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Nvidia RTX 4060 Ti vs RTX 4080 Super: Price or power?

Price efficiency or raw power?
Last Updated on March 15, 2024
Comparison of Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 Ti and RTX 4080 graphics cards - Auto Draft.
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One of Nvidia’s latest offerings is its RTX 4080 Super GPU. Here, we will compare it with the affordable yet powerful RTX 4060 Ti. In this Nvidia RTX 4060 Ti vs. RTX 4080 Super article, we will compare the specifications, performance, and price of these GPUs. It will help you decide whether to go for the powerful RTX 4080 Super or the affordable RTX 4060 Ti.

We’ve had hands-on experience with both cards, testing them across a number of benchmarks. You can check out our detailed verdicts in our 4060Ti review and our RTX 4080 Super review. You’re probably here because you’re either thinking about upgrading from a 4060Ti to a Super, or you’re still on the 3rd Generation (Ampere) architecture and are finally making the jump to the newer Ada Lovelace-based GPUs. Either way, let’s kick off.

Nvidia RTX 4060 Ti vs. RTX 4080 Super: Specs comparison

Both the RTX 4060 Ti and RTX 4080 Super leverage Nvidia’s Ada Lovelace architecture and its efficient 5nm process node. But let’s delve deeper to see how the specs stack up:

Transistors and processing power

The RTX 4080 Super boasts almost double the transistor count of the RTX 4060 Ti. In the world of CPUs and GPUs, more transistors typically translate to more raw processing power, especially when all other factors are equal. This means the RTX 4080 Super could be a beast for computationally heavy tasks like video editing, 3D rendering, and high-resolution gaming. In the real word, this makes the 4080 Super the sensible choice for those wanting a high-performing all rounder, rather than a GPU just for gaming. In our testing, the 4080 Super was able to average 125fps in 1440p and 51fps in 4K natively in Cyberpunk 2077. Elsewhere, both Assassin’s Creed Mirage and Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora achieved 139fps and 119fps in 1440p and 95fps apiece in 4K respectively. We concuded the 4080 Super ‘largely performs as well or better than the RX 7900 XT’.

The 4060 Ti, on the other hand, is no slouch either but is not the choice for those wanting 4K at +60FPS. In a variety of our tests, the card only managed above 60FPS in Counter Strike 2 and achieved a very low 21 FPS in Cyberpunk at Very High / Ultra settings with no DLSS (AI upscaling).

Clock speeds

Interestingly, the RTX 4060 Ti edges out the RTX 4080 Super in terms of base and boost clock speeds. However, in most real-world scenarios, this slight difference in clock speeds is likely to be overshadowed by the 4080 Super’s advantage in other specs, particularly the number of cores and the size of its memory. The differences in performance we saw in our tests will be a direct result of this.

Memory

Here, the RTX 4080 Super holds a significant lead.  It boasts faster memory clocks and a larger VRAM capacity.  Faster memory allows for quicker data transfer between the GPU and the rest of the system, potentially resulting in smoother frame rates and less stuttering, especially in games that use high-resolution textures. The result? Far better FPS performance at higher resolutions. The larger VRAM capacity is also crucial for tasks that rely on storing complex textures and other graphical data, such as high-resolution video editing and working with 3D models.

Cores, shaders, and SMs

The RTX 4080 Super has a clear advantage in the number of CUDA cores, shading units, and streaming multiprocessors (SMs). These components are the workhorses of a graphics card, responsible for rendering graphics, processing visual effects, and handling complex calculations.

More cores and SMs generally translate to the ability to handle more demanding workloads faster. This can be a significant benefit for tasks like running games at high resolutions with all the graphical bells and whistles turned on, or for professional applications like 3D modeling and video editing.

L2 cache

The RTX 4080 Super’s double-sized L2 cache could result in faster data retrieval and reduced latency.  Think of the L2 cache as a kind of high-speed memory buffer for the GPU. When the GPU needs data, it first checks the L2 cache.

If the data is there, it can be accessed much faster than if it had to be retrieved from the slower main memory (RAM). This can lead to overall improvements in system responsiveness and performance.

