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 $1,951 less on MSRP ($299 MSRP vs $2,250 MSRP).
✅Delivers 428.2% more G3D Mark for each dollar spent, at 65.4 vs 12.4 G3D/$ ($299 MSRP vs $2,250 MSRP).
✅Access to a newer frame-generation stack with DLSS 3.5 + Frame Generation (2023).
✅Draws 115W instead of 210W, a 95W reduction.
✅Measures 240mm instead of 267mm, a 27mm shorter card that is more SFF-friendly.

Trade-offs

❌Lower average FPS than RTX 4500 Ada Generation across 50 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 240), which can reduce FPS gains in supported games.

RTX 4500 Ada Generation

2023

Why buy it

✅62.8% more average FPS across 50 tracked games in our benchmark data.
✅150% more Tensor Cores for AI-powered features like DLSS and frame generation, which can increase overall FPS in supported games (240 vs 96).
✅200% more VRAM for high-resolution textures and newer games (24 GB vs 8 GB).

Trade-offs

❌No equivalent frame-generation stack like DLSS 3.5 + Frame Generation (2023).
❌
652.5% HIGHER MSRP
$2,250 MSRPvs$299 MSRP
❌Lower G3D Mark per dollar, at 12.4 vs 65.4 G3D/$ ($2,250 MSRP vs $299 MSRP).
❌82.6% higher power demand at 210W vs 115W.
❌11.3% longer card at 267mm vs 240mm.

GeForce RTX 4060

2023

RTX 4500 Ada Generation

2023

Why buy it

✅Costs $1,951 less on MSRP ($299 MSRP vs $2,250 MSRP).
✅Delivers 428.2% more G3D Mark for each dollar spent, at 65.4 vs 12.4 G3D/$ ($299 MSRP vs $2,250 MSRP).
✅Access to a newer frame-generation stack with DLSS 3.5 + Frame Generation (2023).
✅Draws 115W instead of 210W, a 95W reduction.
✅Measures 240mm instead of 267mm, a 27mm shorter card that is more SFF-friendly.

Why buy it

✅62.8% more average FPS across 50 tracked games in our benchmark data.
✅150% more Tensor Cores for AI-powered features like DLSS and frame generation, which can increase overall FPS in supported games (240 vs 96).
✅200% more VRAM for high-resolution textures and newer games (24 GB vs 8 GB).

Trade-offs

❌Lower average FPS than RTX 4500 Ada Generation across 50 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 240), which can reduce FPS gains in supported games.

Trade-offs

❌No equivalent frame-generation stack like DLSS 3.5 + Frame Generation (2023).
❌
652.5% HIGHER MSRP
$2,250 MSRPvs$299 MSRP
❌Lower G3D Mark per dollar, at 12.4 vs 65.4 G3D/$ ($2,250 MSRP vs $299 MSRP).
❌82.6% higher power demand at 210W vs 115W.
❌11.3% longer card at 267mm vs 240mm.

Quick Answers

So, is RTX 4500 Ada Generation better than GeForce RTX 4060?

Yes. RTX 4500 Ada Generation is the better GPU overall here. You are getting 62.8% more average FPS across 50 tracked games in our benchmark data, 42.5% higher PassMark G3D performance, 240 vs 96 Tensor cores, and 24 GB vs 8 GB of VRAM.

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 better upscaling support with DLSS 3.5 Super Resolution (2023) instead of no meaningful modern upscaling stack and better frame-generation support with DLSS 3.5 + Frame Generation (2023) instead of no meaningful modern upscaling stack. That broader feature stack should age better as more games lean on modern upscaling and frame-generation support.

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

RTX 4500 Ada Generation is about 652.5% more expensive on MSRP at $2,250 MSRP versus $299 MSRP, and you are getting 62.8% more estimated average FPS across 50 tracked games in our benchmark data and 42.5% 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, RTX 4500 Ada Generation 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 RTX 4500 Ada Generation?

