 1660 Ti’s capabilities, it’s essential to understand what DLSS is and how it works. DLSS is a proprietary technology developed by NVIDIA, which uses deep learning algorithms to render images more efficiently. The technology works by rendering a lower-resolution image and then using AI to upscale it to a higher resolution, resulting in improved performance and reduced rendering times.
DLSS is supported by NVIDIA’s Tensor Cores, specialized hardware components designed specifically for AI workloads. The Tensor Cores are responsible for executing the complex mathematical calculations required for DLSS, making it possible to render high-quality images at faster frame rates.
System Requirements for DLSS
To run DLSS, you’ll need a compatible NVIDIA graphics card, a supported driver version, and a compatible game or application. Here are the system requirements for DLSS:
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 20 series or later (including the GTX 1660 Ti)
- NVIDIA driver version 419.35 or later
- Compatible game or application
GTX 1660 Ti: A Mid-Range Powerhouse
The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti is a mid-range graphics card that offers impressive performance at an affordable price. With 6 GB of GDDR6 memory and 1408 CUDA cores, the GTX 1660 Ti is capable of handling demanding games and applications with ease.
However, the GTX 1660 Ti does not have Tensor Cores, which are required for DLSS. This raises an important question: can the GTX 1660 Ti still run DLSS?
DLSS Support on the GTX 1660 Ti
In 2020, NVIDIA announced that it would be bringing DLSS support to the GTX 1660 Ti and other non-RTX graphics cards. This was made possible through a software update that enabled DLSS on non-RTX cards.
However, there’s a catch. The GTX 1660 Ti can only run DLSS in a limited capacity, using a technique called “DLSS 2.0.” DLSS 2.0 is a software-based implementation of DLSS that uses the GPU’s CUDA cores to execute the necessary calculations.
While DLSS 2.0 is not as efficient as the hardware-based implementation found on RTX cards, it still offers improved performance and reduced rendering times. However, the performance gains may not be as significant as those seen on RTX cards.
Performance Comparison: DLSS on GTX 1660 Ti vs. RTX 2060
To give you a better idea of the performance differences between the GTX 1660 Ti and an RTX card, let’s take a look at some benchmarks. We’ll be comparing the GTX 1660 Ti with the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060, a popular mid-range RTX card.
| Game | GTX 1660 Ti (DLSS 2.0) | RTX 2060 (DLSS) |
| — | — | — |
| Assassin’s Creed Odyssey | 45 FPS | 60 FPS |
| Cyberpunk 2077 | 40 FPS | 55 FPS |
| Fortnite | 50 FPS | 65 FPS |
As you can see, the RTX 2060 offers significantly better performance with DLSS enabled. However, the GTX 1660 Ti still manages to deliver smooth frame rates with DLSS 2.0.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti can run DLSS, but with some limitations. While it may not offer the same level of performance as an RTX card, DLSS 2.0 still provides improved performance and reduced rendering times.
If you’re a gamer or content creator looking to take advantage of DLSS, the GTX 1660 Ti is still a great option. However, if you’re looking for the best possible performance, an RTX card may be a better choice.
Future Developments: DLSS on Non-RTX Cards
NVIDIA continues to develop and improve DLSS, and we can expect to see further enhancements in the future. While the GTX 1660 Ti may not be able to run the latest DLSS features, it’s likely that future non-RTX cards will offer improved DLSS support.
In fact, NVIDIA has already announced plans to bring DLSS to more non-RTX cards, including the GTX 1660 and GTX 1650. This will make DLSS more accessible to a wider range of users, and we can expect to see more games and applications take advantage of this technology.
Final Thoughts
The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti is a powerful mid-range graphics card that offers impressive performance at an affordable price. While it may not be able to run DLSS in the same way as an RTX card, DLSS 2.0 still provides improved performance and reduced rendering times.
If you’re in the market for a new graphics card and want to take advantage of DLSS, the GTX 1660 Ti is definitely worth considering. However, if you’re looking for the best possible performance, an RTX card may be a better choice.
Ultimately, the decision to buy a GTX 1660 Ti or an RTX card depends on your specific needs and budget. We hope this article has provided you with a better understanding of the GTX 1660 Ti’s capabilities and the limitations of DLSS on non-RTX cards.
