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 3060

2021

Why buy it

✅Costs $370 less on MSRP ($329 MSRP vs $699 MSRP).
✅Delivers 44% more G3D Mark for each dollar spent, at 51.7 vs 35.9 G3D/$ ($329 MSRP vs $699 MSRP).
✅20% more VRAM for high-resolution textures and newer games (12 GB vs 10 GB).
✅Draws 170W instead of 320W, a 150W reduction.
✅Measures 242mm instead of 285mm, a 43mm shorter card that is more SFF-friendly.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark G3D performance (16,995 vs 25,071).
❌Fewer Tensor Cores for AI-powered features like DLSS and frame generation (112 vs 272), which can reduce FPS gains in supported games.

GeForce RTX 3080

2020

Why buy it

✅+47.5% higher PassMark G3D performance.
✅142.9% more Tensor Cores for AI-powered features like DLSS and frame generation, which can increase overall FPS in supported games (272 vs 112).

Trade-offs

❌Less VRAM, with 10 GB vs 12 GB for high-resolution textures and newer games.
❌
112.5% HIGHER MSRP
$699 MSRPvs$329 MSRP
❌Lower G3D Mark per dollar, at 35.9 vs 51.7 G3D/$ ($699 MSRP vs $329 MSRP).
❌88.2% higher power demand at 320W vs 170W.
❌17.8% longer card at 285mm vs 242mm.

GeForce RTX 3060

2021

GeForce RTX 3080

2020

Why buy it

✅Costs $370 less on MSRP ($329 MSRP vs $699 MSRP).
✅Delivers 44% more G3D Mark for each dollar spent, at 51.7 vs 35.9 G3D/$ ($329 MSRP vs $699 MSRP).
✅20% more VRAM for high-resolution textures and newer games (12 GB vs 10 GB).
✅Draws 170W instead of 320W, a 150W reduction.
✅Measures 242mm instead of 285mm, a 43mm shorter card that is more SFF-friendly.

Why buy it

✅+47.5% higher PassMark G3D performance.
✅142.9% more Tensor Cores for AI-powered features like DLSS and frame generation, which can increase overall FPS in supported games (272 vs 112).

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark G3D performance (16,995 vs 25,071).
❌Fewer Tensor Cores for AI-powered features like DLSS and frame generation (112 vs 272), which can reduce FPS gains in supported games.

Trade-offs

❌Less VRAM, with 10 GB vs 12 GB for high-resolution textures and newer games.
❌
112.5% HIGHER MSRP
$699 MSRPvs$329 MSRP
❌Lower G3D Mark per dollar, at 35.9 vs 51.7 G3D/$ ($699 MSRP vs $329 MSRP).
❌88.2% higher power demand at 320W vs 170W.
❌17.8% longer card at 285mm vs 242mm.

Quick Answers

So, is GeForce RTX 3080 better than GeForce RTX 3060?

Yes. GeForce RTX 3080 is the better GPU overall here. You are getting 47.5% higher PassMark G3D performance and 272 vs 112 Tensor cores. It also comes from 2020 instead of 2021, which helps its case as the more complete modern gaming card.

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

GeForce RTX 3060 is the more future-proof choice for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer 2021 generation instead of 2020 and more VRAM at 12 GB instead of 10 GB. That extra memory headroom makes it the safer pick for newer games, heavier textures, and higher settings over time.

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

GeForce RTX 3080 is about 112.5% more expensive on MSRP at $699 MSRP versus $329 MSRP, and you are getting 47.5% higher G3D Mark. GeForce RTX 3060 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 3060 still makes more sense on price alone and remains capable enough for modern gaming.

When does GeForce RTX 3060 make more sense than GeForce RTX 3080?

