The RTX 4060 Ti emerges as a recent addition to Nvidia’s mid-range GPU lineup, featuring the formidable ADA Lovelace architecture that delivers impressive performance for gamers in the mid-level range. However, it is intriguing to explore how it fares against the well-established RTX 3090. Let’s delve into a comprehensive comparison between the RTX 4060 Ti and the RTX 3090.

With the upcoming launch of the RTX 4060 Ti on May 24, 2023, it enters the market two years after the release of the RTX 3090 on September 24, 2020. This duration allowed the RTX 3090 to establish its presence and receive driver updates, optimizing its efficiency and performance.

At WePC, we take great pride in providing accurate and easily accessible information. It is important to note that while our content may include some opinion-based analysis, we prioritize presenting factual information whenever possible. Now, let’s dive into the intricate details of the RTX 4060 Ti vs RTX 3090.

RTX 4060 Ti vs RTX 3090: Architecture

The 40 series and the 30 series GPUs mark a significant leap in GPU technology, representing two distinct generations. The introduction of the 40 series brings forth exclusive features like Nvidia DLSS 3 and frame generation, which have the potential to enhance performance and narrow the gap between these cards and their counterparts. However, it is important to note that their performance is still influenced by the specific games they support and the unique specifications they offer.

Now, let’s explore the specifics of each card. The original RTX 3090 is constructed on the GA102-350-A1 GPU variant, utilizing Samsung’s 8nm manufacturing process. This powerhouse boasts an impressive 28.3 billion transistors packed into a 628 mm² die size. On the other hand, the RTX 4060 Ti incorporates the AD106-350/351 processor, based on the cutting-edge Ada Lovelace architecture. Manufactured using TSMC’s 5nm process, it features a smaller die size of 190mm², though the exact transistor count remains undisclosed.

RTX 4060 Ti vs 3090 specifications

	RTX 4060 Ti (8/16GB)	RTX 3090
GPU	AD106-350/351	GA102-350-A1
GPU process	TSMC 5nm	Samsung 8nm
CUDA cores	4,352	10,496
Base clock	2.31 GHz	1.56 GHz
Boost clock	2.54 GHz	1.86 GHz
VRAM	8/16GB GDDR6	24 GB GDDR6X
Memory clock/bandwidth	18 Gbps / 288 GB/s	21Gbps / 1,008 GB/s
Memory interface	128-bit	384 bit
TDP/TGP	160/165W	450 W

RTX 4060 Ti vs 3090 things to consider

Here are some things to take into account when opting to purchase one of the above GPUs:

GPU core frequency

Clock speed, or GPU core frequency, refers to the speed at which the GPU processor operates and performs tasks. The silicon dies within the GPU can process instructions at varying speeds. Typically, clock speeds are increased with each new generation, resulting in improved performance.

When comparing the RTX 4060 Ti and the RTX 3090, it’s important to note that the boost clock of the 4060 Ti exceeds that of the RTX 3090 by 700 MHz. This significant difference makes the 4060 Ti more efficient in processing tasks and gives it an edge in single GPU core performance. However, this doesn’t mean the 3090 is out of the game just yet.

VRAM

Video memory is a critical component of a graphics card as it acts as a pixel buffer for graphics, ensuring smooth and efficient operation, particularly at higher resolutions. A graphics card with higher memory bandwidth and capacity excels at handling the demanding pixel counts of larger resolutions.

If your goal is to enjoy 4K gaming, it becomes crucial to have a graphics card capable of delivering the required performance. While the VRAM capacity of the 4060 Ti may not be substantial, NVIDIA is addressing this by releasing a 16GB version. However, in comparison to the massive 24GB of VRAM offered by the 3090, the 8GB version of the 4060 Ti falls short. It’s important to note that both the 4060 Ti and the RTX 3090 feature the same GDDR6X technology. Therefore, in terms of VRAM, the RTX 3090 undoubtedly takes the lead.

The RTX 3090 boasts an incredibly large amount of VRAM, surpassing even the 16GB variant of the 4060 Ti by a significant margin.

