The cryptocurrency market continues to show signs of resilience, with Ethereum (ETH) reclaiming key price levels. As digital asset values rise, so does demand for mining-capable hardware—particularly mid-range graphics cards like the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 series. Despite being launched years ago, this GPU lineup remains in high demand, driven by both gaming enthusiasts and miners capitalizing on renewed mining profitability.
Ethereum’s Price Surge Fuels Hardware Demand
In recent weeks, ETH has rebounded from previous lows, climbing back above the $3,000 mark after briefly dipping below $2,000 earlier in the year. This recovery has reignited interest in GPU-based mining operations, especially among small-scale and independent miners who rely on cost-effective yet efficient hardware.
Ethereum’s proof-of-work consensus mechanism (prior to its planned transition) made it highly accessible for consumer-grade GPUs to participate in block validation and earn rewards. Although Ethereum has since moved toward a proof-of-stake model, residual mining activity and forks of the network continue to support GPU mining demand in certain regions and communities.
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Why the GTX 1660 Series Still Matters
Released in March 2019, the GTX 1660 series includes three main variants:
- GTX 1660
- GTX 1660 Ti
- GTX 1660 SUPER
All models are built on NVIDIA’s Turing architecture and offer strong performance for 1080p gaming and moderate computational workloads. However, their efficiency in mining algorithms such as Ethash has kept them relevant long after their release.
Among the trio, the standard GTX 1660 features slower GDDR5 memory compared to the GDDR6-equipped Ti and SUPER versions. While this limits its peak mining output—typically delivering around 25–26 MH/s after overclocking—it remains a popular choice due to its lower power consumption and relatively stable performance under continuous load.
Market Availability and Pricing Challenges
Despite being over four years old, the GTX 1660 is still difficult to find at retail. On major e-commerce platforms like JD.com, prices have surged well beyond the original MSRP of $170 USD (~1,700 CNY), now often exceeding **$300 USD (3,000 CNY)**—a near doubling of its launch price.
This scarcity stems from several factors:
- Sustained mining demand: Even with Ethereum’s shift away from proof-of-work, alternative coins (altcoins) and Ethereum Classic (ETC) still utilize GPU mining.
- Supply chain constraints: Global semiconductor shortages and logistics bottlenecks have limited new production.
- Resale market dynamics: Many units were absorbed during past mining booms and remain out of circulation.
Performance Comparison Across GTX 1660 Models
While all variants share architectural similarities, there are meaningful differences that affect mining efficiency and gaming performance:
- The GTX 1660 Ti and GTX 1660 SUPER, equipped with faster GDDR6 memory, deliver higher bandwidth and better mining outputs—often reaching 28–30 MH/s when optimized.
- The base GTX 1660 lags slightly behind but offers better thermal efficiency and quieter operation, making it ideal for compact or passively cooled mining rigs.
For budget-conscious miners or upgraders seeking entry-level 1080p gaming performance, the base model remains a compelling option—even if slightly less powerful than its siblings.
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Longevity of Older GPUs in a Fast-Evolving Market
It's remarkable that a GPU series from 2019 continues to influence today’s tech landscape. The persistence of the GTX 1660 series underscores a broader trend: older hardware retains value when aligned with niche but active use cases.
In regions where electricity costs are low and access to newer hardware is limited, older GPUs provide an affordable entry point into decentralized networks. Additionally, second-hand markets have seen increased trading volume for lightly used or refurbished units pulled from decommissioned mining farms.
This extended lifecycle benefits not only miners but also budget PC builders and educational institutions looking for cost-efficient computing solutions.
Environmental and Economic Considerations
As older GPUs stay in use longer, questions about energy efficiency and electronic waste arise. While the GTX 1660 is not the most power-efficient card by modern standards (drawing around 120W under load), its continued operation delays the need for new manufacturing and reduces short-term e-waste.
However, prolonged use of outdated hardware may eventually lead to higher cumulative energy consumption compared to upgrading to more efficient models. Balancing economic accessibility with environmental responsibility remains a key challenge in the evolving crypto-mining ecosystem.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is the GTX 1660 still good for mining in 2025?
A: While Ethereum no longer supports proof-of-work mining, the GTX 1660 can still mine alternative cryptocurrencies like Ethereum Classic (ETC) or Ravencoin (RVN). Its moderate hash rate and power draw make it viable for small-scale operations.
Q: Why is the GTX 1660 so hard to find despite its age?
A: High demand from miners during previous crypto booms, combined with limited new production and ongoing interest in GPU mining for altcoins, has kept supply low and prices elevated.
Q: How does the GTX 1660 compare to newer NVIDIA cards for gaming?
A: For 1080p gaming at medium to high settings, the GTX 1660 remains capable of running many modern titles smoothly. However, newer RTX 30 and 40 series cards offer significantly better performance, ray tracing support, and DLSS features.
Q: Can I use a GTX 1660 for AI or machine learning tasks?
A: While possible for lightweight models or learning purposes, the lack of Tensor Cores and limited VRAM restricts its effectiveness compared to RTX-series GPUs designed for AI workloads.
Q: Will prices for older GPUs like the GTX 1660 ever return to normal?
A: As mining demand fluctuates and newer hardware becomes more accessible, prices are expected to gradually decline. However, regional disparities and secondary market speculation may prolong elevated pricing in some areas.
Conclusion
The enduring scarcity of the GTX 1660 series amid fluctuating ETH prices illustrates the complex interplay between cryptocurrency markets and consumer hardware availability. Even as technology advances, older GPUs maintain relevance through adaptability and cost-efficiency.
For users entering the space today—whether for gaming, mining, or development—understanding these dynamics is crucial. Monitoring market trends, evaluating total cost of ownership, and considering long-term usability will help ensure smarter investment decisions in both digital assets and physical hardware.
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