Quick Answer
The GeForce RTX 4060 is a newer generation GPU that typically offers better power efficiency and access to newer features like DLSS 3 Frame Generation. The GeForce RTX 2070 SUPER, from a previous generation, often provides comparable raw rasterization performance in many titles, making the choice dependent on the importance of newer technologies versus established performance.
GeForce RTX 4060 vs GeForce RTX 2070 SUPER: Full Comparison
Introduction
Comparing graphics cards from different generations can be a common dilemma for PC builders and upgraders. The GeForce RTX 4060, based on NVIDIA’s Ada Lovelace architecture, and the GeForce RTX 2070 SUPER, from the older Turing lineup, often occupy a similar market position. This comparison aims to break down their specifications, feature sets, and typical performance profiles to help clarify where each card stands, focusing on architectural advancements and practical gaming considerations.
Architecture and Core Specifications
The fundamental difference between these two GPUs lies in their underlying architecture. The RTX 4060 utilizes the newer Ada Lovelace architecture, fabricated on a more advanced process node. The RTX 2070 SUPER is built on the older Turing architecture.
- Process Node: The RTX 4060 is manufactured on a 5nm process, which generally contributes to higher power efficiency. The RTX 2070 SUPER uses a 12nm process.
- CUDA Cores: The RTX 2070 SUPER features a higher count of CUDA cores (2560) compared to the RTX 4060 (3072). However, core counts across different architectures are not directly comparable due to design changes.
- VRAM: Both cards typically come with 8GB of GDDR6 memory, though the RTX 4060 uses a narrower memory bus (128-bit vs 256-bit on the 2070 SUPER). This is often compensated for by a larger L2 cache on the newer card.
- Power Draw: The RTX 4060 generally has a significantly lower Total Graphics Power (TGP) rating, often around 115W, compared to the 215W of the RTX 2070 SUPER.
Performance and Gaming
In terms of real-world gaming performance, the results can vary significantly depending on the game, resolution, and settings used.
- Traditional Rasterization: In games without ray tracing or upscaling, the performance is often quite close at 1080p and 1440p resolutions. The RTX 2070 SUPER can sometimes match or slightly lead the RTX 4060 in raw frame rates due to its wider memory bus, especially in memory-bandwidth-sensitive scenarios.
- Ray Tracing Performance: The RTX 4060, with its 3rd generation RT Cores, typically handles ray tracing workloads more efficiently than the RTX 2070 SUPER’s 1st generation RT Cores. The performance delta in ray-traced games is usually more pronounced in favor of the newer card.
- Upscaling Technologies: This is a major differentiator. The RTX 4060 supports DLSS 3, which includes Frame Generation. This technology can create entirely new frames, often providing a substantial performance boost in supported titles. The RTX 2070 SUPER is limited to DLSS 2 (Super Resolution).
Features and Technologies
The generational leap brings several feature upgrades exclusive to the newer architecture.
- DLSS 3 Frame Generation: Exclusive to the RTX 40 series, this is a key advantage for the RTX 4060 in games that support it, dramatically improving perceived smoothness.
- AV1 Encoding: The RTX 4060 includes a dual AV1 encoder, which is beneficial for content creators and streamers, offering better quality at lower bitrates compared to the older H.264/HEVC encoders used by the RTX 2070 SUPER.
- Power Efficiency: The Ada Lovelace architecture is designed for higher performance per watt. The RTX 4060 generally delivers its performance with lower power consumption and heat output.
Comparison Table
| Feature | GeForce RTX 4060 | GeForce RTX 2070 SUPER |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Ada Lovelace | Turing |
| Process Node | 5nm | 12nm |
| CUDA Cores | 3072 | 2560 |
| VRAM | 8GB GDDR6 | 8GB GDDR6 |
| Memory Bus | 128-bit | 256-bit |
| RT Cores | 3rd Generation | 1st Generation |
| Tensor Cores | 4th Generation | 2nd Generation |
| DLSS Support | DLSS 3 (Super Resolution & Frame Generation) | DLSS 2 (Super Resolution) |
| Encoder | NVENC with AV1 support | NVENC (H.264/HEVC) |
| Typical TGP | ~115W | ~215W |
| Key Advantage | DLSS 3, AV1 encode, power efficiency | Wider memory bus, established performance |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the RTX 4060 more powerful than the RTX 2070 SUPER?
In raw traditional gaming performance, they are often quite similar. The RTX 4060 typically becomes more powerful when its newer features like DLSS 3 Frame Generation are utilized, or in games that heavily use ray tracing.
Which card is better for ray tracing?
The GeForce RTX 4060 generally offers better ray tracing performance due to its more efficient 3rd generation RT Cores. The performance gap in ray-traced games is usually noticeable in favor of the newer card.
Does the RTX 2070 SUPER support DLSS 3?
No, DLSS 3 with Frame Generation is exclusive to the GeForce RTX 40 series. The RTX 2070 SUPER supports DLSS 2, which includes Super Resolution upscaling but not Frame Generation.
Why does the older RTX 2070 SUPER have a wider memory bus?
Architectural differences explain this. The RTX 40 series uses a larger L2 cache to reduce calls to the slower VRAM, allowing NVIDIA to use a narrower, more power-efficient memory bus while aiming to maintain performance in most scenarios.
Final Thoughts
The GeForce RTX 4060 and RTX 2070 SUPER present an interesting cross-generational comparison. The RTX 4060 brings forward-looking features such as DLSS 3 Frame Generation, AV1 encoding, and significantly improved power efficiency. The RTX 2070 SUPER remains a capable card with strong traditional performance, partly due to its wider memory interface. The choice between them often hinges on the value placed on these newer technologies versus proven, generation-old performance, and the specific types of games and applications one intends to use.