GeForce RTX 3050 8GB vs GeForce RTX 5060
GeForce RTX 3050 8GB
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GeForce RTX 5060
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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 GeForce RTX 5060
Why is GeForce RTX 5060 better than GeForce RTX 3050 8GB?
The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060 (Blackwell architecture) represents a massive two-generation jump over the RTX 3050 8GB, delivering more than double the performance in many gaming benchmarks. With as much as 65-130% higher frame rates, the RTX 5060 transforms the entry-level gaming experience into a high-refresh 1080p powerhouse.
Technically, the RTX 5060 introduces Blackwell's advanced efficiency and supports the latest AI innovations, including DLSS 4. Compared to the older 8nm Ampere-based RTX 3050, the RTX 5060 utilizes a refined 5nm process and high-bandwidth GDDR7 memory, significantly improving the data throughput necessary for modern ray-traced titles.
For any builder currently using an RTX 3050, the RTX 5060 is a compelling upgrade path that offers a night-and-day difference in smoothness and feature support. While the RTX 3050 was a capable budget card at launch, it lacks the longevity and raw power that the RTX 5060 provides for the next several years of gaming.
Performance Comparison
About G3D Mark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
The GeForce RTX 5060 is the superior choice for raw performance. It leads with a 66.2% higher G3D Mark score. This advantage makes it significantly better for higher resolutions (1440p/4K) and graphic-intensive titles compared to the GeForce RTX 3050 8GB.
| Insight | GeForce RTX 3050 8GB | GeForce RTX 5060 |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | ❌Lower raw frame rates (-66.2%) | ✅Leading raw performance (+66.2%) |
| Longevity | 🏆Elite Architecture (Ampere (2020−2025) / 8nm) | 🏆Elite Architecture (Blackwell 2.0 (2025−2026) / 5nm) |
| Ecosystem | ✨ DLSS 3/4 + Frame Gen Support | ✨ DLSS 3/4 + Frame Gen Support |
| VRAM | 🎮 High Capacity (8 GB) | 🎮 High Capacity (8 GB) |
| Efficiency | ⚡ Higher Power Consumption | 💡 Excellent Perf/Watt |
| Case Fit | 📏 Compact / SFF Friendly | 📏 Compact / SFF Friendly |
💎 Value Proposition
The GeForce RTX 5060 offers a compelling cost-to-performance ratio. Although it costs $299 (vs $209), its significant performance lead justifies the premium, offering 16.2% better value per dollar than the GeForce RTX 3050 8GB.
| Insight | GeForce RTX 3050 8GB | GeForce RTX 5060 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌Lower cost efficiency | ✅Better overall value (+16.2%) |
| Upfront Cost | ✅More affordable ($209) | ⚠️Higher upfront cost ($299) |
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 RTX 5060
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 RTX 5060
The GeForce RTX 5060 is manufactured by NVIDIA. It was released in May 19 2025. It features the Blackwell 2.0 architecture. The core clock ranges from 2280 MHz to 2497 MHz. It has 3840 shading units. The thermal design power (TDP) is 145W. Manufactured using 5 nm process technology. It features 30 dedicated ray tracing cores for enhanced lighting effects. G3D Mark benchmark score: 20,836 points. Launch price was $299.
Graphics Performance
In G3D Mark, the GeForce RTX 3050 8GB scores 12,535 versus the GeForce RTX 5060's 20,836 — the GeForce RTX 5060 leads by 66.2%. The GeForce RTX 3050 8GB is built on Ampere while the GeForce RTX 5060 uses Blackwell 2.0, both on 8 nm vs 5 nm. Shader units: 2,560 (GeForce RTX 3050 8GB) vs 3,840 (GeForce RTX 5060). Raw compute: 9.098 TFLOPS (GeForce RTX 3050 8GB) vs 19.18 TFLOPS (GeForce RTX 5060). Boost clocks: 1777 MHz vs 2497 MHz. Ray tracing: 20 RT cores (GeForce RTX 3050 8GB) vs 30 (GeForce RTX 5060) with 80 Tensor cores vs 120.
| Feature | GeForce RTX 3050 8GB | GeForce RTX 5060 |
|---|---|---|
| G3D Mark Score | 12,535 | 20,836+66% |
| Architecture | Ampere | Blackwell 2.0 |
| Process Node | 8 nm | 5 nm |
| Shading Units | 2560 | 3840+50% |
| Compute (TFLOPS) | 9.098 TFLOPS | 19.18 TFLOPS+111% |
| Boost Clock | 1777 MHz | 2497 MHz+41% |
| ROPs | 32 | 48+50% |
| TMUs | 80 | 120+50% |
| L1 Cache | 2.5 MB | 3.8 MB+52% |
| L2 Cache | 2 MB | 32 MB+1500% |
| Ray Tracing Cores | 20 | 30+50% |
| Tensor Cores | 80 | 120+50% |
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 RTX 5060 relies on FSR (FidelityFX Super Resolution), which is capable but generally slightly noisier than DLSS in motion.
