Core i5-10400F + GTX 1660 Super: bottleneck check
Evenly matched at 1440p.
Neither part waits on the other at 1440p. This is as balanced as a pairing gets.
By resolution
| Resolution | Limiting part | Severity | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1080p | CPU | 8% | balanced |
| 1440p | GPU | 2% | balanced |
| 4K | GPU | 25% | GPU-bound (normal) |
This is the classic pattern: at 1080p the Core i5-10400F is the limit (8%), while at 4K the GTX 1660 Super takes over (25% GPU-limited). If you play at 1080p on a high-refresh monitor, a faster CPU is the upgrade that matters; at 1440p or 4K this pair is already well matched.
Specifications
| Cores / threads | 6 / 12 |
|---|---|
| Max boost | 4.3 GHz |
| Socket | LGA1200 |
| TDP | 65 W manufacturer-published TDP — sustained turbo can be higher · Intel ARK |
| Released | 2020 |
| Gaming index | 50 / 100 |
| Multi-core index | 38 / 100 |
| VRAM | 6 GB |
|---|---|
| Board power | 125 W |
| Released | 2019 |
| 1080p index | 19.9 / 100 |
| 1440p index | 15 / 100 |
| 4K index | 11.3 / 100 |
Power supply
The GTX 1660 Super measured 127 W average while gaming (140 W highest 20 ms spike, TechPowerUp). With the Core i5-10400F at its TDP of 65 W and about 75 W for the rest of the system, the sustained load is about 267 W. A 450 W unit is the safe choice. Details on the GTX 1660 Super PSU page or try other pairs in the PSU calculator.
Upgrade paths
CPUs that remove the bottleneck
LGA1200Cards that use the Core i5-10400F fully
Best CPU for the GTX 1660 Super Best GPU for the Core i5-10400F GTX 1660 Super PSU requirements
Same card, other CPUs
AllIndexes are relative estimates aggregated from published reviews; real results vary by game, settings, memory speed and drivers. Methodology.