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.

Head-to-Head Verdict, Benchmarks, Value & Long-Term Outlook

This comparison brings together gaming FPS, raw graphics performance, VRAM, feature set, power efficiency, pricing context, and long-term value so you can see which GPU actually makes more sense.

GeForce RTX 3050 6GB

2024

Why buy it

✅8.2% more average FPS across 26 tracked games in our benchmark data.
✅Delivers 100+% more G3D Mark for each dollar spent, at 63.6 vs 0 G3D/$ ($169 MSRP vs Unknown MSRP).
✅Draws 70W instead of 115W, a 45W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark G3D performance (10,749 vs 17,300).
❌Less VRAM, with 6 GB vs 8 GB for high-resolution textures and newer games.
❌No equivalent frame-generation stack like DLSS 4 Multi Frame Generation (2025).
❌Weaker long-term outlook: GeForce RTX 5060 Mobile is the safer future-proof pick thanks to newer hardware and better gaming feature support.

GeForce RTX 5060 Mobile

2025

Why buy it

✅+60.9% higher PassMark G3D performance.
✅Access to a newer frame-generation stack with DLSS 4 Multi Frame Generation (2025).
✅33.3% more VRAM for high-resolution textures and newer games (8 GB vs 6 GB).
✅More future proof: Blackwell on 3nm with a newer platform for upcoming games.

Trade-offs

❌Lower average FPS than GeForce RTX 3050 6GB across 26 tracked games in our benchmark data.
❌Lower G3D Mark per dollar, at 0 vs 63.6 G3D/$ (Unknown MSRP vs $169 MSRP).
❌64.3% higher power demand at 115W vs 70W.

GeForce RTX 3050 6GB

2024

GeForce RTX 5060 Mobile

2025

Why buy it

✅8.2% more average FPS across 26 tracked games in our benchmark data.
✅Delivers 100+% more G3D Mark for each dollar spent, at 63.6 vs 0 G3D/$ ($169 MSRP vs Unknown MSRP).
✅Draws 70W instead of 115W, a 45W reduction.

Why buy it

✅+60.9% higher PassMark G3D performance.
✅Access to a newer frame-generation stack with DLSS 4 Multi Frame Generation (2025).
✅33.3% more VRAM for high-resolution textures and newer games (8 GB vs 6 GB).
✅More future proof: Blackwell on 3nm with a newer platform for upcoming games.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark G3D performance (10,749 vs 17,300).
❌Less VRAM, with 6 GB vs 8 GB for high-resolution textures and newer games.
❌No equivalent frame-generation stack like DLSS 4 Multi Frame Generation (2025).
❌Weaker long-term outlook: GeForce RTX 5060 Mobile is the safer future-proof pick thanks to newer hardware and better gaming feature support.

Trade-offs

❌Lower average FPS than GeForce RTX 3050 6GB across 26 tracked games in our benchmark data.
❌Lower G3D Mark per dollar, at 0 vs 63.6 G3D/$ (Unknown MSRP vs $169 MSRP).
❌64.3% higher power demand at 115W vs 70W.

Quick Answers

So, is GeForce RTX 5060 Mobile better than GeForce RTX 3050 6GB?

Yes. GeForce RTX 5060 Mobile is the better GPU overall here. You are getting 60.9% higher PassMark G3D performance and 8 GB vs 6 GB of VRAM. It also comes from 2025 instead of 2024, which helps its case as the more complete modern gaming card.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

GeForce RTX 5060 Mobile is the more future-proof choice for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer 2025 generation instead of 2024, 60.9% more raw performance headroom, more VRAM at 8 GB instead of 6 GB, and better upscaling support with DLSS 4 Super Resolution (2025) instead of DLSS 2 Super Resolution (2020) and better frame-generation support with DLSS 4 Multi Frame Generation (2025) instead of DLSS Super Resolution. That leaves it with more room for heavier textures, tougher ray tracing loads, and higher-end 1440p or 4K gaming over the next few years.

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper card?

GeForce RTX 5060 Mobile is priced in an unclear MSRP range at an unclear MSRP versus $169 MSRP, and you are getting lower estimated average FPS across 26 tracked games in our benchmark data and 60.9% higher G3D Mark. GeForce RTX 3050 6GB still holds the G3D-per-dollar lead, so the performance win comes with a real value premium. If you are comfortable paying the premium for the stronger gaming result, GeForce RTX 5060 Mobile is the one to buy. If staying closer to budget matters more, GeForce RTX 3050 6GB still makes more sense on price alone and remains capable enough for modern gaming.

Is GeForce RTX 3050 6GB still worth buying for gaming in 2026?

