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

✅Costs $530 less on MSRP ($169 MSRP vs $699 MSRP).
✅Delivers 77.3% more G3D Mark for each dollar spent, at 63.6 vs 35.9 G3D/$ ($169 MSRP vs $699 MSRP).
✅Draws 70W instead of 320W, a 250W reduction.
✅Measures 160mm instead of 285mm, a 125mm shorter card that is more SFF-friendly.

Trade-offs

❌Lower average FPS than GeForce RTX 3080 across 29 tracked games in our benchmark data.
❌Less VRAM, with 6 GB vs 10 GB for high-resolution textures and newer games.
❌Fewer Tensor Cores for AI-powered features like DLSS and frame generation (72 vs 272), which can reduce FPS gains in supported games.

GeForce RTX 3080

2020

Why buy it

✅137.0% more average FPS across 29 tracked games in our benchmark data.
✅277.8% more Tensor Cores for AI-powered features like DLSS and frame generation, which can increase overall FPS in supported games (272 vs 72).
✅66.7% more VRAM for high-resolution textures and newer games (10 GB vs 6 GB).

Trade-offs

❌
313.6% HIGHER MSRP
$699 MSRPvs$169 MSRP
❌Lower G3D Mark per dollar, at 35.9 vs 63.6 G3D/$ ($699 MSRP vs $169 MSRP).
❌357.1% higher power demand at 320W vs 70W.
❌78.1% longer card at 285mm vs 160mm.

GeForce RTX 3050 6GB

2024

GeForce RTX 3080

2020

Why buy it

✅Costs $530 less on MSRP ($169 MSRP vs $699 MSRP).
✅Delivers 77.3% more G3D Mark for each dollar spent, at 63.6 vs 35.9 G3D/$ ($169 MSRP vs $699 MSRP).
✅Draws 70W instead of 320W, a 250W reduction.
✅Measures 160mm instead of 285mm, a 125mm shorter card that is more SFF-friendly.

Why buy it

✅137.0% more average FPS across 29 tracked games in our benchmark data.
✅277.8% more Tensor Cores for AI-powered features like DLSS and frame generation, which can increase overall FPS in supported games (272 vs 72).
✅66.7% more VRAM for high-resolution textures and newer games (10 GB vs 6 GB).

Trade-offs

❌Lower average FPS than GeForce RTX 3080 across 29 tracked games in our benchmark data.
❌Less VRAM, with 6 GB vs 10 GB for high-resolution textures and newer games.
❌Fewer Tensor Cores for AI-powered features like DLSS and frame generation (72 vs 272), which can reduce FPS gains in supported games.

Trade-offs

❌
313.6% HIGHER MSRP
$699 MSRPvs$169 MSRP
❌Lower G3D Mark per dollar, at 35.9 vs 63.6 G3D/$ ($699 MSRP vs $169 MSRP).
❌357.1% higher power demand at 320W vs 70W.
❌78.1% longer card at 285mm vs 160mm.

Quick Answers

So, is GeForce RTX 3080 better than GeForce RTX 3050 6GB?

Yes. GeForce RTX 3080 is clearly the better overall GPU here. GeForce RTX 3080 averages 137.0% more FPS across 29 tracked games in our benchmark data. You are also looking at 25,071 vs 10,749 in G3D Mark. On top of that, GeForce RTX 3080 is a 2020 card with DLSS Super Resolution, while GeForce RTX 3050 6GB is a 2024 model from an older generation with DLSS Super Resolution. So this is not really a tight same-tier comparison. It is more a modern card against an older, weaker alternative.

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

GeForce RTX 3050 6GB is the more future-proof choice for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer 2024 generation instead of 2020. That makes it the safer long-run choice for modern games.

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

GeForce RTX 3080 is about 313.6% more expensive on MSRP at $699 MSRP versus $169 MSRP, and you are getting 137.0% more estimated average FPS across 29 tracked games in our benchmark data and 133.2% 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 3080 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.

When does GeForce RTX 3050 6GB make more sense than GeForce RTX 3080?

Yes. GeForce RTX 3050 6GB is still an excellent gaming GPU in 2026: it is still comfortable for 1080p and decent for 1440p, though 4K is more situational. It makes more sense if your priority is newer architecture, lower power draw (70W vs 320W), future-proofing, and staying closer to $169 MSRP more than squeezing out the extra headroom of GeForce RTX 3080. The trade-off is that GeForce RTX 3080 currently gives you 133.2% higher G3D Mark and 137.0% more estimated average FPS across 29 tracked games in our benchmark data. GeForce RTX 3050 6GB still holds the G3D-per-dollar lead, so the performance win comes with a real value premium.

