RTX 4060 vs RTX 5060: Worth the Upgrade?

Architecture and core counts

The RTX 4060 is built on the Ada Lovelace architecture, while the RTX 5060 uses the newer Blackwell architecture. Blackwell introduces 5th-generation Tensor Cores and 4th-generation Ray Tracing Cores, compared to the 4th-generation Tensor Cores and 3rd-generation Ray Tracing Cores in Ada Lovelace. This architectural shift brings new AI capabilities and improved ray tracing performance, particularly with neural rendering technologies.

In terms of raw specifications, the RTX 5060 has 3840 CUDA cores, while the RTX 4060 has 3072 CUDA cores. The RTX 5060 also has a higher boost clock at 2.50 GHz compared to the RTX 4060's 2.46 GHz. These differences mean the RTX 5060 can handle more parallel tasks and potentially deliver better performance in demanding games, though actual results depend on the game and settings. The RTX 5060 also has 5th-generation Tensor Cores with 614 AI TOPS, compared to the RTX 4060's 466 AI TOPS, enabling more advanced AI features.

Both cards support ray tracing, but the RTX 5060's 4th-generation Ray Tracing Cores are optimized for Mega Geometry, which can improve performance in ray-traced scenes. If you plan to use ray tracing, the RTX 5060 offers a more capable platform. For more on ray tracing, see the guide on choosing a gaming PC for ray tracing.

• RTX 4060: Ada Lovelace, 3072 CUDA cores, 3rd-gen ray tracing cores, 4th-gen tensor cores, 466 AI TOPS
• RTX 5060: Blackwell, 3840 CUDA cores, 4th-gen ray tracing cores, 5th-gen tensor cores, 614 AI TOPS

Memory and bandwidth

Both cards come with 8 GB of VRAM, but the memory type differs. The RTX 4060 uses GDDR6 memory, while the RTX 5060 uses faster GDDR7. The memory interface is 128-bit on both, but the RTX 5060 offers a memory bandwidth of 448 GB/sec compared to the RTX 4060's 272 GB/sec. This higher bandwidth can help with texture loading and high-resolution gaming, especially in open-world titles with large environments.

For 1080p gaming, 8 GB of VRAM is generally sufficient for most titles, but some games with high-resolution textures may benefit from more. If you plan to play at 1440p, you might want to consider a card with more VRAM, such as the RTX 5060 Ti, which offers 16 GB options. The RTX 5060's higher bandwidth also helps with DLSS and ray reconstruction, as these features rely on fast memory access. Check the guide on how much VRAM you need for more details.

Memory bandwidth is a key factor in performance at higher resolutions. The RTX 5060's GDDR7 memory provides a significant advantage over the RTX 4060's GDDR6, especially when using features like DLSS Super Resolution, which upscales from a lower resolution. For competitive play at 1080p, the difference may be less noticeable, but for immersive single-player experiences, the extra bandwidth can improve visual fidelity.

DLSS and AI features

The RTX 5060 supports DLSS 5, which includes 3D-Guided Neural Rendering and Dynamic Multi Frame Generation. This technology can generate up to five frames per rendered frame, potentially boosting performance significantly in supported games. The RTX 4060 supports DLSS 3, which includes Frame Generation but not the newer Multi Frame Generation. DLSS 5 also introduces 3D-Guided Neural Rendering, which uses AI to infuse game scenes with lifelike lighting and materials.

Both cards support DLSS Super Resolution, Ray Reconstruction, and DLAA, but the RTX 5060's 5th-generation Tensor Cores provide higher AI TOPS, enabling more advanced AI features. If you play games that support DLSS, the RTX 5060 offers a more future-proof experience. The RTX 5060 also supports Reflex Frame Warp (coming soon), which can further reduce input lag. Learn more about DLSS and FSR upscaling.

For gamers who prioritize visual quality and performance, the RTX 5060's DLSS 5 is a compelling reason to upgrade. The Multi Frame Generation feature can make high-refresh-rate gaming more accessible, especially at 1440p. However, not all games support DLSS, so consider your library when deciding. The RTX 4060's DLSS 3 is still effective and supported in many titles.

Power and connectivity

The RTX 5060 uses PCIe Gen 5, while the RTX 4060 uses PCIe Gen 4. This means the RTX 5060 can take advantage of newer motherboards and potentially higher bandwidth, though the practical difference for gaming is often minimal. Both cards support DisplayPort and HDMI, with the RTX 5060 offering support for 4K at 480Hz or 8K at 165Hz with DSC. The RTX 4060 supports similar display resolutions but with lower bandwidth limits.

