Need help choosing between the RTX 3070 and RTX 4060? You’re not alone! The choice is presented to most gamers in 2025. The RTX 3070 is still a beast. The RTX 4060 has new features like DLSS 3. Benchmark speed tests show the RTX 3070 as 28% faster. But raw speed isn’t the only consideration! Let’s help you choose the proper GPU to meet your needs.
RTX 3070 vs RTX 4060: Basic Design and Parts
The RTX 3070 and RTX 4060 use different chip designs, which affect their performance and power usage. NVIDIA drastically changed how it produces these cards. Let’s see what each GPU has to offer.
Key Differences:
| Feature | RTX 3070 | RTX 4060 |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Ampere (8nm) | Ada Lovelace (5nm) |
| CUDA Cores | 5888 | 3072 |
| Memory Speed | 448 GB/s | 272 GB/s |
| Power Use | Higher | Lower |
- The RTX 3070 uses NVIDIA’s Ampere architecture on 8nm chips
- The RTX 4060 uses the newer Ada Lovelace architecture on 5nm chips
- More cores in the 3070 mean better raw performance
- The newer design of the 4060 consumes less power
Also Read: RTX 4060 Ti vs 4070: Which GPU Reigns Supreme in 2024?
RTX 3070 vs RTX 4060: Gaming Speed Tests
Both cards continue to perform well with new games in 2025. However, they vary in various settings. We tested many popular games to see their real-world performance.
Performance Overview:
- 1080p Gaming: Both cards excel
- 1440p Gaming: RTX 3070 takes the lead
- 4K Gaming: RTX 3070 performs better
- Ray Tracing: Similar performance with DLSS on
| Game | RTX 3070 | RTX 4060 |
|---|---|---|
| Cyberpunk 2077 | 85 FPS | 65 FPS |
| Fortnite | 144+ FPS | 120+ FPS |
| Call of Duty | 120+ FPS | 100+ FPS |
RTX 3070 vs RTX 4060:Power Use and Heat
Power efficiency matters for your electricity bill and system requirements. The RTX 4060’s newer architecture takes the lead here.
Power Comparison:
- RTX 3070: More power-hungry but more speed
- RTX 4060: Only 115W, perfect for small form factor builds
- Heat output: 3070 runs hotter under load
- The power supply requirement: 3070 needs 650W, 4060 can do with 550W
| Condition | RTX 3070 | RTX 4060 |
|---|---|---|
| Idle | 35°C | 32°C |
| Gaming | 75°C | 65°C |
| Stress Test | 80°C | 70°C |
Also Read: RTX 3070 Cooling: Top PC Cases for Optimal Thermal Performance
RTX 3070 vs RTX 4060: Special Features
DLSS and ray tracing change the look and performance of games. The RTX 4060’s DLSS 3 is a significant consideration for some games.
DLSS Support:
- DLSS 3 only works on RTX 4060
- Both support DLSS 2
- Frame generation on RTX 4060
- Better upscaling on newer games
Games with Best DLSS 3 Support:
- Cyberpunk 2077
- Forza Horizon 5
- Portal with RTX
- Microsoft Flight Simulator
- Call of Duty Series
RTX 3070 vs RTX 4060: Price and Value
Prices change constantly, but we can use early 2025 prices to compare value.
Value Considerations:
- RTX 3070: Better for pure gaming capability
- RTX 4060: Better for efficiency
- 3070 is more expensive but better performing
- 4060 saves you money on power bills
| Factor | RTX 3070 | RTX 4060 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $499 | $299 |
| Power Cost/Year | ~$75 | ~$40 |
| Performance/$ | Good | Better |
Conclusion
Choose the RTX 3070 if you:
- Want the best gaming performance
- Have a suitable power supply
- Don’t mind higher power bills
- The game at 1440p or 4K
Pick the RTX 4060 if you:
- Care about power efficiency
- Want newer features like DLSS 3
- Have a smaller power supply
- The game is mostly at 1080p
- Want to save money
Either card can play modern games nicely. The RTX 3070 gives you more brute power, while the RTX 4060 gives you more efficiency and newer features. Consider your needs, budget, and power supply when choosing.
