Core i3-2120T + NVIDIA GTX 1660 Bottleneck Analysis
The Core i3-2120T pairs well with the NVIDIA GTX 1660 at 4K and 1440p, but at 1080p the CPU limits the GPU by roughly 11-16% depending on the game - buy this combo for 1440p and 4K gaming, not competitive 1080p.
Balance across resolutions
1080p
CPU 11-16%
1440p
Balanced
4K
Balanced
Benchmark data updated July 2026 · prices sync daily from retail feeds · how we score
Component scores below are out of 100 on our gaming-performance scale, weighted by how much each resolution leans on the CPU vs the GPU - the closer the two weighted scores, the more balanced the pairing.
1080p (Full HD)
Moderate CPU Bottleneck (11-16%)Limiting factor at this resolution
Estimated AAA Game FPS
Based on gaming scores. Actual FPS varies by title.perfperformance
35
FPS
CPU limited
balancedbalanced
35
FPS
CPU limited
ultraultra
35
FPS
CPU limited
At 1080p (Full HD), the Core i3-2120T will hold back the NVIDIA GTX 1660 by roughly 11-16% depending on the game - CPU-heavy titles will feel it most. The processor cannot feed frames to the GPU fast enough, so you may see lower-than-expected frame rates. Upgrading to a faster CPU would unlock the full potential of your NVIDIA GTX 1660.
1440p (Quad HD)
Well BalancedEstimated AAA Game FPS
Based on gaming scores. Actual FPS varies by title.perfperformance
45
FPS
CPU limited
balancedbalanced
35
FPS
ultraultra
24
FPS
Great pairing! The Core i3-2120T and NVIDIA GTX 1660 are well-matched at 1440p (Quad HD). Both components will be utilized efficiently with minimal performance waste. This is an ideal combination for this resolution.
4K (Ultra HD)
Well BalancedEstimated AAA Game FPS
Based on gaming scores. Actual FPS varies by title.perfperformance
30
FPS
balancedbalanced
21
FPS
ultraultra
15
FPS
Great pairing! The Core i3-2120T and NVIDIA GTX 1660 are well-matched at 4K (Ultra HD). Both components will be utilized efficiently with minimal performance waste. This is an ideal combination for this resolution.
Will it run the games you play?
Pick your games for an estimated FPS at 1440p, high settings.
Valorant
83-113FPS
Smooth
Counter-Strike 2
69-93FPS
Smooth
Fortnite
Balanced settings, no Lumen
51-69FPS
Smooth
Marvel Rivals
48-64FPS
Playable
Call of Duty: Warzone
44-60FPS
Playable
These are estimates, not benchmarks. Your actual frame rate depends on your exact settings, resolution scaling, drivers, and the scene on screen - treat these as a realistic ballpark at high settings, not a guarantee. Lower settings or upscaling (DLSS/FSR) push them higher; maxed-out ray tracing pushes them lower.
Core i3-2120T + NVIDIA GTX 1660
We do not recommend buying every part in this pairing today - the ones worth buying link out to retailers, and the rest point to current alternatives instead:
CPU · Score 14/100
Core i3-2120T
LGA1155 · 35W TDP
GPU · Score 29/100
NVIDIA GTX 1660
6GB VRAM · 120W TDP · used / remaining stock
The NVIDIA GTX 1660 is discontinued - its price is an estimate of the used / remaining-stock market, not current new-retail.
Specs Comparison
| Spec | Core i3-2120T | NVIDIA GTX 1660 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming Score | 14/100 | 29/100 |
| Benchmark Score | 8 | 26 |
| TDP | 35W | 120W |
| Price | Not recommended | Not recommended |
| Socket / VRAM | LGA1155 | 6GB |
| Release Year | 2011 | 2019 |
Finish the Build
You picked the Core i3-2120T + NVIDIA GTX 1660 - these tools answer the next two questions with this exact pairing already filled in:
Complete the Setup
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Core i3-2120T a bottleneck for the NVIDIA GTX 1660?
No, the Core i3-2120T and NVIDIA GTX 1660 are well-matched at 1440p with only a 9% difference. This is an excellent pairing.
What resolution is best for the Core i3-2120T + NVIDIA GTX 1660?
The Core i3-2120T and NVIDIA GTX 1660 are most balanced at 4k with only a 5% bottleneck. At 1080p, bottleneck is 14%. At 1440p, it's 9%. At 4K, it's 5%.
Should I upgrade from the Core i3-2120T or NVIDIA GTX 1660?
Neither - this pairing is well-balanced. Only upgrade when you want to target a higher resolution or need more performance in specific games.
Want to test other parts? Use our free bottleneck calculator to compare any CPU and GPU pair.