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 $1,081 less on MSRP ($169 MSRP vs $1,250 MSRP).
✅Delivers 199.2% more G3D Mark for each dollar spent, at 63.6 vs 21.3 G3D/$ ($169 MSRP vs $1,250 MSRP).
✅Draws 70W instead of 350W, a 280W reduction.
✅Measures 160mm instead of 285mm, a 125mm shorter card that is more SFF-friendly.

Trade-offs

❌Lower average FPS than GeForce RTX 3080 12GB across 29 tracked games in our benchmark data.
❌Less VRAM, with 6 GB vs 12 GB for high-resolution textures and newer games.
❌Fewer Tensor Cores for AI-powered features like DLSS and frame generation (72 vs 280), which can reduce FPS gains in supported games.
❌Weaker long-term outlook: GeForce RTX 3080 12GB is the safer future-proof pick thanks to newer hardware and better gaming feature support.

GeForce RTX 3080 12GB

2022

Why buy it

✅127.7% more average FPS across 29 tracked games in our benchmark data.
✅288.9% more Tensor Cores for AI-powered features like DLSS and frame generation, which can increase overall FPS in supported games (280 vs 72).
✅100% more VRAM for high-resolution textures and newer games (12 GB vs 6 GB).
✅More future proof: Ampere (2020−2025) on 8nm with a newer platform for upcoming games.

Trade-offs

❌
639.6% HIGHER MSRP
$1,250 MSRPvs$169 MSRP
❌Lower G3D Mark per dollar, at 21.3 vs 63.6 G3D/$ ($1,250 MSRP vs $169 MSRP).
❌400% higher power demand at 350W vs 70W.
❌78.1% longer card at 285mm vs 160mm.

GeForce RTX 3050 6GB

2024

GeForce RTX 3080 12GB

2022

Why buy it

✅Costs $1,081 less on MSRP ($169 MSRP vs $1,250 MSRP).
✅Delivers 199.2% more G3D Mark for each dollar spent, at 63.6 vs 21.3 G3D/$ ($169 MSRP vs $1,250 MSRP).
✅Draws 70W instead of 350W, a 280W reduction.
✅Measures 160mm instead of 285mm, a 125mm shorter card that is more SFF-friendly.

Why buy it

✅127.7% more average FPS across 29 tracked games in our benchmark data.
✅288.9% more Tensor Cores for AI-powered features like DLSS and frame generation, which can increase overall FPS in supported games (280 vs 72).
✅100% more VRAM for high-resolution textures and newer games (12 GB vs 6 GB).
✅More future proof: Ampere (2020−2025) on 8nm with a newer platform for upcoming games.

Trade-offs

❌Lower average FPS than GeForce RTX 3080 12GB across 29 tracked games in our benchmark data.
❌Less VRAM, with 6 GB vs 12 GB for high-resolution textures and newer games.
❌Fewer Tensor Cores for AI-powered features like DLSS and frame generation (72 vs 280), which can reduce FPS gains in supported games.
❌Weaker long-term outlook: GeForce RTX 3080 12GB is the safer future-proof pick thanks to newer hardware and better gaming feature support.

Trade-offs

❌
639.6% HIGHER MSRP
$1,250 MSRPvs$169 MSRP
❌Lower G3D Mark per dollar, at 21.3 vs 63.6 G3D/$ ($1,250 MSRP vs $169 MSRP).
❌400% higher power demand at 350W vs 70W.
❌78.1% longer card at 285mm vs 160mm.

Quick Answers

So, is GeForce RTX 3080 12GB better than GeForce RTX 3050 6GB?

Yes. GeForce RTX 3080 12GB is clearly the better overall GPU here. GeForce RTX 3080 12GB averages 127.7% more FPS across 29 tracked games in our benchmark data. You are also looking at 26,569 vs 10,749 in G3D Mark. On top of that, GeForce RTX 3080 12GB is a 2022 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 3080 12GB is the more future-proof choice for 2026 and beyond. You are getting 147.2% more raw performance headroom, more VRAM at 12 GB instead of 6 GB, and 288.9% more ray-tracing hardware. 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 3080 12GB is about 639.6% more expensive on MSRP at $1,250 MSRP versus $169 MSRP, and you are getting 127.7% more estimated average FPS across 29 tracked games in our benchmark data and 147.2% 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 12GB 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 12GB?

