GeForce GTX 680M SLI vs GeForce RTX 3050 8GB
GeForce GTX 680M SLI
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GeForce RTX 3050 8GB
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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 GTX 680M SLI is positioned at rank #141 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 GTX 680M SLI
Performance Per Dollar GeForce RTX 3050 8GB
Performance Comparison
About G3D Mark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
⚠️ Generational Difference
The GeForce RTX 3050 8GB is significantly newer (2022 vs 2012). The GeForce RTX 3050 8GB likely supports modern features like Ray Tracing, Tensor Cores, and DLSS/FSR upscaling, which act as force multipliers for performance. The GeForce GTX 680M SLI lacks this hardware feature set, limiting its longevity in modern titles despite any raw power similarities.
🚀 Performance Leadership
The GeForce RTX 3050 8GB is the superior choice for raw performance. It leads with a 251.2% higher G3D Mark score and 300% more VRAM (8 GB vs 2 GB). This advantage makes it significantly better for higher resolutions (1440p/4K) and graphic-intensive titles compared to the GeForce GTX 680M SLI.
| Insight | GeForce GTX 680M SLI | GeForce RTX 3050 8GB |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | ❌Lower raw frame rates (-251.2%) | ✅Leading raw performance (+251.2%) |
| Longevity | 🛑Obsolete Architecture (2012 / Kepler (2012−2018)) | 🏆Elite Architecture (Ampere (2020−2025) / 8nm) |
| Ecosystem | Supports FSR Upscaling | ✨ DLSS 3/4 + Frame Gen Support |
| VRAM | ❌ Less VRAM capacity | 🎮 High Capacity (8 GB) |
| Efficiency | ⚡ Higher Power Consumption | 💡 Excellent Perf/Watt |
| Case Fit | — | 📏 Compact / SFF Friendly |
💎 Value Proposition
While current pricing data is unavailable, the GeForce RTX 3050 8GB remains the clear technical winner. Check real-time availability to determine if the performance gap justifies the market price.
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 680M SLI and GeForce RTX 3050 8GB
GeForce GTX 680M SLI
The GeForce GTX 680M SLI is manufactured by NVIDIA. It was released in June 4 2012. It features the Kepler architecture. The core clock speed is 720 MHz. It has 2688 shading units. The thermal design power (TDP) is 75W. Manufactured using 28 nm process technology. G3D Mark benchmark score: 3,569 points.
GeForce RTX 3050 8GB
The GeForce RTX 3050 8GB is manufactured by NVIDIA. It was released in January 4 2022. It features the Ampere architecture. The core clock ranges from 1552 MHz to 1777 MHz. It has 2560 shading units. The thermal design power (TDP) is 130W. Manufactured using 8 nm process technology. It features 20 dedicated ray tracing cores for enhanced lighting effects. G3D Mark benchmark score: 12,535 points. Launch price was $249.
Graphics Performance
In G3D Mark, the GeForce GTX 680M SLI scores 3,569 versus the GeForce RTX 3050 8GB's 12,535 — the GeForce RTX 3050 8GB leads by 251.2%. The GeForce GTX 680M SLI is built on Kepler while the GeForce RTX 3050 8GB uses Ampere, both on 28 nm vs 8 nm. Shader units: 2,688 (GeForce GTX 680M SLI) vs 2,560 (GeForce RTX 3050 8GB).
| Feature | GeForce GTX 680M SLI | GeForce RTX 3050 8GB |
|---|---|---|
| G3D Mark Score | 3,569 | 12,535+251% |
| Architecture | Kepler | Ampere |
| Process Node | 28 nm | 8 nm |
| Shading Units | 2688+5% | 2560 |
Advanced Features (DLSS/FSR)
| Feature | GeForce GTX 680M SLI | GeForce RTX 3050 8GB |
|---|---|---|
| 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 680M SLI comes with 2 GB of VRAM, while the GeForce RTX 3050 8GB has 8 GB. The GeForce RTX 3050 8GB offers 300% more capacity, crucial for higher resolutions and texture-heavy games. Bus width: 256-bit vs 128-bit.
| Feature | GeForce GTX 680M SLI | GeForce RTX 3050 8GB |
|---|---|---|
| VRAM Capacity | 2 GB | 8 GB+300% |
| Memory Type | GDDR5 | GDDR6 |
| Memory Bandwidth | Unknown | 224 GB/s |
| Bus Width | 256-bit+100% | 128-bit |
Display & API Support
DirectX support: 12 (11_0) (GeForce GTX 680M SLI) vs 12 Ultimate (GeForce RTX 3050 8GB). Vulkan: 1.2 vs 1.4. OpenGL: 4.6 vs 4.6. Maximum simultaneous displays: 4 vs 4.
| Feature | GeForce GTX 680M SLI | GeForce RTX 3050 8GB |
|---|---|---|
| DirectX | 12 (11_0) | 12 Ultimate |
| Vulkan | 1.2 | 1.4+17% |
| OpenGL | 4.6 | 4.6 |
| Max Displays | 4 | 4 |
Media & Encoding
Hardware encoder: NVENC (1st Gen) (GeForce GTX 680M SLI) vs NVENC 7th gen (GeForce RTX 3050 8GB). Decoder: VP5 vs NVDEC 5th gen. Supported codecs: H.264,VC-1,MPEG-2,MPEG-4 (GeForce GTX 680M SLI) vs H.264,H.265/HEVC,AV1,VP9 (GeForce RTX 3050 8GB).
| Feature | GeForce GTX 680M SLI | GeForce RTX 3050 8GB |
|---|---|---|
| Encoder | NVENC (1st Gen) | NVENC 7th gen |
| Decoder | VP5 | NVDEC 5th gen |
| Codecs | H.264,VC-1,MPEG-2,MPEG-4 | H.264,H.265/HEVC,AV1,VP9 |
Power & Dimensions
The GeForce GTX 680M SLI draws 75W versus the GeForce RTX 3050 8GB's 130W — a 53.7% difference. The GeForce GTX 680M SLI is more power-efficient. Recommended PSU: 350W (GeForce GTX 680M SLI) vs 450W (GeForce RTX 3050 8GB). Power connectors: 1x 6-pin vs 8-pin. Typical load temperature: 80°C vs 66°C.
| Feature | GeForce GTX 680M SLI | GeForce RTX 3050 8GB |
|---|---|---|
| TDP | 75W-42% | 130W |
| Recommended PSU | 350W-22% | 450W |
| Power Connector | 1x 6-pin | 8-pin |
| Length | — | 242mm |
| Height | — | 112mm |
| Slots | — | 2 |
| Temp (Load) | 80°C | 66°C-18% |
| Perf/Watt | 47.6 | 96.4+103% |
Value Analysis
The GeForce RTX 3050 8GB is the newer GPU (2022 vs 2012).
| Feature | GeForce GTX 680M SLI | GeForce RTX 3050 8GB |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | — | $249 |
| Avg Price (30d) | — | $209 |
| Codename | N13E-GTX | GA106 |
| Release | June 4 2012 | January 4 2022 |
| Ranking | #385 | #211 |
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