Nvidia’s RTX 3060 Ti and AMD’s RX 6700 XT are two recently released mid-range graphics card options. The GPUs promise high performance for running games at 1440p and have support for Ray Tracing for in-game image enhancements. Featuring DLSS 2.0 technology, which allows delivering higher resolutions even running lower
Radeon RX 6700 XT vs GeForce RTX 3060 Ti
| Specifications | Radeon RX 6700 XT | GeForce RTX 3060 Ti |
|---|---|---|
| Launch | March 2021 | November 2020 |
| Cores | 2,560 stream processors | 4,864 CUDA cores |
| Speed | 2,321 to 2,581 MHz (2,424 MHz in Game Boost) | 1,410 to 1665 MHz |
| RAM | 12GB GDDR6 | 8GB GDDR6 |
| Memory speed | 16Gb/s | 14Gb/s |
| Memory interface | 192 bits | 256 bits |
| Bandwidth | 384 GB/s | 448 GB/s |
| TBP | 230 Watts | 200 Watts |
Specifications
As they are fruits of two very different architectures, the cards have very distinct technical specifications between them. The Radeon, for example, reaches higher speeds on paper, with a base clock of 2,321 MHz, 2,424 MHz for games, and a turbo of 2,581 MHz. The Nvidia option, on the other hand, works at lower speeds, with a base clock of 1,414 MHz and a turbo clock of 1,665 MHz, without a definition as to the numbers in games, specifically.
Inside the graphics processors of the two brands, there are more differences. The RX 6700 XT is made up of 2,560 stream processors, organized into 40 computing units. Nvidia’s card, on the other hand, has 4,864 CUDA cores. Since it has many more cores, GeForce makes up for the slower speed.
In RAM, more differences. The RTX 3060 Ti has 8GB of GDDR6 standard, connected to the graphics processor by a 256-bit interface that grants GeForce a bandwidth of 448GB/s. On AMD, the numbers are 12GB of GDDR6, 192 bits, and 384GB/s, respectively.
Although the difference in data exchange speed between the graphics processor and RAM is large and benefits Nvidia, it is good to keep in mind that AMD uses faster and more overflowing caches in its new graphics cards. This ends up making up the difference and even giving Radeon an advantage in some situations.
The RTX 3060 Ti has 38 cores specific for Ray Tracing, while the competitor appears with 40 units. Another difference is the presence of 152 Tensor Cores in Nvidia’s model, responsible for supporting DLSS 2.0 – technology that has no parallel in Radeon.
Performance
At the moment, AMD’s new card has not yet reached the hands of specialized sites for in-depth testing, as well as comparisons with Nvidia’s cards. Because of this, the only available comparison numbers are those released by the manufacturer.
According to AMD, the RX 6700 XT is a 2560 x 1440 pixel gaming card with enough performance to outperform the RTX 3060 Ti and even the RTX 3070. In tests made by the company, the card reached 97 fps running Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War, against 90 fps of the rival.
In Cyberpunk 2077, Radeon also beats Nvidia’s competitor, delivering 71 fps in the RPG, while the RTX 3060 Ti falls below 65 fps. In Dirt 5, Radeon achieved the largest margin over its rival, with 71 fps in front of 60 fps for the challenger.
Even if the numbers need to be viewed with some doubt, there are some important details to consider. Nvidia’s RTX 30 cards have shown higher performance with Ray Tracing when compared to the new Radeon RX 6000, while AMD has no alternatives to DLSS 2.0, Nvidia’s significant technology.
Consumption
According to Nvidia, the RTX 3060 Ti has 200 Watts of TBP, a value that reflects the maximum amount of power the card needs to function properly in a high-demand situation. As the component will not need 200 Watts all the time, the consumption should be lower. The company also says that it is ideal to use a 600 Watts power supply in the PC with the GPU, as well as a free 8-pin connector for power.
AMD reports that the TBP of the Radeon RX 6700 XT reaches 230 Watts. The power supply requirement is also higher: the manufacturer suggests using a 650 Watts power unit, with an 8+6 pin connection.
Price and Availability
The Radeon RX 6700 XT officially hits the international market on March 18 and the price announced by AMD is $479.
In our searches, the RTX 3060 Ti appears sold out in major stores, but the prices are found to start at $399.
Cost-benefit
In both cases, the consumer interested in investing in the GeForce RTX 3060 Ti and the Radeon RX 6700 XT should be able to run games at 1440p without major problems. The open questions to define which of the two is the best choice
Other details are also relevant. If the trend that GeForce is superior in Ray Tracing is confirmed in the comparison between the two models, the Nvidia card can regain ground in the eyes of those who value this type of effect in recent games. Another significant differentiator is that GeForce supports DLSS 2.0, a technology that promises more performance and sharper images.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means that I may receive a commission if you make a purchase using these links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.