RTX 4060 vs RTX 3070: A Crucial Comparison for Gaming Enthusiasts

It is mid-2024, and a powerful yet advanced card of recent times has suddenly become an entry-level card! Time flies, and there is a new kid in the neighborhood named “RTX 4060.” Well, RTX 3070 is certainly not going to leave its place easily but then what is this new upgrade? 

The newer Nvidia RTX 4060 offers significant performance at 1080p, while the RTX 3070 has been a reliable choice for both 1080p and 1440p. This comparison will delve into the key features of both cards, helping you understand their differences and make an informed decision.

It’s important not to rush into an upgrade decision without careful consideration. This article, especially beneficial for those looking to upgrade from 3070, will help you make a well-informed decision. 

RTX 4060 vs RTX 3070: In a Nutshell!

3070 or 4060, which one is better? Generally, the 4060 outperforms the 3070, specifically in newer games designed for 4060 architecture. However, you can find the RTX 4060 at a lower price than a used RTX 3070. Though the RTX 4060 has the latest technologies like DLSS 3 to significantly boost frame rates, if you already own a 3070, then the upgrade might not be promptly required. Especially if the RTX 3070 handles your game’s resolution handsomely. Otherwise, for newer builds, boosting performance, 4060 is tempting.

RTX 4060 vs 3070: The Comparison

The GeForce RTX 4060 is a family member of the NVidia RTX 4000 series but is at the bottom of the line. As many experts suggest, it is considered the weakest of the current-generation Ada Lovelace graphics cards.

“For instance, Tom’s Hardware notes that while the RTX 4060 benefits from the advancements of the Ada Lovelace architecture, including increased clock speeds and improved efficiency, it is still limited by lower memory bandwidth and fewer shader cores compared to its predecessors and higher-tier models in the same generation. This places it at a disadvantage regarding raw performance, especially when compared to the RTX 3060 and other higher-end RTX 40-series GPUs​.” 

(Source: Tom’s Hardware)​

“Additionally, the MSI GeForce RTX 4060 GAMING X 8GB review underscores that although the card can handle 1080p gaming with features like ray tracing and DLSS 3, its performance does not match up to the more powerful GPUs in the Ada Lovelace lineup, making it the entry-level option in this generation​.”

(Source: MSI Global and Best Buy Canada)​

Why is a 3070 better than a 4060?

Why is it like this? It is the only member of the series built on the AD107 die with an average of 8GB GDDR6 VRAM on a 128-bit memory bus. These specs make it more compatible with 1080p gaming. To add to these specs are the 3,072 CUDA cores with 96 TMUs and 48 ROPs, along with a boostable clock speed of 2,460 MHz.

To explore the RTX 3070 vs. RTX 4060 debate, let’s inspect the RTX 3070 architecture, which is the well-reputed Ampere architecture. It has earned its reputation by handling far better ray tracing than Nvidia’s 2nd generation graphics cards, like 2080Ti. At the time of its launch and for several years after that, the RTX 3070 has been delivering excellently through its base clock frequency of 1575 MHz and boosted frequency of 1770 MHz with 8 GB of GDDR6X memory. These specifications made it a high-end performing card of its era, and irrespective of RTX 3070 vs 4060, it has started to show signs of aging.

RTX 4060 vs RTX 3070: The Specs

Before we go on a head-to-head comparison of 4060 vs 3070 specs, let us tell you things that require brief explanations. In contrast, the RTX 4060 has double the number of transistors that the 3070 does, but the latter comes back with a few extra TFLOPS.  Also, the RTX 3070 requires a powerful PSU of at least 600W to perform at peak efficiency. This is because of the high TDP of 290W, whereas the RTX 4060 has a low TDP and requires a 450W power supply for maximum performance.

*Note: TDP (Thermal Design Power), usually measured in watts,  refers to the maximum heat a GPU or any other component can generate under typical, real-world usage.

