Nvidia RTX 4060 vs RTX 3070 comparison – is the 40-series really better?

We’re taking a look at a comparison between the RTX 4060 vs 3070 to help you decide which graphics card is worth going for.

Until the release of the potential RTX 4050, the 4060 will be the most affordable way to get access to Nvidia’s Ada Lovelace architecture. With the promise of advanced ray tracing and DLSS 3.0, the 4060 could be tempting for the right price. Make sure you check out where to buy the RTX 4060 if you think it’s worth getting.

The RTX 3070 was released back in 2021 and has remained a popular choice for 1440p gaming. Now at one of its most affordable prices since launch, those choosing between the RTX 4060 and 3070 will have a tricky decision on their hands.

Do you prioritise futureproofing your gaming setup with the 4060, or do you go for the cheapest option with a previous gen graphics card?

RTX 4060 vs RTX 3070 – specs comparison

	RTX 4060 specs	RTX 3070 specs
Architecture	Ada (TSMC 4NM)	Ampere
GPU	AD107	GA104
CUDA Cores	3,072	5,888
Tensor Cores	Fourth Generation	Third Generation
DLSS	3.0	1.0
Base Clock (MHz)	1,830	1,500
Boost Clock (MHz)	2,460	1,725
Memory	8GB GDDR6	8GB GDDR6
Memory Clock Speed (MHz)	2,000	1,750
Memory Bus	128-bit	256-bit
Memory Bandwidth	272 GB/s	448.0GB/s
Total Graphics Power	110W	220W
Maximum Display Resolution	4K at 240Hz or 8K at 60Hz with DSC	7680 × 4320

From just glancing at the specs, it’s clear that the RTX 4060 has the edge. With the advantage of third generation Ray Tracing cores and fourth generation Tensor cores, the 40-series graphics card outshines the 3070.

Featuring 8GB the faster GDDR6 memory, the 4060 is the more power efficient card, despite not having GDDR6X like the RTX 4080 and 4090. It also enjoys a lower TGP of 110W compared to the 3070’s 220W which helps keep the running costs low. It’s also worth paying attention to the CUDA core count which is responsible for the bulk of the GPU’s performance. It’s these cores that are responsible for generating the frame rates, so you shouldn’t look at the 4060’s 3,072 CUDA cores lightly.

The 4060’s significantly higher boost clock also makes a big difference to the overall performance – we recommend opting for the 4060 if you plan to play the latest AAA titles. With that in mind, we think the 4060 will be amongst the best GPUs under $500.

RTX 4060 vs RTX 3070 – architecture

With each generation, Nvidia releases a new architecture. While the RTX 4060, Nvidia has introduced Ada Lovelace architecture that uses TSMC’s 4N process. This node is responsible for the 4060’s power-efficient credentials, combined with DLSS 3.0.

DLSS 3.0 is preferable to Ampere’s DLSS 1.0 because it eases the load of your CPU and helps improve frame rates. With lots of popular games like Diablo 4 which have DLSS 3.0. choosing the 4060 over the 3070 has the advantage of significantly smoother frame rates.

RTX 4060 vs RTX 3070 – performance

If you’re weighing up the RTX 4060 vs 3070, you’ll want to know how their performance differs. As we’ve already mentioned, their difference in architecture will be a major factor informing this difference. It’s also worth adding that the 3070 has been out for over two years now, leaving the 4060’s performance slightly more in the dark for several months. For some insight though, consider how the RTX 4060 compares to the RTX 3070.

The 3070 is a card that can handle 1440p with ease, and even manage some games at 4K. It features in our selection of the best GPUs for 1440p. However, it is missing DLSS 3.0, which is a huge advantage for frame rates, especially if you’re working with a slightly older CPU. Like the 4060 Ti, we’re expecting the 4060 to be one of the best GPUs for 1080p, and you can rest assured assuming a better all-round performance from the upcoming RTX 4060.

RTX 4060 vs RTX 3070 – price

Regardless of which GPU offers the best performance, price is something that has to be considered alongside the specs. If you’re considering the RTX 3070 as your go-to choice, make sure you check out the best RTX 3070 graphics cards. There you’ll find premium and budget picks, costing around the $500 mark, but selling for as low as $399.99.

RTX 4060 vs RTX 3070 – final word

Overall, the RTX 4060 has a slight edge, and offers pretty good value for money. While some gamers area keen to hit 4K may be better off waiting for the RTX 4060 Ti 16GB release date in July, the 4060 offers the best way into Ada Lovelace architecture for a relatively affordable price.

Frequently asked questions

We’ve done our best to answer some of your graphics card queries.

Will the RTX 4060 better than the RTX 3070?

It depends on your gaming requirements. If you’re looking to prioritise gaming at 1440p, then the RTX 3070 with 16GB of RAM is probably better. Meanwhile, the RTX 4060 is probably better when it comes to next-gen features including DLSS 3.0 and advanced ray tracing.

Is the RTX 3070 high end?

Since the release of graphics card monsters like the RTX 4080 and 4090, the RTX 3070 in comparison is more within the mid-range bracket when it comes to graphics cards.