GeForce RTX 3060 vs GeForce RTX 4060
GeForce RTX 3060
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GeForce RTX 4060
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Performance Spectrum - GPU
About G3D Mark
G3D Mark is a standard benchmark that measures graphics performance in real-world gaming scenarios. It simplifies comparing cards from different brands, where higher scores directly correlate with better fps and smoother gaming experiences.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (G3D Mark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar GeForce RTX 3060
Performance Per Dollar GeForce RTX 4060
Why is GeForce RTX 4060 better than GeForce RTX 3060?
The GeForce RTX 3060 is one of the most popular GPUs ever made, but the newer RTX 4060 offers a compelling generational upgrade. The RTX 4060 delivers approximately 15-20% better performance in traditional gaming while consuming significantly less power (115W vs 170W). This efficiency is complemented by the Ada Lovelace architecture's exclusive support for DLSS 3 Frame Generation, which can provide a transformative experience in next-gen titles.\n\nOne notable technical difference is memory: the RTX 3060 often features a 12GB GDDR6 buffer, while the RTX 4060 is limited to 8GB. While 12GB can be helpful in very specific VRAM-heavy scenarios at 1440p, the RTX 4060's massive L2 cache and superior Ray Tracing cores generally make it the faster and better-optimized card for 1080p and 1440p gaming today. If you are looking for the best performance and newest features on a budget, the RTX 4060 is the clear recommendation.
Performance Comparison
About G3D Mark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
The GeForce RTX 4060 is the superior choice for raw performance. It leads with a 15% higher G3D Mark score. However, the GeForce RTX 3060 offers more VRAM, which may be beneficial for texture-heavy scenarios at higher resolutions.
| Insight | GeForce RTX 3060 | GeForce RTX 4060 |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | ❌Lower raw frame rates (-15%) | ✅Leading raw performance (+15%) |
| Longevity | 🔮Strong Longevity (Ampere / 8nm) | 🏆Elite Architecture (Ada Lovelace (2022−2024) / 5nm) |
| Ecosystem | ✨ DLSS 2 Upscaling | ✨ DLSS 3/4 + Frame Gen Support |
| VRAM | 🎮 High Capacity (12 GB) | 🎮 High Capacity (8 GB) |
| Efficiency | ⚡ Higher Power Consumption | 💡 Excellent Perf/Watt |
| Case Fit | 📏 Compact / SFF Friendly | 📏 Compact / SFF Friendly |
💎 Value Proposition
The GeForce RTX 4060 offers a compelling cost-to-performance ratio. Although it costs $299 (vs $289), its significant performance lead justifies the premium, offering 11.2% better value per dollar than the GeForce RTX 3060.
| Insight | GeForce RTX 3060 | GeForce RTX 4060 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌Lower cost efficiency | ✅Better overall value (+11.2%) |
| Upfront Cost | ✅More affordable ($289) | ⚠️Higher upfront cost ($299) |
Performance Check
Real-world benchmarks and performance projections based on comprehensive hardware analysis and comparative metrics. Values represent expected performance on High/Ultra settings at 1080p, 1440p, and 4K. Modeled using a Ryzen 7 7800X3D reference profile to minimize specific CPU bottlenecks.
Note: Performance behavior can vary per game. Specific architectures may perform better or worse depending on game engine optimizations and API implementation.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of GeForce RTX 3060 and GeForce RTX 4060
GeForce RTX 3060
The GeForce RTX 3060 is manufactured by NVIDIA. It was released in January 12 2021. It features the Ampere architecture. The core clock ranges from 1320 MHz to 1777 MHz. It has 3584 shading units. The thermal design power (TDP) is 170W. Manufactured using 8 nm process technology. It features 28 dedicated ray tracing cores for enhanced lighting effects. G3D Mark benchmark score: 16,995 points. Launch price was $329.
GeForce RTX 4060
The GeForce RTX 4060 is manufactured by NVIDIA. It was released in May 18 2023. It features the Ada Lovelace architecture. The core clock ranges from 1830 MHz to 2460 MHz. It has 3072 shading units. The thermal design power (TDP) is 115W. Manufactured using 5 nm process technology. It features 24 dedicated ray tracing cores for enhanced lighting effects. G3D Mark benchmark score: 19,548 points. Launch price was $299.
Graphics Performance
In G3D Mark, the GeForce RTX 3060 scores 16,995 versus the GeForce RTX 4060's 19,548 — the GeForce RTX 4060 leads by 15%. The GeForce RTX 3060 is built on Ampere while the GeForce RTX 4060 uses Ada Lovelace, both on 8 nm vs 5 nm. Shader units: 3,584 (GeForce RTX 3060) vs 3,072 (GeForce RTX 4060). Raw compute: 12.74 TFLOPS (GeForce RTX 3060) vs 15.11 TFLOPS (GeForce RTX 4060). Boost clocks: 1777 MHz vs 2460 MHz. Ray tracing: 28 RT cores (GeForce RTX 3060) vs 24 (GeForce RTX 4060) with 112 Tensor cores vs 96.
