Immediately we’re inspecting the brand new GeForce RTX 4060 Ti, although we must always make clear that we’re protecting the 8GB model and never the 16GB mannequin that is scheduled to reach in July. To be candid, the 16GB mannequin ought to be the one choice as a result of this 8GB model, priced at $400, is woefully insufficient. It is so poor that it is comical. Put together yourselves as we rip Nvidia’s new RTX 4060 Ti a brand new one.
For now, we will seek advice from it merely because the RTX 4060 Ti, however within the not-too-distant future, we’ll need to specify whether or not we’re discussing the 4060 Ti 8GB or the 4060 Ti 16GB. The 16GB VRAM mannequin is projected to price $500, which is problematic in and of itself, however we can’t bore you with a full rundown of the specs, as we have already offered that data final week in our RTX 4060 series launch article.
Frankly, we needn’t conduct an exhaustive take a look at on the RTX 4060 Ti 8GB to tell you that it represents shockingly poor worth and is a deeply disappointing launch from Nvidia.
In essence, Nvidia is advertising RTX 3070-like performance for a $100 low cost. That may be commendable in the event that they addressed essentially the most evident concern with the RTX 3070, which is its limited VRAM buffer. We will not stress this sufficient: there ought to solely be one RTX 4060 Ti, and it ought to be geared up with 16GB of VRAM, no exceptions. Furthermore, it should not price $500; at most, $400 for a 16GB 4060 Ti is suitable in our view.
Regrettably, Nvidia has missed the mark right here. However, preserving that in thoughts, let’s assessment the benchmark information, scrutinize the cost-per-frame information, after which draw our conclusions.
For testing, we have utilized the Ryzen 7 7800X3D CPU, which has been paired with the Gigabyte X670E Aorus Grasp and employs 32GB of DDR5-6000 CL30 reminiscence. We have performed assessments at 1080p, 1440p, and 4K, however we are going to think about the 1080p and 1440p information for this assessment, as these are extra real looking use circumstances for this 8GB GPU. All of this information is present and has been up to date for this assessment, so let’s dive in…
Benchmarks
First on our checklist is Fortnite, which we examined utilizing the extra optimum DirectX 11 mode. We maxed out the visible high quality settings, which ideally is not how one would play even in a semi-competitive setting. Nevertheless, for the aim of testing GPU efficiency, this strategy is smart. At 1080p, the 4060 Ti rendered 130 fps, making it simply 6% quicker than the 3060 Ti, which is kind of disappointing. This implies it was 3% slower than the RTX 3070.
The 1440p information paints a fair grimmer image, with the 4060 Ti merely matching the efficiency of the 3060 Ti, making it 12% slower than the 3070. We suspect that the slim 128-bit large reminiscence bus, in comparison with the 3060 Ti’s 256-bit large bus, is a possible downside, resulting in a 56% improve in reminiscence bandwidth. Whereas Nvidia claims that the bigger L2 cache boosts the 4060 Ti’s efficient bandwidth to 554 GB/s, representing a 24% improve over the 3060 Ti, we’re not seeing proof of this in our assessments. It seems that the 4060 Ti may be reminiscence bandwidth restricted.
Subsequent, we examined Resident Evil 4. The 1080p outcomes seem promising utilizing the “prioritize graphics high quality” preset, which does not allow ray tracing. Right here, the 4060 Ti achieved 135 fps, a 5% increase over the RTX 3070 and 14% over the 3060 Ti. This result’s definitely higher, however a 14% efficiency improve over the 3060 Ti, on the similar value and with the identical VRAM capability, would not excite us.
Once we elevated the decision to 1440p, the 4060 Ti solely matched the efficiency of the 3070, although it was nonetheless 14% quicker than the 3060 Ti. This isn’t precisely groundbreaking progress contemplating it has been roughly two years.
A Plague Story: Requiem provided mediocre efficiency at 1080p, the place the 4060 Ti managed 91 fps. This made it a couple of frames slower than the 3070 and simply 6% quicker than the 3060 Ti.
As we have seen repeatedly, the bigger L2 cache would not fairly compensate for the a lot narrower reminiscence bus as Nvidia claims. Whereas it is probably to assist, it would not do sufficient at 1440p the place the 4060 Ti solely matched the older 3060 Ti’s efficiency. It is a deeply disappointing and even disheartening end result.
