Can the new-gen RTX 4060 Ti take on the RTX 3070 Ti? Let's compare
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The RTX 4060 Ti is one of the more recent additions to the mid-range Nvidia GPU series. It is powered by the new Ada Lovelace architecture, empowering mid-range gamers with some serious performance behind it. But is it better than the RTX 3070 Ti? Let’s find out, here’s the RTX 4070 Ti vs RTX 3070 Ti.
RTX 4060 Ti 8GB launched in May 2023, and it’s now widely available while its 16GB counterpart is set for July 2023. The RTX 3070 Ti was released in June 2021, giving it a full 2 years to become established, receiving driver updates further increasing its efficiency along the way.
We pride ourselves here at WePC on bringing accurate and accessible information, with that being said it’s important to note that some of the content we provide is opinion-based, but we provide the facts when and where we can.
Well done cooling solution capable of keeping the GPU under wraps and performing well
Overclocked model brings higher performance than the stnadard clocks
High quality and well built card to last
More expensive option than MSRP
The most compact RTX 3070 Ti
One of the nicest looking RTX 3070 Tis
Cheaper than most RTX 3070 Ti AIBs
Insubstantial performance increase compared to the RTX 3070
Not the quietest on offer & could get louder over time
Poorer cooling solution means potentially worse longevity
The 40 series and the 30 series cards are separated by just one generation. While the new 40 series cards offer certain exclusive features like Nvidia DLSS 3 and frame generation, the extent of the performance boost they provide can enhance the capabilities of the 40 series cards and potentially bring them closer to their counterparts. However, it’s important to note that their performance is still dependent on the games they support and the specifications they feature.
Moving on to the specifics, the original RTX 3070 Ti is built upon the GA104-400-A1 GPU variant. Manufactured using Samsung’s 8nm process, it incorporates a remarkable 17.4 billion transistors within a 392 mm² die size. The RTX 4060 Ti, will introduce the AD106-350/351 processor based on the Ada Lovelace architecture. Manufactured using TSMC’s 5nm process, it features a die size of 190mm² and greater 22.9 billion transistors. However, it is worth taking into account that a revised 3070 Ti was released with 28.3 billion.
| RTX 4060 Ti (8/16GB) | RTX 3070 Ti | |
|---|---|---|
| GPU | AD106-350/351 | GA104-400-A1 |
| GPU process | TSMC 5nm | Samsung 8nm |
| CUDA cores | 4,352 | 6,144 |
| Base clock | 2.31 GHz | 1.575 GHz |
| Boost clock | 2.54 GHz | 1.77 GHz |
| VRAM | 8/16GB GDDR6 | 8 GB GDDR6X |
| Memory clock/bandwidth | 18 Gbps / 288 GB/s | 19Gbps / 608.3 GB/s |
| Memory interface | 128-bit | 256 bit |
| TDP/TGP | 160/165W | 290W |
Here are some things to consider when choosing between the RTX 4060 Ti and the RTX 3070 Ti.
Clock speed or frequency refers to the operating rate at which the GPU processor performs its tasks. The silicon die within the GPU can process instructions at varying speeds. Notably, with each new generation, clock speeds tend to increase, resulting in improved performance. In the case of the 4060 Ti, its boost clock is nearly 800 MHz higher than that of the 3070 Ti, granting it a superior processing power per core.
The video memory of a graphics card serves as a pixel buffer for graphics, enabling smoother and more efficient operation at higher resolutions. With increased memory bandwidth and capacity, the memory configuration excels at handling the demanding pixel counts of larger resolutions. Therefore, if your goal is to enjoy 4K gaming, it is essential to have a graphics card capable of achieving it. In this regard, the lower bandwidth of the 4060 Ti card limits its potential compared to the 3070 Ti, which offers superior performance in this aspect.
There is a 16GB variant of the RTX 4060 Ti coming in July 2023, which will be interesting to compare with. But the bandwidth of it is not changing, as such we can’t expect much higher performance out of it. And certainly not on the level of the 3070 Ti.
When it comes to the internal composition of the GPU processor, the arrangement of transistors plays a crucial role in forming different groups of core counts. These groups include CUDA cores, responsible for processing, RT cores for ray tracing computations, and other components like TMUs and ROPS. The quantity of these core types directly impacts the capabilities of the graphics cards.
