RTX 4060 Ti vs RTX 3060 Ti
Comparing the old to the new, we see if it's worth it
Trying to find options, we see how the RTX 4060 Ti vs RTX 3060 Ti compare. The generational change between these GPUs will give you an idea of which one to choose. Generally, the newer is the better choice but we see the differences, and if the value matches.
The RTX 3060 Ti came out in December 2020. One of the choices for the best graphics card of its time, it’s a popular choice. But now the RTX 4060 Ti has been announced, with the 8GB and 16GB variants, scheduled for the 24th of May and July respectively.
Architecture
One of the bigger changes between the options is the generational difference between them. With a move from Ampere architecture to Ada Lovelace architecture. These improve upon the efficiency and performance as well as the process utilized in its production.
With that, we see Nvidia move back to TSMC with its 5nm from Samsungs 8nm process. So as the 30 series card features the GA104-200 variant with 17.4 billion transistors on the 392mm² die size. Whilst the 40 series card, have 22.9 billion transistors on the 190mm² die size for its AD106-350 GPU.
Specifications
| RTX 4060 Ti | RTX 3060 Ti | |
|---|---|---|
| GPU | AD106-350 | GA104-200 |
| GPU process | TSMC 5nm | Samsung 8nm |
| CUDA cores | 4,352 | 4,864 |
| Base clock | 2,310 MHz | 1,410 MHz |
| Boost clock | 2,540 MHz | 1,665 MHz |
| VRAM | 8/16GB GDDR6 | 8GB GDDR6 |
| Memory clock/bandwidth | 18 Gbps/288 GB/s | 14 Gbps/448 GB/s |
| Memory interface | 128-bit | 256-bit |
| TGP | 160/165W | 200W |
The Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 Ti specs have been announced and we can compare them to the RTX 3060 Ti specifications.
Shaders
Comparing the CUDA cores is not so straightforward between generations due to the changes in generational improvements. But it is what is utilised for processing the graphics and is done so in parallel. And we can see the 4060 Ti has less than its predecessor with 4,352 but it’s part of the way to improve efficiency with the lower TGP of the card and the smaller die size.
Memory
Comparing the VRAM on the cards gives a look into their resolution capabilities. And we see the RTX 4060 Ti offer two alternatives. With the 8GB and 16GB options. Whilst the RTX 3060 Ti has just 8GB, and with it a faster bandwidth. But where the new RTX card supposedly makes it up is a new L2 cache on board to improve the performance.
This is since the new card moves from the 256-bit memory interface to a cut-down 128-bit memory interface. So the memory bandwidth decreases but the effectiveness supposedly increases which we’ll see with the performance.
Frequency
The speed at which the process occurs has seen an uptick in the Ada architecture. The move to TSMC likely enables this and the clocks increase to over 2GHz. So we see the base clock increase to 2.31 GHz over 1.31GHz, with the boost up to 2.54GHz from 1.665GHz.
TGP
The total graphics power is how much power is consumed by the card. As well as how much heat energy it will expel from it. And where the new cards shine is with the less power they consume. So you will likely get more performance for the power. You get a drop in 40/35 Watts, a significant amount for the amount.
RTX 4060 Ti vs RTX 3060 Ti price
When comparing the MSRP the Nvidia RTX 3060 Ti has an MSRP of $399, and the 8GB 4060 Ti matches that with the same price point. But the 16GB price point is $100 more, so it might be a bit of a harder-to-consider card.
RTX 4060 Ti vs RTX 3060 Ti performance
Comparing the two in TechSpots review, we see that the new card is not that much more impressive. With just an average of 9 FPS more at 1080p (111 vs 102), 4 more at 1440p (78 vs 74), and only 1 at 4k (38 vs 37) it isn’t that big of an improvement. Although with still the same price and new features like DLSS 3 it is just another iteration, and the limited memory bandwidth of the new card might limit its possibilities in the future.
Final word
When considering choosing between the two options of the RTX 4060 Ti vs RTX 3060 Ti, there is a lot to consider. And with the performance expected to improve it is a good consideration for the price of 1440p gaming.
FAQs
How much faster is the 4060 Ti than 3060 Ti?
The RTX 4060 Ti has a 64% faster base clock and a 53% faster boost clock than the RTX 3060 Ti.
How much less is the TGP of the 4060 Ti than 3060 Ti?
The 4060 Ti has a 40/35W lower TGP than the 3060 Ti, that’s for the 8GB and 16GB model respectively.
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