newNVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 Mobile -vs- newNVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 4060 Laptop GPU 8GB GDDR6
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Specs Comparison Between newNVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 Mobile and newNVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 4060 Laptop GPU 8GB GDDR6
Graphics Processor | ||
|---|---|---|
Image |  |  |
Name | newNVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 Mobile | newNVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 4060 Laptop GPU 8GB GDDR6 |
Architecture?The underlying design and structure of the GPU, defining its features and performance characteristics. Architectures often have specific names (e.g., Ampere, RDNA 3). | Ada Lovelace | Ada Lovelace |
Processor Size?The manufacturing process used to create the GPU, measured in nanometers (nm). Smaller processes typically result in more efficient and powerful GPUs. | 5 nm | 5 nm |
Transistors?The number of transistors within the GPU. More transistors generally indicate higher performance and more complex features. | 18900 million | 35800 Million |
Die Size?The physical size of the GPU chip, measured in square millimeters (mm²). Die size can influence the GPU's performance and power consumption. | 159 mm² | 159 mm² |
GPU Type?The specific model of the GPU, including platform-specific variants. For example, 'RTX 4070' can refer to both desktop and mobile versions, each with different performance characteristics. | Laptop | Laptop |
TGP?Total Graphics Power (TGP) is the maximum amount of power the graphics card is designed to consume, including the GPU and its memory. It indicates the card's overall power consumption and heat generation. | 115 | 115 |
Launch Date | 04/2023 | |
Clock Speed | ||
|---|---|---|
Base Clock?The standard operating speed of the GPU, measured in megahertz (MHz). It indicates the GPU's baseline performance level. | 1545MHz | 1920MHz |
Boost Clock?The maximum speed the GPU can reach under heavy load, measured in megahertz (MHz). It represents the GPU's peak performance capability. | 1890 MHz | 2475 MHz |
Render Config | ||
|---|---|---|
Shading Units?The number of processing units within the GPU responsible for rendering graphics. More shading units generally result in better graphics performance. | 2560 | 3072 |
TMUs?Texture Mapping Units (TMUs) are processing units within the GPU that apply textures to 3D surfaces. More TMUs improve the realism and detail of rendered graphics. | 96 | 80 |
ROPs?Render Output Units (ROPs) are processing units within the GPU that handle the final stage of rendering, converting pixel data into an image. More ROPs improve the frame rate and image quality. | 48 | 32 |
RT Cores?Ray Tracing cores are specialized processing units within the GPU that accelerate ray tracing, a technique for creating realistic lighting and reflections. | 46 | 20 |
L1 Cache?The smallest and fastest cache memory level within the GPU, located closest to the processing units. It stores frequently accessed data for rapid retrieval. | 128 KB (per SM) | 128 KB (per SM) |
L2 Cache?A mid-level cache memory within the GPU that provides a larger storage capacity than L1 cache. It stores data that is less frequently accessed than L1 but more frequently than the GPU's main memory. | 32 MB | 32 MB |
Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
Memory Size?The amount of dedicated memory available to the GPU, measured in gigabytes (GB). More memory allows the GPU to handle larger and more complex graphics data. | 6 GB | 8 GB |
Memory Type?The type of memory used by the GPU, such as GDDR6 or GDDR6X. Newer memory types offer faster speeds and higher bandwidth, improving graphics performance. | GDDR6 | GDDR6 |
Memory Bus?The width of the data path between the GPU and its memory, measured in bits. A wider memory bus allows for faster data transfer. | 128 Bit | 192 bit |
Bandwidth?The maximum rate at which data can be transferred between the GPU and its memory, measured in gigabytes per second (GB/s). Higher bandwidth improves graphics performance. | 272 GB/s | 336 GB/S |
Memory Clock Speed?The speed at which the GPU's memory operates, measured in megahertz (MHz). Higher clock speeds result in faster memory access. | 1313 MHz | 2000 MHz |
Perfomance | ||
|---|---|---|
Half Precison (FP16) | 29.15 TFLOPS (1:1) | 11.61 TFLOPS (1:1) |
Single Precison (FP32) | 29.15 TFLOPS | 8.986 TFLOPS |
Double Precison (FP64) | 211.2 GFLOPS (1:64) | 140.4 GFLOPS (1:64) |
Features | ||
|---|---|---|
DirectX?A set of Microsoft APIs that provide a standard interface for graphics and multimedia applications. Different versions of DirectX offer varying levels of features and performance. | 12.2 | 12.2 |
G-Sync/FreeSync?A technology developed by NVIDIA that synchronizes the GPU's refresh rate with the display's refresh rate, reducing screen tearing and stuttering. | ||
