GeForce RTX 3050 8GB vs GeForce GTX 1060
GeForce RTX 3050 8GB
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GeForce GTX 1060
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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 3050 8GB
Performance Per Dollar
Why is GeForce RTX 3050 8GB better than GeForce GTX 1060?
The matchup between the entry-level GeForce RTX 3050 8GB and the legendary GeForce GTX 1060 highlights a fascinating battle between eras. While the GTX 1060 remains a robust and beloved icon for its legendary 1080p value, the RTX 3050 8GB provides superior energy efficiency and introduces next-gen AI features like DLSS.
Technically, the RTX 3050 8GB wins on absolute hardware depth, featuring more VRAM (8GB vs 6GB) and specialized hardware for Ray Tracing and mature DLSS support. While the GeForce GTX 1060 remains a robuste legend for budget-conscious builders on legacy rigs, it lacks the overall throughput and feature set—like world-class AI fluidity—needed for uncompromised graphics in 2026. Moving to a modern 30-series card is a transformative upgrade for most enthusiasts.
The GeForce RTX 3050 8GB is the undisputed winner in absolute rendering performance and future-proof technological support. it is a world-class engine for high-end 1080p digital environments. The GeForce GTX 1060 remains the winner for users who priority the strongest legacy value and reliable performance for existing stationary tasks. however, for any user looking for the most immersion and stable digital environment, the 30-series discrete card is the superior choice.
Performance Comparison
About G3D Mark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
⚠️ Generational Difference
The GeForce RTX 3050 8GB is significantly newer (2022 vs 2016). The GeForce RTX 3050 8GB likely supports modern features like Ray Tracing, Tensor Cores, and DLSS/FSR upscaling, which act as force multipliers for performance. The GeForce GTX 1060 lacks this hardware feature set, limiting its longevity in modern titles despite any raw power similarities.
🚀 Performance Leadership
The GeForce RTX 3050 8GB is the superior choice for raw performance. It leads with a 24.6% higher G3D Mark score and 33.3% more VRAM (8 GB vs 6 GB). This advantage makes it significantly better for higher resolutions (1440p/4K) and graphic-intensive titles compared to the GeForce GTX 1060.
| Insight | GeForce RTX 3050 8GB | GeForce GTX 1060 |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | ✅Leading raw performance (+24.6%) | ❌Lower raw frame rates (-24.6%) |
| Longevity | 🏆Elite Architecture (Ampere (2020−2025) / 8nm) | 🛑Obsolete Architecture (2016 / Pascal (2016−2021)) |
| Ecosystem | ✨ DLSS 3/4 + Frame Gen Support | Supports FSR Upscaling |
| VRAM | 🎮 High Capacity (8 GB) | ❌ Less VRAM capacity |
| Efficiency | 💡 Excellent Perf/Watt | ⚡ Higher Power Consumption |
| Case Fit | 📏 Compact / SFF Friendly | 📏 Compact / SFF Friendly |
💎 Value Proposition
The GeForce GTX 1060 offers a compelling cost-to-performance ratio. Priced at $60 versus $209 for the GeForce RTX 3050 8GB, it costs 71% less. While it maintains lower overall performance, this results in a 179.7% higher cost efficiency score.
| Insight | GeForce RTX 3050 8GB | GeForce GTX 1060 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌Lower cost efficiency | ✅Better overall value (+179.7%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️Higher upfront cost ($209) | ✅More affordable ($60) |
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 3050 8GB and GeForce GTX 1060
GeForce RTX 3050 8GB
The GeForce RTX 3050 8GB is manufactured by NVIDIA. It was released in January 4 2022. It features the Ampere architecture. The core clock ranges from 1552 MHz to 1777 MHz. It has 2560 shading units. The thermal design power (TDP) is 130W. Manufactured using 8 nm process technology. It features 20 dedicated ray tracing cores for enhanced lighting effects. G3D Mark benchmark score: 12,535 points. Launch price was $249.
GeForce GTX 1060
The GeForce GTX 1060 is manufactured by NVIDIA. It was released in May 27 2016. It features the Pascal architecture. The core clock ranges from 1607 MHz to 1733 MHz. It has 2560 shading units. The thermal design power (TDP) is 180W. Manufactured using 16 nm process technology. G3D Mark benchmark score: 10,064 points. Launch price was $599.
Graphics Performance
In G3D Mark, the GeForce RTX 3050 8GB scores 12,535 versus the GeForce GTX 1060's 10,064 — the GeForce RTX 3050 8GB leads by 24.6%. The GeForce RTX 3050 8GB is built on Ampere while the GeForce GTX 1060 uses Pascal, both on 8 nm vs 16 nm. Shader units: 2,560 (GeForce RTX 3050 8GB) vs 2,560 (GeForce GTX 1060). Raw compute: 9.098 TFLOPS (GeForce RTX 3050 8GB) vs 8.873 TFLOPS (GeForce GTX 1060). Boost clocks: 1777 MHz vs 1733 MHz.
