I'm currently using a GTX 1660 Super and plan to upgrade the rest of my PC over time, but the graphics card is my biggest priority right now. I'm considering a used GTX 1080 Ti versus waiting for the next-generation 6080, although I'm also open to current-generation cards that offer good value for 1440p gaming. What would be the smartest upgrade?
3 Answers
The jump from a 1660 Super to a 1080 Ti is noticeable, but I wouldn’t plan a new build around a 1080 Ti today. A 3080 or a newer mid-to-high-end Radeon card would give you better performance, features, and driver support. Also make sure your power supply and the rest of the system can support whichever card you choose.
Waiting for the 6080 may make sense if you’re not in a hurry, but launch pricing is likely to be high and availability could be uncertain. The 1080 Ti is roughly a 60% improvement over your 1660 Super, but it may not be worth investing in such an old card unless you find a great deal. For 1440p, I’d compare the eventual 6080 against current options instead of committing to the 1080 Ti now.
I’d skip the 1080 Ti unless you can get it extremely cheaply. It was excellent in its day, but it lacks newer features such as DLSS and is getting old. A used RTX 3080 would be a much more sensible second-hand upgrade, while a current-generation Radeon card such as the RX 9060 XT 16GB, RX 9070, or RX 9070 XT could offer better long-term value if you want something new.
I should have mentioned that I play at 1440p, so I’m mainly looking for a current-generation card that can handle that resolution well.