GeForce RTX 3060 vs RTX 4500 Ada Generation
GeForce RTX 3060
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RTX 4500 Ada Generation
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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 RTX 4500 Ada Generation
Performance Comparison
About G3D Mark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
The RTX 4500 Ada Generation is the superior choice for raw performance. It leads with a 63.9% higher G3D Mark score and 100% more VRAM (24 GB vs 12 GB). This advantage makes it significantly better for higher resolutions (1440p/4K) and graphic-intensive titles compared to the GeForce RTX 3060.
| Insight | GeForce RTX 3060 | RTX 4500 Ada Generation |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | ❌Lower raw frame rates (-63.9%) | ✅Leading raw performance (+63.9%) |
| 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 (24 GB) |
| Efficiency | ⚡ Higher Power Consumption | 💡 Excellent Perf/Watt |
| Case Fit | 📏 Compact / SFF Friendly | Standard Size (267mm) |
💎 Value Proposition
The GeForce RTX 3060 offers a compelling cost-to-performance ratio. Priced at $289 versus $2,000 for the RTX 4500 Ada Generation, it costs 86% less. While it maintains lower overall performance, this results in a 322.3% higher cost efficiency score.
| Insight | GeForce RTX 3060 | RTX 4500 Ada Generation |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅Better overall value (+322.3%) | ❌Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅More affordable ($289) | ⚠️Higher upfront cost ($2,000) |
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 RTX 4500 Ada Generation
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.
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 3060 scores 16,995 versus the RTX 4500 Ada Generation's 27,850 — the RTX 4500 Ada Generation leads by 63.9%. The GeForce RTX 3060 is built on Ampere while the RTX 4500 Ada Generation uses Ada Lovelace, both on 8 nm vs 5 nm. Shader units: 3,584 (GeForce RTX 3060) vs 7,680 (RTX 4500 Ada Generation). Raw compute: 12.74 TFLOPS (GeForce RTX 3060) vs 39.63 TFLOPS (RTX 4500 Ada Generation). Boost clocks: 1777 MHz vs 2580 MHz. Ray tracing: 28 RT cores (GeForce RTX 3060) vs 60 (RTX 4500 Ada Generation) with 112 Tensor cores vs 240.
| Feature | GeForce RTX 3060 | RTX 4500 Ada Generation |
|---|---|---|
| G3D Mark Score | 16,995 | 27,850+64% |
| Architecture | Ampere | Ada Lovelace |
| Process Node | 8 nm | 5 nm |
| Shading Units | 3584 | 7680+114% |
| Compute (TFLOPS) | 12.74 TFLOPS | 39.63 TFLOPS+211% |
| Boost Clock | 1777 MHz | 2580 MHz+45% |
| ROPs | 48 | 80+67% |
| TMUs | 112 | 240+114% |
| L1 Cache | 3.5 MB | 7.5 MB+114% |
| L2 Cache | 3 MB | 48 MB+1500% |
| Ray Tracing Cores | 28 | 60+114% |
| Tensor Cores | 112 | 240+114% |
Advanced Features (DLSS/FSR)
The GeForce RTX 3060 gives access to NVIDIA DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling), widely regarding as the superior upscaling method for image quality. The RTX 4500 Ada Generation relies on FSR (FidelityFX Super Resolution), which is capable but generally slightly noisier than DLSS in motion.
| Feature | GeForce RTX 3060 | RTX 4500 Ada Generation |
|---|---|---|
| Upscaling Tech | DLSS 2.0 | FSR 1.0 (Software) |
| Frame Generation | FSR 3 / AFMF (Compatible) | Not Supported |
| Ray Reconstruction | No | No |
| Low Latency | NVIDIA Reflex | NVIDIA Reflex |
Video Memory (VRAM)
The GeForce RTX 3060 comes with 12 GB of VRAM, while the RTX 4500 Ada Generation has 24 GB. The RTX 4500 Ada Generation offers 100% more capacity, crucial for higher resolutions and texture-heavy games. Memory bandwidth: 360 GB/s (GeForce RTX 3060) vs 448 GB/s (RTX 4500 Ada Generation) — a 24.4% advantage for the RTX 4500 Ada Generation. Bus width: 192-bit vs 192-bit. L2 Cache: 3 MB (GeForce RTX 3060) 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 3060 | RTX 4500 Ada Generation |
|---|---|---|
| VRAM Capacity | 12 GB | 24 GB+100% |
| Memory Type | GDDR6 | GDDR6 |
| Memory Bandwidth | 360 GB/s | 448 GB/s+24% |
| Bus Width | 192-bit | 192-bit |
| L2 Cache | 3 MB | 48 MB+1500% |
Display & API Support
DirectX support: 12 Ultimate (GeForce RTX 3060) 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 3060 | 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 7th Gen (GeForce RTX 3060) vs NVENC 8th Gen (RTX 4500 Ada Generation). Decoder: NVDEC 5th Gen vs NVDEC 5th Gen. Supported codecs: AV1,H.265,H.264,VP9 (GeForce RTX 3060) vs AV1,HEVC,H.264,VP9 (RTX 4500 Ada Generation).
| Feature | GeForce RTX 3060 | RTX 4500 Ada Generation |
|---|---|---|
| Encoder | NVENC 7th Gen | NVENC 8th Gen |
| Decoder | NVDEC 5th Gen | NVDEC 5th Gen |
| Codecs | AV1,H.265,H.264,VP9 | AV1,HEVC,H.264,VP9 |
Power & Dimensions
The GeForce RTX 3060 draws 170W versus the RTX 4500 Ada Generation's 210W — a 21.1% difference. The GeForce RTX 3060 is more power-efficient. Recommended PSU: 550W (GeForce RTX 3060) vs 650W (RTX 4500 Ada Generation). Power connectors: 8-pin vs PCIe-powered. Card length: 242mm vs 267mm, occupying 2 vs 2 slots. Typical load temperature: 75 vs 80°C.
| Feature | GeForce RTX 3060 | RTX 4500 Ada Generation |
|---|---|---|
| TDP | 170W-19% | 210W |
| Recommended PSU | 550W-15% | 650W |
| Power Connector | 8-pin | PCIe-powered |
| Length | 242mm | 267mm |
| Height | 112mm | 112mm |
| Slots | 2 | 2 |
| Temp (Load) | 75-6% | 80°C |
| Perf/Watt | 100.0 | 132.6+33% |
Value Analysis
The GeForce RTX 3060 launched at $329 MSRP and currently averages $289, while the RTX 4500 Ada Generation launched at $2250 and now averages $2000. The GeForce RTX 3060 costs 85.5% less ($1711 savings) at current market prices. Performance per dollar (G3D Mark / price): 58.8 (GeForce RTX 3060) vs 13.9 (RTX 4500 Ada Generation) — the GeForce RTX 3060 offers 323% better value. The RTX 4500 Ada Generation is the newer GPU (2023 vs 2021).
| Feature | GeForce RTX 3060 | RTX 4500 Ada Generation |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $329-85% | $2250 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $289-86% | $2000 |
| Performance per Dollar | 58.8+323% | 13.9 |
| Codename | GA106 | AD103 |
| Release | January 12 2021 | August 9 2023 |
| Ranking | #114 | #27 |
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