Comparing the RTX 4060 Ti and the RTX 3070 Ti, their generational disparity leads to variations in efficiency and speed. Notably, the XX70 series models possess approximately 2,000 more CUDA cores than the 4060 Ti. Consequently, they exhibit superior performance in executing instructions and processing tasks more effectively.
What was once referred to as TDP is now commonly known as TGP, representing either thermal design power or total graphics power. This metric provides insights into the power consumption and potential heat generation of a GPU. Among the available choices, we observe that the 4060 Ti model operates at 160/165W, while the 3070 Ti requires 290W, nearly double the power. Consequently, the 3070 Ti demands a more robust power supply, generates more heat, and tends to run hotter overall. Opting for the lower-powered card not only ensures cooler operation but also proves more cost-effective, both in terms of pricing and thermal capacity.
The performance of the RTX 4060 Ti is slightly inferior to that of the 3070 Ti, primarily due to its fewer CUDA cores and slower VRAM technology. In terms of performance, the RTX 4060 Ti is more comparable to the base RTX 3070. However, where the RTX 4060 Ti truly excels is in efficiency. It offers a similar performance to the RTX 3070, all while maintaining a lower TBP of 160W. This TBP is almost half that of the 3070 Ti, making the RTX 4060 Ti a highly efficient option, even if its performance is a little weaker.
Benchmarks for the RTX 4060 Ti 8GB have been released pitting it against the RTX 3070 Ti, for the 16GB you have to wait just a bit longer for comparison. For the performance, Techpowerup gives us an overview of the performance difference. The 4060 Ti average is around 9FPS lower than the 3070 Ti at 1080p around 131FPS. At 1440p that is still around 10FPS difference, while at 4K that is at around 9FPS. Altogether not as big a difference as expected.
In order for the RTX 4060 Ti to overtake the RTX 3070 Ti, it needs to take advantage of its DLSS 3.0 frame generation tech. This helps boost frame rates, but may not be for everyone as it can cause a drop in graphical fidelity and incur some input latency.
In certain scenarios, the 4060 Ti can be considered on par or slightly worse than the 3070 Ti in terms of performance, while also offering enhanced efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Consequently, the GPUs available from various manufacturers will feature smaller form factors and incorporate dual fan designs. This combination of factors makes the 4060 Ti an excellent choice for individuals seeking to save money without compromising on efficiency. If you’re going to be playing plenty of games that support DLSS 3.0, the RTX 4060 Ti could be a great option. We’d say it’s probably not worth upgrading from your 30-series card right now though, as the performance boost isn’t great enough.
The 3070 Ti initially had a retail price of $599, but currently, it can be found in the range of $300 to $400 on the second-hand market. On the other hand, the RTX 4060 Ti launched with price points of $399 and $499 for 8GB and 16GB models, making it competitively priced, comparable to the second-hand 3070 Ti. However, if you prefer to avoid purchasing a second-hand graphics card, the 4060 Ti emerges as the ideal choice for you.
Well done cooling solution capable of keeping the GPU under wraps and performing well
Overclocked model brings higher performance than the stnadard clocks
High quality and well built card to last
More expensive option than MSRP
The most compact RTX 3070 Ti
One of the nicest looking RTX 3070 Tis
Cheaper than most RTX 3070 Ti AIBs
Insubstantial performance increase compared to the RTX 3070
Not the quietest on offer & could get louder over time
Poorer cooling solution means potentially worse longevity
Overall, the RTX 3070 Ti outperforms the RTX 4060 Ti based on its raw specs and performance. However, in games utilizing DLSS 3.0, the RTX 4060 Ti can catch back up or overtake the 3070 Ti if optimized correctly, and it will do it more efficiently too.
Yes, the RTX 4060 Ti is now out, so its a great time to compare it to last gen’s RTX 3070 Ti to see how they match up.
In conclusion, the RTX 4060 Ti emerges as the latest mid-range Nvidia GPU, powered by the ADA Lovelace architecture. While its performance may be on par or slightly inferior to the RTX 3070 Ti, it offers improved efficiency and cost-effectiveness. The 4060 Ti’s launch price of $399 to $499 positions it competitively against the second-hand market price range of the 3070 Ti, which can be found at around $300 to $400.
Additionally, the 4060 Ti’s lower power consumption of 160W compared to the 3070 Ti’s 290W ensures cooler operation and more affordable power requirements. Ultimately, the RTX 4060 Ti proves to be an attractive option for those seeking a balance between performance, efficiency, and cost.
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