GeForce 6800 GS vs GeForce RTX 3060
GeForce 6800 GS
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GeForce RTX 3060
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Performance Spectrum - GPU
About G3D Mark
G3D Mark is a standard benchmark that measures graphics performance in real-world gaming scenarios. It simplifies comparing cards from different brands, where higher scores directly correlate with better fps and smoother gaming experiences.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (G3D Mark) per dollar. The GeForce 6800 GS is positioned at rank #712 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Lower cost-benefit for your build. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar GeForce 6800 GS
Performance Per Dollar GeForce RTX 3060
Performance Comparison
About G3D Mark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
⚠️ Generational Difference
The GeForce RTX 3060 is significantly newer (2021 vs 2008). The GeForce RTX 3060 likely supports modern features like Ray Tracing, Tensor Cores, and DLSS/FSR upscaling, which act as force multipliers for performance. The GeForce 6800 GS lacks this hardware feature set, limiting its longevity in modern titles despite any raw power similarities.
🚀 Performance Leadership
The GeForce RTX 3060 is the superior choice for raw performance. It leads with a 8751.6% higher G3D Mark score and 4700% more VRAM (12 GB vs 256 MB). This advantage makes it significantly better for higher resolutions (1440p/4K) and graphic-intensive titles compared to the GeForce 6800 GS.
| Insight | GeForce 6800 GS | GeForce RTX 3060 |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | ❌Lower raw frame rates (-8751.6%) | ✅Leading raw performance (+8751.6%) |
| Longevity | 🛑Obsolete Architecture (2008 / G9x (2007−2010)) | 🔮Strong Longevity (Ampere / 8nm) |
| Ecosystem | Supports FSR Upscaling | ✨ DLSS 2 Upscaling |
| VRAM | ❌ Less VRAM capacity | 🎮 High Capacity (12 GB) |
| Efficiency | ⚡ Higher Power Consumption | 💡 Excellent Perf/Watt |
| Case Fit | 📏 Compact / SFF Friendly | 📏 Compact / SFF Friendly |
💎 Value Proposition
The GeForce RTX 3060 offers a compelling cost-to-performance ratio. Although it costs $289 (vs $40), its significant performance lead justifies the premium, offering 1125.1% better value per dollar than the GeForce 6800 GS.
| Insight | GeForce 6800 GS | GeForce RTX 3060 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌Lower cost efficiency | ✅Better overall value (+1125.1%) |
| Upfront Cost | ✅More affordable ($40) | ⚠️Higher upfront cost ($289) |
Performance Check
Real-world benchmarks and performance projections based on comprehensive hardware analysis and comparative metrics. Values represent expected performance on High/Ultra settings at 1080p, 1440p, and 4K. Modeled using a Ryzen 7 7800X3D reference profile to minimize specific CPU bottlenecks.
Note: Performance behavior can vary per game. Specific architectures may perform better or worse depending on game engine optimizations and API implementation.
Path of Exile 2
League of Legends
Valorant
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of GeForce 6800 GS and GeForce RTX 3060
GeForce 6800 GS
The GeForce 6800 GS is manufactured by NVIDIA. It was released in July 15 2008. It features the G9x architecture. The core clock speed is 500 MHz. It has 224 shading units. The thermal design power (TDP) is 150W. Manufactured using 65 nm process technology. G3D Mark benchmark score: 192 points.
GeForce RTX 3060
The GeForce RTX 3060 is manufactured by NVIDIA. It was released in January 12 2021. It features the Ampere architecture. The core clock ranges from 1320 MHz to 1777 MHz. It has 3584 shading units. The thermal design power (TDP) is 170W. Manufactured using 8 nm process technology. It features 28 dedicated ray tracing cores for enhanced lighting effects. G3D Mark benchmark score: 16,995 points. Launch price was $329.
