The 3060 Ti and 6700 XT are two seriously capable mid-range gaming graphics cards, but which one is better? While the 3060 Ti looks impressive with a high core count and faster memory bandwidth, the 6700 XT also looks tempting with more video memory and faster clock speeds.
However, it’s crucial to weigh the significant differences between these cards, from their specs and features to their overall performance and power consumption. Today’s guide will compare the 3060 Ti and 6700 XT in detail so you can make a final decision with confidence when buying your next graphics card. Let’s get into it!
3060 Ti vs. 6700 XT: Side-by-Side Comparison
| RTX 3060 Ti | RX 6700 XT | |
|---|---|---|
| GPU | GA104 | Navi 22 |
| CUDA Cores / Stream Processors | 4,864 | 2,560 |
| Tensor Cores | 152 | – |
| RT Cores / Ray Accelerators | 38 | 40 |
| Stream Multiprocessors / Compute Units | 38 | 40 |
| Memory | 8GB GDDR6 | 12GB GDDR6 |
| Memory Speed | 14 GT/s | 16 GT/s |
| Memory Bandwidth | 448 GB/s | 384 GB/s |
| Clock Speed (Base/Boost) | 1.41GHz / 1.67GHz | 2.32GHz / 2.58GHz |
| Power Connector (Reference Card) | 1x 12-pin | 1x 6-pin + 1x 8-pin |
| TDP | 200W | 230W |
- Boosts frame rates with uncompromised image quality using the dedicated AI processing Tensor Cores on GeForce RTX
- Low latency
- Fast responsiveness
- AI acceleration
- Backed by the NVIDIA Studio platform of dedicated drivers and exclusive tools
- 16Gbps memory clock speed
- 7680 × 4320 resolution
- 12GB GDDR6 memory
- 2581MHz boost clock speed
- 192-bit memory interface
3060 Ti vs. 6700 XT: What’s the Difference?
The Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 Ti and AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT are both excellent graphics cards for 1080p and 1440p gaming, but there are a few key differences between the two.
The 6700 XT has slightly better raw rasterization performance, making it a better choice for gamers who prioritize maximum FPS. However, the RTX 3060 Ti has the advantage when it comes to ray-tracing, DLSS support, power draw, and size.
Ultimately, the decision between these cards comes down to individual preferences and priorities. Let’s break down the differences in detail.
Pricing
The 3060 Ti has an MSRP of $399, and the 6700 XT has an MSRP of $479. However, this pricing can vary significantly depending on the region. For instance, in the UK, the 6700 XT’s low stock levels have made it more expensive than the 3060 Ti in many online retail stores. Conversely, U.S. markets are finally feeling some relief from the GPU shortage, making both cards increasingly easier to find (and more affordable).
Therefore, it’s essential to keep an eye on the pricing and availability of both cards before making a final decision on which one to buy.
Architecture
The RX 6700 XT is based on AMD’s RDNA 2 architecture, specifically the Navi 22 XT variant. This chip was created using TSMC’s 7nm process, resulting in a die size of 335 mm² and a whopping 17.2 billion transistors. In comparison, the RTX 3060 Ti is based on Nvidia’s Ampere architecture, utilizing the GA104-200 GPU variant. However, this chip was created using Samsung’s 8nm process, resulting in a slightly larger die size of 392 mm² with 17.4 billion transistors.
While these technical differences may seem insignificant, they can have a significant impact on the performance and capabilities of these graphics cards. The RX 6700 XT tends to perform better in tasks that require a lot of memory bandwidth, such as high-resolution gaming or video editing. On the other hand, the RTX 3060 Ti excels at tasks that require a lot of ray-tracing, a technology that can create incredibly realistic lighting and shadows in games and other applications.
GPU
Graphics cards are the backbone of any decent PC gaming experience. The individual components within these cards play a vital role in producing images that are not only visually stunning but also highly responsive. The die cores, for instance, are the specialized parts of a graphics card that work on specific areas of the graphics pipeline. Shaders, RT cores, and TMUs are some of the vital components that make up these die cores.
The RTX 3060 Ti has a higher core count, it is not necessarily the better option. The AMD card, with its higher RT and TMU core count, offers superior performance, even with fewer RT cores. The difference lies in the architecture of the two cards.
The AMD card, based on the RDNA 2 architecture, uses the Navi 22 XT variant, while the RTX 3060 Ti is based on the GA104-200 GPU variant. With the AMD card featuring more RT and TMU cores, it excels in producing visually stunning images, even with fewer RT cores.
