G3D Mark is a standard benchmark that measures graphics performance in real-world gaming scenarios. It simplifies comparing cards from different brands, where higher scores directly correlate with better fps and smoother gaming experiences.

Head-to-Head Verdict, Benchmarks, Value & Long-Term Outlook

This comparison brings together gaming FPS, raw graphics performance, VRAM, feature set, power efficiency, pricing context, and long-term value so you can see which GPU actually makes more sense.

GeForce RTX 4060

2023

Why buy it

✅Costs $900 less on MSRP ($299 MSRP vs $1,199 MSRP).
✅Delivers 127.6% more G3D Mark for each dollar spent, at 65.4 vs 28.7 G3D/$ ($299 MSRP vs $1,199 MSRP).
✅Draws 115W instead of 320W, a 205W reduction.
✅Measures 240mm instead of 310mm, a 70mm shorter card that is more SFF-friendly.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark G3D performance (19,548 vs 34,445).
❌Less VRAM, with 8 GB vs 16 GB for high-resolution textures and newer games.
❌Fewer Tensor Cores for AI-powered features like DLSS and frame generation (96 vs 304), which can reduce FPS gains in supported games.

GeForce RTX 4080

2022

Why buy it

✅+76.2% higher PassMark G3D performance.
✅216.7% more Tensor Cores for AI-powered features like DLSS and frame generation, which can increase overall FPS in supported games (304 vs 96).
✅100% more VRAM for high-resolution textures and newer games (16 GB vs 8 GB).

Trade-offs

❌
301% HIGHER MSRP
$1,199 MSRPvs$299 MSRP
❌Lower G3D Mark per dollar, at 28.7 vs 65.4 G3D/$ ($1,199 MSRP vs $299 MSRP).
❌178.3% higher power demand at 320W vs 115W.
❌29.2% longer card at 310mm vs 240mm.

GeForce RTX 4060

2023

GeForce RTX 4080

2022

Why buy it

✅Costs $900 less on MSRP ($299 MSRP vs $1,199 MSRP).
✅Delivers 127.6% more G3D Mark for each dollar spent, at 65.4 vs 28.7 G3D/$ ($299 MSRP vs $1,199 MSRP).
✅Draws 115W instead of 320W, a 205W reduction.
✅Measures 240mm instead of 310mm, a 70mm shorter card that is more SFF-friendly.

Why buy it

✅+76.2% higher PassMark G3D performance.
✅216.7% more Tensor Cores for AI-powered features like DLSS and frame generation, which can increase overall FPS in supported games (304 vs 96).
✅100% more VRAM for high-resolution textures and newer games (16 GB vs 8 GB).

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark G3D performance (19,548 vs 34,445).
❌Less VRAM, with 8 GB vs 16 GB for high-resolution textures and newer games.
❌Fewer Tensor Cores for AI-powered features like DLSS and frame generation (96 vs 304), which can reduce FPS gains in supported games.

Trade-offs

❌
301% HIGHER MSRP
$1,199 MSRPvs$299 MSRP
❌Lower G3D Mark per dollar, at 28.7 vs 65.4 G3D/$ ($1,199 MSRP vs $299 MSRP).
❌178.3% higher power demand at 320W vs 115W.
❌29.2% longer card at 310mm vs 240mm.

Quick Answers

So, is GeForce RTX 4080 better than GeForce RTX 4060?

Yes. GeForce RTX 4080 is the better GPU overall here. You are getting 76.2% higher PassMark G3D performance, 304 vs 96 Tensor cores, and 16 GB vs 8 GB of VRAM. It also comes from 2022 instead of 2023, which helps its case as the more complete modern gaming card.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

GeForce RTX 4060 is the more future-proof choice for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer 2023 generation instead of 2022. That makes it the safer long-run choice for modern games.

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper card?

GeForce RTX 4080 is about 301.0% more expensive on MSRP at $1,199 MSRP versus $299 MSRP, and you are getting 76.2% higher G3D Mark. GeForce RTX 4060 still holds the G3D-per-dollar lead, so the performance win comes with a real value premium. If you are comfortable paying the premium for the stronger gaming result, GeForce RTX 4080 is the one to buy. If staying closer to budget matters more, GeForce RTX 4060 still makes more sense on price alone and remains capable enough for modern gaming.

When does GeForce RTX 4060 make more sense than GeForce RTX 4080?

Yes. GeForce RTX 4060 is still an excellent gaming GPU in 2026: it is very strong for 1080p, good for 1440p, and more limited at 4K. It makes more sense if your priority is newer architecture, lower power draw (115W vs 320W), future-proofing, and staying closer to $299 MSRP more than squeezing out the extra headroom of GeForce RTX 4080. The trade-off is that GeForce RTX 4080 currently gives you 76.2% higher G3D Mark. GeForce RTX 4060 still holds the G3D-per-dollar lead, so the performance win comes with a real value premium.