Yes. GeForce RTX 3050 6GB is still a strong gaming GPU in 2026: it is still comfortable for 1080p and decent for 1440p, though 4K is more situational. This mostly comes down to price. If you want to stay closer to $169 MSRP, it remains a strong choice; if you are comfortable paying more, GeForce RTX 5060 Mobile earns that extra money with a clearly stronger gaming result and a more complete overall package.

Games Benchmarks

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 9800X3D 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.

GeForce RTX 3050 6GB Benchmark Check

GeForce RTX 5060 Mobile Benchmark Check

Path of Exile 2

Preset	GeForce RTX 3050 6GB	GeForce RTX 5060 Mobile
1080p
low	109 FPS	137 FPS
medium	92 FPS	116 FPS
high	77 FPS	98 FPS
ultra	45 FPS	59 FPS
1440p
low	95 FPS	120 FPS
medium	81 FPS	97 FPS
high	59 FPS	74 FPS
ultra	34 FPS	44 FPS
4K
low	30 FPS	44 FPS
medium	28 FPS	39 FPS
high	19 FPS	25 FPS
ultra	16 FPS	21 FPS

Open GeForce RTX 3050 6GB Open GeForce RTX 5060 Mobile

Path of Exile 2

Path of Exile 2

Counter-Strike 2

Preset	GeForce RTX 3050 6GB	GeForce RTX 5060 Mobile
1080p
low	174 FPS	161 FPS
medium	149 FPS	122 FPS
high	118 FPS	82 FPS
ultra	87 FPS	57 FPS
1440p
low	129 FPS	102 FPS
medium	106 FPS	65 FPS
high	83 FPS	47 FPS
ultra	62 FPS	36 FPS
4K
low	74 FPS	47 FPS
medium	62 FPS	32 FPS
high	48 FPS	25 FPS
ultra	34 FPS	19 FPS

Open GeForce RTX 3050 6GB Open GeForce RTX 5060 Mobile

Counter-Strike 2

Counter-Strike 2

League of Legends

Preset	GeForce RTX 3050 6GB	GeForce RTX 5060 Mobile
1080p
low	484 FPS	778 FPS
medium	387 FPS	623 FPS
high	322 FPS	519 FPS
ultra	242 FPS	389 FPS
1440p
low	363 FPS	584 FPS
medium	290 FPS	467 FPS
high	242 FPS	389 FPS
ultra	181 FPS	292 FPS
4K
low	242 FPS	360 FPS
medium	193 FPS	304 FPS
high	161 FPS	245 FPS
ultra	121 FPS	195 FPS

Open GeForce RTX 3050 6GB Open GeForce RTX 5060 Mobile

League of Legends

League of Legends

Valorant

Preset	GeForce RTX 3050 6GB	GeForce RTX 5060 Mobile
1080p
low	243 FPS	282 FPS
medium	210 FPS	241 FPS
high	171 FPS	199 FPS
ultra	144 FPS	156 FPS
1440p
low	185 FPS	210 FPS
medium	166 FPS	182 FPS
high	131 FPS	144 FPS
ultra	109 FPS	112 FPS
4K
low	104 FPS	112 FPS
medium	87 FPS	90 FPS
high	69 FPS	74 FPS
ultra	55 FPS	57 FPS

Open GeForce RTX 3050 6GB Open GeForce RTX 5060 Mobile

Valorant

Valorant

Check FPS for your specific build

Technical Specifications

Side-by-side comparison of GeForce RTX 3050 6GB and GeForce RTX 5060 Mobile

GeForce RTX 3050 6GB

The GeForce RTX 3050 6GB is manufactured by NVIDIA. It was released in February 2 2024. It features the Ampere architecture. The core clock ranges from 1042 MHz to 1470 MHz. It has 2304 shading units. The thermal design power (TDP) is 70W. Manufactured using 8 nm process technology. It features 18 dedicated ray tracing cores for enhanced lighting effects. G3D Mark benchmark score: 10,749 points. Launch price was $179.

GeForce RTX 5060 Mobile

The GeForce RTX 5060 Mobile is manufactured by NVIDIA. It was released in January 2 2025. It features the Blackwell 2.0 architecture. The boost clock speed is 2430 MHz. It has 4608 shading units. The thermal design power (TDP) is 115W. Manufactured using 3 nm process technology. G3D Mark benchmark score: 17,300 points.

⚡

Graphics Performance

In G3D Mark, the GeForce RTX 3050 6GB scores 10,749 versus the GeForce RTX 5060 Mobile's 17,300 — the GeForce RTX 5060 Mobile leads by 60.9%. The GeForce RTX 3050 6GB is built on Ampere while the GeForce RTX 5060 Mobile uses Blackwell 2.0, both on 8 nm vs 3 nm. Shader units: 2,304 (GeForce RTX 3050 6GB) vs 4,608 (GeForce RTX 5060 Mobile). Boost clocks: 1470 MHz vs 2430 MHz.

