GeForce GTX 1060 5GB vs GeForce RTX 3060
GeForce GTX 1060 5GB
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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. 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
Performance Per Dollar GeForce RTX 3060
Performance Comparison
About G3D Mark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
⚠️ Generational Difference
The GeForce RTX 3060 uses modern memory architecture. 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 GTX 1060 5GB 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 85.2% higher G3D Mark score and 140% more VRAM (12 GB vs 5 GB). This advantage makes it significantly better for higher resolutions (1440p/4K) and graphic-intensive titles compared to the GeForce GTX 1060 5GB.
| Insight | GeForce GTX 1060 5GB | GeForce RTX 3060 |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | ❌Lower raw frame rates (-85.2%) | ✅Leading raw performance (+85.2%) |
| Longevity | 🛑Obsolete Architecture (2017 / Pascal (2016−2021)) | 🔮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 | Standard Size (250mm) | 📏 Compact / SFF Friendly |
💎 Value Proposition
The GeForce GTX 1060 5GB offers a compelling cost-to-performance ratio. Priced at $65 versus $289 for the GeForce RTX 3060, it costs 78% less. While it maintains lower overall performance, this results in a 140% higher cost efficiency score.
| Insight | GeForce GTX 1060 5GB | GeForce RTX 3060 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅Better overall value (+140%) | ❌Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅More affordable ($65) | ⚠️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.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of GeForce GTX 1060 5GB and GeForce RTX 3060
GeForce GTX 1060 5GB
The GeForce GTX 1060 5GB is manufactured by NVIDIA. It was released in December 26 2017. It features the Pascal architecture. The core clock ranges from 1506 MHz to 1709 MHz. It has 1280 shading units. The thermal design power (TDP) is 120W. Manufactured using 16 nm process technology. G3D Mark benchmark score: 9,175 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 GTX 1060 5GB scores 9,175 versus the GeForce RTX 3060's 16,995 — the GeForce RTX 3060 leads by 85.2%. The GeForce GTX 1060 5GB is built on Pascal while the GeForce RTX 3060 uses Ampere, both on 16 nm vs 8 nm. Shader units: 1,280 (GeForce GTX 1060 5GB) vs 3,584 (GeForce RTX 3060). Raw compute: 4.375 TFLOPS (GeForce GTX 1060 5GB) vs 12.74 TFLOPS (GeForce RTX 3060). Boost clocks: 1709 MHz vs 1777 MHz.
| Feature | GeForce GTX 1060 5GB | GeForce RTX 3060 |
|---|---|---|
| G3D Mark Score | 9,175 | 16,995+85% |
| Architecture | Pascal | Ampere |
| Process Node | 16 nm | 8 nm |
| Shading Units | 1280 | 3584+180% |
| Compute (TFLOPS) | 4.375 TFLOPS | 12.74 TFLOPS+191% |
| Boost Clock | 1709 MHz | 1777 MHz+4% |
| ROPs | 40 | 48+20% |
| TMUs | 80 | 112+40% |
| L1 Cache | 0.47 MB | 3.5 MB+645% |
| L2 Cache | 1.25 MB | 3 MB+140% |
Advanced Features (DLSS/FSR)
| Feature | GeForce GTX 1060 5GB | GeForce RTX 3060 |
|---|---|---|
| Upscaling Tech | FSR 2.1 (Compatible) | DLSS 2.0 |
| Frame Generation | FSR 3 (Compatible) | FSR 3 / AFMF (Compatible) |
| Ray Reconstruction | No | No |
| Low Latency | Standard | NVIDIA Reflex |
Video Memory (VRAM)
The GeForce GTX 1060 5GB comes with 5 GB of VRAM, while the GeForce RTX 3060 has 12 GB. The GeForce RTX 3060 offers 140% more capacity, crucial for higher resolutions and texture-heavy games. Memory bandwidth: 160 GB/s (GeForce GTX 1060 5GB) vs 360 GB/s (GeForce RTX 3060) — a 125% advantage for the GeForce RTX 3060. Bus width: 160-bit vs 192-bit. L2 Cache: 1.25 MB (GeForce GTX 1060 5GB) vs 3 MB (GeForce RTX 3060) — the GeForce RTX 3060 has significantly larger on-die cache to reduce VRAM reliance.
