In this article, we compare two gaming beasts- Steam deck and 1660 Ti. We explore the strengths and weaknesses of both devices, including processing power, graphics performance, and overall design. This comparison will help gamers pick the best device for their needs. So, whether you are a casual gamer or an esports enthusiast, read on to discover which device reigns supreme in the gaming world.
Steam Deck vs 1660 Ti: A Comprehensive Showdown to Determine the Ultimate Victor!
Introduction
Gaming enthusiasts and professionals alike are always on the hunt for the latest and greatest gaming technology that can enhance their gaming experience. Two of the most popular products in recent times that have been the talk of the town are the Steam Deck and the 1660 Ti. While both devices offer top-notch gaming performance, features, and functionality, choosing the right one can be a daunting task. In this comprehensive comparison article, we will delve deep into the pros and cons of each device to help you make an informed decision.
About Steam Deck
Steam Deck is a portable console gaming device that has been developed and produced by Valve Corporation. The device boasts a 7-inch touchscreen display, a custom AMD APU, and is powered by the latest version of Valve’s SteamOS. With its impressive hardware specifications, the Steam Deck promises to deliver high-quality gaming experience on the go.
About 1660 Ti
The 1660 Ti, on the other hand, is a powerful graphics card that has been developed by NVIDIA. It is designed for gamers who demand the best in terms of performance, speed, and graphics quality. The card features advanced Turing architecture and is capable of delivering high frame rates even in the most demanding games.
Introduction
The gaming world is constantly evolving with new and innovative technologies being introduced every year. The latest entrants in the gaming arena are the Steam Deck and the 1660 Ti. Both offer exceptional gaming experiences but differ in terms of features, performance, and price.
The Steam Deck is a handheld device that allows users to play PC games on the go, while the 1660 Ti is a dedicated graphics card that enhances the gaming experience on desktops by delivering high-quality graphics and smooth performance.
In this comprehensive comparison, we will delve into the key features of both devices, analyze their performance, and help you decide which one reigns supreme.
Design and Build Quality
The design and build quality of a device are critical as they influence the user’s experience and how the device feels in hand. When it comes to the Steam Deck and the 1660 Ti, both devices are well-built, and their attention to detail is apparent.
The Steam Deck has a sleek design and feels premium in hand due to its solid aluminum body. The gaming console’s build quality is top-notch and durable, which is essential for a portable gaming device, as it is likely to be used frequently and taken on the go. The Steam Deck also has grips on the back, improving the user’s grip and reducing the chance of accidental drops.
On the other hand, the 1660 Ti is a graphics card, so it does not have a design or build quality in the same way as a portable gaming console. However, various third-party manufacturers produce graphics cards with their unique design and build quality. For example, the Gigabyte AORUS GeForce GTX 1660 Ti has a striking design and a durable build. The cooling system of the graphics card is excellent, keeping the device cool under heavy loads.
Overall, both the Steam Deck and the 1660 Ti have impressive design and build quality, making them reliable devices that can withstand everyday use and gaming sessions.
Performance Comparison
The performance of the Steam Deck and the 1660 Ti can be compared in various ways. Firstly, the Steam Deck features an AMD APU based on Zen 2 architecture with 8 cores and 16 threads, while the 1660 Ti has a NVIDIA architecture with 1536 CUDA cores, 6GB of GDDR6 VRAM, and a core clock speed of 1500 MHz.
Secondly, the Steam Deck has a maximum resolution of 800p in handheld mode and 1200p when docked, while the 1660 Ti can handle up to 4K resolution. However, the Steam Deck is specifically designed for gaming on the go, so its resolution is suitable for its purpose.
Thirdly, in terms of benchmark results, the Steam Deck scored a respectable 3574 points in 3DMark Time Spy, while the 1660 Ti scored around 7000 points in the same test. However, the Steam Deck’s results are impressive for a handheld device.
Overall, while the 1660 Ti is a more powerful GPU, the Steam Deck’s performance is impressive given its size and portability. Its APU and design make it a good option for those searching for a portable gaming device.
Display Analysis
The Steam Deck features a 7-inch touchscreen display with a resolution of 1280×800. This translates to a pixel density of 217 pixels per inch (PPI), which is decent for a handheld device. However, the display is not as sharp as the 1660 Ti, which can output 1080p or even 1440p resolution on a larger monitor.
That being said, the Steam Deck’s display does have a few advantages over the 1660 Ti. For one, it has a higher refresh rate of 60Hz, which gives a smoother gaming experience. Additionally, it has a touch screen, which can be useful for certain games. The 1660 Ti, on the other hand, relies on a keyboard and mouse or a separate controller.
