Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 vs RTX 4060: Which GPU Offers the Best Value for Money?
If you’re in the market for a new graphics card, you might be stuck deciding between the RTX 3060 and the RTX 4060. Both GPUs cater to budget-conscious gamers and content creators, but with NVIDIA’s new architecture and improved performance claims, is the RTX 4060 really worth the upgrade? Or does the RTX 3060 still hold its ground as a solid choice? Let’s break it down.
RTX 3060 vs RTX 4060: Specs Comparison
Before diving into real-world performance, here’s a quick spec comparison:
| Specification | RTX 3060 | RTX 4060 |
|---|---|---|
| CUDA Cores | 3584 cores for parallel computing | 3584 cores, with improved efficiency in the Ada Lovelace architecture |
| VRAM | 12GB GDDR6 for handling large textures and assets | 8GB GDDR6, slightly lower but efficient for most tasks |
| Base Clock Speed | 1.41 GHz for steady performance | 1.41 GHz, similar to RTX 3060 |
| Boost Clock Speed | 1.78 GHz for better performance under load | 1.78 GHz, identical to RTX 3060 |
| Memory Interface | 192-bit for high bandwidth | 128-bit, narrower but still effective with the new architecture |
| Power Consumption | 170W TDP for moderate power usage | 160W TDP, more power-efficient |
| DLSS Support | DLSS 2.0 for enhanced performance with quality visuals. | Newer DLSS version for superior upscaling and frame interpolation |
Is the RTX 4060 Better Than the RTX 3060?
Yes, but with some caveats. The RTX 4060 brings significant improvements in power efficiency, thanks to NVIDIA’s Ada Lovelace architecture. However, the RTX 3060 still has 12GB VRAM, which can be beneficial in games that require high texture memory.
ASUS Dual -RTX3060-O12G-V2 NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060
- Dual GeForce RTX 3060 V2 OC Edition
- GPU: NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 3060
- Video Memory: 12GB GDDR6
- Engine Clock: OC Mode - 1867 MHz, Gaming Mode - 1837 MHz
- CUDA Cores: 3584
- Connectivity: 1 x HDMI 2.1, 3 x DisplayPort 1.4a
- Resolution Support: Max resolution 7680 x 4320, supports up to 4 displays
Gigabyte GeForce RTX 4060 WINDFORCE OC 8G NVIDIA 8 GB GDDR6
- GeForce RTX™ 4060
- GPU: GeForce RTX™ 4060
- Core Clock: 2475 MHz (Reference card: 2460 MHz)
- Memory: 8 GB GDDR6, Memory Bus - 128-bit
- Connectivity: 2 x DisplayPort 1.4a, 2 x HDMI 2.1a
- Digital Max Resolution: 7680 x 4320
- Recommended PSU: 450W, Power Connector: 1 x 8-pin
Gaming Performance: DLSS 3 vs Raw Power
The RTX 4060 has the advantage of DLSS 3, which uses AI frame generation to boost FPS in supported games. This is a game-changer for smoother performance in titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Microsoft Flight Simulator. The RTX 3060, on the other hand, lacks DLSS 3 but still supports DLSS 2, which is effective in upscaling resolution for better FPS.
Benchmarks indicate that in traditional rasterization, the RTX 4060 performs around 10-15% better than the RTX 3060, but in DLSS 3-supported titles, the performance leap can be much greater.
What is the RTX 4060 Equivalent To?
In terms of raw performance, the RTX 4060 is roughly equivalent to an RTX 3060 Ti in many modern titles. It delivers better ray tracing performance and uses significantly less power, making it a more efficient choice.
Content Creation: 4K Video Editing & 3D Rendering
If you’re into video editing or 3D rendering, the choice depends on your workload. The RTX 4060’s increased clock speeds and newer architecture make it slightly faster in rendering and exporting. However, if your software heavily relies on VRAM, the RTX 3060’s 12GB could be beneficial for large projects.
For tasks like Blender rendering or Adobe Premiere Pro editing, the RTX 4060 performs slightly better, but VRAM limitations may impact larger projects.
Power Consumption: Efficiency Matters
One major win for the RTX 4060 is its power consumption. With a TDP of 115W, it consumes significantly less power compared to the RTX 3060’s 170W. This means lower electricity bills, less heat output, and quieter operation—a major advantage for those who want an energy-efficient build.
If you are running a small form factor (SFF) PC, the RTX 4060 is a better pick due to its lower power draw and improved thermals.
Is the RTX 4060 Worth Upgrading From the 3060?
It depends. If you’re looking for better efficiency, DLSS 3 support, and improved ray tracing, then yes, upgrading to the RTX 4060 makes sense. But if you already own an RTX 3060 and don’t need DLSS 3, it might be worth holding onto it, especially if your workflow benefits from extra VRAM.
For users coming from an older GPU (GTX 1660, RTX 2060, or lower), upgrading to the RTX 4060 is a significant step up in performance, efficiency, and features like AV1 encoding for better streaming quality.
Does the RTX 4060 Support DLSS 3, and How Does It Impact Gaming?
Yes, the RTX 4060 supports DLSS 3, which allows AI-generated frames to improve FPS significantly. In supported games, this feature can double or even triple frame rates, making the RTX 4060 an excellent choice for high-refresh-rate gaming.
How Much Power Does the RTX 4060 Consume Compared to the 3060?
The RTX 4060 consumes 115W, while the RTX 3060 consumes 170W, making the RTX 4060 more power-efficient by around 32%.
Our Recommended RTX 3060 & RTX 4060 Models
We have a selection of RTX 3060 and RTX 4060 GPUs available on our website. If you’re considering purchasing one, check out these models:
- RTX 3060 Models:
- RTX 4060 Models:
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
- If you need better efficiency, DLSS 3, and lower power consumption, go for the RTX 4060.
- If you prefer more VRAM and a wider memory bus for higher texture loads, stick with the RTX 3060.
For budget-conscious gamers, RTX 3060 is still a solid choice. But if you’re after the latest tech and better future-proofing, RTX 4060 is the way to go. Here you can read the full comparison of RTX 4090 and RTX 4070.
