GeForce RTX 3050 8GB vs Radeon Steam Deck 8CU
GeForce RTX 3050 8GB
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Radeon Steam Deck 8CU
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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
Performance Comparison
About G3D Mark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
The GeForce RTX 3050 8GB is the superior choice for raw performance. It leads with a 317.8% higher G3D Mark score and 300% more VRAM (8 GB vs 2 GB). This advantage makes it significantly better for higher resolutions (1440p/4K) and graphic-intensive titles compared to the Radeon Steam Deck 8CU.
| Insight | GeForce RTX 3050 8GB | Radeon Steam Deck 8CU |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | ✅Leading raw performance (+317.8%) | ❌Lower raw frame rates (-317.8%) |
| Longevity | 🏆Elite Architecture (Ampere (2020−2025) / 8nm) | RDNA 2 (2022−2023) (6nm) |
| Ecosystem | ✨ DLSS 3/4 + Frame Gen Support | Supports FSR Upscaling |
| VRAM | 🎮 High Capacity (8 GB) | ❌ Less VRAM capacity |
| Efficiency | Normal Efficiency | Normal Efficiency |
| Case Fit | 📏 Compact / SFF Friendly | 📏 Compact / SFF Friendly |
💎 Value Proposition
While current pricing data is unavailable, the GeForce RTX 3050 8GB remains the clear technical winner. Check real-time availability to determine if the performance gap justifies the market price.
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 Radeon Steam Deck 8CU
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.
Radeon Steam Deck 8CU
The Radeon Steam Deck 8CU is manufactured by AMD. It was released in November 9 2023. It features the RDNA 2 architecture. The boost clock speed is 1900 MHz. It has 512 shading units. The thermal design power (TDP) is 30W. Manufactured using 6 nm process technology. G3D Mark benchmark score: 3,000 points.
Graphics Performance
In G3D Mark, the GeForce RTX 3050 8GB scores 12,535 versus the Radeon Steam Deck 8CU's 3,000 — the GeForce RTX 3050 8GB leads by 317.8%. The GeForce RTX 3050 8GB is built on Ampere while the Radeon Steam Deck 8CU uses RDNA 2, both on 8 nm vs 6 nm. Shader units: 2,560 (GeForce RTX 3050 8GB) vs 512 (Radeon Steam Deck 8CU). Boost clocks: 1777 MHz vs 1900 MHz.
| Feature | GeForce RTX 3050 8GB | Radeon Steam Deck 8CU |
|---|---|---|
| G3D Mark Score | 12,535+318% | 3,000 |
| Architecture | Ampere | RDNA 2 |
| Process Node | 8 nm | 6 nm |
| Shading Units | 2560+400% | 512 |
| Boost Clock | 1777 MHz | 1900 MHz+7% |
| L1 Cache | 2.5 MB+400% | 0.5 MB |
| L2 Cache | 2 MB+100% | 1 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 Radeon Steam Deck 8CU relies on FSR (FidelityFX Super Resolution), which is capable but generally slightly noisier than DLSS in motion.
| Feature | GeForce RTX 3050 8GB | Radeon Steam Deck 8CU |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | AMD Anti-Lag |
Video Memory (VRAM)
The GeForce RTX 3050 8GB comes with 8 GB of VRAM, while the Radeon Steam Deck 8CU has 2 GB. The GeForce RTX 3050 8GB offers 300% more capacity, crucial for higher resolutions and texture-heavy games. Bus width: 128-bit vs 64-bit. L2 Cache: 2 MB (GeForce RTX 3050 8GB) vs 1 MB (Radeon Steam Deck 8CU) — the GeForce RTX 3050 8GB has significantly larger on-die cache to reduce VRAM reliance.
| Feature | GeForce RTX 3050 8GB | Radeon Steam Deck 8CU |
|---|---|---|
| VRAM Capacity | 8 GB+300% | 2 GB |
| Memory Type | GDDR6 | GDDR5 |
| Bus Width | 128-bit+100% | 64-bit |
| L2 Cache | 2 MB+100% | 1 MB |
Display & API Support
DirectX support: 12 Ultimate (GeForce RTX 3050 8GB) vs 12_0 (Radeon Steam Deck 8CU). Maximum simultaneous displays: 4 vs 0.
| Feature | GeForce RTX 3050 8GB | Radeon Steam Deck 8CU |
|---|---|---|
| DirectX | 12 Ultimate | 12_0 |
| Max Displays | 4 | 0 |
Media & Encoding
Hardware encoder: NVENC 7th gen (GeForce RTX 3050 8GB) vs VCN 3.0 (Radeon Steam Deck 8CU). Decoder: NVDEC 5th gen vs VCN 3.0.
| Feature | GeForce RTX 3050 8GB | Radeon Steam Deck 8CU |
|---|---|---|
| Encoder | NVENC 7th gen | VCN 3.0 |
| Decoder | NVDEC 5th gen | VCN 3.0 |
| Codecs | H.264,H.265/HEVC,AV1,VP9 | — |
Power & Dimensions
The GeForce RTX 3050 8GB draws 130W versus the Radeon Steam Deck 8CU's 30W — a 125% difference. The Radeon Steam Deck 8CU is more power-efficient. Recommended PSU: 450W (GeForce RTX 3050 8GB) vs 350W (Radeon Steam Deck 8CU). Power connectors: 8-pin vs PCIe-powered. Card length: 242mm vs 1mm, occupying 2 vs 0 slots.
| Feature | GeForce RTX 3050 8GB | Radeon Steam Deck 8CU |
|---|---|---|
| TDP | 130W | 30W-77% |
| Recommended PSU | 450W | 350W-22% |
| Power Connector | 8-pin | PCIe-powered |
| Length | 242mm | 1mm |
| Height | 112mm | — |
| Slots | 2 | 0-100% |
| Temp (Load) | 66°C | — |
| Perf/Watt | 96.4 | 100.0+4% |
Value Analysis
The GeForce RTX 3050 8GB launched at $249 MSRP and currently averages $209, while the Radeon Steam Deck 8CU launched at $0 and now averages $0. The Radeon Steam Deck 8CU costs 100+% less ($209 savings) at current market prices. Performance per dollar (G3D Mark / price): 60.0 (GeForce RTX 3050 8GB) vs Infinity (Radeon Steam Deck 8CU) — the Radeon Steam Deck 8CU offers Infinity% better value. The Radeon Steam Deck 8CU is the newer GPU (2023 vs 2022).
| Feature | GeForce RTX 3050 8GB | Radeon Steam Deck 8CU |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $249 | $0-100% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $209 | $0-100% |
| Performance per Dollar | 60.0 | Infinity |
| Codename | GA106 | RDNA 2 Sephiroth |
| Release | January 4 2022 | November 9 2023 |
| Ranking | #211 | #480 |
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