| Feature | GeForce RTX 3050 8GB | GeForce RTX 5060 |
|---|---|---|
| Upscaling Tech | DLSS 2.0 | FSR 1.0 (Software) |
| Frame Generation | FSR 3 / AFMF (Compatible) | Not Supported |
| Ray Reconstruction | No | No |
| Low Latency | NVIDIA Reflex | NVIDIA Reflex |
Video Memory (VRAM)
Both cards feature 8 GB of video memory. Memory bandwidth: 224 GB/s (GeForce RTX 3050 8GB) vs 448 GB/s (GeForce RTX 5060) — a 100% advantage for the GeForce RTX 5060. Bus width: 128-bit vs 128-bit. L2 Cache: 2 MB (GeForce RTX 3050 8GB) vs 32 MB (GeForce RTX 5060) — the GeForce RTX 5060 has significantly larger on-die cache to reduce VRAM reliance.
| Feature | GeForce RTX 3050 8GB | GeForce RTX 5060 |
|---|---|---|
| VRAM Capacity | 8 GB | 8 GB |
| Memory Type | GDDR6 | GDDR7 |
| Memory Bandwidth | 224 GB/s | 448 GB/s+100% |
| Bus Width | 128-bit | 128-bit |
| L2 Cache | 2 MB | 32 MB+1500% |
Display & API Support
DirectX support: 12 Ultimate (GeForce RTX 3050 8GB) vs 12 Ultimate (GeForce RTX 5060). Vulkan: 1.4 vs 1.4. OpenGL: 4.6 vs 4.6. Maximum simultaneous displays: 4 vs 4.
| Feature | GeForce RTX 3050 8GB | GeForce RTX 5060 |
|---|---|---|
| DirectX | 12 Ultimate | 12 Ultimate |
| Vulkan | 1.4 | 1.4 |
| OpenGL | 4.6 | 4.6 |
| Max Displays | 4 | 4 |
Media & Encoding
Hardware encoder: NVENC 7th gen (GeForce RTX 3050 8GB) vs NVENC 9th gen (GeForce RTX 5060). Decoder: NVDEC 5th gen vs NVDEC 6th gen. Supported codecs: H.264,H.265/HEVC,AV1,VP9 (GeForce RTX 3050 8GB) vs H.264,H.265/HEVC,AV1 (GeForce RTX 5060).
| Feature | GeForce RTX 3050 8GB | GeForce RTX 5060 |
|---|---|---|
| Encoder | NVENC 7th gen | NVENC 9th gen |
| Decoder | NVDEC 5th gen | NVDEC 6th gen |
| Codecs | H.264,H.265/HEVC,AV1,VP9 | H.264,H.265/HEVC,AV1 |
Power & Dimensions
The GeForce RTX 3050 8GB draws 130W versus the GeForce RTX 5060's 145W — a 10.9% difference. The GeForce RTX 3050 8GB is more power-efficient. Recommended PSU: 450W (GeForce RTX 3050 8GB) vs 450W (GeForce RTX 5060). Power connectors: 8-pin vs 8-pin. Card length: 242mm vs 241mm, occupying 2 vs 2 slots. Typical load temperature: 66°C vs 65°C.
| Feature | GeForce RTX 3050 8GB | GeForce RTX 5060 |
|---|---|---|
| TDP | 130W-10% | 145W |
| Recommended PSU | 450W | 450W |
| Power Connector | 8-pin | 8-pin |
| Length | 242mm | 241mm |
| Height | 112mm | 111mm |
| Slots | 2 | 2 |
| Temp (Load) | 66°C | 65°C-2% |
| Perf/Watt | 96.4 | 143.7+49% |
Value Analysis
The GeForce RTX 3050 8GB launched at $249 MSRP and currently averages $209, while the GeForce RTX 5060 launched at $299 and now averages $299. The GeForce RTX 3050 8GB costs 30.1% less ($90 savings) at current market prices. Performance per dollar (G3D Mark / price): 60.0 (GeForce RTX 3050 8GB) vs 69.7 (GeForce RTX 5060) — the GeForce RTX 5060 offers 16.2% better value. The GeForce RTX 5060 is the newer GPU (2025 vs 2022).
| Feature | GeForce RTX 3050 8GB | GeForce RTX 5060 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $249-17% | $299 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $209-30% | $299 |
| Performance per Dollar | 60.0 | 69.7+16% |
| Codename | GA106 | GB206 |
| Release | January 4 2022 | May 19 2025 |
| Ranking | #211 | #69 |
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