The Ultimate Buying Guide: Unveiling the Top Performers among Nvidia RTX 4060 GPUs
Discover the exceptional value of Nvidia RTX 4060 GPUs Unveiling their worth and answering FAQs: Is the RTX 4060 superior to AMD's RX 7600? Which is the fastest variant today? Get all the insights in this concise article
The Nvidia RTX 4060 has generated controversy among many due to its name and positioning in the market in 2023. However, it still provides great value for its price of under $300. Let's explore why it deserves a closer examination.
Critics argue that the performance improvement of the RTX 4060 compared to previous GPU upgrades (such as the 4000 series) is relatively modest. Additionally, there are concerns regarding the reduced memory capacity, with only a single 8GB version available to gamers. Its predecessor, launched in February 2021, offered 50% more VRAM with 12GB.
The performance of the ASUS Dual GeForce RTX™ 4060 OC Edition 8GB, although impressive in its own right, faces some unfavorable comparisons with its AMD competitor. In terms of value for money, the AMD RX 7600 8GB outshines the RTX 4060, retailing at $270 compared to the RTX 4060's MSRP of $300. Furthermore, the RX 7600 comes bundled with a complimentary copy of Starfield's standard edition, a promotion that Nvidia's RTX 4060 GPUs currently do not have an equivalent of.
The Best Overall RTX 4060 GPU $0 at Amazon
MSI GeForce RTX™ 4060 VENTUS 2X BLACK 8G OC
The Best Overall Alternate RTX 4060 GPU $300 at Amazon
ASUS ROG Strix GeForce RTX™ 4060 8GB OC Edition
The Best Performance RTX 4060 GPU $390 at Amazon
Gigabyte GeForce RTX 4060 AERO OC 8G
The Best White RTX 4060 GPU $330 at Amazon
ZOTAC GAMING GeForce RTX 4060 8GB Solo
The Best Compact RTX 4060 GPU $300 at Amazon
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Gigabyte AORUS ELITE GeForce RTX™ 4060 8G
The Best Premium RTX 4060 GPU $350 at Amazon
Is The RTX 4060 Worth It?
Meanwhile, for an additional $30, Nvidia's RTX 4060 surpasses its AMD rivals in terms of performance. It not only excels in Ray Tracing capabilities but also delivers consistently superior gameplay at 1080P or 1440P resolutions, thanks to the highly advanced and mature DLSS3 technology.
Furthermore, the RTX 4060 presents an incremental performance improvement in rasterization when compared to its predecessor, the RTX 3060. Moreover, it boasts superior efficiency, which currently makes it the top choice for GPU buyers in the $300 price range, unless the RTX 3060 undergoes a significant price reduction. However, it is important to note that the RTX 4060 is available in various configurations, each differing in terms of aesthetics, cooling capabilities, and clock speeds. As a result, users may find it challenging to identify the ideal variant that aligns with their specific requirements.
ASUS Dual GeForce RTX™ 4060 OC Edition 8GB
The Best Overall RTX 4060 GPUCompact, No-Frills Power
The ASUS Dual RTX 4060 GPU features a higher boost clock compared to its competitors while maintaining a compact design that fits well in most cases. It operates efficiently with a TDP of 115W, using a single 8-pin connector. Unlike its predecessor, it does not have any RGB lighting, aligning with Nvidia's MSRP for the Founder's Edition.
Specifications:
- Brand: ASUS
- Cooling Method: Dual Fan Air-Cooled
- GPU Speed: 1830 MHz
- Interface: PCI Express 4.0
- Memory: 8GB GDDR6 128-Bit
- Power: 115W
- Boost Speed: Boost: 2505 MHz, OC: 2535 MHz
- CUDA Cores: 3072
Pros:
- Includes a higher overclock than the stock RTX 4060 out of the box.
Offers a compact, powerful RTX 4060 option
Uses a single 8-pin connector for power
Cons Lacks RGB lighting
Is not the fastest-clocked RTX 4060 SKU
The ASUS Dual GeForce RTX 4060 OC Edition 8GB is the best RTX 4060 GPU available now. It is priced at the MSRP set by Nvidia for the RTX 4060 Founders Edition but provides a higher boost clock and improved thermals compared to its competitors. Despite its compact size, measuring only 8.9 inches in length, it is perfect for smaller cases.
It may not have the same raw clock speed as the ASUS RTX 4060 Strix OC variant or other faster SKUs, but the price difference is quite small, making it a better value. However, unlike the ASUS model, the MSI GeForce RTX 4060 VENTUS 2X BLACK 8G OC does not have any RGB lighting. This omission might disappoint some gamers and system builders who prefer flashy aesthetics. Nevertheless, the MSI GPU excels as a compact and powerful performer without any added frills, making it an attractive purchase, particularly at the MSRP for an RTX 4060.