Power consumption is a consideration. The RTX 5060 has a higher TDP than the RTX 4060, but the exact wattage is not specified in the sources. When upgrading, ensure your power supply can handle the new card. The RTX 5060 also requires a PCIe Gen 5 power connector, which may not be available on older power supplies. Check the guide on power supply wattage for advice.

Both cards support NVIDIA G-SYNC for variable refresh rate monitors. The RTX 5060 also supports the latest DisplayPort and HDMI standards, making it compatible with high-refresh-rate monitors. If you have a 240Hz or 360Hz monitor, the RTX 5060's higher bandwidth can help maintain consistent frame rates.

Streaming and encoding

The RTX 5060 features a 9th-generation NVIDIA Encoder (NVENC), while the RTX 4060 has an 8th-generation encoder. The newer encoder supports AV1 encoding, which provides better quality at lower bitrates, making it ideal for streaming. The RTX 5060 also has a 6th-generation decoder, compared to the 5th-generation in the RTX 4060. This means the RTX 5060 can handle video decoding more efficiently.

For streamers, the RTX 5060's improved encoder can reduce CPU load and improve stream quality. The NVIDIA Broadcast app, which uses AI to remove background noise and blur backgrounds, is available on both cards. The RTX 5060's higher AI TOPS can also enhance Broadcast effects. If streaming is a priority, the RTX 5060 is a better choice. See the guide on gaming PCs for streaming.

The RTX 5060 also supports AV1 decode, which is useful for watching high-quality streams and videos. The RTX 4060 supports AV1 decode as well, but the newer decoder in the RTX 5060 may offer better efficiency. For content creators, the RTX 5060's encoder can speed up video exports and improve quality.

Should you upgrade?

Upgrading from an RTX 4060 to an RTX 5060 is worth it if you want the latest AI features, better streaming capabilities, and higher memory bandwidth. The RTX 5060's DLSS 5 with Multi Frame Generation can provide a significant performance boost in supported games, and the newer encoder improves stream quality. If you play at 1440p or plan to use ray tracing, the RTX 5060 offers a more capable platform.

If you are happy with your current performance and do not need the latest features, the RTX 4060 remains a capable card for 1080p gaming. However, for 1440p gaming or future-proofing, the RTX 5060 is a better investment. Consider your monitor's refresh rate and resolution when deciding. Check the guide on 1440p gaming PCs for more.

For those building a new PC, the RTX 5060 is the better choice if you want the latest features. It offers more cores, faster memory, and newer technologies. If you are looking for a solid 1080p experience without the extras, the RTX 4060 can still provide good performance. See the guide on best prebuilt gaming PCs for options.

What to pick for your play

Questions

Is the RTX 5060 faster than the RTX 4060?

Yes, the RTX 5060 has more CUDA cores, a higher boost clock, and faster GDDR7 memory, which can lead to better performance in games, especially with DLSS 5.

Does the RTX 5060 support DLSS 5?

Yes, the RTX 5060 supports DLSS 5, which includes 3D-Guided Neural Rendering and Dynamic Multi Frame Generation, features not available on the RTX 4060.

Is the RTX 5060 good for streaming?

Yes, the RTX 5060 has a 9th-generation NVENC encoder with AV1 support, which provides better stream quality and reduces CPU load compared to the RTX 4060.

Should I upgrade from RTX 4060 to RTX 5060?

If you want the latest AI features, better streaming, and higher memory bandwidth, upgrading is worth it. Otherwise, the RTX 4060 is still capable for 1080p gaming.

What is the memory bandwidth of the RTX 5060?

The RTX 5060 has a memory bandwidth of 448 GB/sec, which is higher than the RTX 4060's 272 GB/sec, thanks to GDDR7 memory.

Does the RTX 5060 require a new power supply?

The RTX 5060 has a higher TDP than the RTX 4060 and uses PCIe Gen 5 power connectors. Check your power supply's wattage and connector compatibility before upgrading.

Is the RTX 4060 still good for 1440p gaming?

The RTX 4060 can handle 1440p gaming with adjusted settings, but the RTX 5060 offers better performance and more VRAM bandwidth for higher resolutions.