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 gained’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 review, 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 will evaluate the worth and availability of all three contenders, reflecting on the worth they’ll present in a troublesome market the place prices have soared. Next, we’ll consider the efficiency chops of all three: Can the older GPUs actually stack up favorably towards the brand new RTX 4060 Ti? Finally, we’ll word necessary options that you have to be conscious of. GPUs, begin your silicon engines!
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RTX 4060 Ti vs. RTX 3060 Ti vs. AMD 6700 XT: Price 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 may be simply picked up at its MSRP. Gamers appear to be appearing in unison in selecting to not buy this new launch.
The Nvidia RTX 3060 Ti had a way more turbulent launch, with consumers hardly ever discovering it in inventory—and once they did, hardly ever at $399. Things have modified, and whereas the worth continues 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 related, however not as drastic points throughout its personal launch. Packing a saucy $479 MSRP, it’s now going for effectively underneath that, and generally very near $300 the place it’s nonetheless obtainable.
High 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 must you 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: Performance
Performance is an goal battleground the place we will clear up confusion surrounding the Nvidia RTX 4060 Ti. First, let’s deal with what’s underneath 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 so forth.
Brad Chacos
While Nvidia argues that the efficient bandwidth continues to be adequate for the RTX 4060 Ti because it packs extra L2 cache, players will nonetheless discover eventualities 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. Of course, the RTX 4060 Ti can have some DLSS 3 secret magic with its optical circulate sensors, however that carries with it particular caveats. These {hardware} limitations are why it’s attainable to see restricted and even destructive efficiency good points on the newer RTX 4060 Ti versus the older GPUs in some eventualities (particularly at greater resolutions).
Knowing that 8GB of VRAM shouldn’t 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 may make a distinction, however we concern that with a $499 value and efficiency that may normally be equivalent to the 8GB model, it is probably not sufficient.
We can’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 actually 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 meant use case for the Nvidia RTX 4060 Ti—we see some fascinating numbers. There are some instances 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 Call of Duty: Modern 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 just a few frames per second higher than the RTX 3060 Ti on the “total average.” The AMD 6700 XT shouldn’t 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 could solely make sense for these with a lot older GPUs.
From PCWorld’s RTX 4060 Ti evaluation.
Brad Chacos
If you weren’t impressed with the RTX 4060 Ti at 1080p, you’ll absolutely be dissatisfied with 1440p efficiency. Some titles even have the RTX 3060 Ti with a superior lead—comparable to Counter Strike: Global 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. Certainly, nearly negligible efficiency good points over a complete era.
From PCWorld’s RTX 4060 Ti evaluation.
Brad Chacos
Before the RTX 4060 Ti faucets out, let’s give it a neater time. Ah, DLSS 3 and ray tracing—now it could actually breathe simpler, proper?
Since the RTX 3060 Ti doesn’t have body era in its DLSS taste, the FPS good points 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 Ultra. The hole in FPS continues with video games that help body era, comparable to F1 2022.
There’s an issue, nevertheless. DLSS 3 shouldn’t be obtainable on many video games—and even some new releases comparable to Jedi Survivor, omit DLSS totally. There’s one other downside 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 among the visible eye sweet element when utilizing ray tracing and such. For that purpose, 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 may be extra brute drive.
In conclusion for efficiency: The RTX 4060 Ti shouldn’t be a worthwhile improve over both the RTX 3060 Ti or the AMD 6700 XT. While DLSS 3 and ray tracing efficiency is best, the lower-resolution entry level limits the attraction.
RTX 4060 Ti vs. RTX 3060 Ti vs. AMD 6700 XT: Efficiency and options
From PCWorld’s RTX 4060 Ti evaluation.
Brad Chacos
This is the place the RTX 4060 Ti really shines—energy effectivity. If its efficiency by means of the lens of the ability it places out, this GPU is actually spectacular. Perhaps it’s a mixture of the brand new structure, and among the restricted {hardware} specs versus the final era that assist it obtain these numbers.
A trademark of DLSS 3 is its capacity to assist FPS efficiency with a decrease energy draw. This is actually a characteristic 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 wanting on the RTX 4060 Ti. The AV1 encoding capabilities, together with the same old suite of software program, comparable to Nvidia Reflex, assist to spherical it out.
Unfortunately, other than DLSS 3 and maybe some higher efficiency for content material creators, the RTX 4060 Ti actually doesn’t supply sufficient of an enchancment for a considerable improve. The energy effectivity is incredible, 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 well-liked GPU in its day, with almost-RTX 3070 degree efficiency for $399. In 2023, the discharge of the GeForce RTX 4060 Ti is a disappointment. 8GB of VRAM is solely not sufficient in 2023 for any smart future-proofing—as many new releases already battle with the restrict. Given that the RTX 4060 Ti is barely a marginal enchancment over the RTX 3060 Ti, it actually exhibits how the RTX 3060 Ti was a stellar product that aged effectively.
The AMD 6700 XT is the fascinating choice within the lineup. It comes with a a lot more healthy 12GB of VRAM and performs comparatively effectively compared to each the RTX 3060 Ti and RTX 4060 Ti. It can 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.
Today, each of those older GPUs have stood the take a look at of time and aged gracefully. The Nvidia RTX 4060 Ti nonetheless can’t be beneficial—it simply presents too little within the trendy age. It would have been extra profitable as an RTX 4060 or similar-level GPU as a substitute, at a a lot cheaper price.
Be positive to subscribe to Thiago’s YouTube channel, Classical Technology, for detailed PC evaluation just like the video beneath and near-daily protection of graphics card tendencies.