Feature	GeForce RTX 3050 6GB	GeForce RTX 5060 Mobile
G3D Mark Score	10,749	17,300+61%
Architecture	Ampere	Blackwell 2.0
Process Node	8 nm	3 nm
Shading Units	2304	4608+100%
Boost Clock	1470 MHz	2430 MHz+65%

✨

Advanced Features (DLSS/FSR)

A critical advantage for the GeForce RTX 5060 Mobile is support for DLSS 4 Multi Frame Generation. This allows it to generate entire frames using AI/Algorithms, essentially doubling the frame rate in CPU-bound scenarios or heavy ray-tracing titles. The GeForce RTX 3050 6GB lacks specific hardware/driver support for this native frame generation tier.The GeForce RTX 5060 Mobile supports the newer DLSS 4 Super Resolution, whereas the GeForce RTX 3050 6GB is capped at DLSS 2 Super Resolution.

Feature	GeForce RTX 3050 6GB	GeForce RTX 5060 Mobile
Upscaling Tech	DLSS 2 Super Resolution	DLSS 4 Super Resolution
Frame Generation	Not Supported	DLSS 4 Multi Frame Generation
Ray Reconstruction	No	Yes (DLSS 4)
Low Latency	NVIDIA Reflex	NVIDIA Reflex

💾

Video Memory (VRAM)

The GeForce RTX 3050 6GB comes with 6 GB of VRAM, while the GeForce RTX 5060 Mobile has 8 GB. The GeForce RTX 5060 Mobile offers 33.3% more capacity, crucial for higher resolutions and texture-heavy games. Memory bandwidth: 168 GB/s (GeForce RTX 3050 6GB) vs 384 GB/s (GeForce RTX 5060 Mobile) — a 128.6% advantage for the GeForce RTX 5060 Mobile. Bus width: 96-bit vs 128-bit.

Feature	GeForce RTX 3050 6GB	GeForce RTX 5060 Mobile
VRAM Capacity	6 GB	8 GB+33%
Memory Type	GDDR6	GDDR6
Memory Bandwidth	168 GB/s	384 GB/s+129%
Bus Width	96-bit	128-bit+33%

🖥️

Display & API Support

DirectX support: 12 Ultimate (GeForce RTX 3050 6GB) vs 12.2 (GeForce RTX 5060 Mobile). Vulkan: 1.3 vs 1.4. OpenGL: 4.6 vs 4.6. Maximum simultaneous displays: 4 vs 1.

Feature	GeForce RTX 3050 6GB	GeForce RTX 5060 Mobile
DirectX	12 Ultimate	12.2+2%
Vulkan	1.3	1.4+8%
OpenGL	4.6	4.6
Max Displays	4+300%	1

🎬

Media & Encoding

Hardware encoder: NVENC (5th Gen) (GeForce RTX 3050 6GB) vs 9th Gen NVENC (GeForce RTX 5060 Mobile). Decoder: NVDEC (7th Gen) vs 6th Gen NVDEC. Supported codecs: H.264,HEVC,AV1 (Decode Only) (GeForce RTX 3050 6GB) vs MPEG-2,H.264,HEVC,VP9,AV1 (GeForce RTX 5060 Mobile).

Feature	GeForce RTX 3050 6GB	GeForce RTX 5060 Mobile
Encoder	NVENC (5th Gen)	9th Gen NVENC
Decoder	NVDEC (7th Gen)	6th Gen NVDEC
Codecs	H.264,HEVC,AV1 (Decode Only)	MPEG-2,H.264,HEVC,VP9,AV1

🔌

Power & Dimensions

The GeForce RTX 3050 6GB draws 70W versus the GeForce RTX 5060 Mobile's 115W — a 48.6% difference. The GeForce RTX 3050 6GB is more power-efficient. Recommended PSU: 300W (GeForce RTX 3050 6GB) vs 650W (GeForce RTX 5060 Mobile). Power connectors: None vs PCIe-powered. Card length: 160mm vs 0mm, occupying 2 vs 0 slots. Typical load temperature: 75°C vs 80°C.

Feature	GeForce RTX 3050 6GB	GeForce RTX 5060 Mobile
TDP	70W-39%	115W
Recommended PSU	300W-54%	650W
Power Connector	None	PCIe-powered
Length	160mm	0mm
Height	—	0mm
Slots	2	0-100%
Temp (Load)	75°C-6%	80°C
Perf/Watt	153.6+2%	150.4