| Feature | GeForce RTX 3060 | GeForce RTX 4060 |
|---|---|---|
| G3D Mark Score | 16,995 | 19,548+15% |
| Architecture | Ampere | Ada Lovelace |
| Process Node | 8 nm | 5 nm |
| Shading Units | 3584+17% | 3072 |
| Compute (TFLOPS) | 12.74 TFLOPS | 15.11 TFLOPS+19% |
| Boost Clock | 1777 MHz | 2460 MHz+38% |
| ROPs | 48 | 48 |
| TMUs | 112+17% | 96 |
| L1 Cache | 3.5 MB+17% | 3 MB |
| L2 Cache | 3 MB | 24 MB+700% |
| Ray Tracing Cores | 28+17% | 24 |
| Tensor Cores | 112+17% | 96 |
Advanced Features (DLSS/FSR)
A critical advantage for the GeForce RTX 4060 is support for DLSS 3 Frame Gen. This allows it to generate entire frames using AI/Algorithms, essentially doubling the frame rate in CPU-bound scenarios or heavy ray-tracing titles. The GeForce RTX 3060 lacks specific hardware/driver support for this native frame generation tier.
| Feature | GeForce RTX 3060 | GeForce RTX 4060 |
|---|---|---|
| Upscaling Tech | DLSS 2.0 | DLSS 3.5 |
| Frame Generation | FSR 3 / AFMF (Compatible) | DLSS 3.0 (Native) |
| Ray Reconstruction | No | Yes (DLSS 3.5) |
| Low Latency | NVIDIA Reflex | NVIDIA Reflex |
Video Memory (VRAM)
The GeForce RTX 3060 comes with 12 GB of VRAM, while the GeForce RTX 4060 has 8 GB. The GeForce RTX 3060 offers 50% more capacity, crucial for higher resolutions and texture-heavy games. Memory bandwidth: 360 GB/s (GeForce RTX 3060) vs 272 GB/s (GeForce RTX 4060) — a 32.4% advantage for the GeForce RTX 3060. Bus width: 192-bit vs 128-bit. L2 Cache: 3 MB (GeForce RTX 3060) vs 24 MB (GeForce RTX 4060) — the GeForce RTX 4060 has significantly larger on-die cache to reduce VRAM reliance.
| Feature | GeForce RTX 3060 | GeForce RTX 4060 |
|---|---|---|
| VRAM Capacity | 12 GB+50% | 8 GB |
| Memory Type | GDDR6 | GDDR6 |
| Memory Bandwidth | 360 GB/s+32% | 272 GB/s |
| Bus Width | 192-bit+50% | 128-bit |
| L2 Cache | 3 MB | 24 MB+700% |
Display & API Support
DirectX support: 12 Ultimate (GeForce RTX 3060) vs 12 Ultimate (GeForce RTX 4060). Vulkan: 1.3 vs 1.3. OpenGL: 4.6 vs 4.6. Maximum simultaneous displays: 4 vs 4.
| Feature | GeForce RTX 3060 | GeForce RTX 4060 |
|---|---|---|
| DirectX | 12 Ultimate | 12 Ultimate |
| Vulkan | 1.3 | 1.3 |
| OpenGL | 4.6 | 4.6 |
| Max Displays | 4 | 4 |
Media & Encoding
Hardware encoder: NVENC 7th Gen (GeForce RTX 3060) vs NVENC 8th gen (GeForce RTX 4060). Decoder: NVDEC 5th Gen vs NVDEC 5th gen. Supported codecs: AV1,H.265,H.264,VP9 (GeForce RTX 3060) vs H.264,H.265/HEVC,AV1 (GeForce RTX 4060).
| Feature | GeForce RTX 3060 | GeForce RTX 4060 |
|---|---|---|
| Encoder | NVENC 7th Gen | NVENC 8th gen |
| Decoder | NVDEC 5th Gen | NVDEC 5th gen |
| Codecs | AV1,H.265,H.264,VP9 | H.264,H.265/HEVC,AV1 |
Power & Dimensions
The GeForce RTX 3060 draws 170W versus the GeForce RTX 4060's 115W — a 38.6% difference. The GeForce RTX 4060 is more power-efficient. Recommended PSU: 550W (GeForce RTX 3060) vs 550W (GeForce RTX 4060). Power connectors: 8-pin vs 8-pin. Card length: 242mm vs 240mm, occupying 2 vs 2 slots. Typical load temperature: 75 vs 73°C.
| Feature | GeForce RTX 3060 | GeForce RTX 4060 |
|---|---|---|
| TDP | 170W | 115W-32% |
| Recommended PSU | 550W | 550W |
| Power Connector | 8-pin | 8-pin |
| Length | 242mm | 240mm |
| Height | 112mm | 111mm |
| Slots | 2 | 2 |
| Temp (Load) | 75 | 73°C-3% |
| Perf/Watt | 100.0 | 170.0+70% |
Value Analysis
The GeForce RTX 3060 launched at $329 MSRP and currently averages $289, while the GeForce RTX 4060 launched at $299 and now averages $299. The GeForce RTX 3060 costs 3.3% less ($10 savings) at current market prices. Performance per dollar (G3D Mark / price): 58.8 (GeForce RTX 3060) vs 65.4 (GeForce RTX 4060) — the GeForce RTX 4060 offers 11.2% better value. The GeForce RTX 4060 is the newer GPU (2023 vs 2021).
| Feature | GeForce RTX 3060 | GeForce RTX 4060 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $329 | $299-9% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $289-3% | $299 |
| Performance per Dollar | 58.8 | 65.4+11% |
| Codename | GA106 | AD107 |
| Release | January 12 2021 | May 18 2023 |
| Ranking | #114 | #84 |
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