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 lower power draw (115W vs 210W), future-proofing, and staying closer to $299 MSRP more than squeezing out the extra headroom of RTX 4500 Ada Generation. The trade-off is that RTX 4500 Ada Generation currently gives you 42.5% higher G3D Mark and 62.8% more estimated average FPS across 50 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

RTX 4500 Ada Generation Benchmark Check

Path of Exile 2

Preset	GeForce RTX 4060	RTX 4500 Ada Generation
1080p
low	167 FPS	225 FPS
medium	152 FPS	209 FPS
high	134 FPS	183 FPS
ultra	115 FPS	167 FPS
1440p
low	137 FPS	203 FPS
medium	114 FPS	171 FPS
high	99 FPS	142 FPS
ultra	90 FPS	133 FPS
4K
low	86 FPS	137 FPS
medium	74 FPS	115 FPS
high	62 FPS	94 FPS
ultra	55 FPS	87 FPS

Open GeForce RTX 4060 Open RTX 4500 Ada Generation

Path of Exile 2

Path of Exile 2

Counter-Strike 2

Preset	GeForce RTX 4060	RTX 4500 Ada Generation
1080p
low	392 FPS	671 FPS
medium	334 FPS	545 FPS
high	268 FPS	398 FPS
ultra	211 FPS	343 FPS
1440p
low	240 FPS	499 FPS
medium	209 FPS	404 FPS
high	169 FPS	321 FPS
ultra	137 FPS	263 FPS
4K
low	119 FPS	269 FPS
medium	98 FPS	224 FPS
high	82 FPS	199 FPS
ultra	63 FPS	167 FPS

Open GeForce RTX 4060 Open RTX 4500 Ada Generation

Counter-Strike 2

Counter-Strike 2

League of Legends

Preset	GeForce RTX 4060	RTX 4500 Ada Generation
1080p
low	812 FPS	931 FPS
medium	642 FPS	751 FPS
high	551 FPS	661 FPS
ultra	440 FPS	572 FPS
1440p
low	535 FPS	721 FPS
medium	443 FPS	580 FPS
high	379 FPS	499 FPS
ultra	329 FPS	427 FPS
4K
low	365 FPS	499 FPS
medium	297 FPS	402 FPS
high	234 FPS	352 FPS
ultra	186 FPS	296 FPS

Open GeForce RTX 4060 Open RTX 4500 Ada Generation

League of Legends

League of Legends

Valorant

Preset	GeForce RTX 4060	RTX 4500 Ada Generation
1080p
low	746 FPS	914 FPS
medium	613 FPS	763 FPS
high	536 FPS	693 FPS
ultra	440 FPS	617 FPS
1440p
low	594 FPS	719 FPS
medium	486 FPS	598 FPS
high	421 FPS	526 FPS
ultra	330 FPS	464 FPS
4K
low	358 FPS	486 FPS
medium	308 FPS	417 FPS
high	285 FPS	374 FPS
ultra	220 FPS	313 FPS

Open GeForce RTX 4060 Open RTX 4500 Ada Generation

Valorant

Valorant

Check FPS for your specific build

Technical Specifications

Side-by-side comparison of GeForce RTX 4060 and RTX 4500 Ada Generation

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.

RTX 4500 Ada Generation

The RTX 4500 Ada Generation is manufactured by NVIDIA. It was released in August 9 2023. It features the Ada Lovelace architecture. The core clock ranges from 2070 MHz to 2580 MHz. It has 7680 shading units. The thermal design power (TDP) is 210W. Manufactured using 5 nm process technology. It features 60 dedicated ray tracing cores for enhanced lighting effects. G3D Mark benchmark score: 27,850 points.

⚡

Graphics Performance

In G3D Mark, the GeForce RTX 4060 scores 19,548 versus the RTX 4500 Ada Generation's 27,850 — the RTX 4500 Ada Generation leads by 42.5%. The GeForce RTX 4060 is built on Ada Lovelace while the RTX 4500 Ada Generation uses Ada Lovelace, both on a 5 nm process. Shader units: 3,072 (GeForce RTX 4060) vs 7,680 (RTX 4500 Ada Generation). Raw compute: 15.11 TFLOPS (GeForce RTX 4060) vs 39.63 TFLOPS (RTX 4500 Ada Generation). Boost clocks: 2460 MHz vs 2580 MHz. Ray tracing: 24 RT cores (GeForce RTX 4060) vs 60 (RTX 4500 Ada Generation) with 96 Tensor cores vs 240.