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 350W), and staying closer to $169 MSRP more than squeezing out the extra headroom of GeForce RTX 3080 12GB. The trade-off is that GeForce RTX 3080 12GB currently gives you 147.2% higher G3D Mark and 127.7% 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 12GB Benchmark Check

Path of Exile 2

Preset	GeForce RTX 3050 6GB	GeForce RTX 3080 12GB
1080p
low	109 FPS	165 FPS
medium	92 FPS	150 FPS
high	77 FPS	132 FPS
ultra	45 FPS	113 FPS
1440p
low	95 FPS	139 FPS
medium	81 FPS	115 FPS
high	59 FPS	98 FPS
ultra	34 FPS	85 FPS
4K
low	30 FPS	80 FPS
medium	28 FPS	67 FPS
high	19 FPS	51 FPS
ultra	16 FPS	45 FPS

Open GeForce RTX 3050 6GB Open GeForce RTX 3080 12GB

Path of Exile 2

Path of Exile 2

Counter-Strike 2

Preset	GeForce RTX 3050 6GB	GeForce RTX 3080 12GB
1080p
low	174 FPS	553 FPS
medium	149 FPS	473 FPS
high	118 FPS	383 FPS
ultra	87 FPS	345 FPS
1440p
low	129 FPS	415 FPS
medium	106 FPS	344 FPS
high	83 FPS	273 FPS
ultra	62 FPS	233 FPS
4K
low	74 FPS	198 FPS
medium	62 FPS	168 FPS
high	48 FPS	144 FPS
ultra	34 FPS	120 FPS

Open GeForce RTX 3050 6GB Open GeForce RTX 3080 12GB

Counter-Strike 2

Counter-Strike 2

League of Legends

Preset	GeForce RTX 3050 6GB	GeForce RTX 3080 12GB
1080p
low	484 FPS	892 FPS
medium	387 FPS	724 FPS
high	322 FPS	631 FPS
ultra	242 FPS	551 FPS
1440p
low	363 FPS	705 FPS
medium	290 FPS	567 FPS
high	242 FPS	484 FPS
ultra	181 FPS	416 FPS
4K
low	242 FPS	485 FPS
medium	193 FPS	394 FPS
high	161 FPS	331 FPS
ultra	121 FPS	275 FPS

Open GeForce RTX 3050 6GB Open GeForce RTX 3080 12GB

League of Legends

League of Legends

Valorant

Preset	GeForce RTX 3050 6GB	GeForce RTX 3080 12GB
1080p
low	243 FPS	456 FPS
medium	210 FPS	413 FPS
high	171 FPS	339 FPS
ultra	144 FPS	295 FPS
1440p
low	185 FPS	366 FPS
medium	166 FPS	334 FPS
high	131 FPS	273 FPS
ultra	109 FPS	233 FPS
4K
low	104 FPS	245 FPS
medium	87 FPS	226 FPS
high	69 FPS	191 FPS
ultra	55 FPS	166 FPS

Open GeForce RTX 3050 6GB Open GeForce RTX 3080 12GB

Valorant

Valorant

Check FPS for your specific build

Technical Specifications

Side-by-side comparison of GeForce RTX 3050 6GB and GeForce RTX 3080 12GB

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 12GB

The GeForce RTX 3080 12GB is manufactured by NVIDIA. It was released in January 11 2022. It features the Ampere architecture. The core clock ranges from 1260 MHz to 1710 MHz. It has 8960 shading units. The thermal design power (TDP) is 350W. Manufactured using 8 nm process technology. It features 70 dedicated ray tracing cores for enhanced lighting effects. G3D Mark benchmark score: 26,569 points. Launch price was $799.

⚡

Graphics Performance

In G3D Mark, the GeForce RTX 3050 6GB scores 10,749 versus the GeForce RTX 3080 12GB's 26,569 — the GeForce RTX 3080 12GB leads by 147.2%. The GeForce RTX 3050 6GB is built on Ampere while the GeForce RTX 3080 12GB uses Ampere, both on a 8 nm process. Shader units: 2,304 (GeForce RTX 3050 6GB) vs 8,960 (GeForce RTX 3080 12GB). Raw compute: 6.774 TFLOPS (GeForce RTX 3050 6GB) vs 30.64 TFLOPS (GeForce RTX 3080 12GB). Boost clocks: 1470 MHz vs 1710 MHz. Ray tracing: 18 RT cores (GeForce RTX 3050 6GB) vs 70 (GeForce RTX 3080 12GB) with 72 Tensor cores vs 280.

