MSI GeForce RTX 4060 Ti Gaming X TRIO review - Introduction

MSI GeForce RTX 4060 Ti Gaming X TRIO
Excellent tweaking!

MSI unveils the latest addition to their lineup, the MSI GeForce RTX 4060 Ti Gaming X TRIO. This graphics card boasts an impressive 8GB of VRAM and is equipped with a substantial cooling system and factory overclock. However, the question remains: does it truly deliver on its promise as a mainstream product? Utilizing NVIDIA's Ada Lovelace GPU architecture, these video cards cater to the needs of both mainstream gamers and creators, providing a steady 100 frames per second at 1080p resolution, with support for Ray Tracing and DLSS 3.

The GeForce RTX 4060 Ti is powered by the new Ada graphics chip AD106, specifically designed to deliver exceptional gaming performance at Full HD resolution. This graphics card excels in delivering high frame rates, even when ray tracing is enabled. Building upon the features of the RTX 4000 series, the AD106 chip incorporates the advanced Ada Lovelace architecture, which has undergone significant modifications compared to Ampere. One notable change is the reduced memory connection to 128 bits, which is compensated by a significantly larger level 2 cache within the core. Nvidia claims that the 32 MiByte L2 cache reduces access to the graphics memory by over 50 percent, surpassing the previous standard of 2 MiByte L2 cache with 128 bits. In practical terms, this translates to a doubled effective memory transfer rate. Coupled with improved energy efficiency, the wider storage connection provides a substantial performance boost. The Geforce RTX 4060 Ti's memory capacity is causing concerns. This model, set to become available on May 24th, features 8 GiBytes, which is the same as the Geforce RTX 3070 (Ti) that has been experiencing shortages for a while now. While Nvidia promotes the Geforce RTX 4060 Ti 8GB as a suitable graphics card for full HD gaming, there are still games where 8 GiBytes are insufficient for optimal gaming experience. Additionally, the RTX 4060 (Ti) has another restriction: it communicates with the rest of the system using only 8 PCI Express lanes instead of the full 16. This limitation has more severe consequences for memory performance compared to fully connected graphics cards. Considering the increasing demands of modern games and the additional graphics memory required for frame generation, the Geforce RTX 4060 Ti 8GB faces challenges, especially in resolutions above Full HD. However, in that mindset, NVIDIA will release a 16GB model soon as well, to grant you a little more headroom, however, at the cost of yet another $100, thus $499. 

	GeForce RTX 4060 Ti 16GB	GeForce RTX 4060 Ti 8GB	GeForce RTX 4060
Architecture	Ada (TSMC 4N)	Ada (TSMC 4N)	Ada (TSMC 4N)
GPU	AD106-351	AD106-350	AD107-400
CUDA Cores	4352	4352	3072
Boost Clock	2.5 GHz	2.5 GHz	2.4 GHz
Memory	16 GB G6	8 GB G6	8 GB G6
Memory Clock	18 Gbps	18 Gbps	17 Gbps
Memory Bus	128-bit	128-bit	128-bit
Memory Bandwidth	288 GB/s	288 GB/s	272 GB/s
TDP	160W	160W	115W
Interface	PCIe Gen4 x8	PCIe Gen4 x8	PCIe Gen4 x8
MSRP	$499	$399
Release Date	July 2023	May 24, 2023	July 2023

MSI's first GeForce RTX 4060 Ti (8 GB) graphics cards range, including eight distinct models, is set to launch on Wednesday, May 24. The new range includes models like the GeForce RTX 4060 Ti GAMING X TRIO 8G, GeForce RTX 4060 Ti GAMING X 8G, and GeForce RTX 4060 Ti VENTUS 3X 8G OC. The MSI GeForce RTX 4060 Ti Gaming X TRIO is a noteworthy model within the RTX 4060 Ti 8GB line, recognized for its superior build. With a lacklustre 8GB graphics memory and a triple-fan cooling mechanism, this NVIDIA 4060 Ti variant enhances MSI's product range, exceeding the standard reference model. The cooling system in these graphics cards integrates a semi-passive feature, activating the three fans as GPU temperature increases, thereby effectively managing heat dissipation. The card also boasts a support bracket to counter potential sagging.

The MSI Gaming X TRIO version with a clock speed of 2670 MHz offers performance that ranges from 2 to 3% times faster than the reference model. Its significant power limiter offers strong tweaking potential. Our tests reveal an additional 11% performance compared to the reference model. The GAMING TRIO range also comprises a non-X version, retaining similar specifications but providing a lower factory overclock.

The GAMING TRIO and GAMING series blend notable design with a balance of performance, cooling effectiveness, and noise reduction—attributes that gamers find valuable. The TORX Fan 5.0 design includes three fan blades linked with an outer rim, boosting airflow in the TWIN FROZR cooling systems. The series incorporate a brushed-metal backplate and a flow-through design that aids in heat reduction. Mystic Light adorns the graphics card's exterior, allowing color coordination with the rest of the PC through Mystic Light Sync and Ambient Link.