TDP: Power consumption and heat generation

The RTX 4080 Super’s significantly higher TDP indicates greater power consumption. This translates to two things: you’ll likely need a beefier power supply to run it without encountering issues, and it will likely generate more heat than the RTX 4060 Ti.  This is something to consider when choosing a case and cooling solution for your PC.

Specs table

SpecificationRTX 4060 TiRTX 4080 Super (Rumored)Notes
ArchitectureAda LovelaceAda LovelaceBoth use Nvidia’s latest architecture
CUDA Cores61449728RTX 4080 Super wins for parallel processing tasks
Boost Clock2.6 GHz2.5 GHz4060 Ti slight edge, but raw speed isn’t everything
Memory Size12 GB GDDR616 GB GDDR6XSuper wins for RAM size and the faster memory type
TDP240 W350 WSuper likely needs a beefier PSU

Important notes:

  • These RTX 4080 Super specs are RUMORED. Wait for official specs for the most accurate comparison.
  • Real-world gaming performance depends on game optimization, CPU power, system RAM, and drivers. Don’t assume benchmarks will directly match the specs difference.
  • Features like DLSS 3 and Frame Generation could accelerate both cards, but their impact can vary depending on the game and your specific hardware.

Nvidia RTX 4060 Ti vs. RTX 4080 Super: Performance

Both the RTX 4060 Ti and RTX 4080 Super utilize the Ada Lovelace architecture, giving them a performance boost over previous RTX 30 series cards. However, where they shine is very different.

Let’s break it down:

RTX 4060 Ti: Sweet spot for 1080p and 1440p

The RTX 4060 Ti strikes a balance between price and performance, making it ideal for 1080p and 1440p gamers who want excellent frame rates without breaking the bank. The extra VRAM compared to older cards will help in some of the latest titles like Plague Tale Requiem, and the enhanced ray tracing performance will let you enjoy those effects in supported games. 

However, it might struggle to maintain high frame rates at 4K, especially if you want to keep all the graphical details and quality settings at “Ultimate”.

RTX 4080 Super: 4K powerhouse and content creation beast

This card is made for those who refuse to compromise. With its raw power, the RTX 4080 Super is built for high-resolution 4K gaming, maximizing visual fidelity for the most immersive experience.

If you want to run games like Red Dead Redemption 2, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, or Watch Dogs Legion at 4K with high or ultra settings while maintaining consistently high average fps, this is the card to consider.

Additionally, the extra cores, memory, and computational power make the RTX 4080 Super a great choice for content creators tackling demanding projects like video editing, 3D modeling, and AI-assisted workflows.

Benchmarks show the difference

While benchmarks don’t always equal real-world results with every game, they give us a good baseline expectation.  In a benchmark test like Geekbench’s OpenCL test, the RTX 4080 Super achieves a score almost double that of the RTX 4060 Ti!  This illustrates the gigantic leap in performance between the two cards.

Performance specs table

SpecificationRTX 4060 TiRTX 4080 Super (Rumored)Notes
ArchitectureAda LovelaceAda LovelaceBoth use Nvidia’s latest for efficiency gains
CUDA Cores61449728RTX 4080 Super wins for parallel processing tasks (3D work, rendering, etc.)
Boost Clock2.6 GHz2.5 GHz4060 Ti slight edge, but raw speed isn’t everything
Memory Size12 GB GDDR616 GB GDDR6XSuper wins for RAM size and the faster memory type
Memory Bandwidth288 GB/s720 GB/sFaster memory means the 4080 Super can move data in and out of its RAM quicker
TDP240 W350 WSuper likely needs a beefier power supply

Important notes:

  • These RTX 4080 Super specs are RUMORED. Wait for official specs for the most accurate comparison.
  • Real-world gaming performance depends on game optimization, CPU power, system RAM, and drivers. Don’t assume benchmarks will directly match the specs difference.
  • Features like DLSS 3 and Frame Generation could accelerate both cards, but their impact can vary depending on the game and your specific hardware.
  • Higher TDP means the RTX 4080 Super will generate more heat, impacting cooling needs.

Nvidia RTX 4060 Ti vs. RTX 4080 Super: Price and value

The decision between these two cards is a balancing act of how much money you want to spend versus how much power you need.