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 3080 Benchmark Check

Path of Exile 2

Preset	GeForce RTX 3050 6GB	GeForce RTX 3080
1080p
low	109 FPS	164 FPS
medium	92 FPS	150 FPS
high	77 FPS	129 FPS
ultra	45 FPS	113 FPS
1440p
low	95 FPS	139 FPS
medium	81 FPS	116 FPS
high	59 FPS	97 FPS
ultra	34 FPS	88 FPS
4K
low	30 FPS	85 FPS
medium	28 FPS	72 FPS
high	19 FPS	56 FPS
ultra	16 FPS	50 FPS

Open GeForce RTX 3050 6GB Open GeForce RTX 3080

Path of Exile 2

Path of Exile 2

Counter-Strike 2

Preset	GeForce RTX 3050 6GB	GeForce RTX 3080
1080p
low	174 FPS	579 FPS
medium	149 FPS	493 FPS
high	118 FPS	390 FPS
ultra	87 FPS	338 FPS
1440p
low	129 FPS	386 FPS
medium	106 FPS	322 FPS
high	83 FPS	257 FPS
ultra	62 FPS	219 FPS
4K
low	74 FPS	178 FPS
medium	62 FPS	153 FPS
high	48 FPS	131 FPS
ultra	34 FPS	110 FPS

Open GeForce RTX 3050 6GB Open GeForce RTX 3080

Counter-Strike 2

Counter-Strike 2

League of Legends

Preset	GeForce RTX 3050 6GB	GeForce RTX 3080
1080p
low	484 FPS	869 FPS
medium	387 FPS	706 FPS
high	322 FPS	617 FPS
ultra	242 FPS	539 FPS
1440p
low	363 FPS	686 FPS
medium	290 FPS	555 FPS
high	242 FPS	475 FPS
ultra	181 FPS	408 FPS
4K
low	242 FPS	472 FPS
medium	193 FPS	386 FPS
high	161 FPS	325 FPS
ultra	121 FPS	270 FPS

Open GeForce RTX 3050 6GB Open GeForce RTX 3080

League of Legends

League of Legends

Valorant

Preset	GeForce RTX 3050 6GB	GeForce RTX 3080
1080p
low	243 FPS	647 FPS
medium	210 FPS	588 FPS
high	171 FPS	490 FPS
ultra	144 FPS	455 FPS
1440p
low	185 FPS	524 FPS
medium	166 FPS	472 FPS
high	131 FPS	396 FPS
ultra	109 FPS	358 FPS
4K
low	104 FPS	344 FPS
medium	87 FPS	314 FPS
high	69 FPS	289 FPS
ultra	55 FPS	261 FPS

Open GeForce RTX 3050 6GB Open GeForce RTX 3080

Valorant

Valorant

Check FPS for your specific build

Technical Specifications

Side-by-side comparison of GeForce RTX 3050 6GB and GeForce RTX 3080

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 3080

The GeForce RTX 3080 is manufactured by NVIDIA. It was released in September 1 2020. It features the Ampere architecture. The core clock ranges from 1440 MHz to 1710 MHz. It has 8704 shading units. The thermal design power (TDP) is 320W. Manufactured using 8 nm process technology. It features 68 dedicated ray tracing cores for enhanced lighting effects. G3D Mark benchmark score: 25,071 points. Launch price was $699.

⚡

Graphics Performance

In G3D Mark, the GeForce RTX 3050 6GB scores 10,749 versus the GeForce RTX 3080's 25,071 — the GeForce RTX 3080 leads by 133.2%. The GeForce RTX 3050 6GB is built on Ampere while the GeForce RTX 3080 uses Ampere, both on a 8 nm process. Shader units: 2,304 (GeForce RTX 3050 6GB) vs 8,704 (GeForce RTX 3080). Raw compute: 6.774 TFLOPS (GeForce RTX 3050 6GB) vs 29.77 TFLOPS (GeForce RTX 3080). Boost clocks: 1470 MHz vs 1710 MHz. Ray tracing: 18 RT cores (GeForce RTX 3050 6GB) vs 68 (GeForce RTX 3080) with 72 Tensor cores vs 272.