F1 22 allows ray tracing by default utilizing the ultra-high preset. As we have said earlier than, this halves the efficiency and would not warrant the visible improve in our opinion. Regardless of that, we examined the sport utilizing the default settings. The 4060 Ti was just some frames quicker than the RTX 3070 and, worse nonetheless, solely 8% quicker than the 3060 Ti. So it is unlikely that ray tracing efficiency will likely be considerably extra spectacular in comparison with the equally priced previous-generation components.
At 1440p, the efficiency margins have been comparable. It was 6% quicker than the 3070 and 11% quicker than the 3060 Ti. Whereas the efficiency is affordable, it is also critically underwhelming given the $400 value level in mid-2023.
Persevering with with Cyberpunk 2077, we see comparable outcomes. The 4060 Ti both matched the RTX 3070 or fell barely behind, whereas providing solely single-digit positive aspects over the 3060 Ti.
As we have ceaselessly seen up to now, the 4060 Ti performs much less successfully at 1440p, resembling the 3060 Ti extra intently than the 3070 in its efficiency. This result’s decidedly disappointing.
In Dying Mild 2, the 4060 Ti delivers RTX 3070-like efficiency at 1080p with 101 fps, offering a ten% increase over the 3060 Ti.
Nevertheless, as we improve the decision to 1440p, the 4060 Ti’s efficiency resembles that of a 3060 Ti, providing a barely noticeable 3% efficiency improve.
Watch Canine: Legion seems to yield the best-case end result for the 4060 Ti, permitting it to outperform the 3070 by a 5% margin at 1080p, that means it was 15% quicker than the 3060 Ti. Whereas this might sound passable primarily based on our earlier outcomes, it is not significantly spectacular.
At 1440p, the 4060 Ti can solely match the 3070, making it simply 11% quicker than the 3060 Ti.
Apparently, Forza Horizon 5 appears to supply a fair higher end result for the 4060 Ti. Right here, it was 11% quicker than the 3070 and 23% quicker than the 3060 Ti. This could realistically characterize the minimal efficiency improve.
Nevertheless, after we push the decision as much as 1440p, the efficiency margins lower as soon as once more, with the 4060 Ti being solely 7% quicker than the 3070 and 18% quicker than the 3060 Ti. That is hardly price celebrating.
To be blunt, the Whole Conflict: Warhammer III outcomes at 1080p are poor. Right here, the 4060 Ti was a mere 6% quicker than the 3060 Ti, making it 4% slower than the 3070.
At 1440p, we see efficiency equal to that of the 3060 Ti. Subsequently, Nvidia actually has its work lower out in advertising this card primarily based on body fee technology, as there’s not a lot else to supply right here.
As anticipated, Spider-Man Remastered continues the development. At 1080p, the 4060 Ti is available in a couple of frames slower than the 3070 and is simply 6% quicker than the 3060 Ti.
At 1440p, it is solely 4% quicker than the 3060 Ti. Basically, we’re seeing the identical degree of efficiency, on the similar value, with the identical quantity of VRAM, which is hardly spectacular.
Hogwarts Legacy calls for loads of reminiscence bandwidth, even with out ray tracing enabled. This poses an issue for the 4060 Ti. At 1080p, it falls behind the 3060 Ti by a 5% margin and trails the 3070 by a 12% margin.
The state of affairs worsens at 1440p, the place the 4060 Ti is 11% slower than the 3060 Ti, 14% slower than the 3070, and even loses out to the 6700 XT.
The Halo Infinite outcomes have been considerably higher. However, at 1080p, the 4060 Ti solely affords 3070-like efficiency, which interprets to a modest 15% improve over the 3060 Ti.
This margin holds regular at 1440p, suggesting that Halo shouldn’t be significantly delicate to reminiscence bandwidth. Nonetheless, RTX 3070-like efficiency shouldn’t be significantly spectacular given the value and specs.
Right here we current outcomes primarily based on the newest model of The Final of Us Half I, which addresses VRAM usage. Whereas it does enhance the state of affairs, it nonetheless underscores the restrictions of 8GB graphics playing cards. Even at 1080p, we’re seeing worse 1% low efficiency on 8GB fashions, affecting the 4060 Ti.