Another advantage of the Steam Deck’s display is that it is more portable and convenient. You can take it with you wherever you go and play games on the go. The 1660 Ti, on the other hand, is a desktop GPU and requires a separate monitor and power supply.
Overall, the Steam Deck’s display is solid for a handheld device, but it cannot match the sharpness and resolution of the 1660 Ti on a larger monitor. However, it does have a higher refresh rate and the added convenience of being portable.
Battery Life
When it comes to battery life, the Steam Deck and the 1660 Ti give you different experiences. With the Steam Deck, you can expect to get between 6-8 hours of battery life on a single charge. This is impressive, especially considering the fact that the device is essentially a portable computer that’s capable of running PC games.
On the other hand, the 1660 Ti is a graphics card that’s designed to be used in a desktop computer. As such, it doesn’t have any battery life to speak of. If you want to use the 1660 Ti, you’ll need to plug it into a power source through your desktop computer’s power supply.
If you’re looking for a portable gaming experience that you can take with you on the go, the Steam Deck is clearly the winner in terms of battery life. However, if you’re looking for a powerful graphics card for your desktop computer, the 1660 Ti is a great option.
Price and Availability
The Steam Deck is set to release in December 2021, with three different models available for pre-order now. The base model, with 64GB of eMMC storage, is priced at $399. The mid-tier model, with 256GB of faster NVMe SSD storage, is priced at $529. The high-end model, with 512GB of fastest NVMe SSD storage and an anti-glare etched glass screen, is priced at $649.
The Nvidia GTX 1660 Ti, on the other hand, is a graphics card commonly found in many pre-built gaming desktops and laptops. The price varies depending on the manufacturer, but it typically costs between $300 to $400.
It’s important to note that the Steam Deck is both a handheld console and a full-fledged PC, whereas the GTX 1660 Ti is solely a graphics card. Therefore, comparing the prices of these two technologies isn’t exactly apples to apples.
When it comes to availability, the Steam Deck has already seen high demand and backorders for all three models are expected to continue well into 2022. The GTX 1660 Ti, on the other hand, is widely available and can be purchased through many online retailers or directly from computer manufacturers.
Frequently Asked Question:
Can the Steam Deck outperform the 1660 ti?
It’s hard to say for sure without extensive benchmarking, but the Steam Deck’s custom AMD APU is said to offer performance that is on par with a GTX 1050 Ti, which falls slightly below the 1660 Ti in terms of raw power.
How does the Steam Deck’s battery life compare to a laptop with a 1660 ti?
The Steam Deck’s battery life is expected to be around 2-8 hours depending on usage, while a laptop with a 1660 ti can vary greatly depending on the specific model and settings, but usually ranges from 2-6 hours.
Can the Steam Deck connect to an external monitor with 1440p or higher resolution?
Yes, the Steam Deck supports DisplayPort 1.4 Alt Mode, which should allow for output at up to 4K 120Hz or 8K 60Hz. However, performance may vary depending on the game and other factors.
Is it worth upgrading from a laptop with a 1660 ti to the Steam Deck?
It depends on your specific needs and use case. If portability and on-the-go gaming is important to you, the Steam Deck may be a great choice. However, if you mainly game at home and don’t need the mobility, upgrading may not be necessary.
How much storage does the Steam Deck offer compared to a laptop with a 1660 ti?
The Steam Deck comes in three different storage options: 64GB, 256GB, and 512GB, while a laptop with a 1660 ti can vary greatly in terms of storage depending on the specific model and configuration.
What kind of games can the Steam Deck run compared to a laptop with a 1660 ti?
The Steam Deck is capable of running most games available on Steam, with the caveat that some games may require tweaking of settings to run smoothly. A laptop with a 1660 ti should be capable of running most modern games at 1080p with high settings.
Can the Steam Deck handle VR gaming compared to a laptop with a 1660 ti?
The Steam Deck’s hardware is not specifically designed for VR, though it may be possible to run some VR games with reduced settings and performance. A laptop with a 1660 ti is generally capable of running most modern VR games at acceptable performance levels.
How does the Steam Deck’s price compare to a laptop with a 1660 ti?
The Steam Deck’s starting price of $399 puts it below most laptops with a 1660 ti, though specific pricing can vary widely depending on the manufacturer and configuration.
Is the Steam Deck more portable than a laptop with a 1660 ti?
Yes, the Steam Deck is specifically designed for portable gaming and is significantly smaller and lighter than most laptops with a 1660 ti.
What resolution and frame rates can the Steam Deck achieve compared to a laptop with a 1660 ti?
The Steam Deck’s resolution and frame rate capabilities will vary depending on the specific game and other factors, but it should be capable of running most games at 720p or 1080p with acceptable performance. A laptop with a 1660 ti can generally achieve 1080p with high settings and acceptable performance.
