Is the 4060 worse than the 3060?
The debate between the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 and the GeForce RTX 3060 has been a hot topic among gamers and tech enthusiasts alike. Both graphics cards are highly regarded in the market, but the question remains: is the 4060 worse than the 3060? Let’s delve into the details to find out.
First and foremost, it is important to note that both cards belong to NVIDIA’s mainstream gaming segment. The RTX 3060 was released in February 2021, while the RTX 4060 followed suit in late 2022. The newer model comes with the “40” series, which suggests an improvement over the “30” series. However, is that the case?
One of the primary factors that differentiate the two cards is their architecture. The RTX 3060 is based on NVIDIA’s Ampere architecture, which was first introduced with the RTX 30 series. The RTX 4060, on the other hand, utilizes the newer Ada Lovelace architecture. The Ada Lovelace architecture boasts enhanced ray-tracing and AI capabilities, which are meant to improve performance in games that support these features.
In terms of raw specifications, the RTX 4060 features 32 RT cores, 128 Tensor cores, and 8,192 CUDA cores, while the RTX 3060 has 28 RT cores, 112 Tensor cores, and 7,680 CUDA cores. The 4060 also has a higher boost clock and a higher TDP (Thermal Design Power) than the 3060. These differences in specifications might suggest that the 4060 is the superior choice.
However, the real-world performance of a graphics card is not solely determined by its specifications. Factors such as the drivers, cooling solutions, and the game titles being played play a significant role as well. In numerous benchmarks and real-world tests, the RTX 4060 has shown to be slightly faster than the RTX 3060 in games that support ray-tracing and AI features. In non-ray-tracing games, the performance gap is even smaller.
When it comes to pricing, the RTX 4060 is more expensive than the RTX 3060. The price difference is significant, especially considering that the 3060 has been available for longer and is still a viable option for many gamers. The higher price tag of the 4060 can be attributed to its newer architecture and improved performance in certain scenarios.
In conclusion, the RTX 4060 is not necessarily worse than the RTX 3060. The newer card offers improved performance in certain games, especially those that leverage ray-tracing and AI features. However, the price difference and the fact that the RTX 3060 is a proven performer make it a more accessible option for many gamers. Whether the 4060 is the better choice depends on individual needs, budget, and preferences.