Moreover, if you compare the base and boost memory clock speeds of both cards on paper, the 4060 will be superior. The scale tips more in favor of 4060 when you place the DLSS 3.0 support specified for the 4000 series.

The DLSS comes as a lifesaver in today’s games requiring an incredible amount of VRAM, such as Alan Wake 2, Cyberpunk 2077, Forza Horizon, Hogwarts Legacy, or Starfield, on the highest possible setting at acceptable frame rates. RTX 4060 has DLSS and runs on tensor cores that are 4th generation and provide improved ray-tracing.

RTX 4060 vs RTX 3070: Cost Difference

The RTX 4060 is new, so it has to be more expensive than the RTX 3070. However, we were all surprised to see the market tell a different story. Depending on the condition and seller, you can find a refurbished RTX 3070 for around $300. 4060, on the other hand, is seen dipping below the $300 mark. That’s a new card beating an old card in price, so there has to be something telling an evident story.

Key Takeaway

• If you find an RTX 4060 at or near its MSRP, it offers excellent value compared to a used RTX 3070. The RTX 4060 brings significant advancements with its Ada Lovelace architecture, including higher clock speeds and improved energy efficiency. However, the RTX 3070 still delivers superior raw performance with more CUDA cores and higher TFLOPS. Prices can vary widely, so comparing current deals and considering your specific needs before purchasing is crucial. Whether you prioritize the latest features and efficiency of the RTX 4060 or the higher performance of the RTX 3070, always ensure you’re getting the best value for your investment.

RTX 4060 vs. RTX 3070: Is 4060 Better Than 3070?

In a short answer, no! Though the RTX 4060 is more impressive than the RTX 3070 if you compare the stats on paper, real-world gaming scenarios tell a totally different story when tested at 1080p. The old master outperforms the young blood in many games like The Last of Us Remastered and Space Shooter Starfield. In terms of in-game FPS, the RTX 3070 wins almost every time over the RTX 4060.

Here is a chart depicting three games among many that we tested:

In every game we tested, the average FPS difference was quite considerable in the RTX 4060 vs RTX 3070 war. The intellect suggests that it is not worthwhile for those who already have RTX 3070 to upgrade to 4060. Yes, it is a good choice for those buying a new RTX 4060 directly, as it will still provide value with the abovementioned things. Moreover, people looking to upgrade from 3070, it would be best to scurry past the 4060 and look for NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 Super instead. It is a better deal.

Conclusion

On paper, the RTX 4060 is a clear winner, and you would at least expect to see major differences between these two Nvidia’s different generations or series GPUs. But this is not the case; real-world examples tell the opposite story, and you are not wrong if you are demanding, if not more, than similar performance. The RTX 4060 caters to 1080p game settings and is limited while not providing value for money and upgradation. Conversely, the RTX 3070 is handsomely handling game settings at both 1080p and 1440p, making it a great lower, mid-range option for 2024 builds. The 4060 Ti is also a good option if you do not want to spend much on an upgrade.

FAQS

Is the 4060 better than the 3070?

On paper, yes. The 4060 has DLSS 3.0 and more base and boost clock speed memory than the RTX 3070, but the real-world scenarios favor the RTX 3070.

Is the RTX 4060 good for gaming?

Yes, if you are looking at 4060 for gaming, it is good as it has a good VRAM and DLSS 3.0 to support modern-day gaming.

Is 3070 good for 4K editing?

When editing in 4K, 3060 works well. However, a 3070 Ti or 3070 would have no trouble running 4K applications, whereas a 3060 would not deliver decent 4K frames in games. Obviously, that is only a measure of performance if you do not engage in gaming.

Is 4060 overkill for 1080p?

In many scenarios, the NVIDIA RTX 4060 can be considered overkill for 1080p gaming. It offers more than enough performance for high-refresh-rate 1080p gaming, easily handling modern AAA titles and supporting advanced features like ray tracing and DLSS 3. However, for standard 1080p gaming, its capabilities might exceed what is necessary, making it a future-proof option rather than an essential upgrade.