Feature	GeForce RTX 4060	RTX 4500 Ada Generation
G3D Mark Score	19,548	27,850+42%
Architecture	Ada Lovelace	Ada Lovelace
Process Node	5 nm	5 nm
Shading Units	3072	7680+150%
Compute (TFLOPS)	15.11 TFLOPS	39.63 TFLOPS+162%
Boost Clock	2460 MHz	2580 MHz+5%
ROPs	48	80+67%
TMUs	96	240+150%
L1 Cache	3 MB	7.5 MB+150%
L2 Cache	24 MB	48 MB+100%
Ray Tracing Cores	24	60+150%
Tensor Cores	96	240+150%

✨

Advanced Features (DLSS/FSR)

A critical advantage for the GeForce RTX 4060 is support for DLSS 3.5 + Frame Generation. 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 RTX 4500 Ada Generation lacks specific hardware/driver support for this native frame generation tier.The RTX 4500 Ada Generation supports the newer Upscaling support, whereas the GeForce RTX 4060 is capped at DLSS 3.5 Super Resolution.

Feature	GeForce RTX 4060	RTX 4500 Ada Generation
Upscaling Tech	DLSS 3.5 Super Resolution	Upscaling support
Frame Generation	DLSS 3.5 + Frame Generation	Not Supported
Ray Reconstruction	Yes (DLSS 3.5)	No
Low Latency	NVIDIA Reflex	NVIDIA Reflex

💾

Video Memory (VRAM)

The GeForce RTX 4060 comes with 8 GB of VRAM, while the RTX 4500 Ada Generation has 24 GB. The RTX 4500 Ada Generation offers 200% more capacity, crucial for higher resolutions and texture-heavy games. Memory bandwidth: 272 GB/s (GeForce RTX 4060) vs 448 GB/s (RTX 4500 Ada Generation) — a 64.7% advantage for the RTX 4500 Ada Generation. Bus width: 128-bit vs 192-bit. L2 Cache: 24 MB (GeForce RTX 4060) vs 48 MB (RTX 4500 Ada Generation) — the RTX 4500 Ada Generation has significantly larger on-die cache to reduce VRAM reliance.

Feature	GeForce RTX 4060	RTX 4500 Ada Generation
VRAM Capacity	8 GB	24 GB+200%
Memory Type	GDDR6	GDDR6
Memory Bandwidth	272 GB/s	448 GB/s+65%
Bus Width	128-bit	192-bit+50%
L2 Cache	24 MB	48 MB+100%

🖥️

Display & API Support

DirectX support: 12 Ultimate (GeForce RTX 4060) vs 12.2 (RTX 4500 Ada Generation). Vulkan: 1.3 vs 1.3. OpenGL: 4.6 vs 4.6. Maximum simultaneous displays: 4 vs 4.

Feature	GeForce RTX 4060	RTX 4500 Ada Generation
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 NVENC 8th Gen (RTX 4500 Ada Generation). Decoder: NVDEC 5th gen vs NVDEC 5th Gen. Supported codecs: H.264,H.265/HEVC,AV1 (GeForce RTX 4060) vs AV1,HEVC,H.264,VP9 (RTX 4500 Ada Generation).

Feature	GeForce RTX 4060	RTX 4500 Ada Generation
Encoder	NVENC 8th gen	NVENC 8th Gen
Decoder	NVDEC 5th gen	NVDEC 5th Gen
Codecs	H.264,H.265/HEVC,AV1	AV1,HEVC,H.264,VP9

🔌

Power & Dimensions

The GeForce RTX 4060 draws 115W versus the RTX 4500 Ada Generation's 210W — a 58.5% difference. The GeForce RTX 4060 is more power-efficient. Recommended PSU: 550W (GeForce RTX 4060) vs 650W (RTX 4500 Ada Generation). Power connectors: 8-pin vs PCIe-powered. Card length: 240mm vs 267mm, occupying 2 vs 2 slots. Typical load temperature: 73°C vs 80°C.

Feature	GeForce RTX 4060	RTX 4500 Ada Generation
TDP	115W-45%	210W
Recommended PSU	550W-15%	650W
Power Connector	8-pin	PCIe-powered
Length	240mm	267mm
Height	111mm	112mm
Slots	2	2
Temp (Load)	73°C-9%	80°C
Perf/Watt	170.0+28%	132.6

💰

Value Analysis

The GeForce RTX 4060 launched at $299 MSRP, while the RTX 4500 Ada Generation launched at $2250. The GeForce RTX 4060 costs 86.7% less ($1951 savings) on MSRP. Performance per dollar on MSRP (G3D Mark / MSRP): 65.4 (GeForce RTX 4060) vs 12.4 (RTX 4500 Ada Generation) — the GeForce RTX 4060 offers 427.4% better value.