Rtx 4060 vs 4070: Which NVIDIA Geforce Card Wins?
Struggling to choose between the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 and the RTX 4070 for your next gaming rig? You’re not alone. Both cards offer compelling performance, but understanding their differences is key to making the right decision for your needs and budget.
This in-depth comparison will dissect everything, from raw power and ray tracing capabilities to pricing and power consumption. We’ll explore which card reigns supreme in various games and applications, helping you determine if the RTX 4070’s extra investment is worth it over the RTX 4060.
Get ready to dive deep into the specifications, benchmarks, and real-world performance of both GPUs. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of each card, empowering you to confidently choose between the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 and the RTX 4070.
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | RTX 4060 | RTX 4070 |
|---|---|---|
| CUDA Cores | 3072 | 5888 |
| Boost Clock | 2.46 GHz | 2.48 GHz |
| Memory Size | 8 GB GDDR6 | 12 GB GDDR6 |
| Memory Bus | 128-bit | 192-bit |
| TDP | 115W | 200W |
| Ray Tracing Cores | 3rd Gen | 3rd Gen |
| Tensor Cores | 4th Gen | 4th Gen |
| Architecture | Ada Lovelace | Ada Lovelace |
| Manufacturing Process | TSMC 4N | TSMC 4N |
| DirectX Support | DirectX 12 Ultimate | DirectX 12 Ultimate |
| Display Outputs | Multiple | Multiple |
| Recommended PSU | 550W | 650W |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Architecture
- NVIDIA Geforce Rtx 4060: Based on the Ada Lovelace architecture, the RTX 4060 offers improved efficiency and performance compared to its predecessors. It features a smaller die size and aims for a sweet spot in the mid-range market. The smaller die size also results in lower power consumption.
- 4070: Also utilizing the Ada Lovelace architecture, the RTX 4070 boasts a more robust configuration with more CUDA cores and RT cores, leading to enhanced performance. It benefits from architectural improvements offering better ray tracing and DLSS capabilities.
- Winner: 4070
CUDA Cores
- NVIDIA Geforce Rtx 4060: The RTX 4060 typically has a lower number of CUDA cores compared to the 4070, impacting its raw processing power. This directly affects the framerates in games and the speed of compute tasks.
- 4070: The RTX 4070 features a significantly higher number of CUDA cores, leading to superior performance in both gaming and content creation workloads. This allows for higher frame rates and faster rendering times.
- Winner: 4070
Memory (VRAM)
- NVIDIA Geforce Rtx 4060: Generally comes with 8GB of GDDR6 memory, which is sufficient for 1080p and some 1440p gaming at high settings. However, it might struggle with demanding games at higher resolutions or with ray tracing enabled.
- 4070: Also typically comes with 12GB of GDDR6X memory, providing more headroom for higher resolutions, more demanding textures, and better performance in ray tracing scenarios. This allows for smoother gameplay and better visual fidelity.
- Winner: 4070
Memory Bandwidth
- NVIDIA Geforce Rtx 4060: While the 4060 may have a slightly lower memory bandwidth than the 4070, it still provides adequate bandwidth for its target resolutions and settings.
- 4070: The 4070 features a higher memory bandwidth, which contributes to faster data transfer and improved performance, especially in memory-intensive tasks like high-resolution gaming and content creation.
- Winner: 4070
Ray Tracing Performance
- NVIDIA Geforce Rtx 4060: Offers ray tracing capabilities, but its performance is limited compared to the 4070. You might need to lower settings or use DLSS to maintain playable frame rates with ray tracing enabled.
- 4070: Provides significantly better ray tracing performance due to its more powerful RT cores and higher memory bandwidth. This allows for more realistic lighting and reflections in games with less of a performance impact.
- Winner: 4070
DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling)
- NVIDIA Geforce Rtx 4060: Supports DLSS, which can significantly improve performance by upscaling lower-resolution images. DLSS helps maintain smooth frame rates while still enabling ray tracing.
- 4070: Also supports DLSS, and its higher performance allows for even better results. DLSS can be used at higher resolutions with more aggressive settings.
- Winner: 4070
Power Consumption
- NVIDIA Geforce Rtx 4060: Designed to be more power-efficient, the 4060 typically has a lower power draw, making it a good choice for smaller form factor builds or users prioritizing energy efficiency.
- 4070: Generally consumes more power due to its higher performance. This might require a more robust power supply unit.
- Winner: 4060
Price
- NVIDIA Geforce Rtx 4060: The RTX 4060 is typically positioned at a lower price point, making it a more budget-friendly option for gamers.
- 4070: The RTX 4070 is priced higher, reflecting its superior performance and features.
- Winner: 4060
Winner by Category:
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Raw Performance | RTX 4070 |
| VRAM | RTX 4070 |
| Power Efficiency | RTX 4060 |
| Value for Money | RTX 4060 (depending on price) |
| 4K Gaming | RTX 4070 |
What They Have in Common:
- Architecture: Both the RTX 4060 and RTX 4070 are built on NVIDIA’s Ada Lovelace architecture, bringing improvements in performance and efficiency. This shared architecture allows for similar feature sets and technologies.
- Ray Tracing: Both GPUs support real-time ray tracing, enhancing visual fidelity in supported games and applications. This results in more realistic lighting and reflections.
- Tensor Cores: Both cards feature 4th generation Tensor Cores, which are crucial for AI-powered features like DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling) and other AI-accelerated workloads. This improves performance.
- Display Outputs: Both cards typically offer multiple display outputs, allowing for multi-monitor setups. They support the latest display technologies for high refresh rates and resolutions.