3060 Ti vs. 6700 XT: Performance Comparison
Ultimately, performance is what matters, and not just everyday performance — but gaming performance. While both cards are capable of delivering stunning visuals and high frame rates at maximum settings, the differences become more apparent when we shift to 4K resolution.
To figure out each card’s true potential, we have to look at the benchmarks.
| Games | GeForce RTX 3060 Ti | Radeon RX 6700 XT |
|---|---|---|
| Dying Light 2 | 89 FPS at 1080p 64 FPS at 1440p 33 FPS at 4k | 96 FPS at 1080p 70 FPS at 1440p 37 FPS at 4k |
| Total War: Warhammer III | 79 FPS at 1080p 52 FPS at 1440p 27 FPS at 4k | 75 FPS at 1080p 48 FPS at 1440p 23 FPS at 4k |
| Call of Duty: Warzone | 117 FPS at 1080p 77 FPS at 1440p 44 FPS at 4k | 132 FPS at 1080p 87 FPS at 1440p 44 FPS at 4k |
| God of War | 120 FPS at 1080p 86 FPS at 1440p 51 FPS at 4k | 115 FPS at 1080p 88 FPS at 1440p 51 FPS at 4k |
| Apex Legends | 171 FPS at 1080p 134 FPS at 1440p 84 FPS at 4k | 165 FPS at 1080p 129 FPS at 1440p 79 FPS at 4k |
| Fortnite | 119 FPS at 1080p 85 FPS at 1440p 62 FPS at 4k | 126 FPS at 1080p 90 FPS at 1440p 62 FPS at 4k |
1080p Resolution
When you think of two formidable contenders for 1080p gaming, the 3060 Ti and 6700 XT no doubt come to mind — and for good reason. With both cards providing over 100 FPS in most games and above 60 FPS in the most demanding ones, you can expect exceptional performance from either choice.
When it comes to average framerates, the RX 6700 XT takes lead in some titles while falling behind in others. Consequently, picking a unanimous winner in this domain is not possible. However, it’s worth noting that the performance can vary depending on the game.
To make a decision for your gaming needs, compare benchmarks for the specific games you’re interested in playing.
1440p Resolution
The 6700 XT and 3060 Ti don’t hold back when it comes to 1440p resolution gaming. These powerhouses will keep you above 60 FPS in most games, even on max settings, only slightly dipping below in the most demanding titles. For those sporting 60Hz monitors, either card will suffice.
When examining different benchmarks, the 6700 XT edges out the 3060 Ti by 3-4% across tested games. However, it’s important to note that this can vary depending on the game. In fact, at 1440p resolution, it sometimes ties or even lags behind the 3060 Ti.
So, if you’re considering these two cards for 1440p gaming, make sure to check benchmarks for the specific games you’ll be playing to make the best decision.
4K Resolution
When it comes to 4K gaming, the RTX 3090 Ti is the undisputed champion (well, besides the latest 4000-series cards). But what about the 3060 Ti and the 6700 XT? Well, they’re not exactly the best options for 4K gaming, but they can handle it if you’re willing to compromise on settings.
Both cards struggle to maintain 60 FPS on max settings, but if you’re okay with dialing it down to high or medium, you should be able to get playable frame rates in most games.
Interestingly, while the 6700 XT performs slightly better than the 3060 Ti at 1080p and 1440p, this advantage disappears at 4K. In fact, on average, the 3060 Ti actually outperforms the 6700 XT by about 1%.
So, if you’re considering these cards for 4K gaming, just remember that you’ll need to make some sacrifices to get the best performance.
Video Memory
The VRAM on the graphics card is like the storage capacity in the brain for the stunning scenery, enabling one to remember and appreciate every detail. The larger the capacity and speed of your VRAM, the more of this visual information you can store and process at a faster rate.
Both the RX 6700 XT and the RTX 3060 Ti use the same type of VRAM, GDDR6. However, the 6700 XT has a larger capacity of 12GB, clocked at an impressive 16 Gbps. This creates a 192-bit bus and a whopping bandwidth of 384 GB/s.
On the other hand, the RTX 3060 Ti has a slightly smaller VRAM capacity of 8GB, but it’s clocked at 14 Gbps, spread across a wider 256-bit bus. This creates an even more impressive bandwidth of 448 GB/s.
However, the 3060 Ti has a slight edge with its higher bandwidth, providing a smoother and more efficient data transfer. But, the 6700 XT’s larger capacity is also valuable for handling large amounts of visual data, allowing for more detailed and complex graphics at high resolutions.
