The Nvidia RTX 4090 vs 3060 Ti debate has been a hot one in GPU circles ever since NVIDIA released the latter last year. Both the 4090 and 3060 Ti boast impressive specs, including high-end graphics processors, large amounts of VRAM, and impressive CUDA and Tensor cores. But which one is the better choice for you?
In this article, we will dive into a full comparison of these two GPUs, examining their respective specs, power consumption, gaming benchmarks, and more to put this contest to rest so you can make an informed decision.
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RTX 4090 vs 3060 Ti: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | RTX 4090 | RTX 3060 Ti |
|---|---|---|
| Graphics processor | Ada Lovelace | GA104 |
| VRAM | 24 GB GDDR6X | 8 GB GDDR6 |
| CUDA cores | 16,384 | 4,352 |
| Tensor Cores | 512 | 152 |
| Bus width | 384-bit | 256-bit |
| GPU clock | 2.2 GHz | 1.665 GHz |
| Boost clock | 2.5 GHz | 1.665 GHz |
| Higher floating-point performance | 32.768 TFLOPS | 16.2 TFLOPS |
| Power consumption | 450W | 200W |
| Size | Triple-slot | Double-slot |
| Gaming performance vs. predecessor | 25% faster than the 3090-Ti | 30% faster than the 2060 Super |
| MSRP at launch | $1,599 | $399 |
RTX 4090 vs 3060 Ti: What’s the Difference?
Both of these GPUs are impressive in their own right, but they offer vastly different levels of performance due to their distinct architectural designs. We’ll now take a deeper look at what sets them apart and how those differences bring about the disparity in their respective performance.
Graphics Processor
The release of the 4090 GPU last year had the tech world buzzing with excitement. The highly anticipated graphics card was set to deliver an unprecedented level of performance and speed, thanks to its Ada Lovelace architecture.
True to that, it proved to be a powerhouse that could handle anything that was thrown its way. Compared to the 3060 Ti’s older Ampere architecture, the 4090 packs a punch with a staggering 16,384 CUDA cores that give it higher parallel processing power.
- Has 16,384 NVIDIA CUDA Cores
- Supports 4K 120Hz HDR, 8K 60Hz HDR
- Up to 2x performance and power efficiency
- Fourth-Gen Tensor Cores that offer 2x AI performance
- Third-Gen RT Cores
- AI-Accelerated Performance: NVIDIA DLSS 3
- NVIDIA Reflex low-latency platform
This means that the 4090 will be able to handle more demanding tasks, such as high-resolution gaming and 3D rendering, with ease. With its advanced architecture and impressive core count, the 4090 is sure to be a game-changer in the world of GPU technology, making it a top pick for anyone looking for a high-end graphics card. Despite having fewer CUDA cores at 4864, the 3060 Ti is still a solid choice and commendably good in terms of performance.
VRAM
If you’re a gamer or a content creator, you know that a graphics processor is an indispensable part of your setup. With the release of the 4090, NVIDIA had outdone itself, offering a colossal 24GB of GDDR6X VRAM, which is three times the amount you’d get on the 3060 Ti.
This VRAM made a significant difference in how enthusiasts experience games, as well as how quickly professionals could render and edit 3D models or videos. Coupled with its myriad of CUDA cores, it is perfect for demanding games and creative applications.
The 3060 Ti is no slouch either. With 8 GB of GDDR6X VRAM, it is still a great option for gamers and content creators alike. With its powerful CUDA cores, you can expect smooth gaming performance and fast render times.
Tensor Cores
Tensor Cores are specialized processors that help speed up deep learning tasks, which require a lot of mathematical calculations. Both the 4090 and 3060 Ti come equipped with Tensor cores, but the 4090 takes the lead in terms of performance.
The 4090 has 2048 of them, making it incredibly fast and efficient for complex AI workloads such as machine learning. On the other hand, the 3060 Ti has 152 Tensor cores, which is less than a tenth of the 4090’s.
This makes the RTX 3060 Ti less capable than the RTX 4090 when it comes to AI workloads. If you’re looking for a GPU that can handle demanding machine learning applications, the 4090 would certainly make the better option.
TMUs
The number of Texture Mapping Units (TMUs) is an important spec in gaming GPUs as it affects the card’s ability to handle texture-intensive tasks, such as showing shadows and other visual effects. The RTX 4090’s significantly higher number of 512 TMUs (compared to the RTX 3060 Ti’s 152 TMUs) means that the 4090 can handle more texture mapping workloads, such as rendering extensive 3D worlds, ray-tracing, and special effects.
This difference can be crucial for gaming enthusiasts who demand the highest level of visual fidelity and smoothness in their games. With more TMUs, the 4090 can render textures with greater detail, sharpness, and depth, making images look more lifelike and realistic.
Moreover, the RTX 4090’s higher number of TMUs enables it to better handle tasks like video editing, 3D modeling, and other creative workflows that require intensive graphics processing.
Bus Width
The wider memory bus of the RTX 4090, with its 384-bit bus width, provides a greater pathway for data to flow through the GPU, resulting in a faster processing speed. With more lanes available for the data to travel, there is less chance of bottlenecks occurring during high-intensity gaming sessions, meaning the RTX 4090 can handle even the most graphically demanding games with ease.
The RTX 3060 Ti’s 256-bit bus width may suffice for some users, but it can cause slower processing speeds and lag times when running more complex games and programs.
In short, if you don’t want to compromise on performance, the wider bus width of the RTX 4090 is definitely worth considering, especially if you’re looking to run the latest and greatest games at the highest settings without any lag or stuttering.