| Feature | GeForce RTX 3050 8GB | GeForce GTX 1060 |
|---|---|---|
| G3D Mark Score | 12,535+25% | 10,064 |
| Architecture | Ampere | Pascal |
| Process Node | 8 nm | 16 nm |
| Shading Units | 2560 | 2560 |
| Compute (TFLOPS) | 9.098 TFLOPS+3% | 8.873 TFLOPS |
| Boost Clock | 1777 MHz+3% | 1733 MHz |
| ROPs | 32 | 64+100% |
| TMUs | 80 | 160+100% |
| L1 Cache | 2.5 MB+166% | 0.94 MB |
| L2 Cache | 2 MB | 2 MB |
Advanced Features (DLSS/FSR)
The GeForce RTX 3050 8GB gives access to NVIDIA DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling), widely regarding as the superior upscaling method for image quality. The GeForce GTX 1060 relies on FSR (FidelityFX Super Resolution), which is capable but generally slightly noisier than DLSS in motion.
| Feature | GeForce RTX 3050 8GB | GeForce GTX 1060 |
|---|---|---|
| Upscaling Tech | DLSS 2.0 | FSR 2.1 (Compatible) |
| Frame Generation | FSR 3 / AFMF (Compatible) | FSR 3 (Compatible) |
| Ray Reconstruction | No | No |
| Low Latency | NVIDIA Reflex | Standard |
Video Memory (VRAM)
The GeForce RTX 3050 8GB comes with 8 GB of VRAM, while the GeForce GTX 1060 has 6 GB. The GeForce RTX 3050 8GB offers 33.3% more capacity, crucial for higher resolutions and texture-heavy games. Memory bandwidth: 224 GB/s (GeForce RTX 3050 8GB) vs 192 GB/s (GeForce GTX 1060) — a 16.7% advantage for the GeForce RTX 3050 8GB. Bus width: 128-bit vs 192-bit.
| Feature | GeForce RTX 3050 8GB | GeForce GTX 1060 |
|---|---|---|
| VRAM Capacity | 8 GB+33% | 6 GB |
| Memory Type | GDDR6 | GDDR5 |
| Memory Bandwidth | 224 GB/s+17% | 192 GB/s |
| Bus Width | 128-bit | 192-bit+50% |
| L2 Cache | 2 MB | 2 MB |
Display & API Support
DirectX support: 12 Ultimate (GeForce RTX 3050 8GB) vs 12 (GeForce GTX 1060). Vulkan: 1.4 vs 1.3. OpenGL: 4.6 vs 4.5. Maximum simultaneous displays: 4 vs 4.
| Feature | GeForce RTX 3050 8GB | GeForce GTX 1060 |
|---|---|---|
| DirectX | 12 Ultimate | 12 |
| Vulkan | 1.4+8% | 1.3 |
| OpenGL | 4.6+2% | 4.5 |
| Max Displays | 4 | 4 |
Media & Encoding
Hardware encoder: NVENC 7th gen (GeForce RTX 3050 8GB) vs NVENC (Pascal) (GeForce GTX 1060). Decoder: NVDEC 5th gen vs NVDEC (Pascal). Supported codecs: H.264,H.265/HEVC,AV1,VP9 (GeForce RTX 3050 8GB) vs H.264,H.265/HEVC (GeForce GTX 1060).
| Feature | GeForce RTX 3050 8GB | GeForce GTX 1060 |
|---|---|---|
| Encoder | NVENC 7th gen | NVENC (Pascal) |
| Decoder | NVDEC 5th gen | NVDEC (Pascal) |
| Codecs | H.264,H.265/HEVC,AV1,VP9 | H.264,H.265/HEVC |
Power & Dimensions
The GeForce RTX 3050 8GB draws 130W versus the GeForce GTX 1060's 180W — a 32.3% difference. The GeForce RTX 3050 8GB is more power-efficient. Recommended PSU: 450W (GeForce RTX 3050 8GB) vs 400W (GeForce GTX 1060). Power connectors: 8-pin vs 6-pin. Card length: 242mm vs 173mm, occupying 2 vs 2 slots.
| Feature | GeForce RTX 3050 8GB | GeForce GTX 1060 |
|---|---|---|
| TDP | 130W-28% | 180W |
| Recommended PSU | 450W | 400W-11% |
| Power Connector | 8-pin | 6-pin |
| Length | 242mm | 173mm |
| Height | 112mm | 111mm |
| Slots | 2 | 2 |
| Temp (Load) | 66°C | — |
| Perf/Watt | 96.4+72% | 55.9 |
Value Analysis
The GeForce RTX 3050 8GB launched at $249 MSRP and currently averages $209, while the GeForce GTX 1060 launched at $249 and now averages $60. The GeForce GTX 1060 costs 71.3% less ($149 savings) at current market prices. Performance per dollar (G3D Mark / price): 60.0 (GeForce RTX 3050 8GB) vs 167.7 (GeForce GTX 1060) — the GeForce GTX 1060 offers 179.5% better value. The GeForce RTX 3050 8GB is the newer GPU (2022 vs 2016).
| Feature | GeForce RTX 3050 8GB | GeForce GTX 1060 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $249 | $249 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $209 | $60-71% |
| Performance per Dollar | 60.0 | 167.7+179% |
| Codename | GA106 | GP104 |
| Release | January 4 2022 | May 27 2016 |
| Ranking | #211 | #137 |
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