The MSI GeForce GTX 660 2GB 2 Fan is a graphics card released back in 2012, and while it’s not the latest and greatest, it’s still a decent option for budget gamers looking for a boost in performance. This review will take a deep dive into the specifications, performance, pros and cons, and overall value of the MSI GTX 660 2GB 2 Fan, answering the question: is it worth buying in 2023?
MSI GeForce GTX 660 2GB 2 Fan Specifications
The MSI GTX 660 2GB 2 Fan is based on the Kepler architecture and features the GK106 GPU with 960 CUDA cores, running at a base clock speed of 980 MHz and a boost clock speed of 1033 MHz. The card has 2GB of GDDR5 memory running at a 6008 MHz effective memory clock speed, connected via a 192-bit memory interface.
Here are some of the key specifications of the card:
- GPU: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 660
- CUDA Cores: 960
- Base Clock: 980 MHz
- Boost Clock: 1033 MHz
- Memory: 2GB GDDR5
- Memory Interface: 192-bit
- Memory Clock: 6008 MHz (Effective)
- TDP: 140W
MSI GeForce GTX 660 2GB 2 Fan Performance
The MSI GTX 660 2GB 2 Fan offers decent performance for its price point, especially if you’re looking to play older games or titles with lower graphical demands. It can handle most games at 1080p resolution with medium to high settings, achieving frame rates that are playable for most gamers.
However, it struggles to keep up with modern games at higher resolutions and settings. If you’re planning on playing demanding titles like Cyberpunk 2077 or Elden Ring, you’ll need to lower the settings or accept lower frame rates.
MSI GeForce GTX 660 2GB 2 Fan Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Affordable: The MSI GTX 660 2GB 2 Fan is a budget-friendly option compared to newer graphics cards.
- Decent performance: It can still deliver playable frame rates in many games, especially older titles.
- Quiet cooling: The 2-fan cooler on the card is known to be relatively quiet.
- Small size: The card has a compact design, making it suitable for smaller cases.
Cons:
- Outdated: The card is based on an older architecture and is no longer supported by the latest game releases.
- Limited memory: The 2GB of VRAM can be insufficient for demanding games, especially at higher resolutions.
- No support for newer features: The card lacks features like Ray Tracing and DLSS, which are becoming increasingly important for modern gaming.
- Limited availability: Finding a new card might be challenging, as it is no longer in production.
Is the MSI GeForce GTX 660 2GB 2 Fan Worth Buying in 2023?
The MSI GTX 660 2GB 2 Fan is a card that serves its purpose, but it has several limitations. If you’re on a tight budget and need a graphics card for basic gaming, then it might be worth considering. However, if you’re looking for a card that can handle the latest and greatest games at high settings, you’ll need to look at newer and more powerful options.
FAQ
Q: Can I still play modern games with this card?
A: You can still play some modern games with the MSI GTX 660 2GB 2 Fan, but you’ll have to lower the graphics settings or accept lower frame rates. You might also encounter compatibility issues with some newer titles.
Q: Is the MSI GTX 660 2GB 2 Fan better than integrated graphics?
A: Yes, the MSI GTX 660 2GB 2 Fan offers significantly better performance than integrated graphics. It will allow you to run games at higher settings and resolutions.
Q: What are some alternatives to the MSI GTX 660 2GB 2 Fan?
A: If you’re looking for a budget-friendly alternative, you could consider the GTX 1050 Ti or the GTX 1650. These cards offer better performance and support newer features.
Q: Can I upgrade the memory of the MSI GTX 660 2GB 2 Fan?
A: No, the memory on the MSI GTX 660 2GB 2 Fan is soldered onto the card and cannot be upgraded.
Q: What is the average price of a used MSI GTX 660 2GB 2 Fan?
A: The price of a used MSI GTX 660 2GB 2 Fan can vary depending on the condition and seller. It’s typically found for around $30-50.
Q: Can I use this card for video editing or other creative tasks?
A: While the MSI GTX 660 2GB 2 Fan can handle some video editing and creative tasks, it’s not ideal for heavy workloads. For professional-level video editing or other demanding creative tasks, you’ll need a more powerful graphics card.
Q: How does the MSI GTX 660 2GB 2 Fan compare to the GTX 650 Ti?
A: The MSI GTX 660 2GB 2 Fan is a more powerful card than the GTX 650 Ti. It offers a noticeable performance boost, especially in games with higher graphical demands.
Q: Should I buy a used MSI GTX 660 2GB 2 Fan or a new budget card?
A: If you’re on a tight budget and are only looking for a basic gaming experience, a used MSI GTX 660 2GB 2 Fan could be a good option. However, if you want a more future-proof card with better performance and support for newer features, you might be better off with a new budget card like the GTX 1650 or GTX 1050 Ti.
Conclusion
The MSI GeForce GTX 660 2GB 2 Fan is a decent entry-level gaming card that can still provide playable performance in some older games. However, it’s an outdated card with several limitations, including limited memory and lack of support for newer features. If you’re looking for a card that can handle the latest and greatest games at high settings, you’ll need to look at newer and more powerful options. But if you’re on a tight budget and only need a basic gaming experience, the MSI GTX 660 2GB 2 Fan might be worth considering.