Graphics Performance
In G3D Mark, the GeForce 6800 GS scores 192 versus the GeForce RTX 3060's 16,995 — the GeForce RTX 3060 leads by 8751.6%. The GeForce 6800 GS is built on G9x while the GeForce RTX 3060 uses Ampere, both on 65 nm vs 8 nm. Shader units: 224 (GeForce 6800 GS) vs 3,584 (GeForce RTX 3060).
| Feature | GeForce 6800 GS | GeForce RTX 3060 |
|---|---|---|
| G3D Mark Score | 192 | 16,995+8752% |
| Architecture | G9x | Ampere |
| Process Node | 65 nm | 8 nm |
| Shading Units | 224 | 3584+1500% |
Advanced Features (DLSS/FSR)
| Feature | GeForce 6800 GS | GeForce RTX 3060 |
|---|---|---|
| Upscaling Tech | FSR 1.0 (Software) | DLSS 2.0 |
| Frame Generation | Not Supported | FSR 3 / AFMF (Compatible) |
| Ray Reconstruction | No | No |
| Low Latency | Standard | NVIDIA Reflex |
Video Memory (VRAM)
The GeForce 6800 GS comes with 256 MB of VRAM, while the GeForce RTX 3060 has 12 GB. The GeForce RTX 3060 offers 4700% more capacity, crucial for higher resolutions and texture-heavy games. Bus width: 64-bit vs 192-bit.
| Feature | GeForce 6800 GS | GeForce RTX 3060 |
|---|---|---|
| VRAM Capacity | 0.25 GB | 12 GB+4700% |
| Memory Type | GDDR5 | GDDR6 |
| Memory Bandwidth | Unknown | 360 GB/s |
| Bus Width | 64-bit | 192-bit+200% |
Display & API Support
DirectX support: 9.0c (GeForce 6800 GS) vs 12 Ultimate (GeForce RTX 3060). Vulkan: None vs 1.3. OpenGL: 2.1 vs 4.6. Maximum simultaneous displays: 2 vs 4.
| Feature | GeForce 6800 GS | GeForce RTX 3060 |
|---|---|---|
| DirectX | 9.0c | 12 Ultimate+33% |
| Vulkan | None | 1.3 |
| OpenGL | 2.1 | 4.6+119% |
| Max Displays | 2 | 4+100% |
Media & Encoding
Hardware encoder: No (GeForce 6800 GS) vs NVENC 7th Gen (GeForce RTX 3060). Decoder: PureVideo vs NVDEC 5th Gen. Supported codecs: MPEG-2 (GeForce 6800 GS) vs AV1,H.265,H.264,VP9 (GeForce RTX 3060).
| Feature | GeForce 6800 GS | GeForce RTX 3060 |
|---|---|---|
| Encoder | No | NVENC 7th Gen |
| Decoder | PureVideo | NVDEC 5th Gen |
| Codecs | MPEG-2 | AV1,H.265,H.264,VP9 |
Power & Dimensions
The GeForce 6800 GS draws 150W versus the GeForce RTX 3060's 170W — a 12.5% difference. The GeForce 6800 GS is more power-efficient. Recommended PSU: 350W (GeForce 6800 GS) vs 550W (GeForce RTX 3060). Power connectors: Legacy vs 8-pin. Card length: 216mm vs 242mm, occupying 1 vs 2 slots. Typical load temperature: 85°C vs 75.
| Feature | GeForce 6800 GS | GeForce RTX 3060 |
|---|---|---|
| TDP | 150W-12% | 170W |
| Recommended PSU | 350W-36% | 550W |
| Power Connector | Legacy | 8-pin |
| Length | 216mm | 242mm |
| Height | 111mm | 112mm |
| Slots | 1-50% | 2 |
| Temp (Load) | 85°C | 75-12% |
| Perf/Watt | 1.3 | 100.0+7592% |
Value Analysis
The GeForce 6800 GS launched at $249 MSRP and currently averages $40, while the GeForce RTX 3060 launched at $329 and now averages $289. The GeForce 6800 GS costs 86.2% less ($249 savings) at current market prices. Performance per dollar (G3D Mark / price): 4.8 (GeForce 6800 GS) vs 58.8 (GeForce RTX 3060) — the GeForce RTX 3060 offers 1125% better value. The GeForce RTX 3060 is the newer GPU (2021 vs 2008).
| Feature | GeForce 6800 GS | GeForce RTX 3060 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $249-24% | $329 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $40-86% | $289 |
| Performance per Dollar | 4.8 | 58.8+1125% |
| Codename | NB9E-GTX | GA106 |
| Release | July 15 2008 | January 12 2021 |
| Ranking | #825 | #114 |
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