8GB of VRAM, $399 MSRP. No, this isn’t 2020—it’s the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 Ti, launched in the course of 2023. You’d be forgiven for mistaking this for the RTX 3060 Ti. And after seeing how carefully it performs to its predecessor, you’ll in all probability be much more confused.
We received’t sugar coat it: This GPU has been a disappointment. We gave the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 Ti 2 out of 5 stars in our evaluation, with DLSS 3 and decrease energy draw being a few the redeeming elements. The efficiency is usually stagnant from final era, and in an age the place 8GB of VRAM is getting crushed in newly launched video games, it falls quick.
To make issues worse, each the RTX 3060 Ti and AMD 6700 XT (which boasts 12GB of VRAM) are nonetheless each extremely aggressive as a result of the 4060 Ti is so disappointing.
We’ll examine the value and availability of all three contenders, reflecting on the worth they will present in a tough market the place prices have soared. Subsequent, we’ll consider the efficiency chops of all three: Can the older GPUs actually stack up favorably in opposition to the brand new RTX 4060 Ti? Lastly, we’ll word vital options that you need to be conscious of. GPUs, begin your silicon engines!
Be sure you subscribe to Thiago’s YouTube channel, Classical Expertise, for detailed PC evaluation just like the video under and near-daily protection of graphics card tendencies.
RTX 4060 Ti vs. RTX 3060 Ti vs. AMD 6700 XT: Worth and availability
The Nvidia RTX 4060 Ti has launched in two distinct flavors: A $399 8GB variant, and a $499 16GB model that’s coming in July. Availability of the preliminary launch has been the most effective you’ll discover, with ample inventory. Even the rarer “Founders Edition” mannequin could be simply picked up at its MSRP. Players appear to be performing in unison in selecting to not buy this new launch.
The Nvidia RTX 3060 Ti had a way more turbulent launch, with patrons not often discovering it in inventory—and once they did, not often at $399. Issues have modified, and whereas the value remains to be excessive for this older GPU, it may be simply discovered for cheaper than the RTX 4060 Ti.
The AMD RX 6700 XT had comparable, however not as drastic points throughout its personal launch. Packing a saucy $479 MSRP, it’s now going for properly below that, and generally very near $300 the place it’s nonetheless obtainable.
Excessive pricing from final era nonetheless lingers, even with the “Great GPU Shortage” behind us. That’s why you’ll typically discover older fashions, such because the RTX 3060 Ti, not less expensive than the RTX 4060 Ti in sure retailers. Which do you have to purchase of the three—if any? The subsequent sections will information you to a clearer image. (RTX On meme intensifies.)
RTX 4060 Ti vs. RTX 3060 Ti vs. AMD 6700 XT: Efficiency
Efficiency is an goal battleground the place we will clear up confusion surrounding the Nvidia RTX 4060 Ti. First, let’s deal with what’s below the hood. 8GB of VRAM, however a way more restricted reminiscence bus bandwidth of solely 128 bits. This has been the pattern with Nvidia GPUs such because the RTX 4070 Ti, RTX 4070, and many others.
Brad Chacos
Whereas Nvidia argues that the efficient bandwidth remains to be enough for the RTX 4060 Ti because it packs extra L2 cache, players will nonetheless discover situations the place this bandwidth restrict rears its ugly head.
The Nvidia RTX 3060 Ti packed a 256 bit reminiscence bus—greater than even the RTX 4070 Ti has. In fact, the RTX 4060 Ti could have some DLSS 3 secret magic with its optical stream sensors, however that carries with it particular caveats. These {hardware} limitations are why it’s doable to see restricted and even damaging efficiency features on the newer RTX 4060 Ti versus the older GPUs in some situations (particularly at greater resolutions).
Figuring out that 8GB of VRAM will not be sufficient in 2023 for a lot of players—even 1080p can see drawbacks—a 16GB VRAM model cometh quickly. The jury is out on if that can make a distinction, however we concern that with a $499 worth and efficiency that can often be equivalent to the 8GB model, it is probably not sufficient.
We are able to’t point out the RTX 4060 Ti with out giving credit score to the AMD RX 6700 XT. Packing a beneficiant 12GB of VRAM with a 192-bit reminiscence bus bandwidth, it definitely punches above its weight.
Let’s have a look at some efficiency numbers to see how these opponents play out in real-world gaming.
From PCWorld’s RTX 4060 Ti evaluation.
Brad Chacos
At 1080p decision—the supposed use case for the Nvidia RTX 4060 Ti—we see some attention-grabbing numbers. There are some circumstances the place it does draw back as anticipated, such because the 158.4fps versus the 137.7 of the RTX 3060 Ti. It additionally pulls away from the RTX 3060 Ti in Name of Obligation: Fashionable Warfare 2, however the AMD 6700 XT is true up there at 117fps versus the 4060 Ti’s 119fps.
The backwards and forwards continues, with the RTX 4060 Ti being only some frames per second higher than the RTX 3060 Ti on the “total average.” The AMD 6700 XT will not be far behind, both. When taking the pricing and age of those GPUs into consideration, the RTX 4060 Ti is barely a gentle enchancment.
