GeForce RTX 3060 vs GeForce 8600 GT

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.

MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.•
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.

Performance Per Dollar GeForce RTX 3060

#15

Radeon RX 6500 XT

MSRP: $199|Avg: $150

109%

#16

GeForce RTX 3070

MSRP: $499|Avg: $200

108%

#17

Radeon RX 6700

MSRP: $379|Avg: $300

107%

#18

Radeon RX 6600 XT

MSRP: $379|Avg: $170

105%

#19

Radeon RX590 GME

MSRP: $173|Avg: $115

105%

#20

Radeon RX 6650 XT

MSRP: $399|Avg: $230

104%

#21

GeForce RTX 5060 Ti

MSRP: $379|Avg: $379

103%

#22

GeForce RTX 3050 6GB

MSRP: $169|Avg: $179

102%

#23

GeForce RTX 3050 8GB

MSRP: $249|Avg: $209

102%

#24

Radeon RX 6600 LE

MSRP: $329|Avg: $160

102%

#25

GeForce RTX 5060 Ti 8GB

MSRP: $379|Avg: $379

101%

#26

Radeon RX 7700 XT

MSRP: $449|Avg: $380

101%

#27

GeForce RTX 4060 Ti

MSRP: $399|Avg: $380

101%

#28

Radeon RX 6750 GRE 10GB

MSRP: $269|Avg: $318

100%

#29

Radeon RX 6700 XT

MSRP: $479|Avg: $230

100%

#30

GeForce RTX 3060

MSRP: $329|Avg: $289

100%

#31

Radeon RX 7400

MSRP: $199|Avg: $199

100%

#32

Radeon RX 9060 XT 16 GB

MSRP: $349|Avg: $349

99%

#33

Radeon RX 9060 XT 16GB

MSRP: $349|Avg: $349

98%

#34

Radeon RX 5300

MSRP: $129|Avg: $50

96%

#35

GeForce GTX 1650 Ti

MSRP: $150|Avg: $77

95%

#36

Radeon RX 6400

MSRP: $159|Avg: $139

95%

#37

GeForce RTX 3070 Ti

MSRP: $599|Avg: $330

94%

#38

Arc A750

MSRP: $289|Avg: $229

94%

#39

Radeon RX 6800

MSRP: $579|Avg: $370

93%

#40

GeForce RTX 3060 8GB

MSRP: $329|Avg: $280

92%

#41

Radeon RX 6750 XT

MSRP: $549|Avg: $320

92%

#42

GeForce RTX 4070 Ti

MSRP: $799|Avg: $590

91%

#43

GeForce RTX 5060 Ti 16GB

MSRP: $429|Avg: $429

90%

#44

GeForce RTX 5070

MSRP: $549|Avg: $550

89%

#45

Radeon RX 7600 XT

MSRP: $329|Avg: $330

89%

Based on actual market prices and performance benchmarks.

Performance Per Dollar GeForce 8600 GT

#694

Radeon RX 550X (móvel)

MSRP: $35|Avg: $35

12337%

#696

GeForce GTX 1070 with Max-Q Design

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $150

11184%

#697

GeForce GTX 1060 with Max-Q Design

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $100

11155%

#701

GeForce GTX 1050 (Mobile)

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $50

10143%

#702

Radeon RX 6300

MSRP: $60|Avg: $40

10074%

#704

GeForce 8600 GT

MSRP: $159|Avg: $15

100%

#705

Mobility Radeon X1400

MSRP: $49|Avg: $49

100%

#706

GeForce 7900 GT

MSRP: $299|Avg: $60

98%

#707

GeForce 6150SE

MSRP: $30|Avg: $5

94%

#708

Mobility Radeon X1350

MSRP: $49|Avg: $15

93%

#709

Mobility Radeon X1300

MSRP: $49|Avg: $15

93%

#710

MOBILITY RADEON 9600/9700

MSRP: $49|Avg: $15

91%

#711

GeForce 7900 GTX

MSRP: $499|Avg: $40

89%

#712

GeForce 6800 GS

MSRP: $249|Avg: $40

88%

#713

GeForce 6150

MSRP: $30|Avg: $10

83%

#714

MOBILITY RADEON 9600

MSRP: $49|Avg: $15

83%

#715

RADEON E4690

MSRP: $558|Avg: $558

83%

#716

MOBILITY RADEON X300

MSRP: $50|Avg: $10

77%

#717

MOBILITY RADEON X700

MSRP: $100|Avg: $20

76%

#718

Mobility Radeon HD 4225

MSRP: $100|Avg: $15

75%

#719

RADEON X800 SE

MSRP: $200|Avg: $15

74%

Based on actual market prices and performance benchmarks.

Performance Comparison

About G3D Mark

🏆 Chipversus Verdict

⚠️ Generational Difference

The GeForce RTX 3060 is significantly newer (2021 vs 2008). The GeForce RTX 3060 likely supports modern features like Ray Tracing, Tensor Cores, and DLSS/FSR upscaling, which act as force multipliers for performance. The GeForce 8600 GT lacks this hardware feature set, limiting its longevity in modern titles despite any raw power similarities.

🚀 Performance Leadership

The GeForce RTX 3060 is the superior choice for raw performance. It leads with a 12039.3% higher G3D Mark score and 1100% more VRAM (12 GB vs 1 GB). This advantage makes it significantly better for higher resolutions (1440p/4K) and graphic-intensive titles compared to the GeForce 8600 GT.