MSI GeForce RTX™ 4060 VENTUS 2X BLACK 8G OC
The MSI GeForce RTX 4060 VENTUS 2X BLACK 8G OC stands out as the top choice for an alternate RTX 4060 GPU. This GPU excels in multiple areas, providing a well-rounded experience. It boasts low power consumption, a sleek and compact design, and utilizes a single 8-pin power connector to efficiently handle its power requirements. As a result, it operates silently while delivering exceptional performance, living up to its reputation.
Brand: MSICooling System: Dual Fan Air-CooledGraphics Processing Unit (GPU) Speed: 1830MhzInterface: PCI-Express 4.0Memory: 8GB GDDR6Power Consumption: 115 WBoost Speeds: MSI Center Clocks: 2505 MHz, Boost Clocks: 2490 MHzNumber of CUDA Cores: 3072 CoresPros: Provides competitive boost clocks in comparison to certain high-end RTX 4060 choices, Operates more quietly than other RTX 4060 SKUs.
Is a lower-profile GPU than some of the larger, overbuilt RTX 4060 SKUs on offer
Cons Has no RGB lighting on offer
The ASUS Dual RTX 4060 may not be your top pick, but MSI's Ventus 2X variant offers an equally impressive entry-level option for the RTX 4060 at a more affordable price compared to other versions from different brands. It boasts decent boost clocks, sufficient cooling, and operates quietly. Additionally, its lightweight design feels surprisingly sturdy, outperforming many of its competitors.
The MSI GeForce RTX 4060 VENTUS 2X BLACK 8G OC is an impressive performer, offering exceptional performance without any frills. It competes strongly with the ASUS ROG Strix GeForce RTX™ 4060 8GB OC Edition, which boasts additional overclock speeds and edges out MSI's entry-level Ventus-branded option. However, MSI has ensured that customers have a diverse range of options with their well-built and balanced offerings.
ASUS ROG Strix GeForce RTX™ 4060 8GB OC Edition
Introducing the ASUS ROG Strix GeForce RTX 4060 8GB OC Edition, the ultimate choice for top-tier performance in the RTX 4060 series. This exceptional GPU offers remarkable power and surpasses even the RTX 4060TI 8GB, although at a slightly lower price point. With its visually stunning design, it stands out among other dual-fan alternatives, making it a compelling purchase.
Brand: ASUS
Cooling Method: Tri-Fan Air Cooling
GPU Speed: 1830 MHz
Interface: PCI-Express 4.0
Memory: 8GB GDDR6
Power: 115W
Boost Speed: OC Mode: 2700 MHz, Default Mode: 2670 MHz
CUDA Cores: 3072 Cores
Pros: Offers the highest clocked RTX 4060 SKU currently available out of the box
Has a stunning design that is arguably one of the best currently available for an RTX 4060.
Uses its tri-fan cooling to offer significantly better thermals than its competition
Had decent RGB lighting on offer
The cons of this GPU are its higher price compared to the competition and its similarity in price to the RTX 4060TI 8GB SKUs, which are priced just below $400. Additionally, as a 3.1 slot GPU, it may be excessive for an RTX 4060 and may also be too large for smaller ITX builds.
The ASUS ROG Strix GeForce RTX 4060 8GB OC Edition features the return of the larger tri-fan Strix cooler, ensuring exceptional thermal performance. With one of the highest boost clocks among RTX 4060 graphics cards and impressive RGB lighting, it comes with a price tag that may seem extravagant for an RTX 4060. However, it competes closely with the RTX 4060TI, with just a $10 difference in cost.
In terms of performance and features, the ROG Strix RTX 4060 stands out as a top-tier option for buyers who prioritize performance over price. It surpasses its competitors in areas such as dual BIOS functionality, lower temperatures, and higher boost speeds. Additionally, its advanced cooling system ensures quiet operation without compromising performance. While it offers a notable 5-10% improvement compared to most RTX 4060 alternatives, its higher price places it in a league closer to the RTX 4060TI models rather than the regular RTX 4060s. The Strix caters to consumers who appreciate its robust design and are willing to invest in its premium characteristics, although its value proposition may raise eyebrows among PC builders.
Gigabyte GeForce RTX 4060 AERO OC 8G
The Best White RTX 4060 GPUBest Value Tri-Fan RTX 4060
The Gigabyte GeForce RTX 4060 AERO OC 8G stands out as the most visually appealing white-themed RTX 4060 SKU currently on the market. It boasts impressive boost clocks compared to the standard option, along with a spacious tri-fan air cooling system that effectively keeps temperatures low. Additionally, its sleek metal backplate design features 'screen cooling' technology, allowing for improved heat dissipation. This graphics card also offers a dual-BIOS configuration and dual-HDMI ports, delivering both functionality and style.