It’s clear that house owners of those two older GPUs mustn’t look to improve to the RTX 4060 Ti. It might solely make sense for these with a lot older GPUs.
From PCWorld’s RTX 4060 Ti evaluation.
Brad Chacos
Should you weren’t impressed with the RTX 4060 Ti at 1080p, you’ll certainly be disillusioned with 1440p efficiency. Some titles even have the RTX 3060 Ti with a superior lead—equivalent to Counter Strike: World Offensive. Even excluding this sport, the general FPS common is a tie of 89fps between the 2 older GPUs, simply in need of 96fps of the RTX 4060 Ti. Definitely, nearly negligible efficiency features over a whole era.
From PCWorld’s RTX 4060 Ti evaluation.
Brad Chacos
Earlier than the RTX 4060 Ti faucets out, let’s give it a better time. Ah, DLSS 3 and ray tracing—now it may breathe simpler, proper?
For the reason that RTX 3060 Ti doesn’t have body era in its DLSS taste, the FPS features are constrained. Likewise, FSR 2 on the AMD 6700 XT doesn’t bounce up a lot both.
DLSS 3—with body era on and Nvidia Reflex—propels the RTX 4060 Ti to a lot greater FPS, as within the case of 122.5fps in Cyberpunk RT Extremely. The hole in FPS continues with video games that assist body era, equivalent to F1 2022.
There’s an issue, nevertheless. DLSS 3 will not be obtainable on many video games—and even some new releases equivalent to Jedi Survivor, omit DLSS completely. There’s one other drawback identified by Brad Chacos: DLSS 3 merely doesn’t look as promising when beginning off at 1080p. It makes nice sense at 4K or 1440p, the place you continue to have a excessive beginning decision to downscale. At 1080p, you’re extra restricted, erasing a few of the visible eye sweet element when utilizing ray tracing and such. For that cause, it doesn’t make DLSS 3 as efficient on the RTX 4060 Ti as you’ll discover on the higher echelon of Nvidia GPUs the place there’s extra brute pressure.
In conclusion for efficiency: The RTX 4060 Ti will not be a worthwhile improve over both the RTX 3060 Ti or the AMD 6700 XT. Whereas DLSS 3 and ray tracing efficiency is healthier, the lower-resolution entry level limits the enchantment.
RTX 4060 Ti vs. RTX 3060 Ti vs. AMD 6700 XT: Effectivity and options
From PCWorld’s RTX 4060 Ti evaluation.
Brad Chacos
That is the place the RTX 4060 Ti really shines—energy effectivity. If taking a look at its efficiency by the lens of the facility it places out, this GPU is definitely spectacular. Maybe it’s a mixture of the brand new structure, and a few of the restricted {hardware} specs versus the final era that assist it obtain these numbers.
An indicator of DLSS 3 is its potential to help FPS efficiency with a decrease energy draw. That is definitely a function that’s absent on each the RTX 3060 Ti and AMD 6700 XT, which each draw extra energy on common.
The Nvidia-centric options are additionally an element when trying on the RTX 4060 Ti. The AV1 encoding capabilities, together with the standard suite of software program, equivalent to Nvidia Reflex, assist to spherical it out.
Sadly, except for DLSS 3 and maybe some higher efficiency for content material creators, the RTX 4060 Ti actually doesn’t provide sufficient of an enchancment for a considerable improve. The facility effectivity is unbelievable, however these GPUs aren’t for laptops—players need higher efficiency, VRAM specs, and pricing first.
RTX 4060 Ti vs. RTX 3060 Ti vs. AMD 6700 XT: Which wins?
Thiago Trevisan
The RTX 3060 Ti was a preferred GPU in its day, with almost-RTX 3070 stage efficiency for $399. In 2023, the discharge of the GeForce RTX 4060 Ti is a disappointment. 8GB of VRAM is just not sufficient in 2023 for any wise future-proofing—as many new releases already wrestle with the restrict. On condition that the RTX 4060 Ti is barely a marginal enchancment over the RTX 3060 Ti, it actually reveals how the RTX 3060 Ti was a stellar product that aged properly.
The AMD 6700 XT is the attention-grabbing possibility within the lineup. It comes with a a lot more healthy 12GB of VRAM and performs comparatively properly compared to each the RTX 3060 Ti and RTX 4060 Ti. It will also be discovered for cheaper than the RTX 4060 Ti. It does have some drawbacks—primarily greater energy draw, no DLSS 3, and worse ray tracing efficiency in comparison with Nvidia.
In the present day, each of those older GPUs have stood the check of time and aged gracefully. The Nvidia RTX 4060 Ti nonetheless can’t be beneficial—it simply provides too little within the fashionable age. It might have been extra profitable as an RTX 4060 or similar-level GPU as a substitute, at a a lot cheaper price.
Be sure you subscribe to Thiago’s YouTube channel, Classical Expertise, for detailed PC evaluation just like the video under and near-daily protection of graphics card tendencies.
