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.

Head-to-Head Verdict, Benchmarks, Value & Long-Term Outlook

This comparison brings together gaming FPS, raw graphics performance, VRAM, feature set, power efficiency, pricing context, and long-term value so you can see which GPU actually makes more sense.

GeForce RTX 4060

2023

Why buy it

✅Costs $1,300 less on MSRP ($299 MSRP vs $1,599 MSRP).
✅Delivers 174.3% more G3D Mark for each dollar spent, at 65.4 vs 23.8 G3D/$ ($299 MSRP vs $1,599 MSRP).
✅Draws 115W instead of 450W, a 335W reduction.
✅Measures 240mm instead of 304mm, a 64mm shorter card that is more SFF-friendly.

Trade-offs

❌Lower average FPS than GeForce RTX 4090 across 26 tracked games in our benchmark data.
❌Less VRAM, with 8 GB vs 24 GB for high-resolution textures and newer games.
❌Fewer Tensor Cores for AI-powered features like DLSS and frame generation (96 vs 512), which can reduce FPS gains in supported games.

GeForce RTX 4090

2022

Why buy it

✅86.5% more average FPS across 26 tracked games in our benchmark data.
✅433.3% more Tensor Cores for AI-powered features like DLSS and frame generation, which can increase overall FPS in supported games (512 vs 96).
✅200% more VRAM for high-resolution textures and newer games (24 GB vs 8 GB).

Trade-offs

❌
434.8% HIGHER MSRP
$1,599 MSRPvs$299 MSRP
❌Lower G3D Mark per dollar, at 23.8 vs 65.4 G3D/$ ($1,599 MSRP vs $299 MSRP).
❌291.3% higher power demand at 450W vs 115W.
❌26.7% longer card at 304mm vs 240mm.

GeForce RTX 4060

2023

GeForce RTX 4090

2022

Why buy it

✅Costs $1,300 less on MSRP ($299 MSRP vs $1,599 MSRP).
✅Delivers 174.3% more G3D Mark for each dollar spent, at 65.4 vs 23.8 G3D/$ ($299 MSRP vs $1,599 MSRP).
✅Draws 115W instead of 450W, a 335W reduction.
✅Measures 240mm instead of 304mm, a 64mm shorter card that is more SFF-friendly.

Why buy it

✅86.5% more average FPS across 26 tracked games in our benchmark data.
✅433.3% more Tensor Cores for AI-powered features like DLSS and frame generation, which can increase overall FPS in supported games (512 vs 96).
✅200% more VRAM for high-resolution textures and newer games (24 GB vs 8 GB).

Trade-offs

❌Lower average FPS than GeForce RTX 4090 across 26 tracked games in our benchmark data.
❌Less VRAM, with 8 GB vs 24 GB for high-resolution textures and newer games.
❌Fewer Tensor Cores for AI-powered features like DLSS and frame generation (96 vs 512), which can reduce FPS gains in supported games.

Trade-offs

❌
434.8% HIGHER MSRP
$1,599 MSRPvs$299 MSRP
❌Lower G3D Mark per dollar, at 23.8 vs 65.4 G3D/$ ($1,599 MSRP vs $299 MSRP).
❌291.3% higher power demand at 450W vs 115W.
❌26.7% longer card at 304mm vs 240mm.

Quick Answers

So, is GeForce RTX 4090 better than GeForce RTX 4060?

Yes. GeForce RTX 4090 is clearly the better overall GPU here. GeForce RTX 4090 averages 86.5% more FPS across 26 tracked games in our benchmark data. You are also looking at 38,112 vs 19,548 in G3D Mark. On top of that, GeForce RTX 4090 is a 2022 card with DLSS 3.5 + Frame Generation, while GeForce RTX 4060 is a 2023 model from an older generation with DLSS 3.5 + Frame Generation. So this is not really a tight same-tier comparison. It is more a modern card against an older, weaker alternative.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

GeForce RTX 4060 is the more future-proof choice for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer 2023 generation instead of 2022. That makes it the safer long-run choice for modern games.

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper card?

GeForce RTX 4090 is about 434.8% more expensive on MSRP at $1,599 MSRP versus $299 MSRP, and you are getting 86.5% more estimated average FPS across 26 tracked games in our benchmark data and 95.0% higher G3D Mark. GeForce RTX 4060 still holds the G3D-per-dollar lead, so the performance win comes with a real value premium. If you are comfortable paying the premium for the stronger gaming result, GeForce RTX 4090 is the one to buy. If staying closer to budget matters more, GeForce RTX 4060 still makes more sense on price alone and remains capable enough for modern gaming.

When does GeForce RTX 4060 make more sense than GeForce RTX 4090?