Decent boost clocks on offer compared to some of its alternatives
The metal backplate design feels much more premium than the competition
Runs extremely cool and quiet compared to some of the more compact RTX 4060 options on offer
Offers Dual Bios, allowing users to switch between OC and silent modes with ease
Offers Dual HDMI ports, making it easier to use the GPU with certain monitor/TV configurations without needing adapters
Cons Slightly more expensive than most entry-level RTX 4060 SKUs
Significantly larger than some of its competition, limiting its use in smaller ITX builds
$330 at Amazon $330 at Newegg
The Gigabyte GeForce RTX 4060 AERO OC 8G is not only a fantastic RTX 4060 option, but it also stands out as the most visually appealing choice among white RTX 4060 models. Its impressive RGB lighting, well-designed fan system, and high-quality metal backplate give it the appearance of a much more expensive GPU than a typical mid-range RTX 4060.
In terms of performance, it offers excellent cooling capabilities, satisfactory boost clocks, and the convenience of a dual BIOS, allowing users to customize their experience for either maximum performance or quiet operation. Additionally, its dual HDMI ports make connecting to various display technologies hassle-free.
While it may be priced $30 higher than other entry-level alternatives, the AERO OC justifies its cost by delivering exceptional performance and reliability.
ZOTAC GAMING GeForce RTX 4060 8GB Solo
The Best Compact RTX 4060 GPUSmall but equitable power
The ZOTAC GAMING GeForce RTX 4060 8GB Solo is a compact and dual-slot design, making it an ideal choice for low-profile or smaller PC builds where space can be a concern.
Delivers similar performance as most of its larger-sized alternatives
Cons No RGB lighting on offer
Boost clocks are relatively tamer than most of its competition
$300 at Amazon $300 at Newegg
The ZOTAC GAMING GeForce RTX 4060 8GB Solo is an ideal choice for individuals looking to build a smaller PC or in need of a portable secondary gaming system. It offers a decent boost clock and adequate cooling without compromising on performance. With its compact and no-frills design, it prioritizes functionality and form factor over aesthetics. Additionally, its dual-slot GPU can easily fit into most builds without the need for measuring case size or worrying about compatibility. Overall, this GPU provides a compelling upgrade option for users seeking a smaller form factor without sacrificing performance.
Gigabyte AORUS ELITE GeForce RTX™ 4060 8G
The Best Premium RTX 4060 GPUAn Elite Bargain
The Gigabyte AORUS ELITE GeForce RTX 4060 8G stands out as a premium version of Nvidia's latest Ada Lovelace-based GPU. It features a top-notch tri-fan cooler, a high-boost clock, and an aesthetically pleasing design. Additionally, it offers dual DisplayPort 1.4a and HDMI 2.1 ports, making it a well-rounded and highly polished GPU design. Some may argue that these features are a bit excessive for an RTX 4060.
Brand: Gigabyte
Cooling Method: Tri-Fan Air Cooled
GPU Speed: 1830 Mhz
Interface: PCI Express 4.0
Memory: 8GB GDDR6
Power: 115W
Boost Speed: 2640 MHz
CUDA Cores: 3072
Pros: Dual BIOS with OC and Silent options
Has a higher boost clock than most alternative RTX 4060 variants
Has arguably the most premium build quality for an RTX 4060 variant on our list
Cons Priced at a $50 premium over the base RTX 4060 SKUs it competes with
$350 at Amazon $350 at Newegg
The Gigabyte AORUS ELITE GeForce RTX 4060 8G offers a high-quality and expensive option for those seeking the RTX 4060 GPU. It aims to elevate Nvidia's midrange GPU selection by showcasing the prestigious AORUS ELITE badge. Unlike ASUS's ROG Strix, this graphics card comes at a more reasonable price while still providing impressive boost clocks, a well-built structure, dual BIOS, and two HDMI ports.
Featuring a PCB that is resistant to dust, moisture, and corruption, as well as an extended 4-year warranty, the Gigabyte AORUS ELITE GeForce RTX 4060 8G offers various benefits to justify its $50 premium over competing options. It sits in the middle of the pricing range between the entry-level RTX 4060 and the RTX 4060TI SKUs, making it a challenging investment in 2023.
FAQ:
Q: Is the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 better than the AMD RX 7600?
A: When it comes to sheer performance, Nvidia's product usually outperforms AMD's RX 7600 SKU. However, AMD has the advantage of a $30 lower price tag and an enticing Starfield offer, making the RX 7600 a compelling choice at a price below $300.
Q: What is the fastest RTX 4060 Variant Currently Available?
The ASUS ROG Strix GeForce RTX 4060 8GB OC Edition stands out as the top-performing RTX 4060 SKU, delivering unparalleled speed with its impressive boost clocks, exceptional build quality, and remarkable capability to surpass its rivals when optimized.