Frequency and Clock Speed
When it comes to graphics card performance, the clock frequency is key. It determines how many instructions the card can process per second, so higher is always better. And in the showdown between the RX 6700 XT and RTX 3060 Ti, team Red reigns supreme in clock speed.
With a base clock of 2,321 MHz, a game clock of 2,424 MHz, and a boost clock of 2,581 MHz, the 6700 XT roars ahead of the 3060 Ti. Meanwhile, the Green team can only manage a 1,410 MHz base clock and a 1,665 MHz boost clock -– almost a gigahertz behind their competitors.
Of course, clock speed isn’t the only factor in determining graphics card performance, but it can make a significant difference. And with the 6700 XT having such impressive frequency numbers, it’s clear that team Red is not messing around. Whether you’re a gamer or a power user, the RX 6700 XT’s clock speed is sure to impress.
©DMegias/Shutterstock.com
DLSS vs. FSR Upscaling Technology
When comparing these two graphics cards, you also compare two industry-leading AI-upscaling technologies: DLSS and FSR. Both manufacturers take different approaches to this technology, so it’s vital to know the difference.
NVIDIA’s Deep Learning Super Sampling, or DLSS, technology is designed to improve game performance by using AI to upscale lower-resolution images to higher resolutions. AMD’s FidelityFX Super Resolution, or FSR for short, performs a similar function but doesn’t require dedicated hardware as DLSS. While DLSS currently supports more games than FSR, FSR is open-source and can be implemented by any game developer.
As a result, the 6700 XT takes the lead in this department, but with the release of newer technology like DLSS 3, NVIDIA will eventually take back the crown.
Power Consumption and Efficiency
Two terms that will help you navigate the sea of options are thermal design power (TDP) and total board power (TBP). They’re like twin siblings, born from the same idea — to tell you how much juice a graphics card will need and how much heat it will generate when pushed to the limit.
The Radeon RX 6700 XT and the GeForce RTX 3060 Ti are both formidable beasts, but one has a slightly bigger appetite. The 6700 XT cranks up the TDP to 230 watts, while the 3060 Ti keeps it lean and mean at 200 watts.
That means the 3060 Ti not only sips less electricity but also runs cooler overall. So, you can spend more time gaming and less time worrying about your PC turning into a toaster oven.
3060 Ti vs. 6700 XT: 4 Must-Know Facts
- Both the 3060 Ti and 6700 XT have been out for a couple of years now, with launch dates in 2021.
- Ray-tracing is supported in both GPUs.
- Both GPUs have hefty power requirements, so you will need at least a 500 watt power supply.
- Both GPUs have enough VRAM to handle heavy textures and scenery in the most popular games.
- Both support AI upscaling tech like DLSS and FSR.
- These GPUs sit at opposing sides of the NVIDIA vs. AMD GPU war.
- Boosts frame rates with uncompromised image quality using the dedicated AI processing Tensor Cores on GeForce RTX
- Low latency
- Fast responsiveness
- AI acceleration
- Backed by the NVIDIA Studio platform of dedicated drivers and exclusive tools
- 16Gbps memory clock speed
- 7680 × 4320 resolution
- 12GB GDDR6 memory
- 2581MHz boost clock speed
- 192-bit memory interface
3060 Ti vs. 6700 XT: Which One is Better?
When it comes to the choice between the Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 Ti and the AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT, the decision ultimately comes down to your individual needs and preferences. Both cards offer exceptional performance for 1080p and 1440p gaming, but the 6700 XT pulls slightly ahead in terms of raw rasterization performance, making it a better option for those who prioritize maximum FPS at those resolutions.
However, the RTX 3060 Ti has a few advantages of its own that may make it the better choice for some users. Firstly, it’s a smaller card that requires less power, which translates to lower heat output and potentially quieter operation. Additionally, it excels at ray-tracing and supports DLSS, which can significantly boost performance in games that utilize the technology.
If you’re primarily interested in raw performance and don’t care about ray tracing or DLSS, the 6700 XT is the better buy. But if you want access to those features or are interested in gaming at 4K, the 3060 Ti is the way to go.
It’s worth noting, however, that both cards are only moderately capable at 4K, so if that’s your primary focus, you may want to consider a more powerful card like the RTX 3080 or RX 6800 XT.
The image featured at the top of this post is ©Zoomik/Shutterstock.com.