Yes. GeForce RTX 3060 is still an excellent gaming GPU in 2026: it is very strong for 1080p, good for 1440p, and more limited at 4K. It makes more sense if your priority is newer architecture, lower power draw (170W vs 320W), future-proofing, and staying closer to $329 MSRP more than squeezing out the extra headroom of GeForce RTX 3080. The trade-off is that GeForce RTX 3080 currently gives you 47.5% higher G3D Mark. GeForce RTX 3060 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 3060 Benchmark Check

GeForce RTX 3080 Benchmark Check

Path of Exile 2

Preset	GeForce RTX 3060	GeForce RTX 3080
1080p
low	149 FPS	164 FPS
medium	131 FPS	150 FPS
high	118 FPS	129 FPS
ultra	99 FPS	113 FPS
1440p
low	126 FPS	139 FPS
medium	104 FPS	116 FPS
high	92 FPS	97 FPS
ultra	80 FPS	88 FPS
4K
low	67 FPS	85 FPS
medium	58 FPS	72 FPS
high	39 FPS	56 FPS
ultra	32 FPS	50 FPS

Open GeForce RTX 3060 Open GeForce RTX 3080

Path of Exile 2

Path of Exile 2

Counter-Strike 2

Preset	GeForce RTX 3060	GeForce RTX 3080
1080p
low	354 FPS	579 FPS
medium	310 FPS	493 FPS
high	249 FPS	390 FPS
ultra	195 FPS	338 FPS
1440p
low	222 FPS	386 FPS
medium	196 FPS	322 FPS
high	160 FPS	257 FPS
ultra	128 FPS	219 FPS
4K
low	110 FPS	178 FPS
medium	94 FPS	153 FPS
high	77 FPS	131 FPS
ultra	60 FPS	110 FPS

Open GeForce RTX 3060 Open GeForce RTX 3080

Counter-Strike 2

Counter-Strike 2

League of Legends

Preset	GeForce RTX 3060	GeForce RTX 3080
1080p
low	765 FPS	869 FPS
medium	612 FPS	706 FPS
high	510 FPS	617 FPS
ultra	382 FPS	539 FPS
1440p
low	535 FPS	686 FPS
medium	432 FPS	555 FPS
high	366 FPS	475 FPS
ultra	287 FPS	408 FPS
4K
low	367 FPS	472 FPS
medium	298 FPS	386 FPS
high	221 FPS	325 FPS
ultra	176 FPS	270 FPS

Open GeForce RTX 3060 Open GeForce RTX 3080

League of Legends

League of Legends

Valorant

Preset	GeForce RTX 3060	GeForce RTX 3080
1080p
low	523 FPS	647 FPS
medium	452 FPS	588 FPS
high	383 FPS	490 FPS
ultra	319 FPS	455 FPS
1440p
low	428 FPS	524 FPS
medium	371 FPS	472 FPS
high	298 FPS	396 FPS
ultra	245 FPS	358 FPS
4K
low	279 FPS	344 FPS
medium	259 FPS	314 FPS
high	225 FPS	289 FPS
ultra	186 FPS	261 FPS

Open GeForce RTX 3060 Open GeForce RTX 3080

Valorant

Valorant

Check FPS for your specific build

Technical Specifications

Side-by-side comparison of GeForce RTX 3060 and GeForce RTX 3080

GeForce RTX 3060

The GeForce RTX 3060 is manufactured by NVIDIA. It was released in January 12 2021. It features the Ampere architecture. The core clock ranges from 1320 MHz to 1777 MHz. It has 3584 shading units. The thermal design power (TDP) is 170W. Manufactured using 8 nm process technology. It features 28 dedicated ray tracing cores for enhanced lighting effects. G3D Mark benchmark score: 16,995 points. Launch price was $329.

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 3060 scores 16,995 versus the GeForce RTX 3080's 25,071 — the GeForce RTX 3080 leads by 47.5%. The GeForce RTX 3060 is built on Ampere while the GeForce RTX 3080 uses Ampere, both on a 8 nm process. Shader units: 3,584 (GeForce RTX 3060) vs 8,704 (GeForce RTX 3080). Raw compute: 12.74 TFLOPS (GeForce RTX 3060) vs 29.77 TFLOPS (GeForce RTX 3080). Boost clocks: 1777 MHz vs 1710 MHz. Ray tracing: 28 RT cores (GeForce RTX 3060) vs 68 (GeForce RTX 3080) with 112 Tensor cores vs 272.