GPU and Boost Clock
In the GPU and boost clock realm, the RTX 4090 once again comes out on top. The base clock speed of the 4090 is 2.2 GHz, which is significantly faster than the 1.6 GHz clock speed of the 3060 Ti. The former also has a boost clock speed of 2.5 GHz, which is 0.83 GHz faster than the boost clock speed of the 3060 Ti at 1.67 GHz.
- 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
This translates to the RTX 4090 being more capable of handling higher workloads at faster speeds, making it a great choice for intensive tasks like 4K gaming and 3D rendering. The higher clock speeds also mean that the RTX 4090 can process more data in a shorter amount of time, which can lead to increased performance and productivity.
Floating-Point Performance
Another key metric that can be used to evaluate a GPU’s chops is floating-point performance. The RTX 4090 offers a remarkable 32.76 teraflops (TFLOPS) of higher floating-point performance, while the RTX 3060 Ti offers 16.2 TFLOPS, which is a significant difference.
The 4090’s superior floating-point performance is due to its more powerful and efficient architecture, which allows for faster processing of complex computations. For users who work with large data sets, artificial intelligence, or machine learning, the 4090’s higher floating-point performance can significantly reduce processing times and improve overall productivity.
Additionally, the RTX 4090’s FLOPS can provide smoother and more responsive gameplay in graphically-intensive games, especially when paired with a high refresh-rate monitor.
Power Consumption
Power consumption is a crucial aspect to consider when comparing GPUs. The 4090 and 3060 Ti GPUs have a significant difference in power requirements. The 4090 has a TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 450W, while the 3060 Ti has a TDP of 200W. This implies that the 4090 requires a higher wattage power supply, usually a minimum of 850W, to run efficiently.
Due to the high power draw, the RTX 4090 generates more heat than the RTX 3060 Ti, which could result in the need for a more advanced cooling system. As a result, the RTX 4090 may be more suitable for users who require intense gaming or processing power but have an adequately sized power supply and an advanced cooling system in their build.
The RTX 3060 Ti, on the other hand, is a better option for users who want an efficient and powerful GPU that consumes less power and, thus, generates less heat or requires a lower wattage power supply.
Size and Connectivity
The differences between the 4090 and 3060 Ti are quite noticeable as far as physical size goes. With a 3-slot thickness, the RTX 4090 dwarfs the 2-slot thick 3060 Ti. This larger size is also due to the additional hardware required to power the increased performance of the 4090.
In terms of display options, the 4090 has an advantage with three DisplayPort 1.4a outputs, which is one more than the 3060 Ti, making it more suitable for multi-monitor setups.
The 4090 also offers an HDMI 2.1 output, which is more advanced than the HDMI 2.0b output of the 3060 Ti, providing better support for high-resolution displays with high refresh rates.
Gaming Benchmarks
The 4090 outperforms the 3090 and 3090-Ti in non-CPU bottlenecked scenarios at high resolutions. At 1440p and 4K resolutions, the 4090 is around 75% faster than the 3090 and 60% faster than the 3090-Ti, as reported by UserBenchmark.
These results are due to the 4090’s larger number of cores and wider memory bus, which allow it to process more data more quickly. The 4090 also has higher clock speeds, VRAM, and texture fill rates, all of which provide significant performance gains in gaming applications.
Cost
At launch, the RTX 4090 went for $1,599, while getting the RTX 3060 Ti would only set you back $399. The former’s high price tag is arguably justified, considering its superior performance, cutting-edge technology, and high-end specs.
The RTX 4090 is an ideal choice for content creators, professional gamers, and those who require the highest levels of performance. However, for gamers on a budget or those who don’t require absolute top-tier performance, the RTX 3060 Ti offers excellent performance at an affordable price.
It’s important to consider your needs and budget when choosing between these two GPUs, as both offer excellent performance and value for different types of users.
RTX 4090 vs 3060 Ti: 5 Must-Know Facts
- Both cards are exceptional in their performance given their respective features. The 4090 is one of NVIDIA’s top-end GPUs while the 3060 Ti is more or less a mid-range graphics processor.
- The 4090 was released in late October 2022, while the 3060 Ti debuted in May 2021.
- The RTX 4090 has 16,384 cores and a base/ boost clock of 2.2/ 2.5 GHz, along with 24 GB of memory, a 384-bit memory bus, and 512 4th-gen Tensor cores, making it an exceptional powerhouse for gaming and AI tasks.
- The RTX 4090 is a beast, outperforming the 3060 Ti by a significant margin, especially at higher resolutions, such as 4K or 1440p, where it can show up to 75% better in-game fps improvements. It also works fine at 8K resolutions.
- Both cards feature DLSS 3, which can significantly improve the performance of games that support it.
RTX 4090 vs 3060 Ti: Which One Is Better? Which One Should You Choose?
The RTX 4090 and the RTX 3060 Ti are both high-performance graphics cards with their respective advantages and drawbacks. The RTX 4090 packs the stuff, boasting better performance-oriented specs such as more cores, more VRAM, and wider bus width.
This makes it better suited for a power user who needs high-resolution gaming, heavy machine-learning tasks, or 3D rendering. However, it requires a more powerful power supply, produces more heat, and comes at a higher cost.
On the other hand, the RTX 3060 Ti is a more budget-friendly card that still offers impressive performance and is a good choice for those who think that the sheer power of the RTX 4090 would be overkill. Having considered all these factors, we hope you now have all the information needed to make an informed decision.
The image featured at the top of this post is ©Photo by Christian Wiediger on Unsplash .