- Directx 12 Ultimate: Both GPUs fully support DirectX 12 Ultimate, enabling features like variable rate shading and mesh shaders for enhanced visual quality and performance.
Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 vs 4070 Buying Guide
Performance and Gaming Experience
The RTX 4070 consistently outperforms the RTX 4060 in gaming benchmarks. This is due to a higher core count, more memory bandwidth, and a larger memory capacity. Gamers seeking higher frame rates at 1440p resolution or even 4K will find the 4070 a significantly better choice. The 4060 is a capable card, but it’s geared more towards 1080p gaming and may struggle with demanding titles at higher resolutions or with ray tracing enabled.
Price and Value
Price is a crucial factor in the buying decision. The RTX 4070 typically costs more than the RTX 4060. Assess your budget and gaming needs carefully. While the 4070 offers superior performance, the 4060 might provide better value if you primarily game at 1080p or have a tighter budget. Consider the price difference relative to the performance gain before making your final decision.
Ray Tracing Capabilities
Both cards support ray tracing, but the RTX 4070 handles it more effectively. Ray tracing, which enhances visual fidelity, is more demanding, and the 4070’s increased horsepower allows it to maintain smoother frame rates with ray tracing enabled. The RTX 4060 can still run ray-traced games, but you may need to lower settings or utilize DLSS to achieve playable frame rates. Consider how important ray tracing is to your gaming experience.
DLSS and Upscaling Technologies
Both cards benefit from NVIDIA’s DLSS technology, which uses AI to upscale images and improve frame rates. DLSS is particularly helpful for the RTX 4060, allowing it to achieve higher resolutions and smoother gameplay. The RTX 4070, with its greater power, can utilize DLSS to achieve even higher frame rates or enable more demanding graphical settings. Consider the importance of upscaling technologies for your gaming.
Power Consumption and Cooling
Power consumption is an essential factor, especially for system builders. The RTX 4070 typically consumes more power than the RTX 4060, which may require a higher wattage power supply. Ensure your power supply meets the minimum requirements for the chosen graphics card. Cooling solutions also vary; higher-end 4070 models may have more robust cooling systems to dissipate the extra heat generated by the increased power consumption.
Future-Proofing and Longevity
Consider the long-term implications of your purchase. The RTX 4070, with its stronger performance and larger memory capacity, is likely to remain relevant for a longer period. The 4060 may start to show its limitations sooner, particularly with the release of more demanding games in the coming years. Assess your gaming habits and expected lifespan of your system before making a decision. Think about how long you plan to use the card before upgrading.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy RTX 4060 If…
- You’re on a tighter budget and want a capable GPU for 1080p or 1440p gaming.
- You prioritize power efficiency and lower power consumption.
- You want a card that fits well in smaller form factor builds.
- You are upgrading from an older generation card and want a significant performance boost without breaking the bank.
Buy RTX 4070 If…
- You want higher performance and are targeting 1440p or even 4K gaming with good settings.
- You want more VRAM for demanding games and future-proofing.
- You prioritize higher frame rates and smoother gameplay.
- You’re willing to spend more for a noticeable performance increase.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which card is better for 1080p gaming?
The RTX 4060 is an excellent choice for 1080p gaming, offering excellent performance and efficiency. It can handle most games at high settings with smooth frame rates. While the RTX 4070 is also great for 1080p, it is often overkill, and the benefits might not be fully realized at this resolution unless you prioritize very high frame rates or want to utilize ray tracing.
Is the RTX 4070 worth the extra cost?
That depends on your needs and budget. The RTX 4070 offers significantly better performance, especially at higher resolutions and with ray tracing enabled. If you prioritize maximum performance and have the budget, then the 4070 is likely worth the extra cost. If you’re on a tighter budget and primarily game at 1080p, the 4060 may be sufficient.
Does the RTX 4060 support ray tracing?
Yes, both the RTX 4060 and RTX 4070 support ray tracing. However, the RTX 4070 handles ray tracing more effectively, delivering smoother frame rates in ray-traced games. With the RTX 4060, you might need to adjust settings or use DLSS to maintain playable performance when ray tracing is enabled.
What is DLSS, and how does it affect these cards?
DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling) is NVIDIA’s AI-powered upscaling technology. It enhances frame rates by rendering games at a lower resolution and then using AI to upscale the image to your monitor’s native resolution. Both cards benefit from DLSS, with the 4070 gaining even more performance due to its higher base power, and the 4060 allowing higher resolutions.
Which card has better power efficiency?
The RTX 4060 is generally more power-efficient than the RTX 4070. The 4060 consumes less power, which can lead to lower electricity bills and less heat generated within your system. However, the 4070 offers significantly better performance. Therefore, a balance must be struck between power and performance.
What is the memory capacity of each card?
Both cards come with different memory configurations. The RTX 4060 usually comes with 8GB of GDDR6 memory, while the RTX 4070 often features 12GB of GDDR6X memory. The additional memory on the 4070 can provide a performance advantage in games that require more VRAM, especially at higher resolutions or with demanding textures.
Which card is better for future-proofing?
The RTX 4070 offers better future-proofing. With its superior performance and larger memory capacity, the 4070 is likely to remain relevant for a longer period. The 4060 might show its limitations sooner, especially with the release of more demanding games in the coming years. So, The RTX 4070 is the better option for the future.
Final Verdict
The RTX 4070 provides a clear performance advantage over the RTX 4060, particularly at higher resolutions and with ray tracing. While the 4060 offers good value for 1080p gaming, the 4070’s superior capabilities make it a better choice for gamers seeking a more premium experience. It offers a more robust foundation for future games.
Winner: Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070