Feature	GeForce RTX 3060	GeForce RTX 3080
G3D Mark Score	16,995	25,071+48%
Architecture	Ampere	Ampere
Process Node	8 nm	8 nm
Shading Units	3584	8704+143%
Compute (TFLOPS)	12.74 TFLOPS	29.77 TFLOPS+134%
Boost Clock	1777 MHz+4%	1710 MHz
ROPs	48	96+100%
TMUs	112	272+143%
L1 Cache	3.5 MB	8.5 MB+143%
L2 Cache	3 MB	5 MB+67%
Ray Tracing Cores	28	68+143%
Tensor Cores	112	272+143%

✨

Advanced Features (DLSS/FSR)

Feature	GeForce RTX 3060	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 3060 comes with 12 GB of VRAM, while the GeForce RTX 3080 has 10 GB. The GeForce RTX 3060 offers 20% more capacity, crucial for higher resolutions and texture-heavy games. Memory bandwidth: 360 GB/s (GeForce RTX 3060) vs 760 GB/s (GeForce RTX 3080) — a 111.1% advantage for the GeForce RTX 3080. Bus width: 192-bit vs 320-bit. L2 Cache: 3 MB (GeForce RTX 3060) vs 5 MB (GeForce RTX 3080) — the GeForce RTX 3080 has significantly larger on-die cache to reduce VRAM reliance.

Feature	GeForce RTX 3060	GeForce RTX 3080
VRAM Capacity	12 GB+20%	10 GB
Memory Type	GDDR6	GDDR6X
Memory Bandwidth	360 GB/s	760 GB/s+111%
Bus Width	192-bit	320-bit+67%
L2 Cache	3 MB	5 MB+67%

🖥️

Display & API Support

DirectX support: 12 Ultimate (GeForce RTX 3060) 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 3060	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 7th Gen (GeForce RTX 3060) vs NVENC (Ampere) (GeForce RTX 3080). Decoder: NVDEC 5th Gen vs NVDEC (Ampere). Supported codecs: AV1,H.265,H.264,VP9 (GeForce RTX 3060) vs H.264,H.265,VP9,AV1 (GeForce RTX 3080).

Feature	GeForce RTX 3060	GeForce RTX 3080
Encoder	NVENC 7th Gen	NVENC (Ampere)
Decoder	NVDEC 5th Gen	NVDEC (Ampere)
Codecs	AV1,H.265,H.264,VP9	H.264,H.265,VP9,AV1

🔌

Power & Dimensions

The GeForce RTX 3060 draws 170W versus the GeForce RTX 3080's 320W — a 61.2% difference. The GeForce RTX 3060 is more power-efficient. Recommended PSU: 550W (GeForce RTX 3060) vs 750W (GeForce RTX 3080). Power connectors: 8-pin vs 2x 8-pin. Card length: 242mm vs 285mm, occupying 2 vs 2 slots. Typical load temperature: 75 vs 75.

Feature	GeForce RTX 3060	GeForce RTX 3080
TDP	170W-47%	320W
Recommended PSU	550W-27%	750W
Power Connector	8-pin	2x 8-pin
Length	242mm	285mm
Height	112mm	112mm
Slots	2	2
Temp (Load)	75	75
Perf/Watt	100.0+28%	78.3

💰

Value Analysis

The GeForce RTX 3060 launched at $329 MSRP, while the GeForce RTX 3080 launched at $699. The GeForce RTX 3060 costs 52.9% less ($370 savings) on MSRP. Performance per dollar on MSRP (G3D Mark / MSRP): 51.7 (GeForce RTX 3060) vs 35.9 (GeForce RTX 3080) — the GeForce RTX 3060 offers 44% better value. The GeForce RTX 3060 is the newer GPU (2021 vs 2020).