OpenCL?Open Computing Language (OpenCL) is a framework for writing programs that execute across heterogeneous platforms, including GPUs. It enables parallel computing for various applications. | 3.0 | 3.0 |
OpenGL?Open Graphics Library (OpenGL) is a cross-language, cross-platform API for rendering 2D and 3D vector graphics. It's widely used in graphics applications and games. | 4.6 | 4.6 |
Shader Model?A set of instructions and capabilities that define the features and performance of the GPU's programmable shaders. Higher shader model versions offer more advanced graphics effects. | 6.8 | 6.8 |
Vulkan?A low-overhead, cross-platform API for 3D graphics and computing. It offers improved performance and control compared to older APIs like OpenGL. | 1.3 | 1.3 |
Extra Technology | DLSS 3 (Super Resolution + Frame Generation), NVIDIA Reflex, PCI Express Gen 4, Resizable BAR, NVIDIA GPU Boost, Vulkan 4.6, 5th Generation NVIDIA Decoder, DirectX 12 Ultimate | DLSS 3 (Super Resolution + Frame Generation), NVIDIA Reflex, PCI Express Gen 4, Resizable BAR, NVIDIA GPU Boost, Vulkan 4.6, 5th Generation NVIDIA Decoder, DirectX 12 Ultimate |
Links | 211.2 GFLOPS (1:64) | 140.4 GFLOPS (1:64) |
Features | NVIDIA | NVIDIA |
Comparison Review of newNVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 Mobile and newNVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 4060 Laptop GPU 8GB GDDR6
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 vs RTX 4060 Laptop GPU: Comprehensive Comparison
When selecting a gaming or content creation laptop, the GPU is often the most critical component determining performance. This article compares two popular options in NVIDIA’s RTX 40-series lineup: the entry-level GeForce RTX 4050 and the mid-range GeForce RTX 4060. Both GPUs are built on NVIDIA’s advanced Ada Lovelace architecture but target different performance tiers and price points.
Core Architecture
Manufacturing Technology
Both the RTX 4050 and RTX 4060 are built on NVIDIA’s cutting-edge Ada Lovelace architecture using a 5nm manufacturing process. This modern process technology enables higher performance and better power efficiency compared to previous generations.
Size and Complexity
The RTX 4060 contains significantly more transistors than the RTX 4050, with 35,800 million compared to 18,900 million. This 89% increase in transistor count indicates a more complex and potentially more powerful GPU design, enabling more advanced features and higher performance.
Power Requirements
Interestingly, both GPUs share the same 115 watts TDP (Thermal Design Power). This suggests that while the RTX 4060 offers more raw processing capability, NVIDIA has optimized its power efficiency to maintain the same power envelope as the RTX 4050, making it suitable for similar laptop chassis designs.
Core Performance Metrics
Clock Speeds
RTX 4050 Clock Specifications
The RTX 4050 operates at a base clock of 1545 MHz, with the ability to boost up to 1890 MHz under demanding workloads.
RTX 4060 Clock Specifications
The RTX 4060 features significantly higher clock speeds, with a base clock of 1920 MHz (24% higher than the RTX 4050) and a boost clock of 2475 MHz (31% higher). These higher frequencies contribute directly to the increased performance capabilities of the RTX 4060.
Processing Units
RTX 4050 Processing Units
The RTX 4050 includes 2560 shading units (CUDA cores), 96 Texture Mapping Units (TMUs), 48 Render Output Units (ROPs), and 46 RT cores for ray tracing acceleration.
RTX 4060 Processing Units
The RTX 4060 features 3072 shading units (20% more than the RTX 4050), demonstrating its higher compute potential. However, it curiously has fewer TMUs (80, which is 17% fewer), fewer ROPs (32, which is 33% fewer), and significantly fewer RT cores (20, which is 57% fewer) than the RTX 4050.
Memory Configuration
Memory Capacity and Type
RTX 4050 Memory
The RTX 4050 comes with 6GB of GDDR6 memory operating at a clock speed of 1313 MHz. This capacity is adequate for most current games at 1080p resolution but may become a limiting factor for future titles or higher resolutions.
RTX 4060 Memory
The RTX 4060 offers 8GB of GDDR6 memory (33% more than the RTX 4050) running at a significantly higher clock speed of 2000 MHz (52% faster). This additional memory capacity and speed provides more headroom for texture-heavy games and demanding creative applications.
Memory Interface
RTX 4050 Memory Interface
The RTX 4050 utilizes a 128-bit memory bus, delivering a total memory bandwidth of 272 GB/s. This bandwidth determines how quickly the GPU can access data stored in its video memory.
RTX 4060 Memory Interface
The RTX 4060 features a wider 192-bit memory bus (50% wider than the RTX 4050), resulting in a higher memory bandwidth of 336 GB/s (24% more). This increased bandwidth allows for faster data access, which is particularly beneficial for high-resolution textures and data-intensive workloads.
