The RTX 4060 Ti was highly anticipated by many gamers. It promises a lot of performance for Full HD, the currently most popular resolution among gamers. However, the first testers are disappointed. This is not only due to the price but also the small video memory.
The most important points at a glance:
- The GeForce RTX 4060 Ti is reportedly available in stores from May 24, 2023, according to various statements.
- The graphics card delivers high performance for Full HD and supports DLSS 3.0 and other Nvidia-exclusive features.
- The video memory is reportedly tight at 8 GB, but a version with 16 GB is expected to follow in July.
- The price for the RTX 4060 Ti (8 GB) starts at 439 euros (RRP), while the 16 GB version is expected to cost 549 euros (RRP).
Which graphics card is it about? The RTX 4060 Ti is Nvidia’s currently cheapest entry into the RTX 4000 series. However, one could argue about what “cheap” means, as the card costs over 400 euros. Nevertheless, the launch was eagerly awaited, as many hope for a GPU that doesn’t immediately cost 1,500 euros.
However, the first tests show a reserved and unenthusiastic response. The performance is there, but the video memory and price give cause for criticism. Nevertheless, there is also a positive glimmer.
GeForce RTX 4060 Ti vs RTX 3060 Ti at a glance
| GeForce RTX 4060 Ti | GeForce RTX 3060 Ti | |
|---|---|---|
| Interface | PCIe 4.0, 8 Lanes | PCIe 4.0, 16 Lanes |
| Base Clock | 2.310 MHz | 1.410 MHz |
| Boost Clock | 2.535 MHz | 1.665 MHz |
| Memory Size | 8 GB GDDR6 | 8 GB GDDR6 |
| Memory Interface Width | 128-bit | 256-bit |
| TDP (Power Consumption) | 160 Watts | 200 Watts |
Insufficient Video Memory and Expensive for “Only” Full HD Performance
What is positive? Essentially, many testers agree that with the RTX 4060 Ti, you get a good and powerful graphics card. Especially the high energy efficiency combined with generally low power consumption is a significant advantage.
What is negative? On the other hand, there is the small performance leap compared to the previous generation: The RTX 4060 Ti offers only 5 – 10% more performance than the RTX 3060 Ti, and that at the same price. Although it is possible to squeeze significantly more out of the GPU thanks to DLSS 3.0 and “Frame Generation,” very few games currently support the new technology.
This also leads to a weak price-performance ratio, which many testers criticize: Nvidia sold the predecessor to QHD gamers at the same price. A glance at Geizhals.de: The RTX 3060 Ti is currently available for an average of 380 euros.
Where do (almost) all testers agree? In one thing, all major online magazines such as ComputerBase, PCGamesHardware and PCWelt unanimously agree: The 8 GB of video memory is now simply borderline. While it is just enough for Full HD, the predecessor was still a QHD graphics card.
For example, the colleagues from ComputerBase state in their test: “With 12 GB like the GeForce RTX 3060 from 2021, the GeForce RTX 4060 Ti would be a significantly better, more future-proof graphics card.”
Beautiful MMOs, like the highly anticipated Odin: Valhalla Rising, require a fast graphics card:
The tests at a glance:
- “It primarily distinguishes itself from older models through its very good energy efficiency and the new Frame Generation – provided you play one of the few games that currently support RTX 4000 exclusive technology. In other areas, the improvements are less significant, such as in accelerating AI and ray tracing calculations.” (GameStar.de)
- “Every buyer must be made aware that the GeForce RTX 4060 Ti can already face issues in current games. In the future, memory requirements will increase, and problems are programmed here. It does not help that the consequences of memory shortages are even greater than with the predecessor.” (ComputerBase.de)
- “The Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 Ti 8 GB delivers a mixed picture in testing. For the use case chosen by Nvidia, specifically gaming in Full HD resolution, the graphics card is well suited. (…) But not only in gaming, but also in the creative sector can the RTX 4060 Ti’s configuration with 8 GB of VRAM and a 128-bit interface become a problem.” (PCWelt.de)
- “The typical mid-range buyer however turns up his nose at 439 euros RRP and looks at the rest of the equipment. This is where we see the real problems: Nvidia is not only delivering small improvements – there are also stagnation and tangible setbacks. Memory increase? None – the RTX 3060 even debuted with 12 GiByte and was later offered with 8 GiByte.” (PCGamesHardware.de)
What does the future hold? At least there is a silver lining here. Nvidia has already introduced an RTX 4060 Ti with 16 GB of video memory, expected to follow in July 2023. After all, Nvidia wants to charge an additional 110 euros for the 8 GB. Then you will pay 549 euros (RRP) for the mid-range graphics card for Full HD.
Who is the RTX 4060 Ti worthwhile for?
Who might consider purchasing?
- You are looking for the cheapest entry into the RTX 4000 series and want to utilize DLSS 3.0 and “Frame Generation.”
- You are coming from an old graphics card like a GTX 1060 and are looking for a tangible upgrade for your computer.
- You want to play in Full HD long-term and do not plan to switch to WQHD or 4K in the near future.
Are there alternatives? If DLSS 3.0 does not matter to you, you can also go for a GeForce RTX 3060 Ti or an RTX 3070. The prices are currently in the same range, but here you also only get 8 GB of video memory.
Instead, you could also opt for AMD’s RX 6700 XT. Here, you currently pay around 400 euros, but get more video memory (12 GB) and, overall, more performance – but have to forgo Nvidia-exclusive features.
RTX 4060 Ti vs RX 7600: Will AMD’s new graphics card arrive this week?
How does it look with the competition? It is currently speculated that AMD’s RX 7600 will be released later this week. It is expected to be on a similar level in terms of price and performance as the RTX 4060 Ti. However, there have only been assumptions so far, and AMD has not yet given a date. Therefore, we have to wait.
Nevertheless, video memory remains a major topic in 2023. This is also due to the fact that more and more games are poorly optimized upon release.
The current discussion about the Xbox Series S shows exactly why many believe that the era of graphics cards with only 8 GB of video memory is simply over:
The Xbox Series S shows why you should carefully consider purchasing cheap graphics cards