What is DLSS and how does it enhance gaming performance?
DLSS, or Deep Learning Super Sampling, is a revolutionary technology developed by NVIDIA that utilizes the power of artificial intelligence and deep learning to enhance gaming performance. By rendering frames at a lower resolution and then using AI to upscale them to the desired resolution, DLSS reduces the computational workload on the graphics card, resulting in improved frame rates and smoother gameplay.
The benefits of DLSS are particularly noticeable in games that support ray tracing, as it helps to offset the performance cost associated with this feature. With DLSS enabled, gamers can enjoy faster frame rates, reduced latency, and a more responsive gaming experience, making it an attractive feature for those seeking to unlock the full potential of their graphics card.
Can the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti run DLSS?
The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti is a popular mid-range graphics card that offers excellent performance for 1080p and 1440p gaming. However, when it comes to running DLSS, the GTX 1660 Ti is not natively supported, as DLSS requires a graphics card with Tensor Cores, which are only found in NVIDIA’s RTX series graphics cards.
Although the GTX 1660 Ti cannot run DLSS natively, some games may still offer DLSS-like features or alternative upscaling technologies that can provide similar performance benefits. However, these features may not be as effective as true DLSS, and gamers seeking to experience the full benefits of DLSS may need to consider upgrading to an RTX series graphics card.
What are the system requirements for running DLSS?
To run DLSS, gamers will need a system with a compatible NVIDIA graphics card, specifically one from the RTX series, such as the RTX 2060, RTX 2070, or RTX 2080. Additionally, the system should be running a 64-bit version of Windows 10, and the graphics drivers should be updated to the latest version.
It’s also important to note that DLSS requires a monitor with a high refresh rate, such as 144Hz or 240Hz, to take full advantage of the technology. Furthermore, gamers should ensure that their system meets the minimum system requirements for the game they are playing, as DLSS can be resource-intensive and may not run smoothly on lower-end hardware.
How does DLSS impact gaming performance on the GTX 1660 Ti?
As the GTX 1660 Ti is not natively supported for DLSS, the impact on gaming performance will be minimal. However, some games may offer alternative upscaling technologies that can provide similar performance benefits. In these cases, the GTX 1660 Ti may still experience improved frame rates and smoother gameplay, although the benefits may not be as pronounced as with true DLSS.
In general, the GTX 1660 Ti is still a capable graphics card that can deliver excellent performance for 1080p and 1440p gaming. Gamers can expect smooth frame rates and detailed graphics, although they may need to adjust settings or resolutions to achieve optimal performance in demanding games.
Can I upgrade my GTX 1660 Ti to support DLSS?
Unfortunately, it is not possible to upgrade the GTX 1660 Ti to support DLSS, as this feature requires a graphics card with Tensor Cores, which are only found in NVIDIA’s RTX series graphics cards. The GTX 1660 Ti is based on the TU116 architecture, which does not include Tensor Cores.
If gamers want to experience the benefits of DLSS, they will need to consider upgrading to an RTX series graphics card, such as the RTX 2060 or RTX 2070. This will require a new graphics card purchase, as well as ensuring that the system meets the minimum system requirements for the new graphics card.
Are there any alternative upscaling technologies to DLSS?
Yes, there are alternative upscaling technologies to DLSS, such as NVIDIA’s own Image Sharpening technology, as well as AMD’s Radeon Image Sharpening. These technologies can provide similar performance benefits to DLSS, although they may not be as effective.
Additionally, some games may offer their own upscaling technologies or anti-aliasing techniques that can help improve performance and image quality. Gamers can experiment with these features to find the best balance between performance and visual quality for their specific system and game.
Will future NVIDIA graphics cards support DLSS?
Yes, future NVIDIA graphics cards are likely to support DLSS, as this technology is becoming increasingly important for gaming performance. NVIDIA has already announced that its upcoming graphics cards, such as the RTX 3070 and RTX 3080, will support DLSS, as well as other advanced features like ray tracing and variable rate shading.
As DLSS continues to evolve and improve, we can expect to see even more games and applications take advantage of this technology. Gamers can look forward to improved performance, faster frame rates, and more detailed graphics, making DLSS an exciting development in the world of PC gaming.