Processor cores

The internal structure of a GPU processor is crucial as it determines how different core types are organized. These core types, such as CUDA cores for processing and RT cores for ray tracing, along with other components like TMUs and ROPS, directly impact a graphics card’s capabilities.

When comparing the RTX 4060 Ti and the RTX 2080 Ti, their generational gap leads to differences in efficiency and speed. Interestingly, both cards have the same number of CUDA cores. However, the CUDA cores in the 4060 Ti are more efficient and faster than those in the 2080 Ti, making them superior in performance. This means that the CUDA cores in the 4060 Ti are more advanced and capable, surpassing the capabilities of the cores in the 2080 Ti.

GPU Power consumption

The TDP (Thermal Design Power) metric provides valuable information about a GPU’s power consumption and its potential for generating heat.

When comparing power consumption, the RTX 4060 Ti operates at a modest 160W, whereas the 3090 requires a whopping 450W, which is nearly 300W higher than the 4060 Ti. This significant power disparity means that the 3090 demands a considerably more powerful power supply, generates a substantial amount of heat, and generally runs much hotter.

In contrast, opting for the lower-powered RTX 4060 Ti ensures cooler operation and proves to be more cost-effective, both in terms of pricing and thermal capacity. Moreover, the RTX 3090’s considerable heat output also contributes to its massive physical size, making it challenging to incorporate into a small form factor build.

RTX 4060 Vs RTX 3090: performance

The RTX 3090 is the best-performing GPU here, it has significantly more CUDA cores, Vram, and the capacity to dominate 4k gaming as we know it. there really is no competition here. The RTX 4060 Ti is great for those who want high performance on an entry-level budget.

Whilst the 4060 Ti can’t compare with the RTX 3090, The performance of the RTX 4060 Ti is projected to be slightly lower than that of the 3070 Ti, mainly due to its fewer CUDA cores and slower VRAM technology. When it comes to overall performance, the RTX 4060 Ti aligns more closely with the base RTX 3070. And thanks to it’s new ADA Lovelace architecture, it does all this incredibly efficiently.

Is the RTX 4060 Ti better than the RTX 3090?

In comparing the RTX 4060 Ti to the RTX 3090, it becomes evident that the RTX 3090 holds a significant advantage in terms of performance. With a higher number of CUDA cores and larger VRAM capacity, the RTX 3090 is capable of delivering exceptional performance and dominating 4K gaming. It outperforms the RTX 4060 Ti in all aspects, making it the clear winner in terms of raw power.

On the other hand, the RTX 4060 Ti shines in terms of efficiency. It manages to offer a performance level comparable to the base RTX 3070 and comes close to the performance of the RTX 3070 Ti, all while operating at a lower TDP of 160W. This lower power consumption not only results in cooler operation but also proves to be more cost-effective.

Considering the architectural advancements of the RTX 4060 Ti, its performance is expected to be slightly inferior to that of the RTX 3070 Ti due to fewer CUDA cores and slower VRAM technology. However, it remains a compelling choice for those seeking high performance on an entry-level budget.

RTX 4060 Ti vs RTX 3090: price

The RTX 4060 Ti is available in two variants, an 8GB model and a 16GB model, which, of course, comes with two different price tags. The RRP of both versions stands at $399 and $499 respectively, much less than even the current second-hand price of the RTX 3090.

The RTX 3090 debuted with a massive RRP of $1,499 and even now is only available for around $700 – $900 new. Not to mention the bomb you have to pay for the hardware to support the RTX 3090. The RTX 4060 Ti definitely wins in terms of efficiency and value for money.

Final Word

In summary, the RTX 3090 outperforms the RTX 4060 Ti in terms of raw power, with a higher number of CUDA cores and larger VRAM capacity. It is the clear winner when it comes to performance, especially for 4K gaming.

However, the RTX 4060 Ti excels in efficiency, offering performance comparable to the base RTX 3070 while operating at a lower TDP of 160W. It provides a cost-effective option for those on an entry-level budget. Although the RTX 4060 Ti’s architectural advancements make it slightly less powerful than the RTX 3070 Ti, it remains a compelling choice for users seeking high performance within a lower power consumption range.

RTX 4060 Ti vs RTX 3090 – Which graphics card is better?

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