NVIDIA GeForce GTX 660 OEM
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 660 OEM in 2025: Nostalgia or Practicality?
Let’s figure out who this graphics card is suitable for 13 years after its release.
1. Architecture and Key Features
Kepler Architecture: The Foundation of Stability
The GTX 660 OEM is based on the Kepler architecture, which debuted in 2012. This was NVIDIA's first generation optimized for energy efficiency, but it falls short compared to modern counterparts in computing power. The manufacturing process is 28 nm, which is considered outdated by 2025 (new cards use 4–5 nm).
Lack of Modern Technologies
The card does not support ray tracing (RTX), DLSS, FidelityFX, or similar features. It's purely a "raster" GPU designed for basic tasks. The only highlight is support for DirectX 11 and OpenGL 4.6, allowing for smooth operation of older games, but it limits compatibility with newer APIs like Vulkan 2.0 or DirectX 12 Ultimate.
2. Memory: Modest Specifications
GDDR5 and Narrow Bus
The GTX 660 OEM is equipped with 1.5–2 GB of GDDR5 memory with a 192-bit bus. The bandwidth is 144.2 GB/s (6 GHz effective frequency). In comparison, even budget cards of 2025, such as the RTX 4050, offer a 128-bit bus but with GDDR6X and speeds up to 18 GHz, resulting in 288 GB/s.
Gaming Limitations
The memory capacity is sufficient for running older titles at 1080p (e.g., The Witcher 3 on medium settings), but in modern games, even with low textures, frame drops are possible due to insufficient VRAM. For instance, Hogwarts Legacy requires a minimum of 4 GB VRAM to run.
3. Gaming Performance: Realities of 2025
1080p — The Limit of Capabilities
In less demanding games (CS:GO, Dota 2, Rocket League), the GTX 660 OEM delivers 60–90 FPS at low settings. However, in titles like Cyberpunk 2077 or Starfield, even at 720p and minimum settings, the FPS rarely exceeds 20–25 frames.
1440p and 4K — Not for This Card
Due to weak memory and computational resources, resolutions above 1080p are impractical. In Fortnite (Performance mode, 1440p), the average FPS barely reaches 30.
Ray Tracing: No Support Available
The Kepler architecture lacks dedicated RT cores and tensor cores. Technologies like DLSS or FSR are also unavailable, making the card unsuitable for ray tracing games.
4. Professional Tasks: Minimal Applicability
CUDA Cores: Only for Simple Tasks
With 960 CUDA cores, the GTX 660 OEM can handle basic editing in Premiere Pro or DaVinci Resolve, but rendering 4K video will take 3–4 times longer compared to modern GPUs. In 3D modeling (Blender), complex scenes will cause lag.
Scientific Calculations: Outdated Option
For computations based on CUDA/OpenCL, the card is only suitable for educational projects or simple simulations. Compared to modern GPUs (e.g., RTX 4060), its performance in machine learning tasks is virtually negligible.
5. Power Consumption and Heat Generation
TDP 140W: Modest but Not Ideal
The card consumes less than top models from 2025 (e.g., RTX 4090 with TDP of 450W), but 140W is an average figure for its class.
Cooling Recommendations
- Cooling System: At least 2 fans or a tower cooler.
- Case: Good ventilation with 2–3 intake fans and 1 exhaust fan.
- Thermal Paste: Replacement every 2–3 years (temperature under load — up to 75°C).
6. Comparison with Competitors
AMD Radeon HD 7870: Main Competitor of 2012
- Memory: 2 GB GDDR5, 256-bit bus (bandwidth — 153.6 GB/s).
- Performance: 10–15% higher in DirectX 11, but worse optimization for modern APIs.
Modern Analogues (2025): NVIDIA RTX 3050
- Price: $200–250 (new).
- Advantages: 8 GB GDDR6, support for DLSS 3.5, ray tracing, and 4–5 times the performance.
Conclusion: The GTX 660 OEM lags behind even budget GPUs of 2025 but can serve as an alternative for ultra-cheap builds.
7. Practical Tips
Power Supply: Minimum 450W
A power supply with an 80+ Bronze certification and detachable cables is recommended (for example, EVGA 450 BR).
Platform Compatibility
- PCIe 3.0 x16 slot (backward compatible with PCIe 2.0).
- Motherboards: Even older models based on Intel H61 or AMD A75 will work.
Drivers: Limited Support
Official drivers from NVIDIA will be updated until 2023. Compatibility mode may be required for Windows 11/12.
8. Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Low price: $80–100 (new OEM supplies).
- Quiet operation under moderate loads.
- Sufficient for office tasks and older games.
Cons:
- No support for modern technologies (RTX, DLSS).
- Limited memory capacity.
- High risk of overheating in poorly ventilated cases.
9. Final Conclusion: Who is the GTX 660 OEM Suitable For?
This graphics card is a choice for:
1. Budget Builds: If you need a PC for internet browsing, office programs, or running games up to 2015.
2. Retro Enthusiasts: Those who collect hardware or experiment with old systems.
3. Temporary Solutions: Until you save up for a modern GPU.
Why You Shouldn’t Buy It?
For gaming in 2025, professional editing, or working with AI, this card is useless. Even a budget RTX 3050 or AMD RX 6500 XT ($150–180) will offer significantly more capabilities.
Conclusion
The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 660 OEM in 2025 is a relic that only has a place in niche scenarios. If your budget is strictly limited and your tasks are simple, it may suffice. In all other cases, it is better to pay extra for modern solutions.