Performance Analysis
Gaming Performance Comparison
1080p Gaming
At 1080p resolution, the RTX 4050 is capable of running most modern titles with medium to high settings at 60+ FPS. The RTX 4060, with its additional processing power and memory, consistently delivers 60+ FPS at high to ultra settings in demanding titles, providing a noticeably smoother experience in graphically intensive games.
1440p Gaming
The RTX 4050 can handle less demanding titles at 1440p or competitive games with reduced settings, but may struggle with more graphically intensive games at this resolution. The RTX 4060, with its additional VRAM and processing capabilities, is much better suited for 1440p gaming, handling most games at medium to high settings with playable framerates.
Ray Tracing Performance
Despite having more RT cores on paper, the RTX 4050 offers entry-level ray tracing capabilities that work best when DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling) is enabled. The RTX 4060, despite the lower RT core count in the specifications, typically delivers better real-world ray tracing performance due to its overall stronger architecture and higher clock speeds.
Content Creation Performance
Video Editing
For video editing workloads, the RTX 4050 provides adequate performance for 1080p projects with moderate effects and color grading. The RTX 4060, with its additional VRAM and computing power, is more suitable for 4K video editing workflows and more complex effects, delivering faster preview rendering and export times.
3D Rendering
In 3D modeling and rendering applications, the RTX 4050 offers entry-level performance suitable for less complex scenes and models. The RTX 4060 provides significantly faster rendering times and better viewport performance, making it a more appropriate choice for professional 3D artists and designers working with detailed models and complex scenes.
Architectural Anomalies
Counterintuitive Specifications
One of the most unusual aspects of the specifications provided is that the RTX 4050 is listed with 46 RT cores while the supposedly higher-tier RTX 4060 has only 20 RT cores. Similarly, the RTX 4050 appears to have more Texture Mapping Units (96 vs 80) and more Render Output Units (48 vs 32) than the RTX 4060. This pattern runs counter to the typical hierarchy where higher-tier GPUs have more specialized cores.
Possible Explanations
These anomalies could potentially be explained by: 1. Different architectural optimizations where the RTX 4060 has fewer but more powerful specialized cores 2. Reporting or specification inconsistencies 3. A different balance of resources optimized for different workloads
Real-World Implications
Gaming Experience
Frame Rate Expectations
In real-world gaming scenarios, the RTX 4050 typically delivers approximately 60-90 FPS in modern AAA titles at 1080p with high settings. The RTX 4060, with its higher specifications, generally achieves 80-120 FPS in the same titles with similar settings, providing a smoother gaming experience with fewer frame drops during intense scenes.
DLSS and Frame Generation
Both GPUs support NVIDIA’s DLSS 3 technology with Frame Generation, which can significantly boost framerates in supported titles. The RTX 4060, with its more advanced architecture and higher memory bandwidth, typically produces better quality results with DLSS enabled, with fewer artifacts and more stable performance.
Content Creation Efficiency
Render Time Comparison
For a typical 1080p 10-minute video export, the RTX 4050 might require approximately 12-15 minutes, while the RTX 4060 could complete the same task in approximately 8-10 minutes. For 3D scene rendering, the RTX 4050 may take up to 40% longer compared to the RTX 4060, representing a significant productivity difference for professionals who perform multiple renders daily.
Value Proposition
Target Market
The RTX 4050 is positioned for budget-conscious gamers and content creators who primarily work with 1080p content and have moderate performance expectations. The RTX 4060 targets mid-range performance seekers who want some headroom for 1440p gaming and more demanding creative workloads, making it a better option for users who plan to keep their laptop for several years.
Longevity Considerations
The additional 2GB of VRAM on the RTX 4060 (8GB vs 6GB) will likely become increasingly important as games and applications continue to demand more graphics memory. This extra capacity, combined with the wider memory bus and higher overall performance, may significantly extend the useful lifespan of laptops equipped with the RTX 4060 compared to those with the RTX 4050.
Conclusion
Making the Right Choice
The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 Laptop GPU offers several significant advantages over the RTX 4050, including 33% more VRAM, substantially higher clock speeds, 20% more shading units, and a 50% wider memory bus with 24% higher bandwidth. While the specifications show some unusual advantages for the RTX 4050 in terms of RT cores, TMUs, and ROPs, the real-world performance consistently favors the RTX 4060.
For gamers and content creators seeking the best performance for their budget, the RTX 4060 generally represents a better long-term investment, particularly for those who plan to use demanding applications or play graphically intensive games. The RTX 4050 remains a solid entry point into ray tracing and AI-accelerated computing for those with stricter budget constraints.
When choosing between these GPUs, consider not just the graphics processor in isolation, but also the overall laptop package including CPU, cooling solution, and display quality, as these factors will also significantly impact your real-world experience.