Insight	GeForce RTX 3060	GeForce 8600 GT
Performance	✅Leading raw performance (+12039.3%)	❌Lower raw frame rates (-12039.3%)
Longevity	🔮Strong Longevity (Ampere / 8nm)	🛑Obsolete Architecture (2008 / G9x (2007−2010))
Ecosystem	✨ DLSS 2 Upscaling	Supports FSR Upscaling
VRAM	🎮 High Capacity (12 GB)	❌ Less VRAM capacity
Efficiency	💡 Excellent Perf/Watt	⚡ Higher Power Consumption
Case Fit	📏 Compact / SFF Friendly	📏 Compact / SFF Friendly

💎 Value Proposition

The GeForce RTX 3060 offers a compelling cost-to-performance ratio. Although it costs $289 (vs $15), its significant performance lead justifies the premium, offering 530.1% better value per dollar than the GeForce 8600 GT.

Insight	GeForce RTX 3060	GeForce 8600 GT
Cost Efficiency	✅Better overall value (+530.1%)	❌Lower cost efficiency
Upfront Cost	⚠️Higher upfront cost ($289)	✅More affordable ($15)

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.

GeForce RTX 3060 Benchmark Check

GeForce 8600 GT Benchmark Check

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Technical Specifications

Side-by-side comparison of GeForce RTX 3060 and GeForce 8600 GT

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 8600 GT

The GeForce 8600 GT is manufactured by NVIDIA. It was released in July 15 2008. It features the G9x architecture. The core clock speed is 500 MHz. It has 224 shading units. The thermal design power (TDP) is 150W. Manufactured using 65 nm process technology. G3D Mark benchmark score: 140 points.

⚡

Graphics Performance

In G3D Mark, the GeForce RTX 3060 scores 16,995 versus the GeForce 8600 GT's 140 — the GeForce RTX 3060 leads by 12039.3%. The GeForce RTX 3060 is built on Ampere while the GeForce 8600 GT uses G9x, both on 8 nm vs 65 nm. Shader units: 3,584 (GeForce RTX 3060) vs 224 (GeForce 8600 GT).

Feature	GeForce RTX 3060	GeForce 8600 GT
G3D Mark Score	16,995+12039%	140
Architecture	Ampere	G9x
Process Node	8 nm	65 nm
Shading Units	3584+1500%	224

✨

Advanced Features (DLSS/FSR)

The GeForce RTX 3060 gives access to NVIDIA DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling), widely regarding as the superior upscaling method for image quality. The GeForce 8600 GT relies on FSR (FidelityFX Super Resolution), which is capable but generally slightly noisier than DLSS in motion.

Feature	GeForce RTX 3060	GeForce 8600 GT
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	Standard

💾

Video Memory (VRAM)

The GeForce RTX 3060 comes with 12 GB of VRAM, while the GeForce 8600 GT has 1 GB. The GeForce RTX 3060 offers 1100% more capacity, crucial for higher resolutions and texture-heavy games. Bus width: 192-bit vs 64-bit.

Feature	GeForce RTX 3060	GeForce 8600 GT
VRAM Capacity	12 GB+1100%	1 GB
Memory Type	GDDR6	GDDR5
Memory Bandwidth	360 GB/s	Unknown
Bus Width	192-bit+200%	64-bit

🖥️

Display & API Support

DirectX support: 12 Ultimate (GeForce RTX 3060) vs 10.0 (GeForce 8600 GT). Vulkan: 1.3 vs None. OpenGL: 4.6 vs 3.3. Maximum simultaneous displays: 4 vs 2.

Feature	GeForce RTX 3060	GeForce 8600 GT
DirectX	12 Ultimate+20%	10.0
Vulkan	1.3	None
OpenGL	4.6+39%	3.3
Max Displays	4+100%	2

🎬

Media & Encoding

Hardware encoder: NVENC 7th Gen (GeForce RTX 3060) vs No (GeForce 8600 GT). Decoder: NVDEC 5th Gen vs PureVideo HD VP2. Supported codecs: AV1,H.265,H.264,VP9 (GeForce RTX 3060) vs MPEG-2,H.264 (GeForce 8600 GT).

Feature	GeForce RTX 3060	GeForce 8600 GT
Encoder	NVENC 7th Gen	No
Decoder	NVDEC 5th Gen	PureVideo HD VP2
Codecs	AV1,H.265,H.264,VP9	MPEG-2,H.264

🔌

Power & Dimensions

The GeForce RTX 3060 draws 170W versus the GeForce 8600 GT's 150W — a 12.5% difference. The GeForce 8600 GT is more power-efficient. Recommended PSU: 550W (GeForce RTX 3060) vs 350W (GeForce 8600 GT). Power connectors: 8-pin vs Legacy. Card length: 242mm vs 173mm, occupying 2 vs 1 slots. Typical load temperature: 75 vs 80°C.

Feature	GeForce RTX 3060	GeForce 8600 GT
TDP	170W	150W-12%
Recommended PSU	550W	350W-36%
Power Connector	8-pin	Legacy
Length	242mm	173mm
Height	112mm	111mm
Slots	2	1-50%
Temp (Load)	75-6%	80°C
Perf/Watt	100.0+11011%	0.9

💰

Value Analysis

The GeForce RTX 3060 launched at $329 MSRP and currently averages $289, while the GeForce 8600 GT launched at $159 and now averages $15. The GeForce 8600 GT costs 94.8% less ($274 savings) at current market prices. Performance per dollar (G3D Mark / price): 58.8 (GeForce RTX 3060) vs 9.3 (GeForce 8600 GT) — the GeForce RTX 3060 offers 532.3% better value. The GeForce RTX 3060 is the newer GPU (2021 vs 2008).