Cryptocurrency mining continues to attract tech enthusiasts and investors looking for alternative income streams. While the mining landscape evolves rapidly, certain GPUs remain relevant due to their balance of performance, power efficiency, and affordability. Among them, the NVIDIA GTX GeForce 1660 Super stands out as a compelling option for entry-level and budget-conscious miners. This in-depth review explores its mining capabilities, optimization techniques, and real-world profitability—helping you decide if it's the right fit for your setup.
What Is Cryptocurrency Mining?
Cryptocurrency mining is the process of validating blockchain transactions by solving complex computational problems. Miners use specialized hardware to perform these calculations, and in return, they’re rewarded with newly minted coins. While ASICs dominate Bitcoin mining, GPU mining remains viable for several altcoins like Ethereum (prior to its transition to proof-of-stake), Ravencoin, and others that rely on memory-hard algorithms.
GPUs are favored for their parallel processing power, flexibility across algorithms, and accessibility. The NVIDIA 1660 Super, though primarily designed for gaming, has proven capable in mining scenarios—especially when optimized correctly.
NVIDIA GTX 1660 Super: Specifications and Value
The 1660 Super delivers impressive value for its price point. Key specs include:
- GPU Architecture: Turing (TU116)
- VRAM: 6GB GDDR6
- Memory Bandwidth: 336 GB/s
- Base Clock: ~1530 MHz
- Boost Clock: ~1785 MHz
- TDP: 125W
- Launch Price: $229 USD
Compared to the slightly faster 1660 Ti, the Super offers nearly identical performance at a lower cost—making it an attractive choice for budget mining rigs. Its efficient power consumption and lack of display outputs on some mining-specific variants also make it suitable for multi-GPU setups.
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Mining Performance: How Does the 1660 Super Stack Up?
Ethereum Mining (Pre-Merge)
Before Ethereum’s shift to proof-of-stake, the 1660 Super was a moderate performer in Ethash mining. Out of the box, it achieved around 11.5–12 Mh/s. However, with proper tuning—such as memory overclocking and power limit adjustments—it could reach up to 12.5 Mh/s, making it competitive within its class.
While not as powerful as AMD’s RX 580 or older Polaris cards in terms of hash-per-watt, the 1660 Super benefits from lower driver overhead and better stability in Windows-based rigs.
Alternative Algorithms and Profitability
With Ethereum no longer mineable via GPU, miners have pivoted to other coins. The 1660 Super performs well on several alternative algorithms:
- KawPow (Ravencoin): Achieves 24–25 Mh/s, one of its strongest performances.
- MTP (Zcoin/MonkeyCoin): Delivers moderate hash rates with decent efficiency.
- Octopus (Zelcash): Offers solid performance with low power draw.
- Autolykos (Ergo): Reaches approximately 35–38 Mh/s, highly efficient given its TDP.
These alternatives provide ongoing opportunities for profit, especially when paired with low electricity costs and smart pool selection.
Optimizing Mining Efficiency
To get the most from your 1660 Super, optimization is key. Two primary levers are power consumption and overclocking.
Reducing Power Draw
Lowering power usage improves net profitability. By capping the power limit to 80%, users report a reduction in consumption from 125W to around 95W under load—without significant loss in hash rate. This adjustment increases efficiency from ~0.1 Mh/s per watt to over 0.13 Mh/s/W, a meaningful gain over time.
Using tools like MSI Afterburner or EVGA Precision X1 allows fine-grained control over voltage, fan curves, and core clocks.
Overclocking for Maximum Output
Careful overclocking can boost performance:
- Core Clock: +100 MHz (stable in most cases)
- Memory Clock: +800 to +1000 MHz (GDDR6 headroom is limited but usable)
- Voltage: Slight increase may help stability at higher clocks
Always monitor temperatures and error rates. Stability over long periods is more important than peak speed.
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Supply Chain Considerations and Buying Tips
While new stock of the 1660 Super is limited due to market shifts and supply constraints, it remains available through secondary markets and refurbished channels. Brands like EVGA and MSI are known for build quality and reliable cooling solutions—ideal for continuous mining operations.
When purchasing:
- Verify seller reputation
- Check warranty status (if applicable)
- Prefer units with minimal wear and clean thermal paste
- Confirm compatibility with riser cables and motherboard PCIe slots
Avoid inflated prices from resellers; aim to stay close to or below the original MSRP for positive ROI timelines.
Mining Profitability and Risks in 2025
Mining today is far less lucrative than during the 2017–2021 bull runs. Current profitability depends heavily on:
- Local electricity rates
- Coin market value
- Network difficulty
- Hardware efficiency
As of 2025, a single 1660 Super might generate $1–$2 daily depending on algorithm and coin choice—after electricity costs. Break-even periods vary widely; at $0.10/kWh, payback may take 8–12 months with consistent operation.
Risks include:
- Sudden drops in coin value
- Algorithm changes or coin abandonment
- Hardware failure from prolonged stress
- Regulatory uncertainty in some regions
Always treat mining as a speculative venture with moderate expectations.
Final Verdict: Is the 1660 Super Still Worth It?
Yes—for specific use cases. The NVIDIA GTX 1660 Super excels as a dual-purpose card for gamers who occasionally mine or hobbyists building low-cost rigs. It’s not the most powerful miner available, but its blend of affordability, reliability, and moderate efficiency keeps it relevant in niche mining communities.
For pure mining farms, newer or more efficient GPUs may offer better scalability. But for personal use or hybrid systems, the 1660 Super remains a smart pick.
Recommended Mining Rig Configuration
Here’s a balanced setup centered around the 1660 Super:
- Motherboard: B450/B550 with multiple PCIe x16 slots
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 3600 or equivalent (low power, high compatibility)
- RAM: 8GB DDR4 minimum
- Storage: 128GB SSD for OS and mining software
- PSU: 750W 80+ Gold modular unit (add 150–200W per additional GPU)
- Frame: Open-air mining rig frame with good airflow
- Cooling: Additional case fans to maintain ambient temps below 30°C
Ensure all drivers are updated and use lightweight OS options like HiveOS or SimpleMining for better stability.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can the 1660 Super still mine profitably in 2025?
A: Yes, but profits are modest. It works best with coins using KawPow or Autolykos algorithms and low electricity costs.
Q: Does the 1660 Super support modern mining software?
A: Absolutely. It’s compatible with popular miners like T-Rex, NBMiner, and GMiner via CUDA support.
Q: How many 1660 Supers can I run in one rig?
A: Most motherboards support 4–7 GPUs using PCIe risers. Ensure adequate PSU wattage and cooling.
Q: Is VRAM size a limitation for future-proofing?
A: Yes. At 6GB, it may struggle with future algorithms requiring more memory bandwidth or size.
Q: Can I use the 1660 Super for gaming and mining simultaneously?
A: Technically yes, but not recommended—mining stresses VRAM and reduces lifespan when run alongside intensive games.
Q: What’s the expected lifespan of a 1660 Super under constant mining?
A: With proper cooling and undervolting, expect 2–3 years of reliable service before performance degradation.
Whether you're upgrading your PC or starting small-scale mining, the NVIDIA GTX 1660 Super offers a practical entry point into GPU-based cryptocurrency earning. With smart configuration and realistic expectations, it remains a relevant player in today’s evolving digital asset ecosystem.
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