| Feature | GeForce GTX 1060 5GB | GeForce RTX 3060 |
|---|---|---|
| VRAM Capacity | 5 GB | 12 GB+140% |
| Memory Type | GDDR5 | GDDR6 |
| Memory Bandwidth | 160 GB/s | 360 GB/s+125% |
| Bus Width | 160-bit | 192-bit+20% |
| L2 Cache | 1.25 MB | 3 MB+140% |
Display & API Support
DirectX support: 12 (12_1) (GeForce GTX 1060 5GB) vs 12 Ultimate (GeForce RTX 3060). Vulkan: 1.3 vs 1.3. OpenGL: 4.6 vs 4.6. Maximum simultaneous displays: 4 vs 4.
| Feature | GeForce GTX 1060 5GB | GeForce RTX 3060 |
|---|---|---|
| DirectX | 12 (12_1) | 12 Ultimate |
| Vulkan | 1.3 | 1.3 |
| OpenGL | 4.6 | 4.6 |
| Max Displays | 4 | 4 |
Media & Encoding
Hardware encoder: NVENC (6th Gen) (GeForce GTX 1060 5GB) vs NVENC 7th Gen (GeForce RTX 3060). Decoder: NVDEC (3rd Gen) vs NVDEC 5th Gen. Supported codecs: H.264,H.265,VP9 (GeForce GTX 1060 5GB) vs AV1,H.265,H.264,VP9 (GeForce RTX 3060).
| Feature | GeForce GTX 1060 5GB | GeForce RTX 3060 |
|---|---|---|
| Encoder | NVENC (6th Gen) | NVENC 7th Gen |
| Decoder | NVDEC (3rd Gen) | NVDEC 5th Gen |
| Codecs | H.264,H.265,VP9 | AV1,H.265,H.264,VP9 |
Power & Dimensions
The GeForce GTX 1060 5GB draws 120W versus the GeForce RTX 3060's 170W — a 34.5% difference. The GeForce GTX 1060 5GB is more power-efficient. Recommended PSU: 400W (GeForce GTX 1060 5GB) vs 550W (GeForce RTX 3060). Power connectors: 6-pin vs 8-pin. Card length: 250mm vs 242mm, occupying 2 vs 2 slots. Typical load temperature: 75 vs 75.
| Feature | GeForce GTX 1060 5GB | GeForce RTX 3060 |
|---|---|---|
| TDP | 120W-29% | 170W |
| Recommended PSU | 400W-27% | 550W |
| Power Connector | 6-pin | 8-pin |
| Length | 250mm | 242mm |
| Height | 111mm | 112mm |
| Slots | 2 | 2 |
| Temp (Load) | 75 | 75 |
| Perf/Watt | 76.5 | 100.0+31% |
Value Analysis
The GeForce GTX 1060 5GB launched at $249 MSRP and currently averages $65, while the GeForce RTX 3060 launched at $329 and now averages $289. The GeForce GTX 1060 5GB costs 77.5% less ($224 savings) at current market prices. Performance per dollar (G3D Mark / price): 141.2 (GeForce GTX 1060 5GB) vs 58.8 (GeForce RTX 3060) — the GeForce GTX 1060 5GB offers 140.1% better value. The GeForce RTX 3060 is the newer GPU (2021 vs 2017).
| Feature | GeForce GTX 1060 5GB | GeForce RTX 3060 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $249-24% | $329 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $65-78% | $289 |
| Performance per Dollar | 141.2+140% | 58.8 |
| Codename | GP106 | GA106 |
| Release | December 26 2017 | January 12 2021 |
| Ranking | #289 | #114 |
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