RTX 4060 Ti: The Budget-Conscious Choice

The RTX 4060 Ti, with its lower MSRP, offers a compelling price-to-performance ratio. If you’re looking to upgrade your gaming rig without breaking the bank, this could be a fantastic option.  It’s still a powerful card, capable of delivering excellent performance for the vast majority of players, especially if you primarily target 1080p or 1440p resolutions.

RTX 4080 Super: Paying for the Best

The RTX 4080 Super is the performance king, a no-compromise GPU for those who want the absolute best.  The additional cost gets you:

  • Smoother 4K gaming experiences
  • Significantly faster performance in content creation workloads like video editing and 3D rendering.
  • Future-proofing – the RTX 4080 Super is more likely to maintain high frame rates in demanding games even a few years from now.

Price table

SpecificationRTX 4060 TiRTX 4080 SuperNotes
Launch MSRP$399+$999+Prices can fluctuate after launch
Target UserGamers wanting strong 1080p/1440p performance on a budgetEnthusiasts wanting maximum 4K power, content creators needing the fastest GPU
Potential Additional CostsNone likelyMay need a more powerful PSU
Price/Performance RatioExcellentLower due to significantly higher price

Important notes:

  • Actual prices can vary depending on retailers, stock availability, and whether you choose a custom “factory overclocked” RTX card from Nvidia’s partners.
  • “Value” is subjective. Some users will happily pay more for the RTX 4080 Super’s performance gains.
  • Factor in system costs – the RTX 4080 Super’s higher TDP might necessitate a stronger power supply.

Final verdict

Choosing between the Nvidia RTX 4060 Ti and RTX 4080 Super hinges on your budget and what you need from a graphics card.  If you prioritize affordability and excellent performance for 1080p or 1440p gaming, the RTX 4060 Ti is a strong contender. It delivers impressive value for the money.

On the other hand, if you crave the ultimate 4K gaming experience and have the budget to match, the RTX 4080 Super is the undisputed champion. It’s a powerhouse that can handle even the most demanding games at high resolutions and frame rates. But remember, this extra power comes at a premium price.

Here are some additional factors to weigh in your decision:

  • Monitor:  Do you game on a high-refresh-rate 1080p or 1440p monitor? If so, the RTX 4060 Ti might be sufficient. Upgrading to a 4K monitor would make the RTX 4080 Super a more compelling choice to take full advantage of its higher resolution capabilities.
  • Future proofing:  The RTX 4080 Super’s superior processing power gives it more longevity. It’s likely to maintain playable frame rates in future games for a longer period compared to the RTX 4060 Ti.
  • System Cost:  Don’t forget to consider potential system upgrades. The RTX 4080 Super’s higher power draw might necessitate a new power supply unit (PSU) to handle it. Factor in the total system cost when making your decision.
  • Price Watch:  Keep an eye on the latest pricing for both cards, as these can fluctuate based on stock availability and retailer deals, especially after launch.
  • Stay Informed:  The world of technology is fast-paced. Stay updated with reviews, benchmarks, and the latest versions of these GPUs to ensure you’re getting the most accurate information for your purchase decision.

Is an RTX 4060 Ti enough for most gaming needs, or is the extra cost of the RTX 4080 Super worth it?

The RTX 4060 Ti is a great GPU for 1080p and 1440p gaming, delivering smooth performance in most modern titles. However, if you prioritize future-proofing or want the absolute best 4K experience, the RTX 4080 Super’s power becomes more worthwhile. Think about your current monitor resolution and whether you plan to upgrade soon.

Do the RTX 4060 Ti and RTX 4080 Super have new features like 4th gen Tensor cores that make them worth considering?

Yes, both GPUs feature Nvidia’s Ada Lovelace architecture, which includes 4th gen Tensor cores. These cores accelerate AI-based features like DLSS 3 (upscaling for better frame rates) and Frame Generation. How much benefit you’ll get depends on whether the games you play support these technologies.

Maria is a contributer to PC Guide, highly-interested in productivity and AI tools, and ensuring the inclusion of detailed product info and coverage across versus pieces.