PCPairs

Core i7-12700K + GTX 1660 Super: bottleneck check

35%

GPU-limited at 1440p. GPU-bound (normal).

The GTX 1660 Super is the part working hardest at 1440p, which is what you want. The Core i7-12700K keeps about 35% in reserve.

By resolution

ResolutionLimiting partSeverityVerdict
1080pGPU 28%GPU-bound (normal)
1440pGPU 35%GPU-bound (normal)
4KGPU 50%CPU overkill

The GTX 1660 Super is the limit at every resolution and by a wide margin at 4K (50%). The Core i7-12700K is overkill for this card: a faster GPU would give you far more frames than any CPU change.

Specifications

Intel Core i7-12700K
Cores / threads12 / 20
Max boost5.0 GHz
SocketLGA1700
Max turbo power190 W
Released2021
Gaming index75 / 100
Multi-core index72 / 100
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Super
VRAM6 GB
Board power125 W
Released2019
1080p index19.9 / 100
1440p index15 / 100
4K index11.3 / 100

Power supply

CPU 190 W + GPU 125 W + about 100 W for motherboard, memory, storage and fans gives an estimated peak load of 415 W. We recommend a 550 W unit (80 Plus Gold or better) so transient spikes from the graphics card stay inside the PSU's comfort zone. Try other pairs in the PSU calculator.

Upgrade paths

Best CPU for the GTX 1660 Super Best GPU for the Core i7-12700K GTX 1660 Super PSU requirements

Indexes are relative estimates aggregated from published reviews; real results vary by game, settings, memory speed and drivers. Methodology.