GeForce RTX 4060 vs GeForce 256
GeForce RTX 4060
Popular choices:
GeForce 256
Popular choices:
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 4060
Performance Per Dollar GeForce 256
Performance Comparison
About G3D Mark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
The GeForce RTX 4060 is the superior choice for raw performance. It leads with a 390860% higher G3D Mark score and 1500% more VRAM (8 GB vs 512 MB). This advantage makes it significantly better for higher resolutions (1440p/4K) and graphic-intensive titles compared to the GeForce 256.
| Insight | GeForce RTX 4060 | GeForce 256 |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | ✅Leading raw performance (+390860%) | ❌Lower raw frame rates (-390860%) |
| Longevity | 🏆Elite Architecture (Ada Lovelace (2022−2024) / 5nm) | Pascal (2016−2021) (14nm) |
| Ecosystem | ✨ DLSS 3/4 + Frame Gen Support | Supports FSR Upscaling |
| VRAM | 🎮 High Capacity (8 GB) | ❌ Less VRAM capacity |
| Efficiency | 💡 Excellent Perf/Watt | ⚡ Higher Power Consumption |
| 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 $20), its significant performance lead justifies the premium, offering 26051.2% better value per dollar than the GeForce 256.
| Insight | GeForce RTX 4060 | GeForce 256 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅Better overall value (+26051.2%) | ❌Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️Higher upfront cost ($299) | ✅More affordable ($20) |
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 4060 and GeForce 256
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 256
The GeForce 256 is manufactured by NVIDIA. It was released in February 20 2019. It features the Pascal architecture. The core clock ranges from 937 MHz to 1038 MHz. It has 384 shading units. The thermal design power (TDP) is 10W. Manufactured using 14 nm process technology. G3D Mark benchmark score: 5 points.
Graphics Performance
In G3D Mark, the GeForce RTX 4060 scores 19,548 versus the GeForce 256's 5 — the GeForce RTX 4060 leads by 390860%. The GeForce RTX 4060 is built on Ada Lovelace while the GeForce 256 uses Pascal, both on 5 nm vs 14 nm. Shader units: 3,072 (GeForce RTX 4060) vs 384 (GeForce 256). Raw compute: 15.11 TFLOPS (GeForce RTX 4060) vs 0.7972 TFLOPS (GeForce 256). Boost clocks: 2460 MHz vs 1038 MHz.
| Feature | GeForce RTX 4060 | GeForce 256 |
|---|---|---|
| G3D Mark Score | 19,548+390860% | 5 |
| Architecture | Ada Lovelace | Pascal |
| Process Node | 5 nm | 14 nm |
| Shading Units | 3072+700% | 384 |
| Compute (TFLOPS) | 15.11 TFLOPS+1795% | 0.7972 TFLOPS |
| Boost Clock | 2460 MHz+137% | 1038 MHz |
| ROPs | 48+200% | 16 |
| TMUs | 96+300% | 24 |
| L1 Cache | 3 MB+2043% | 0.14 MB |
| L2 Cache | 24 MB+4700% | 0.5 MB |
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 256 lacks specific hardware/driver support for this native frame generation tier.The GeForce RTX 4060 gives access to NVIDIA DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling), widely regarding as the superior upscaling method for image quality. The GeForce 256 relies on FSR (FidelityFX Super Resolution), which is capable but generally slightly noisier than DLSS in motion.
| Feature | GeForce RTX 4060 | GeForce 256 |
|---|---|---|
| Upscaling Tech | DLSS 3.5 | FSR 1.0 (Software) |
| Frame Generation | DLSS 3.0 (Native) | Not Supported |
| Ray Reconstruction | Yes (DLSS 3.5) | No |
| Low Latency | NVIDIA Reflex | Standard |
Video Memory (VRAM)
The GeForce RTX 4060 comes with 8 GB of VRAM, while the GeForce 256 has 512 MB. The GeForce RTX 4060 offers 1500% more capacity, crucial for higher resolutions and texture-heavy games. Bus width: 128-bit vs 128-bit. L2 Cache: 24 MB (GeForce RTX 4060) vs 0.5 MB (GeForce 256) — the GeForce RTX 4060 has significantly larger on-die cache to reduce VRAM reliance.
| Feature | GeForce RTX 4060 | GeForce 256 |
|---|---|---|
| VRAM Capacity | 8 GB+1500% | 0.5 GB |
| Memory Type | GDDR6 | GDDR5 |
| Memory Bandwidth | 272 GB/s | Unknown |
| Bus Width | 128-bit | 128-bit |
| L2 Cache | 24 MB+4700% | 0.5 MB |
Display & API Support
DirectX support: 12 Ultimate (GeForce RTX 4060) vs 7.0 (GeForce 256). OpenGL: 4.6 vs 1.2. Maximum simultaneous displays: 4 vs 1.
| Feature | GeForce RTX 4060 | GeForce 256 |
|---|---|---|
| DirectX | 12 Ultimate+71% | 7.0 |
| OpenGL | 4.6+283% | 1.2 |
| Max Displays | 4+300% | 1 |
Media & Encoding
Hardware encoder: NVENC 8th gen (GeForce RTX 4060) vs None (GeForce 256). Decoder: NVDEC 5th gen vs MPEG-2 Motion Comp. Supported codecs: H.264,H.265/HEVC,AV1 (GeForce RTX 4060) vs MPEG-2 (GeForce 256).
| Feature | GeForce RTX 4060 | GeForce 256 |
|---|---|---|
| Encoder | NVENC 8th gen | None |
| Decoder | NVDEC 5th gen | MPEG-2 Motion Comp |
| Codecs | H.264,H.265/HEVC,AV1 | MPEG-2 |
Power & Dimensions
The GeForce RTX 4060 draws 115W versus the GeForce 256's 10W — a 168% difference. The GeForce 256 is more power-efficient. Recommended PSU: 550W (GeForce RTX 4060) vs 350W (GeForce 256). Power connectors: 8-pin vs Legacy. Card length: 240mm vs 165mm, occupying 2 vs 1 slots. Typical load temperature: 73°C vs 60°C.
| Feature | GeForce RTX 4060 | GeForce 256 |
|---|---|---|
| TDP | 115W | 10W-91% |
| Recommended PSU | 550W | 350W-36% |
| Power Connector | 8-pin | Legacy |
| Length | 240mm | 165mm |
| Height | 111mm | 100mm |
| Slots | 2 | 1-50% |
| Temp (Load) | 73°C | 60°C-18% |
| Perf/Watt | 170.0+33900% | 0.5 |
Value Analysis
The GeForce RTX 4060 launched at $299 MSRP and currently averages $299, while the GeForce 256 launched at $199 and now averages $20. The GeForce 256 costs 93.3% less ($279 savings) at current market prices. Performance per dollar (G3D Mark / price): 65.4 (GeForce RTX 4060) vs 0.3 (GeForce 256) — the GeForce RTX 4060 offers 21700% better value. The GeForce RTX 4060 is the newer GPU (2023 vs 2019).
| Feature | GeForce RTX 4060 | GeForce 256 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $299 | $199-33% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $299 | $20-93% |
| Performance per Dollar | 65.4+21700% | 0.3 |
| Codename | AD107 | GP108B |
| Release | May 18 2023 | February 20 2019 |
| Ranking | #84 | #643 |
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The most powerful gpus ranked by G3D Mark benchmark scores.
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