Nvidia recently launched the RTX 4060, the latest addition to their 40 series lineup of GPUs based on the Ada Lovelace architecture. Sitting below the more expensive RTX 4070 and 4080 models, the 4060 aims to deliver strong 1080p performance at an attractive $299 starting price point. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll examine how the RTX 4060 compares to previous generation 60-class cards, whether the pricing and specs make sense in today’s market, performance expectations, and how it stacks up against rival AMD graphics cards to help you decide if it’s a smart purchase.
Overview of the RTX 4060
The RTX 4060 targets smooth high frame rate 1080p gaming with some overhead for ray tracing and upscaling tech like DLSS 3. Key specs include:
- Launch Price – $299 MSRP for reference Founders Edition. Expect $319-$339 for customized AIB partner models.
- GPU – Ada Lovelace architecture with 3,760 CUDA cores and 120 Tensor cores for AI. 10% faster than RTX 3060.
- Memory – 8GB of GDDR6 video memory. Disappointing drop from the RTX 3060’s 12GB buffer.
- Memory Bus – 128-bit bus. Narrower than ideal, puts more pressure on reduced VRAM capacity.
- RT Cores – 3rd-gen for hardware accelerated ray tracing. Improves performance, but still very taxing at native 1080p.
- DLSS – 4th-gen AI image upscaling boosts frame rates at higher resolutions. DLSS 3 Frame Generation supported.
- Connectors – Typically 1x HDMI 2.1, 3x DisplayPort 1.4. Dual 8-pin power connectors.
- Size – Standard dual slot, 9.5 inches long. Similar compact size to RTX 3060 models.
Overall the 4060 looks well positioned as an upgrade for aging GTX 1060s and other older cards still prevalent in budget gaming PCs. But the reduced VRAM raises concerns.
RTX 4060 Puts Focus on 1080p Performance
The RTX 4060 seems squarely aimed at delivering strong 1080p performance in the latest games while keeping costs down. Compared to past xx60 series cards:
- Clearly faster than GTX 1060 6GB and RTX 2060 6GB cards, which struggle in modern titles due to insufficient VRAM.
- Trades blows with the RTX 3060 12GB, winning in rasterization and DLSS 3 frame generation, but losing in raw memory capacity.
- Can’t compete with higher tier cards like the 4070, 4080 and 4090. Significantly trails the 4070’s 10GB VRAM too.
For playable frame rates with smoothness enhancing Nvidia technologies enabled at 1080p, the 4060 hits the mark. But visual compromises or DLSS upscaling will be required sooner than we’d like at 1440p and 4K resolutions.
RTX 4060 Pricing and Value Factor
The $299 launch price comes in right where we expect for the RTX 4060. By recent standards it’s not exorbitant, but value isn’t amazing either.
- Normalized for inflation, today’s $299 is comparable to the GTX 1060’s $249 launch price in 2016 and the RTX 2060’s $349 MSRP in 2018.
- The RTX 3060 launched for $329 in 2021, so the 4060 is only $30 cheaper two years later and with less VRAM. Not much progress.
- AIB partner board prices raise the real-world cost to $320 to $340. More than we’d like to pay for an xx60 series card.
- AMD’s $330 RX 6700 XT competes directly on performance with more VRAM, undercutting the 4060’s value appeal.
Dropping the 4060 Founders Edition to $279 would have made it a gaming value champion. But at $299, it’s merely adequate. The cut-down 8GB VRAM hurts perception most.
Expected Gaming Performance
How does the RTX 4060 actually perform in games? Early reviews reveal:
- 1080p without ray tracing – Smoother than an RTX 3060, ~15% faster thanks to additional CUDA cores and GPU clock boosts. Easily over 60 fps ultra settings in demanding titles.
- 1080p with ray tracing – Still very playable if you avoid max settings, but dips under 60 fps aren’t uncommon. DLSS 3 frame generation helps.
- 1440p without ray tracing – Usually clears 60 fps if you drop some settings. DLSS 2 upscaling smooths intensive games.
- 4K gaming – Don’t expect much here. Reviewers found even with DLSS, performance often still lagged without lowering graphics presets.
If you stick to high refresh rate 1080p gaming without enabling too much ray tracing, the 4060 delivers. But the lower VRAM buffer already causes stutters at 1440p in some games.
RTX 4060 vs RX 6600 XT and RX 6700 XT
AMD’s RDNA 2 cards compete directly with the 4060 in the $300 to $400 price bracket:
- The RX 6600 XT with 8GB trails the 4060 by about 15% in traditional rasterization but costs less at $290. Better value.
- The RX 6700 XT at $330 equals the RTX 4060’s performance and has 12GB VRAM. Clearly the better buy if you don’t need DLSS.
- Both AMD cards support ray tracing, but like Nvidia’s implementation, it’s too demanding for great 1080p performance without visual cutbacks.
- AMD FidelityFX Super Resolution upscaling helps, but isn’t as effective as Nvidia’s DLSS 2 or 3 solutions.
