The highly anticipated release of NVIDIA’s budget-oriented RTX 4060 is just around the corner, and early reviews and benchmarks are starting to emerge. Tech enthusiasts are eager to know if this new GPU will live up to the hype and become a game-changer in the market. In this article, we will delve into the details of the RTX 4060, analyze the initial reviews, and explore whether it has the potential to be one of the best GPUs of this generation.
The Successor to the RTX 3060
The RTX 4060 is the successor to NVIDIA’s Ampere architecture-based RTX 3060, which was launched approximately two years ago. With upgraded performance and new features, the RTX 4060 aims to offer an attractive upgrade option for users of previous generations, such as Turing, Pascal, and Maxwell. Let’s take a closer look at the specifications of the RTX 4060.
Specifications
The RTX 4060 is equipped with 8GB of GDDR6 memory, which operates on a 128-bit memory interface. This configuration provides a memory bandwidth of 288GB/s. However, NVIDIA claims that the effective bandwidth is even higher, reaching 554GB/s, thanks to the inclusion of a 32MB L2 cache. Additionally, the GPU features the AV1 encoder, a key component shared by all three manufacturers in this generation. In terms of raw compute performance, the RTX 4060 offers 15 TFLOPs, which is 2 TFLOPs higher than its predecessor, the RTX 3060.
An Early Sneak Peek
While the RTX 4060 is still under embargo, tech YouTuber RandomGaminginHD was given the opportunity to provide an initial review of the GPU but later on, he deleted the video. Another video was made by Youtuber Daniel Owen. He gave a partial review of RTX 4060. These previews are crucial from a sales perspective, as it allows potential buyers to assess whether the RTX 4060 is a worthwhile upgrade. Although the review is limited in scope, focusing on the performance in Cyberpunk 2077, it provides valuable insights into the capabilities of the RTX 4060.
Performance in Cyberpunk 2077
During the initial review, the RTX 4060 showcased impressive performance in Cyberpunk 2077. Running the game at 1080p resolution with ray tracing set to Ultra, the GPU managed to maintain a frame rate of 40-50 frames per second while exploring the Badlands area. This performance is remarkable, considering the significant impact of ray tracing on frame rates. In more visually demanding areas, such as Downtown Night City, the frame rate did drop to the mid-high 30s. However, by enabling DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling) with the Balanced preset, the frame rate increased to 70-80 frames per second.
Frame Generation and DLSS
One of the key selling points of NVIDIA’s Ada Lovelace architecture is frame generation. By combining frame generation with DLSS, users can achieve frame rates higher than 100 frames per second in most scenarios.
It is important to note that frame generation may introduce higher latency, which can affect the perceived smoothness of gameplay. Additionally, the implementation and user preference of DLSS can impact the visual fidelity of the game. Some users may prefer to prioritize maximum graphical fidelity by using DLSS at the High-Quality setting.
Is the RTX 4060 a Game Changer?
Based on the limited information available from the early review, the RTX 4060 appears to be a promising GPU in terms of price-to-performance ratios. It offers a 10-15% increase in FPS compared to the previous generation, while also providing higher efficiency. However, it is important to note that a comprehensive assessment of the GPU’s value and performance can only be made once the embargo is lifted and detailed reviews become available.
The RTX 4060’s performance at levels below 100W is an area of great interest. If the GPU can maintain its impressive performance while operating within a low power consumption range, it has the potential to be a game-changer in terms of energy efficiency.
In conclusion, the NVIDIA RTX 4060 shows promise as a budget-oriented GPU that offers a significant performance boost compared to its predecessor. While early reviews and benchmarks provide a glimpse into its capabilities, a comprehensive evaluation will only be possible once the embargo is lifted and more detailed reviews become available. The RTX 4060 has the potential to be a game-changer in terms of price-to-performance ratios and energy efficiency, making it an attractive option for gamers looking to upgrade their systems.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is based on early reviews and benchmarks, which are subject to change. The performance and features of the RTX 4060 may vary in different scenarios and configurations. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, it is recommended to refer to official sources and comprehensive reviews once they become available.