Yes. GeForce RTX 4060 is still an excellent gaming GPU in 2026: it is very strong for 1080p, good for 1440p, and more limited at 4K. It makes more sense if your priority is newer architecture, lower power draw (115W vs 450W), future-proofing, and staying closer to $299 MSRP more than squeezing out the extra headroom of GeForce RTX 4090. The trade-off is that GeForce RTX 4090 currently gives you 95.0% higher G3D Mark and 86.5% more estimated average FPS across 26 tracked games in our benchmark data. GeForce RTX 4060 still holds the G3D-per-dollar lead, so the performance win comes with a real value premium.

Games Benchmarks

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 9800X3D 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.

GeForce RTX 4060 Benchmark Check

GeForce RTX 4090 Benchmark Check

Path of Exile 2

Preset	GeForce RTX 4060	GeForce RTX 4090
1080p
low	167 FPS	283 FPS
medium	152 FPS	262 FPS
high	134 FPS	224 FPS
ultra	115 FPS	196 FPS
1440p
low	137 FPS	261 FPS
medium	114 FPS	217 FPS
high	99 FPS	173 FPS
ultra	90 FPS	156 FPS
4K
low	86 FPS	180 FPS
medium	74 FPS	149 FPS
high	62 FPS	114 FPS
ultra	55 FPS	102 FPS

Open GeForce RTX 4060 Open GeForce RTX 4090

Path of Exile 2

Path of Exile 2

Counter-Strike 2

Preset	GeForce RTX 4060	GeForce RTX 4090
1080p
low	392 FPS	910 FPS
medium	334 FPS	726 FPS
high	268 FPS	567 FPS
ultra	211 FPS	478 FPS
1440p
low	240 FPS	728 FPS
medium	209 FPS	607 FPS
high	169 FPS	494 FPS
ultra	137 FPS	397 FPS
4K
low	119 FPS	396 FPS
medium	98 FPS	335 FPS
high	82 FPS	309 FPS
ultra	63 FPS	265 FPS

Open GeForce RTX 4060 Open GeForce RTX 4090

Counter-Strike 2

Counter-Strike 2

League of Legends

Preset	GeForce RTX 4060	GeForce RTX 4090
1080p
low	812 FPS	999 FPS
medium	642 FPS	999 FPS
high	551 FPS	999 FPS
ultra	440 FPS	858 FPS
1440p
low	535 FPS	988 FPS
medium	443 FPS	902 FPS
high	379 FPS	832 FPS
ultra	329 FPS	643 FPS
4K
low	365 FPS	580 FPS
medium	297 FPS	504 FPS
high	234 FPS	455 FPS
ultra	186 FPS	388 FPS

Open GeForce RTX 4060 Open GeForce RTX 4090

League of Legends

League of Legends

Valorant

Preset	GeForce RTX 4060	GeForce RTX 4090
1080p
low	746 FPS	999 FPS
medium	613 FPS	971 FPS
high	536 FPS	855 FPS
ultra	440 FPS	764 FPS
1440p
low	594 FPS	830 FPS
medium	486 FPS	728 FPS
high	421 FPS	641 FPS
ultra	330 FPS	561 FPS
4K
low	358 FPS	606 FPS
medium	308 FPS	538 FPS
high	285 FPS	480 FPS
ultra	220 FPS	420 FPS

Open GeForce RTX 4060 Open GeForce RTX 4090

Valorant

Valorant

Check FPS for your specific build

Technical Specifications

Side-by-side comparison of GeForce RTX 4060 and GeForce RTX 4090

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.

GeForce RTX 4090

The GeForce RTX 4090 is manufactured by NVIDIA. It was released in September 20 2022. It features the Ada Lovelace architecture. The core clock ranges from 2235 MHz to 2520 MHz. It has 16384 shading units. The thermal design power (TDP) is 450W. Manufactured using 5 nm process technology. It features 128 dedicated ray tracing cores for enhanced lighting effects. G3D Mark benchmark score: 38,112 points. Launch price was $1,599.

⚡

Graphics Performance

In G3D Mark, the GeForce RTX 4060 scores 19,548 versus the GeForce RTX 4090's 38,112 — the GeForce RTX 4090 leads by 95%. The GeForce RTX 4060 is built on Ada Lovelace while the GeForce RTX 4090 uses Ada Lovelace, both on a 5 nm process. Shader units: 3,072 (GeForce RTX 4060) vs 16,384 (GeForce RTX 4090). Raw compute: 15.11 TFLOPS (GeForce RTX 4060) vs 82.58 TFLOPS (GeForce RTX 4090). Boost clocks: 2460 MHz vs 2520 MHz. Ray tracing: 24 RT cores (GeForce RTX 4060) vs 128 (GeForce RTX 4090) with 96 Tensor cores vs 512.