When cranking as much as 1440p with extremely settings, all 8GB playing cards, together with the 4060 Ti, wrestle. That is worrisome. Granted, you might decrease the feel high quality, however the truth that we will simply exhibit a VRAM limitation below playable situations is unprecedented for a brand new GPU assessment and bodes ailing for future triple-A gaming.
In Name of Obligation: Trendy Warfare II, the 4060 Ti manages 121 fps at 1080p, making it 9% quicker than the RTX 3070 and 21% quicker than the 3060 Ti, displaying some acceptable positive aspects.
Apparently, as we improve the decision, the efficiency ratios stay comparable, with the 4060 Ti being 8% quicker than the 3070 and 20% quicker than the 3060 Ti.
Lastly, we come to Hitman 3, the place we see RTX 3070-like efficiency at 1440p with a median of 140 fps, reflecting an 11% improve over the 3060 Ti.
The state of affairs is similar at 1440p: an 11% efficiency improve over the 3060 Ti, matching the 3070. But once more, this efficiency is underwhelming.
Energy Consumption
Let’s rapidly have a look at energy consumption. The 4060 Ti drove complete system utilization to 273 watts in Hitman 3, a great end result contemplating it matches the efficiency of the RTX 3070, offering nearly a 30% discount in complete system utilization.
In Spider-Man Remastered, the 4060 Ti sat between the 3060 Ti and 3070, pushing complete system utilization to 255 watts, a 33% discount in comparison with the 3070. This exhibits it is definitely very environment friendly.
15 Recreation Common
Trying on the common efficiency throughout the 15 video games examined, the 4060 Ti is actually an RTX 3070 at 1080p, making it simply 8% quicker than the 6700 XT and 9% quicker than the 3060 Ti.
Nevertheless, at 1440p, it falls simply behind the RTX 3070, basically sitting between it and the RTX 3060 Ti. However we’re solely seeing a 5% increase over the 3060 Ti, a disappointing end result for the brand new 4060 Ti.
As for 4K efficiency, the 4060 Ti averages simply 38 fps, suggesting it is probably not appropriate for 4K gaming, not less than not with out considerably dialing down high quality settings.
Value Per Body: MSRP
First, we’ll have a look at recommended retail pricing. At 1440p, which is a extra appropriate decision for a value evaluation for a $400 product, the 4060 Ti improves upon the 3060 Ti’s worth by a mere 2.5%.
Contemplating that the 3060 Ti launched in December 2020, which means that Nvidia has solely improved the associated fee per body by 5% after 2.5 years. What’s worse, you are getting the identical quantity of VRAM, so that they’re banking totally on improved effectivity, AV1 encoding, and DLSS 3 body technology to promote the 4060 Ti, which merely will not lower it, not less than not for 3060 and 3060 Ti house owners.
Value Per Body: Newegg
present retail pricing, it is clear there is not any actual purpose to purchase the 4060 Ti – it is basically useless on arrival. A Radeon RX 6700 XT might have offered this degree of efficiency for much less cash any time over the previous 6-12 months.
If you want to purchase a graphics card now, the 6700 XT seems to be a significantly better deal, not less than whereas inventory lasts. It is 13% cheaper, solely 5% slower on common, and it has an additional 4GB of VRAM, which implies VRAM capability will not be a difficulty for a for much longer time period.
Value Per Body: What It Ought to Value
Here is what we expect the 4060 Ti ought to price: $300. At this value, it could be a 20% low cost from the 6700 XT (which has extra VRAM), and nearly a 30% enchancment over the 3060 Ti, which is a extra typical and anticipated generational enchancment. Sadly, this is not the case, and which means you completely should not purchase this product.
Temps and Clocks
The RTX 4060 Ti’s effectivity signifies that the Founders Version card runs cool and quiet, maxing out with a die temperature of simply 62°C at a fan velocity of 1500 RPM. It is so quiet that it might barely be heard over the case followers, that are additionally very quiet.
