Introduction
MSI GeForce RTX 4060 Gaming X review
MSI GeForce RTX 4060 (8 GB) Graphics Cards: Performance, Cooling, and Design
We present an analysis of the Overclock (OC) models of the GeForce RTX 4060 equipped with 8GB, as compared to the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) versions. Specifically, we will evaluate the MSI GeForce RTX 4060 Gaming X. This model incorporates a dual fan cooler system, which enables the card to operate with quiet efficiency and maintain low-temperature levels. Furthermore, the card benefits from a modest factory overclock, which allows it to achieve an approximate performance enhancement of 3-4% beyond the standard reference performance. The product is aimed at the mainstream 1080P range with preferably an assist of DLSS3 and Frame generator. The price of the MSRP models (non-OC model) comes in at $329 USD for the most simple 8GB version.
NVIDIA is expanding its reach into the mid-range and high-volume mainstream market with the introduction of the GeForce RTX 4060 series. The series includes the GeForce RTX 4060 Ti with 8 GB memory, which launched May 24th, followed today by the GeForce RTX 4060 8GB in late June and then a GeForce RTX 4060 Ti featuring 16 GB memory later in July. Priced at $299 USD (for 8GB), with a power consumption of 140 watts, and offers roughly RTX 3060 Ti performance along with DLSS 3 frame generation as a bonus. Unfortunately, with DLSS3 upsampling from a lower resolution towards Full HD, means quality loss, so hopefully NVIDIA doesn't depend too much on that for this product. NVIDIA emphasizes the price point of the GeForce RTX 4060, as it remains unchanged from its predecessor, the GeForce RTX 3060 Ti. The performance difference between the two is modest unless the DLSS 3 frame generator is utilized. The GeForce RTX 4060 is powered by the new Ada graphics chip AD107, specifically designed to deliver exceptional gaming performance at Full HD resolution.The advanced Ada Lovelace architecture, which has undergone significant modifications compared to Ampere. One notable change for the4060 series is the reduced memory connection to 128 bits, which is compensated by a larger level 2 cache within the core. Nvidia claims that the 24 MiByte L2 cache reduces access to the graphics memory by over 50 percent, surpassing the previous standard of 2 MiByte L2 cache with 128 bits. In practical terms, this translates to a doubled effective memory transfer rate. Coupled with improved energy efficiency, the wider storage connection provides a substantial performance boost. The Geforce RTX 4060 memory capacity is causing concerns. This model features 8 GiBytes, thing technologies like frame generation eat away in graphics memory as well. 12GB would have been preferred, really. While 8GB will be suitable for full most HD games, there are still games where 8 GiBytes are insufficient for optimal gaming experience. The GeForce RTX 4060 (Ti) has another restriction: it communicates with the rest of the system using only 8 PCI Express lanes instead of the full 16. This limitation has more severe consequences for memory performance as opposed to x16-connected graphics cards. The RTX 4060 non-Ti GPU is equipped with an AD107-300 GPU featuring 3072 shader cores and 8GB of GDDR6 memory connected to a 128-bit memory bus. In comparison to the Ti variant, it has 1280 fewer CUDA cores and a down-clocked memory speed of 17 Gbps (compared to 18 Gbps).
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|---|---|---|---|
| GeForce RTX 4060 Ti 16GB | GeForce RTX 4060 Ti 8GB | GeForce RTX 4060 | |
| Architecture | Ada (TSMC 4N) | Ada (TSMC 4N) | Ada (TSMC 4N) |
| GPU | AD106-351 | AD106-350 | AD107-400 |
| Shading Cores | 4352 | 4352 | 3072 |
| Boost Clock | 2.5 GHz | 2.5 GHz | 2.4 GHz |
| Memory | 16 GB G6 | 8 GB G6 | 8 GB G6 |
| Memory Clock | 18 Gbps | 18 Gbps | 17 Gbps |
| Memory Bus | 128-bit | 128-bit | 128-bit |
| Memory Bandwidth | 288 GB/s | 288 GB/s | 272 GB/s |
| TDP | 160W | 160W | 115W |
| Interface | PCIe Gen4 x8 | PCIe Gen4 x8 | PCIe Gen4 x8 |
| MSRP | $499 | $399 | $299 |
| Release Date | July 2023 | May 2023 | June 2023 |
GeForce RTX 4060 boasts a computing power of 15 TFLOPS (~30% lower than the RTX 4060 Ti) and 8 GB of memory on a 128-bit interface. Its predecessor, the GeForce RTX 3060, hit the market in early 2021 with 12 GB of memory and a 192-bit interface. 4060 does come with an extra L2 cache (24MB) to compensate for the lower memory bandwidth. The memory speed reaches 17 Gbps, while the TDP stands at 115 watts. Performance-wise, the GeForce RTX 4060 is anticipated to outperform the GeForce RTX 3060, with the frame generation performance boosting it even higher. But let's start the review.
Going beyond the standard reference model, this NVIDIA 4060 Ti variant enhances MSI's product lineup with its 8 GB graphics memory and a dual-fan cooling system. The cooling mechanism incorporates a semi-passive feature that activates the three fans as the GPU temperature rises, effectively managing heat dissipation. The MSI Gaming X version, boasting a clock speed of 2595 MHz, delivers performance that surpasses the reference model by 3 to 4%. Its power limiter allows for potential tweaking, providing users with additional control. Our tests indicate an approximate 10% performance increase compared to the reference model. The GAMING range also includes a non-X version that retains similar specifications but offers a lower factory overclock. The GAMING series combine design with a balance of performance, cooling efficiency, and noise reduction, all of which are highly valued by gamers, but of course that comes at an increased price. The TORX Fan 5.0 design incorporates two fan blades linked with an outer rim, enhancing airflow in the TWIN FROZR cooling systems. These series feature a brushed-metal backplate and a flow-through design that aids in heat dissipation. Moreover, Mystic Light adorns the exterior of the graphics card, enabling color coordination with the rest of the PC through Mystic Light Sync and Ambient Link features.
