RTX 4000 Series: Not For Gamers?

Nvidia’s RTX 4000 Series Announcement: More for Creators Than Gamers

Nvidia recently announced their new RTX 4000 series graphics cards, but the focus seemed to be more on creators than gamers. While there were some mentions of gaming benefits, the majority of the presentation focused on features and capabilities that would benefit content creators, especially those working in 3D.

The RTX 4090: The Big Boy

The top-of-the-line card is the RTX 4090, boasting 24GB of GDDR6 memory and claimed to be up to twice as fast as the RTX 3090 Ti. It’s set to launch on October 12th at a price of $1,600.

The RTX 4080: Two Flavors, Different Targets

The RTX 4080 comes in two versions: a 16GB model priced at $1,199 and a 12GB model priced at $899. The 16GB version will have a Founder’s Edition, while the 12GB version will not. The 12GB version has slightly reduced specs compared to the 16GB version, impacting not only memory but also CUDA cores.

Focus on DLSS 3 and Creator-Focused Features

Nvidia heavily emphasized DLSS 3 and its ability to boost performance for 3D rendering and video editing. They also highlighted AV1 codec support for gamers and streamers, offering benefits for live streaming.

The Rise of 12GB, 16GB, and 24GB Cards

The high memory configurations of the new cards (12GB, 16GB, and 24GB) are specifically designed to handle demanding tasks like 6K and 8K video editing, complex effects rendering, and various creative workflows in software like Adobe After Effects and DaVinci Resolve.

Why the Shift Towards Creators?

Several factors contribute to the focus on creators:

• GPU mining slowdown: The decline of GPU mining following Ethereum’s shift to proof of stake has resulted in an excess of GPUs, particularly in the 30-series, leading to price drops.
• Competition in the gaming market: AMD is expected to launch its 7000-series in November, putting pressure on Nvidia to maintain a competitive edge.
• Intel’s play for creators: Intel’s Arc GPUs are specifically targeting creators with their CPU-GPU combo.

Recommendation: Wait and See

Considering the shift towards creators and the potential competition, gamers are advised to hold off on purchasing the new cards until benchmarks and reviews are available. The 30-series offers a viable option for gaming at a more accessible price point.

Verdict: Creators Have More to Gain

While the RTX 4000 series offers some gaming benefits, the emphasis on creator-specific features suggests that creators are the primary target audience. Gamers might find better value and performance with existing cards for now.

Stay Tuned for Updates

Keep an eye out for benchmarks, reviews, and additional information before making a purchasing decision.

Don’t forget to check out the video recommended by YouTube for further insights.