GeForce RTX 3060 vs GeForce 8600 GTS
GeForce RTX 3060
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GeForce 8600 GTS
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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 3060
Performance Per Dollar GeForce 8600 GTS
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 GTS 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 9086.5% higher G3D Mark score and 2300% more VRAM (12 GB vs 512 MB). This advantage makes it significantly better for higher resolutions (1440p/4K) and graphic-intensive titles compared to the GeForce 8600 GTS.
| Insight | GeForce RTX 3060 | GeForce 8600 GTS |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | ✅Leading raw performance (+9086.5%) | ❌Lower raw frame rates (-9086.5%) |
| 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 $35), its significant performance lead justifies the premium, offering 1012.6% better value per dollar than the GeForce 8600 GTS.
| Insight | GeForce RTX 3060 | GeForce 8600 GTS |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅Better overall value (+1012.6%) | ❌Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️Higher upfront cost ($289) | ✅More affordable ($35) |
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 3060 and GeForce 8600 GTS
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 GTS
The GeForce 8600 GTS 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: 185 points.
Graphics Performance
In G3D Mark, the GeForce RTX 3060 scores 16,995 versus the GeForce 8600 GTS's 185 — the GeForce RTX 3060 leads by 9086.5%. The GeForce RTX 3060 is built on Ampere while the GeForce 8600 GTS uses G9x, both on 8 nm vs 65 nm. Shader units: 3,584 (GeForce RTX 3060) vs 224 (GeForce 8600 GTS).
| Feature | GeForce RTX 3060 | GeForce 8600 GTS |
|---|---|---|
| G3D Mark Score | 16,995+9086% | 185 |
| 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 GTS relies on FSR (FidelityFX Super Resolution), which is capable but generally slightly noisier than DLSS in motion.
| Feature | GeForce RTX 3060 | GeForce 8600 GTS |
|---|---|---|
| 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 GTS has 512 MB. The GeForce RTX 3060 offers 2300% more capacity, crucial for higher resolutions and texture-heavy games. Bus width: 192-bit vs 64-bit.
| Feature | GeForce RTX 3060 | GeForce 8600 GTS |
|---|---|---|
| VRAM Capacity | 12 GB+2300% | 0.5 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 GTS). Vulkan: 1.3 vs None. OpenGL: 4.6 vs 3.3. Maximum simultaneous displays: 4 vs 2.
| Feature | GeForce RTX 3060 | GeForce 8600 GTS |
|---|---|---|
| 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 GTS). 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 GTS).
| Feature | GeForce RTX 3060 | GeForce 8600 GTS |
|---|---|---|
| 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 GTS's 150W — a 12.5% difference. The GeForce 8600 GTS is more power-efficient. Recommended PSU: 550W (GeForce RTX 3060) vs 350W (GeForce 8600 GTS). Power connectors: 8-pin vs Legacy. Card length: 242mm vs 198mm, occupying 2 vs 1 slots. Typical load temperature: 75 vs 85°C.
| Feature | GeForce RTX 3060 | GeForce 8600 GTS |
|---|---|---|
| TDP | 170W | 150W-12% |
| Recommended PSU | 550W | 350W-36% |
| Power Connector | 8-pin | Legacy |
| Length | 242mm | 198mm |
| Height | 112mm | 111mm |
| Slots | 2 | 1-50% |
| Temp (Load) | 75-12% | 85°C |
| Perf/Watt | 100.0+8233% | 1.2 |
Value Analysis
The GeForce RTX 3060 launched at $329 MSRP and currently averages $289, while the GeForce 8600 GTS launched at $199 and now averages $35. The GeForce 8600 GTS costs 87.9% less ($254 savings) at current market prices. Performance per dollar (G3D Mark / price): 58.8 (GeForce RTX 3060) vs 5.3 (GeForce 8600 GTS) — the GeForce RTX 3060 offers 1009.4% better value. The GeForce RTX 3060 is the newer GPU (2021 vs 2008).
| Feature | GeForce RTX 3060 | GeForce 8600 GTS |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $329 | $199-40% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $289 | $35-88% |
| Performance per Dollar | 58.8+1009% | 5.3 |
| Codename | GA106 | NB9E-GTX |
| Release | January 12 2021 | July 15 2008 |
| Ranking | #114 | #825 |
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