GeForce RTX 3060 12GB vs GeForce RTX 4070
GeForce RTX 3060 12GB
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GeForce RTX 4070
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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 GeForce RTX 3060 12GB
Performance Per Dollar GeForce RTX 4070
Performance Comparison
About G3D Mark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
The GeForce RTX 4070 is the superior choice for raw performance. It leads with a 60.5% higher G3D Mark score. This advantage makes it significantly better for higher resolutions (1440p/4K) and graphic-intensive titles compared to the GeForce RTX 3060 12GB.
| Insight | GeForce RTX 3060 12GB | GeForce RTX 4070 |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | ❌Lower raw frame rates (-60.5%) | ✅Leading raw performance (+60.5%) |
| Longevity | 🔮Strong Longevity (Ampere (2020−2025) / 8nm) | 🏆Elite Architecture (Ada Lovelace (2022−2024) / 5nm) |
| Ecosystem | ✨ DLSS 2 Upscaling | ✨ DLSS 3/4 + Frame Gen Support |
| VRAM | 🎮 High Capacity (12 GB) | 🎮 High Capacity (12 GB) |
| Efficiency | ⚡ Higher Power Consumption | 💡 Excellent Perf/Watt |
| Case Fit | 📏 Compact / SFF Friendly | Standard Size (304mm) |
💎 Value Proposition
The GeForce RTX 3060 12GB offers a compelling cost-to-performance ratio. Priced at $340 versus $550 for the GeForce RTX 4070, it costs 38% less. While it maintains lower overall performance, this results in a 0.8% higher cost efficiency score.
| Insight | GeForce RTX 3060 12GB | GeForce RTX 4070 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅Better overall value (+0.8%) | ❌Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅More affordable ($340) | ⚠️Higher upfront cost ($550) |
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 RTX 3060 12GB and GeForce RTX 4070
GeForce RTX 3060 12GB
The GeForce RTX 3060 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: 16,777 points. Launch price was $799.
GeForce RTX 4070
The GeForce RTX 4070 is manufactured by NVIDIA. It was released in April 12 2023. It features the Ada Lovelace architecture. The core clock ranges from 1920 MHz to 2475 MHz. It has 5888 shading units. The thermal design power (TDP) is 200W. Manufactured using 5 nm process technology. It features 46 dedicated ray tracing cores for enhanced lighting effects. G3D Mark benchmark score: 26,919 points. Launch price was $599.
Graphics Performance
In G3D Mark, the GeForce RTX 3060 12GB scores 16,777 versus the GeForce RTX 4070's 26,919 — the GeForce RTX 4070 leads by 60.5%. The GeForce RTX 3060 12GB is built on Ampere while the GeForce RTX 4070 uses Ada Lovelace, both on 8 nm vs 5 nm. Shader units: 8,960 (GeForce RTX 3060 12GB) vs 5,888 (GeForce RTX 4070). Raw compute: 30.64 TFLOPS (GeForce RTX 3060 12GB) vs 29.15 TFLOPS (GeForce RTX 4070). Boost clocks: 1710 MHz vs 2475 MHz. Ray tracing: 70 RT cores (GeForce RTX 3060 12GB) vs 46 (GeForce RTX 4070) with 280 Tensor cores vs 184.
| Feature | GeForce RTX 3060 12GB | GeForce RTX 4070 |
|---|---|---|
| G3D Mark Score | 16,777 | 26,919+60% |
| Architecture | Ampere | Ada Lovelace |
| Process Node | 8 nm | 5 nm |
| Shading Units | 8960+52% | 5888 |
| Compute (TFLOPS) | 30.64 TFLOPS+5% | 29.15 TFLOPS |
| Boost Clock | 1710 MHz | 2475 MHz+45% |
| ROPs | 96+50% | 64 |
| TMUs | 280+52% | 184 |
| L1 Cache | 8.8 MB+52% | 5.8 MB |
| L2 Cache | 6 MB | 36 MB+500% |
| Ray Tracing Cores | 70+52% | 46 |
| Tensor Cores | 280+52% | 184 |
Advanced Features (DLSS/FSR)
A critical advantage for the GeForce RTX 4070 is support for DLSS 3 Frame Gen. 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 3060 12GB lacks specific hardware/driver support for this native frame generation tier.