Feature	GeForce RTX 4060	GeForce RTX 4090
G3D Mark Score	19,548	38,112+95%
Architecture	Ada Lovelace	Ada Lovelace
Process Node	5 nm	5 nm
Shading Units	3072	16384+433%
Compute (TFLOPS)	15.11 TFLOPS	82.58 TFLOPS+447%
Boost Clock	2460 MHz	2520 MHz+2%
ROPs	48	176+267%
TMUs	96	512+433%
L1 Cache	3 MB	16 MB+433%
L2 Cache	24 MB	72 MB+200%
Ray Tracing Cores	24	128+433%
Tensor Cores	96	512+433%

✨

Advanced Features (DLSS/FSR)

Both cards support modern Frame Generation technology, allowing them to insert intermediate frames to smooth motion and boost perceived FPS in supported games.

Feature	GeForce RTX 4060	GeForce RTX 4090
Upscaling Tech	DLSS 3.5 Super Resolution	DLSS 3.5 Super Resolution
Frame Generation	DLSS 3.5 + Frame Generation	DLSS 3.5 + Frame Generation
Ray Reconstruction	Yes (DLSS 3.5)	Yes (DLSS 3.5)
Low Latency	NVIDIA Reflex	NVIDIA Reflex

💾

Video Memory (VRAM)

The GeForce RTX 4060 comes with 8 GB of VRAM, while the GeForce RTX 4090 has 24 GB. The GeForce RTX 4090 offers 200% more capacity, crucial for higher resolutions and texture-heavy games. Memory bandwidth: 272 GB/s (GeForce RTX 4060) vs 1008 GB/s (GeForce RTX 4090) — a 270.6% advantage for the GeForce RTX 4090. Bus width: 128-bit vs 384-bit. L2 Cache: 24 MB (GeForce RTX 4060) vs 72 MB (GeForce RTX 4090) — the GeForce RTX 4090 has significantly larger on-die cache to reduce VRAM reliance.

Feature	GeForce RTX 4060	GeForce RTX 4090
VRAM Capacity	8 GB	24 GB+200%
Memory Type	GDDR6	GDDR6X
Memory Bandwidth	272 GB/s	1008 GB/s+271%
Bus Width	128-bit	384-bit+200%
L2 Cache	24 MB	72 MB+200%

🖥️

Display & API Support

DirectX support: 12 Ultimate (GeForce RTX 4060) vs 12.2 (GeForce RTX 4090). Vulkan: 1.3 vs 1.3. OpenGL: 4.6 vs 4.6. Maximum simultaneous displays: 4 vs 4.

Feature	GeForce RTX 4060	GeForce RTX 4090
DirectX	12 Ultimate	12.2+2%
Vulkan	1.3	1.3
OpenGL	4.6	4.6
Max Displays	4	4

🎬

Media & Encoding

Hardware encoder: NVENC 8th gen (GeForce RTX 4060) vs 8th Gen NVENC (2x) (GeForce RTX 4090). Decoder: NVDEC 5th gen vs 5th Gen NVDEC. Supported codecs: H.264,H.265/HEVC,AV1 (GeForce RTX 4060) vs MPEG-2,H.264,HEVC,VP9,AV1 (GeForce RTX 4090).

Feature	GeForce RTX 4060	GeForce RTX 4090
Encoder	NVENC 8th gen	8th Gen NVENC (2x)
Decoder	NVDEC 5th gen	5th Gen NVDEC
Codecs	H.264,H.265/HEVC,AV1	MPEG-2,H.264,HEVC,VP9,AV1

🔌

Power & Dimensions

The GeForce RTX 4060 draws 115W versus the GeForce RTX 4090's 450W — a 118.6% difference. The GeForce RTX 4060 is more power-efficient. Recommended PSU: 550W (GeForce RTX 4060) vs 1000W (GeForce RTX 4090). Power connectors: 8-pin vs 16-pin (12VHPWR). Card length: 240mm vs 304mm, occupying 2 vs 3 slots. Typical load temperature: 73°C vs 80°C.

Feature	GeForce RTX 4060	GeForce RTX 4090
TDP	115W-74%	450W
Recommended PSU	550W-45%	1000W
Power Connector	8-pin	16-pin (12VHPWR)
Length	240mm	304mm
Height	111mm	137mm
Slots	2-33%	3
Temp (Load)	73°C-9%	80°C
Perf/Watt	170.0+101%	84.7

💰

Value Analysis

The GeForce RTX 4060 launched at $299 MSRP, while the GeForce RTX 4090 launched at $1599. The GeForce RTX 4060 costs 81.3% less ($1300 savings) on MSRP. Performance per dollar on MSRP (G3D Mark / MSRP): 65.4 (GeForce RTX 4060) vs 23.8 (GeForce RTX 4090) — the GeForce RTX 4060 offers 174.8% better value. The GeForce RTX 4060 is the newer GPU (2023 vs 2022).