Games Benchmarks

Real-world benchmarks and performance projections based on comprehensive hardware analysis and comparative metrics. Values represent expected performance on High/Ultra settings at 1080p, 1440p, and 4K. Modeled using a Ryzen 7 9800X3D reference profile to minimize specific CPU bottlenecks.

Note: Performance behavior can vary per game. Specific architectures may perform better or worse depending on game engine optimizations and API implementation.

GeForce RTX 4060 Benchmark Check

GeForce RTX 4080 Benchmark Check

Path of Exile 2

Preset	GeForce RTX 4060	GeForce RTX 4080
1080p
low	167 FPS	276 FPS
medium	152 FPS	265 FPS
high	134 FPS	229 FPS
ultra	115 FPS	189 FPS
1440p
low	137 FPS	252 FPS
medium	114 FPS	214 FPS
high	99 FPS	175 FPS
ultra	90 FPS	148 FPS
4K
low	86 FPS	147 FPS
medium	74 FPS	123 FPS
high	62 FPS	99 FPS
ultra	55 FPS	92 FPS

Open GeForce RTX 4060 Open GeForce RTX 4080

Path of Exile 2

Path of Exile 2

Counter-Strike 2

Preset	GeForce RTX 4060	GeForce RTX 4080
1080p
low	392 FPS	818 FPS
medium	334 FPS	665 FPS
high	268 FPS	525 FPS
ultra	211 FPS	461 FPS
1440p
low	240 FPS	617 FPS
medium	209 FPS	512 FPS
high	169 FPS	420 FPS
ultra	137 FPS	344 FPS
4K
low	119 FPS	335 FPS
medium	98 FPS	287 FPS
high	82 FPS	259 FPS
ultra	63 FPS	221 FPS

Open GeForce RTX 4060 Open GeForce RTX 4080

Counter-Strike 2

Counter-Strike 2

League of Legends

Preset	GeForce RTX 4060	GeForce RTX 4080
1080p
low	812 FPS	999 FPS
medium	642 FPS	999 FPS
high	551 FPS	999 FPS
ultra	440 FPS	775 FPS
1440p
low	535 FPS	988 FPS
medium	443 FPS	902 FPS
high	379 FPS	775 FPS
ultra	329 FPS	581 FPS
4K
low	365 FPS	580 FPS
medium	297 FPS	504 FPS
high	234 FPS	455 FPS
ultra	186 FPS	388 FPS

Open GeForce RTX 4060 Open GeForce RTX 4080

League of Legends

League of Legends

Valorant

Preset	GeForce RTX 4060	GeForce RTX 4080
1080p
low	746 FPS	999 FPS
medium	613 FPS	963 FPS
high	536 FPS	830 FPS
ultra	440 FPS	737 FPS
1440p
low	594 FPS	793 FPS
medium	486 FPS	690 FPS
high	421 FPS	585 FPS
ultra	330 FPS	510 FPS
4K
low	358 FPS	567 FPS
medium	308 FPS	502 FPS
high	285 FPS	435 FPS
ultra	220 FPS	382 FPS

Open GeForce RTX 4060 Open GeForce RTX 4080

Valorant

Valorant

Check FPS for your specific build

Technical Specifications

Side-by-side comparison of GeForce RTX 4060 and GeForce RTX 4080

GeForce RTX 4060

The GeForce RTX 4060 is manufactured by NVIDIA. It was released in May 18 2023. It features the Ada Lovelace architecture. The core clock ranges from 1830 MHz to 2460 MHz. It has 3072 shading units. The thermal design power (TDP) is 115W. Manufactured using 5 nm process technology. It features 24 dedicated ray tracing cores for enhanced lighting effects. G3D Mark benchmark score: 19,548 points. Launch price was $299.

GeForce RTX 4080

The GeForce RTX 4080 is manufactured by NVIDIA. It was released in September 20 2022. It features the Ada Lovelace architecture. The core clock ranges from 2205 MHz to 2505 MHz. It has 9728 shading units. The thermal design power (TDP) is 320W. Manufactured using 5 nm process technology. It features 76 dedicated ray tracing cores for enhanced lighting effects. G3D Mark benchmark score: 34,445 points. Launch price was $1,199.

⚡

Graphics Performance

In G3D Mark, the GeForce RTX 4060 scores 19,548 versus the GeForce RTX 4080's 34,445 — the GeForce RTX 4080 leads by 76.2%. The GeForce RTX 4060 is built on Ada Lovelace while the GeForce RTX 4080 uses Ada Lovelace, both on a 5 nm process. Shader units: 3,072 (GeForce RTX 4060) vs 9,728 (GeForce RTX 4080). Raw compute: 15.11 TFLOPS (GeForce RTX 4060) vs 48.74 TFLOPS (GeForce RTX 4080). Boost clocks: 2460 MHz vs 2505 MHz. Ray tracing: 24 RT cores (GeForce RTX 4060) vs 76 (GeForce RTX 4080) with 96 Tensor cores vs 304.