If you mainly play multiplayer shooters and esports titles where high frame rates matter most, the newest RTX 4060 architecture has appeal. But AMD offers better price-to-performance ratios for high fidelity gaming.
Is the RTX 4060 Right for You?
The RTX 4060 is a good graphics card held back slightly by its price and VRAM limitations. It’s best suited for these buyers:
- Those seeking an affordable 1080p gaming upgrade from older cards like the GTX 1060/RX 580 tier.
- Competitive online gamers wanting consistent 144+ fps for high refresh rate monitors.
- Anyone who plays visually demanding single player titles that benefit from DLSS upscaling.
- Those wanting some ray tracing capability with DLSS 3 frame generation assistance.
- Users wanting good future-proofing for at least 2-3 years at 1080p settings.
However, others may be better off considering alternatives like:
- RX 6600 XT – If 1080p 60+ fps on high/ultra is the target and you don’t need Nvidia features.
- Used RTX 3060 or 3060 Ti – Get more VRAM for similar money buying second hand.
- Used RX 6700 XT – Faster and cheaper than a new 4060 if you buy smart.
- RTX 4070 – Much better performing $500+ option with 10GB VRAM.
Performance Expectations
Here are average fps benchmarks across a sample of games to give you an idea of real world RTX 4060 performance at different settings: <div class=”table-responsive”>
| Game and Resolution | Ultra Settings | High Settings + DLSS | Competitive Settings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fortnite 1080p | 102 fps | 144 fps | 190 fps |
| Apex Legends 1440p | 68 fps | 105 fps | 130 fps |
| Call of Duty MW2 1080p | 90 fps | 130 fps | 165 fps |
| Cyberpunk 2077 1080p | 49 fps | 78 fps | 93 fps |
| Assassin’s Creed Valhalla 1440p | 44 fps | 62 fps | 85 fps |
| Microsoft Flight Simulator 1080p | 58 fps | 76 fps | 92 fps |
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Performance is generally strong at 1080p in all but the most demanding games. DLSS and slightly lowering some settings keeps 1440p playable too in many titles.
RTX 4060 Overview and Recommendations
The RTX 4060 brings capable 1080p gaming performance down to an attractive $299 price point. While not an amazing value, it still outpaces previous generation consoles and older GPUs.
For buyers wanting uncompromised high fps 1080p gaming on a budget, it fits the bill. But the lower 8GB memory buffer causes concerns about its longevity compared to the 12GB RTX 3060. AMD offers better value alternatives as well for traditional rasterization gaming.
In the end, the RTX 4060 is a good mainstream card if found at MSRP that will please undemanding 1080p gamers. But spending just a bit more for the 4070 or opting for an AMD rival likely makes more sense for discerning buyers that can afford it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the RTX 4060 better than the RTX 3060?
A: Yes, average gains are around 10-15% thanks to more CUDA cores and faster clock speeds. It’s a moderate generational performance increase.
Q: Does the RTX 4060 have enough VRAM for modern games?
A: 8GB is enough for today’s titles at 1080p if textures are not set to maximum settings. Expect to lower textures to medium in some games released over the next 2 years.
Q: Should I buy the 4060 or wait for the 4060 Ti?
A: There likely won’t be a 4060 Ti this generation. The newly created 4060 essentially fills that product tier.
Q: Is the RTX 4060 good for 1440p gaming?
A: It’s playable but you’ll often have to drop some graphics settings or use DLSS/FSR for smooth 60+ fps performance at 1440p.
Q: Is the RTX 4060 better than the RX 6700 XT?
A: The AMD RX 6700 XT matches it overall despite being a last generation card and is often cheaper. The 4060 wins only if you specifically want DLSS 3.
Q: Can the RTX 4060 run ray tracing well?
A: At 1080p with DLSS 3 frame generation it’s playable, but still quite demanding. We’d recommend lowering ray tracing settings for ideal smoothness.
Q: How long will the RTX 4060 last for gaming?
A: The 8GB VRAM is concerning for longevity, but it should still handle 1080p gaming capably for at least 2-3 years.
Q: Is the RTX 4060 overpriced?
A: At $299 for the Founders Edition, no. But partner card pricing of $329+ makes it a questionable value against AMD rivals and used deals.
Conclusion
The RTX 4060 manages to deliver solid 1080p performance starting at an attractive $299 MSRP. It’s a good option as an upgrade over older budget cards for players wanting speedy frame rates in popular titles without visual cutbacks.
However, the lower 8GB memory buffer versus the 12GB RTX 3060 gives buyers pause about its longevity. And AMD alternatives like the $330 RX 6700 XT outgun it while costing less, unless you specifically value frame generation DLSS 3 features.
For those wanting uncompromised high fps gaming at 1080p on a budget though, the RTX 4060 satisfies. Just be prepared to turn down textures and utilize DLSS when venturing into 1440p territory for ideal smoothness. We can comfortably recommend the RTX 4060 to savvy shoppers able to buy at MSRP, but advise considering stepping up to the vastly superior RTX 4070 if possible for more headroom.