Feature	GeForce RTX 3050 6GB	GeForce RTX 3080 12GB
G3D Mark Score	10,749	26,569+147%
Architecture	Ampere	Ampere
Process Node	8 nm	8 nm
Shading Units	2304	8960+289%
Compute (TFLOPS)	6.774 TFLOPS	30.64 TFLOPS+352%
Boost Clock	1470 MHz	1710 MHz+16%
ROPs	32	96+200%
TMUs	72	280+289%
L1 Cache	2.3 MB	8.8 MB+283%
L2 Cache	2 MB	6 MB+200%
Ray Tracing Cores	18	70+289%
Tensor Cores	72	280+289%

✨

Advanced Features (DLSS/FSR)

Feature	GeForce RTX 3050 6GB	GeForce RTX 3080 12GB
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 12GB has 12 GB. The GeForce RTX 3080 12GB offers 100% more capacity, crucial for higher resolutions and texture-heavy games. Memory bandwidth: 168 GB/s (GeForce RTX 3050 6GB) vs 912 GB/s (GeForce RTX 3080 12GB) — a 442.9% advantage for the GeForce RTX 3080 12GB. Bus width: 96-bit vs 384-bit. L2 Cache: 2 MB (GeForce RTX 3050 6GB) vs 6 MB (GeForce RTX 3080 12GB) — the GeForce RTX 3080 12GB has significantly larger on-die cache to reduce VRAM reliance.

Feature	GeForce RTX 3050 6GB	GeForce RTX 3080 12GB
VRAM Capacity	6 GB	12 GB+100%
Memory Type	GDDR6	GDDR6X
Memory Bandwidth	168 GB/s	912 GB/s+443%
Bus Width	96-bit	384-bit+300%
L2 Cache	2 MB	6 MB+200%

🖥️

Display & API Support

DirectX support: 12 Ultimate (GeForce RTX 3050 6GB) vs 12 Ultimate (GeForce RTX 3080 12GB). Vulkan: 1.3 vs 1.4. OpenGL: 4.6 vs 4.6. Maximum simultaneous displays: 4 vs 4.

Feature	GeForce RTX 3050 6GB	GeForce RTX 3080 12GB
DirectX	12 Ultimate	12 Ultimate
Vulkan	1.3	1.4+8%
OpenGL	4.6	4.6
Max Displays	4	4

🎬

Media & Encoding

Hardware encoder: NVENC (5th Gen) (GeForce RTX 3050 6GB) vs NVENC 7th gen (GeForce RTX 3080 12GB). Decoder: NVDEC (7th Gen) vs NVDEC 5th gen. Supported codecs: H.264,HEVC,AV1 (Decode Only) (GeForce RTX 3050 6GB) vs H.264,H.265/HEVC,AV1 (GeForce RTX 3080 12GB).

Feature	GeForce RTX 3050 6GB	GeForce RTX 3080 12GB
Encoder	NVENC (5th Gen)	NVENC 7th gen
Decoder	NVDEC (7th Gen)	NVDEC 5th gen
Codecs	H.264,HEVC,AV1 (Decode Only)	H.264,H.265/HEVC,AV1

🔌

Power & Dimensions

The GeForce RTX 3050 6GB draws 70W versus the GeForce RTX 3080 12GB's 350W — a 133.3% difference. The GeForce RTX 3050 6GB is more power-efficient. Recommended PSU: 300W (GeForce RTX 3050 6GB) vs 750W (GeForce RTX 3080 12GB). Power connectors: None vs 2x 8-pin. Card length: 160mm vs 285mm, occupying 2 vs 2 slots. Typical load temperature: 75°C vs 80°C.

Feature	GeForce RTX 3050 6GB	GeForce RTX 3080 12GB
TDP	70W-80%	350W
Recommended PSU	300W-60%	750W
Power Connector	None	2x 8-pin
Length	160mm	285mm
Height	—	112mm
Slots	2	2
Temp (Load)	75°C-6%	80°C
Perf/Watt	153.6+102%	75.9

💰

Value Analysis

The GeForce RTX 3050 6GB launched at $169 MSRP, while the GeForce RTX 3080 12GB launched at $1250. The GeForce RTX 3050 6GB costs 86.5% less ($1081 savings) on MSRP. Performance per dollar on MSRP (G3D Mark / MSRP): 63.6 (GeForce RTX 3050 6GB) vs 21.3 (GeForce RTX 3080 12GB) — the GeForce RTX 3050 6GB offers 198.6% better value. The GeForce RTX 3050 6GB is the newer GPU (2024 vs 2022).