Feature	GeForce RTX 4060	GeForce RTX 4080
G3D Mark Score	19,548	34,445+76%
Architecture	Ada Lovelace	Ada Lovelace
Process Node	5 nm	5 nm
Shading Units	3072	9728+217%
Compute (TFLOPS)	15.11 TFLOPS	48.74 TFLOPS+223%
Boost Clock	2460 MHz	2505 MHz+2%
ROPs	48	112+133%
TMUs	96	304+217%
L1 Cache	3 MB	9.5 MB+217%
L2 Cache	24 MB	64 MB+167%
Ray Tracing Cores	24	76+217%
Tensor Cores	96	304+217%

✨

Advanced Features (DLSS/FSR)

Both cards support modern Frame Generation technology, allowing them to insert intermediate frames to smooth motion and boost perceived FPS in supported games.

Feature	GeForce RTX 4060	GeForce RTX 4080
Upscaling Tech	DLSS 3.5 Super Resolution	DLSS 3.5 Super Resolution
Frame Generation	DLSS 3.5 + Frame Generation	DLSS 3.5 + Frame Generation
Ray Reconstruction	Yes (DLSS 3.5)	Yes (DLSS 3.5)
Low Latency	NVIDIA Reflex	NVIDIA Reflex

💾

Video Memory (VRAM)

The GeForce RTX 4060 comes with 8 GB of VRAM, while the GeForce RTX 4080 has 16 GB. The GeForce RTX 4080 offers 100% more capacity, crucial for higher resolutions and texture-heavy games. Memory bandwidth: 272 GB/s (GeForce RTX 4060) vs 736 GB/s (GeForce RTX 4080) — a 170.6% advantage for the GeForce RTX 4080. Bus width: 128-bit vs 256-bit. L2 Cache: 24 MB (GeForce RTX 4060) vs 64 MB (GeForce RTX 4080) — the GeForce RTX 4080 has significantly larger on-die cache to reduce VRAM reliance.

Feature	GeForce RTX 4060	GeForce RTX 4080
VRAM Capacity	8 GB	16 GB+100%
Memory Type	GDDR6	GDDR6X
Memory Bandwidth	272 GB/s	736 GB/s+171%
Bus Width	128-bit	256-bit+100%
L2 Cache	24 MB	64 MB+167%

🖥️

Display & API Support

DirectX support: 12 Ultimate (GeForce RTX 4060) vs 12 Ultimate (GeForce RTX 4080). Vulkan: 1.3 vs 1.3. OpenGL: 4.6 vs 4.6. Maximum simultaneous displays: 4 vs 4.

Feature	GeForce RTX 4060	GeForce RTX 4080
DirectX	12 Ultimate	12 Ultimate
Vulkan	1.3	1.3
OpenGL	4.6	4.6
Max Displays	4	4

🎬

Media & Encoding

Hardware encoder: NVENC 8th gen (GeForce RTX 4060) vs NVENC 8th gen (GeForce RTX 4080). Decoder: NVDEC 5th gen vs NVDEC 5th gen. Supported codecs: H.264,H.265/HEVC,AV1 (GeForce RTX 4060) vs H.264,H.265/HEVC,AV1,VP9 (GeForce RTX 4080).

Feature	GeForce RTX 4060	GeForce RTX 4080
Encoder	NVENC 8th gen	NVENC 8th gen
Decoder	NVDEC 5th gen	NVDEC 5th gen
Codecs	H.264,H.265/HEVC,AV1	H.264,H.265/HEVC,AV1,VP9

🔌

Power & Dimensions

The GeForce RTX 4060 draws 115W versus the GeForce RTX 4080's 320W — a 94.3% difference. The GeForce RTX 4060 is more power-efficient. Recommended PSU: 550W (GeForce RTX 4060) vs 750W (GeForce RTX 4080). Power connectors: 8-pin vs 16-pin. Card length: 240mm vs 310mm, occupying 2 vs 3 slots. Typical load temperature: 73°C vs 70°C.

Feature	GeForce RTX 4060	GeForce RTX 4080
TDP	115W-64%	320W
Recommended PSU	550W-27%	750W
Power Connector	8-pin	16-pin
Length	240mm	310mm
Height	111mm	140mm
Slots	2-33%	3
Temp (Load)	73°C	70°C-4%
Perf/Watt	170.0+58%	107.6

💰

Value Analysis

The GeForce RTX 4060 launched at $299 MSRP, while the GeForce RTX 4080 launched at $1199. The GeForce RTX 4060 costs 75.1% less ($900 savings) on MSRP. Performance per dollar on MSRP (G3D Mark / MSRP): 65.4 (GeForce RTX 4060) vs 28.7 (GeForce RTX 4080) — the GeForce RTX 4060 offers 127.9% better value. The GeForce RTX 4060 is the newer GPU (2023 vs 2022).