| Feature | GeForce RTX 3060 12GB | GeForce RTX 4070 |
|---|---|---|
| Upscaling Tech | DLSS 2.0 | DLSS 3.5 |
| Frame Generation | FSR 3 / AFMF (Compatible) | DLSS 3.0 (Native) |
| Ray Reconstruction | No | Yes (DLSS 3.5) |
| Low Latency | NVIDIA Reflex | NVIDIA Reflex |
Video Memory (VRAM)
Both cards feature 12 GB of video memory. Memory bandwidth: 360 GB/s (GeForce RTX 3060 12GB) vs 504 GB/s (GeForce RTX 4070) — a 40% advantage for the GeForce RTX 4070. Bus width: 192-bit vs 192-bit. L2 Cache: 6 MB (GeForce RTX 3060 12GB) vs 36 MB (GeForce RTX 4070) — the GeForce RTX 4070 has significantly larger on-die cache to reduce VRAM reliance.
| Feature | GeForce RTX 3060 12GB | GeForce RTX 4070 |
|---|---|---|
| VRAM Capacity | 12 GB | 12 GB |
| Memory Type | GDDR6 | GDDR6X |
| Memory Bandwidth | 360 GB/s | 504 GB/s+40% |
| Bus Width | 192-bit | 192-bit |
| L2 Cache | 6 MB | 36 MB+500% |
Display & API Support
DirectX support: 12 Ultimate (GeForce RTX 3060 12GB) vs 12.2 (GeForce RTX 4070). Vulkan: 1.3 vs 1.3. OpenGL: 4.6 vs 4.6. Maximum simultaneous displays: 4 vs 4.
| Feature | GeForce RTX 3060 12GB | GeForce RTX 4070 |
|---|---|---|
| DirectX | 12 Ultimate | 12.2+2% |
| Vulkan | 1.3 | 1.3 |
| OpenGL | 4.6 | 4.6 |
| Max Displays | 4 | 4 |
Media & Encoding
Hardware encoder: NVENC 7th gen (GeForce RTX 3060 12GB) vs 8th Gen NVENC (2x) (GeForce RTX 4070). Decoder: NVDEC 5th gen vs 5th Gen NVDEC. Supported codecs: H.264,H.265/HEVC,AV1 (GeForce RTX 3060 12GB) vs MPEG-2,H.264,HEVC,VP9,AV1 (GeForce RTX 4070).
| Feature | GeForce RTX 3060 12GB | GeForce RTX 4070 |
|---|---|---|
| Encoder | NVENC 7th gen | 8th Gen NVENC (2x) |
| Decoder | NVDEC 5th gen | 5th Gen NVDEC |
| Codecs | H.264,H.265/HEVC,AV1 | MPEG-2,H.264,HEVC,VP9,AV1 |
Power & Dimensions
The GeForce RTX 3060 12GB draws 350W versus the GeForce RTX 4070's 200W — a 54.5% difference. The GeForce RTX 4070 is more power-efficient. Recommended PSU: 550W (GeForce RTX 3060 12GB) vs 650W (GeForce RTX 4070). Power connectors: 8-pin vs 8-pin. Card length: 242mm vs 304mm, occupying 2 vs 3 slots. Typical load temperature: 75°C vs 80°C.
| Feature | GeForce RTX 3060 12GB | GeForce RTX 4070 |
|---|---|---|
| TDP | 350W | 200W-43% |
| Recommended PSU | 550W-15% | 650W |
| Power Connector | 8-pin | 8-pin |
| Length | 242mm | 304mm |
| Height | 112mm | 137mm |
| Slots | 2-33% | 3 |
| Temp (Load) | 75°C-6% | 80°C |
| Perf/Watt | 47.9 | 134.6+181% |
Value Analysis
The GeForce RTX 3060 12GB launched at $329 MSRP and currently averages $340, while the GeForce RTX 4070 launched at $599 and now averages $550. The GeForce RTX 3060 12GB costs 38.2% less ($210 savings) at current market prices. Performance per dollar (G3D Mark / price): 49.3 (GeForce RTX 3060 12GB) vs 48.9 (GeForce RTX 4070) — the GeForce RTX 3060 12GB offers 0.8% better value. The GeForce RTX 4070 is the newer GPU (2023 vs 2022).
| Feature | GeForce RTX 3060 12GB | GeForce RTX 4070 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $329-45% | $599 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $340-38% | $550 |
| Performance per Dollar | 49.3 | 48.9 |
| Codename | GA102 | AD104 |
| Release | January 11 2022 | April 12 2023 |
| Ranking | #38 | #32 |
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