In the event you’re searching for a fair cooler and quieter expertise, the MSI Gaming X Trio model of the RTX 4060 Ti is the way in which to go. This mannequin peaked at simply 53°C after an hour of stress testing, with the followers spinning at simply 1100 RPM. After all, the MSI’s Gaming X Trio is a a lot bigger graphics card with an enormous heatsink and triple fan cooler hooked up to a small PCB. The only 8-pin connector makes extra sense for a lower-end graphics card.
Crash and Burn
The Nvidia RTX 4060 Ti with 8GB of VRAM at $400 is just a no-go. The worth level is unjustifiably excessive for what the cardboard affords, and with present market situations, it is a clear case of overpricing. If it was paired with 16GB of VRAM at this value, then it could make for a extra acceptable provide, albeit nonetheless not incredible.
In our evaluation, the RTX 4060 Ti ought to be priced not more than $300 for the 8GB model, with the 16GB variant at $350. This may guarantee higher worth for players and promote wholesome market competitors.
There’s hypothesis that Nvidia had initially deliberate solely to launch the RTX 4060 Ti with 8GB, however after backlash from the gaming group and points arising with lately launched video games on 8GB playing cards, it appears they reconsidered. In discussions with Nvidia, they tried to justify their choice, stating that almost all players personal 8GB playing cards and thus builders have to cater to those customers. Nevertheless, this argument falls quick when contemplating the way forward for gaming and the elevated demand for larger VRAM capacities from builders to supply a premium gaming expertise.
We have seen evidence that 8GB of VRAM is turning into more and more insufficient for high-end gaming, because the 4060 Ti fails to supply optimum efficiency in a number of gaming eventualities that ought to be simply achievable. It is a regarding development that might finally restrict the progress of sport growth.
Furthermore, Nvidia’s positioning of the RTX 4060 Ti 8GB as a 1080p gaming card is preposterous contemplating its excessive value level. They admitted that the 8GB model could require players to compromise on high quality settings, which is unacceptable for a card priced at $400. Whereas Nvidia’s staff acknowledged the potential longevity concern of the 8GB mannequin, they hesitated to reply our questions relating to future video games. They admitted that VRAM necessities will improve, and 8GB 4060 Ti house owners might need to regulate their high quality settings, a compromise that may be prevented by choosing the 16GB mannequin.
Contemplating these information, it is clear that Nvidia’s RTX 4060 Ti 8GB at $400 is way from being a great deal.
We didn’t delve into ray tracing efficiency on this assessment, as RT/DLSS won’t rectify the efficiency points associated to VRAM capability. Efficiency will not be all that completely different to the RTX 3060 Ti and RTX 3070, so should you’re conversant in their RT efficiency, you will be up to the mark with the 4060 Ti. We would look again at RT efficiency for this product after we get a Radeon competitor as that comparability will make extra sense.
DLSS 3 frame generation is a function that Nvidia has closely pushed on reviewers, suggesting that we give attention to this function for our assessments. As we have famous prior to now, a major concern with DLSS 3 benchmarks is the deceptive illustration of body technology as an FPS (frames per second) metric. As an example, 120 FPS utilizing DLSS 3 body technology isn’t actually 120 FPS; as an alternative, it displays the smoothness of 120 FPS with an enter of roughly half that body fee, doubtlessly resulting in some graphical points.
This discrepancy poses a significant issue for benchmark graphs. We advise any reviewer performing benchmarks with body technology enabled ought to characterize the numbers as ‘120 DLSS 3.0 fps’, for instance. Subsequently, we can’t be showcasing DLSS 3.0 outcomes on this assessment. It is essential to contemplate DLSS as a smoothing expertise reasonably than an FPS booster, because it technically doesn’t improve the body fee. Moreover, body technology would not handle VRAM points, so it will not alleviate the efficiency issues we recognized with this graphics card.
And that concludes our reasonably prolonged assessment of a product we strongly advise towards buying, not less than not for $400 – maybe $300, however definitely not $400. As we have talked about in earlier VRAM-related discussions, our objective right here is to tell players and lift consciousness. We goal to affect Nvidia to supply extra VRAM, thereby empowering sport builders to create better-looking video games. We imagine the 16GB RTX 4060 Ti serves as some proof that this strategy is working. So proceed voicing your discontent over overpriced 8GB graphics playing cards to Nvidia, and perhaps the GeForce 50 collection will transform good.