Feature	GeForce RTX 3050 6GB	GeForce RTX 3080
G3D Mark Score	10,749	25,071+133%
Architecture	Ampere	Ampere
Process Node	8 nm	8 nm
Shading Units	2304	8704+278%
Compute (TFLOPS)	6.774 TFLOPS	29.77 TFLOPS+339%
Boost Clock	1470 MHz	1710 MHz+16%
ROPs	32	96+200%
TMUs	72	272+278%
L1 Cache	2.3 MB	8.5 MB+270%
L2 Cache	2 MB	5 MB+150%
Ray Tracing Cores	18	68+278%
Tensor Cores	72	272+278%

✨

Advanced Features (DLSS/FSR)

Feature	GeForce RTX 3050 6GB	GeForce RTX 3080
Upscaling Tech	DLSS 2 Super Resolution	DLSS 2 Super Resolution
Frame Generation	Not Supported	Not Supported
Ray Reconstruction	No	No
Low Latency	NVIDIA Reflex	NVIDIA Reflex

💾

Video Memory (VRAM)

The GeForce RTX 3050 6GB comes with 6 GB of VRAM, while the GeForce RTX 3080 has 10 GB. The GeForce RTX 3080 offers 66.7% more capacity, crucial for higher resolutions and texture-heavy games. Memory bandwidth: 168 GB/s (GeForce RTX 3050 6GB) vs 760 GB/s (GeForce RTX 3080) — a 352.4% advantage for the GeForce RTX 3080. Bus width: 96-bit vs 320-bit. L2 Cache: 2 MB (GeForce RTX 3050 6GB) vs 5 MB (GeForce RTX 3080) — the GeForce RTX 3080 has significantly larger on-die cache to reduce VRAM reliance.

Feature	GeForce RTX 3050 6GB	GeForce RTX 3080
VRAM Capacity	6 GB	10 GB+67%
Memory Type	GDDR6	GDDR6X
Memory Bandwidth	168 GB/s	760 GB/s+352%
Bus Width	96-bit	320-bit+233%
L2 Cache	2 MB	5 MB+150%

🖥️

Display & API Support

DirectX support: 12 Ultimate (GeForce RTX 3050 6GB) vs 12 Ultimate (12_2) (GeForce RTX 3080). Vulkan: 1.3 vs 1.3. OpenGL: 4.6 vs 4.6. Maximum simultaneous displays: 4 vs 4.

Feature	GeForce RTX 3050 6GB	GeForce RTX 3080
DirectX	12 Ultimate	12 Ultimate (12_2)
Vulkan	1.3	1.3
OpenGL	4.6	4.6
Max Displays	4	4

🎬

Media & Encoding

Hardware encoder: NVENC (5th Gen) (GeForce RTX 3050 6GB) vs NVENC (Ampere) (GeForce RTX 3080). Decoder: NVDEC (7th Gen) vs NVDEC (Ampere). Supported codecs: H.264,HEVC,AV1 (Decode Only) (GeForce RTX 3050 6GB) vs H.264,H.265,VP9,AV1 (GeForce RTX 3080).

Feature	GeForce RTX 3050 6GB	GeForce RTX 3080
Encoder	NVENC (5th Gen)	NVENC (Ampere)
Decoder	NVDEC (7th Gen)	NVDEC (Ampere)
Codecs	H.264,HEVC,AV1 (Decode Only)	H.264,H.265,VP9,AV1

🔌

Power & Dimensions

The GeForce RTX 3050 6GB draws 70W versus the GeForce RTX 3080's 320W — a 128.2% difference. The GeForce RTX 3050 6GB is more power-efficient. Recommended PSU: 300W (GeForce RTX 3050 6GB) vs 750W (GeForce RTX 3080). Power connectors: None vs 2x 8-pin. Card length: 160mm vs 285mm, occupying 2 vs 2 slots. Typical load temperature: 75°C vs 75.

Feature	GeForce RTX 3050 6GB	GeForce RTX 3080
TDP	70W-78%	320W
Recommended PSU	300W-60%	750W
Power Connector	None	2x 8-pin
Length	160mm	285mm
Height	—	112mm
Slots	2	2
Temp (Load)	75°C	75
Perf/Watt	153.6+96%	78.3

💰

Value Analysis

The GeForce RTX 3050 6GB launched at $169 MSRP, while the GeForce RTX 3080 launched at $699. The GeForce RTX 3050 6GB costs 75.8% less ($530 savings) on MSRP. Performance per dollar on MSRP (G3D Mark / MSRP): 63.6 (GeForce RTX 3050 6GB) vs 35.9 (GeForce RTX 3080) — the GeForce RTX 3050 6GB offers 77.2% better value. The GeForce RTX 3050 6GB is the newer GPU (2024 vs 2020).