GeForce RTX 3060 vs GeForce GTS 450
GeForce RTX 3060
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GeForce GTS 450
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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 GTS 450
Why is GeForce RTX 3060 better than GeForce GTS 450?
Comparing the GeForce GTS 450 to the GeForce RTX 3060 Ti highlights the monumental leap in graphics technology over ten years. The GTS 450 was a popular 100W budget choice in 2010, based on the Fermi architecture. The RTX 3060 Ti is a 2020 powerhouse from the Ampere generation, legendary for its 1440p performance.\n\nThe performance difference is staggering, with the RTX 3060 Ti offering roughly 25-30 times the raw throughput. It also introduces dedicated hardware for Ray Tracing and AI-powered upscaling (DLSS), features that have redefined modern gaming. The GTS 450, with its limited 1GB of VRAM and aging architecture, lacks the hardware and driver support necessary to run almost any modern title effectively. The RTX 3060 Ti comfortably handles ultra settings and high resolutions that would be entirely impossible for the older Fermi-based card.\n\nUltimately, the GeForce RTX 3060 Ti is the superior choice for any current gaming or creative workstation. The GTS 450 served its budget purpose well in the early 2010s, but it has since been vastly outclassed by several generations of progress. Upgrading to an RTX 30-series card represents a night-and-day difference in resolution, system responsiveness, and visual quality.
Performance Comparison
About G3D Mark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
⚠️ Generational Difference
The GeForce RTX 3060 is significantly newer (2021 vs 2010). 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 GTS 450 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 1171.1% 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 GTS 450.
| Insight | GeForce RTX 3060 | GeForce GTS 450 |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | ✅Leading raw performance (+1171.1%) | ❌Lower raw frame rates (-1171.1%) |
| Longevity | 🔮Strong Longevity (Ampere / 8nm) | 🛑Obsolete Architecture (2010 / Fermi (2010−2014)) |
| 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 | — |
💎 Value Proposition
The GeForce GTS 450 offers a compelling cost-to-performance ratio. Priced at $20 versus $289 for the GeForce RTX 3060, it costs 93% less. While it maintains basic entry-level capabilities, this results in a 13.7% higher cost efficiency score.
| Insight | GeForce RTX 3060 | GeForce GTS 450 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌Lower cost efficiency | ✅Better overall value (+13.7%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️Higher upfront cost ($289) | ✅More affordable ($20) |
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 GTS 450
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 GTS 450
The GeForce GTS 450 is manufactured by NVIDIA. It was released in September 13 2010. It features the Fermi architecture. The core clock speed is 783 MHz. It has 192 shading units. The thermal design power (TDP) is 106W. Manufactured using 40 nm process technology. G3D Mark benchmark score: 1,337 points. Launch price was $129.
Graphics Performance
In G3D Mark, the GeForce RTX 3060 scores 16,995 versus the GeForce GTS 450's 1,337 — the GeForce RTX 3060 leads by 1171.1%. The GeForce RTX 3060 is built on Ampere while the GeForce GTS 450 uses Fermi, both on 8 nm vs 40 nm. Shader units: 3,584 (GeForce RTX 3060) vs 192 (GeForce GTS 450). Raw compute: 12.74 TFLOPS (GeForce RTX 3060) vs 0.6013 TFLOPS (GeForce GTS 450).
| Feature | GeForce RTX 3060 | GeForce GTS 450 |
|---|---|---|
| G3D Mark Score | 16,995+1171% | 1,337 |
| Architecture | Ampere | Fermi |
| Process Node | 8 nm | 40 nm |
| Shading Units | 3584+1767% | 192 |
| Compute (TFLOPS) | 12.74 TFLOPS+2019% | 0.6013 TFLOPS |
| ROPs | 48+200% | 16 |
| TMUs | 112+250% | 32 |
| L1 Cache | 3.5 MB+1300% | 0.25 MB |
| L2 Cache | 3 MB+1100% | 0.25 MB |
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 GTS 450 relies on FSR (FidelityFX Super Resolution), which is capable but generally slightly noisier than DLSS in motion.
| Feature | GeForce RTX 3060 | GeForce GTS 450 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 GTS 450 has 1 GB. The GeForce RTX 3060 offers 1100% more capacity, crucial for higher resolutions and texture-heavy games. Bus width: 192-bit vs 128-bit. L2 Cache: 3 MB (GeForce RTX 3060) vs 0.25 MB (GeForce GTS 450) — the GeForce RTX 3060 has significantly larger on-die cache to reduce VRAM reliance.
| Feature | GeForce RTX 3060 | GeForce GTS 450 |
|---|---|---|
| VRAM Capacity | 12 GB+1100% | 1 GB |
| Memory Type | GDDR6 | GDDR5 |
| Memory Bandwidth | 360 GB/s | Unknown |
| Bus Width | 192-bit+50% | 128-bit |
| L2 Cache | 3 MB+1100% | 0.25 MB |
Media & Encoding
Supported codecs: AV1,H.265,H.264,VP9 (GeForce RTX 3060) vs H.264 (GeForce GTS 450).
| Feature | GeForce RTX 3060 | GeForce GTS 450 |
|---|---|---|
| Encoder | NVENC 7th Gen | — |
| Decoder | NVDEC 5th Gen | — |
| Codecs | AV1,H.265,H.264,VP9 | H.264 |
Power & Dimensions
The GeForce RTX 3060 draws 170W versus the GeForce GTS 450's 106W — a 46.4% difference. The GeForce GTS 450 is more power-efficient. Recommended PSU: 550W (GeForce RTX 3060) vs 400W (GeForce GTS 450). Power connectors: 8-pin vs 1x 6-pin.
| Feature | GeForce RTX 3060 | GeForce GTS 450 |
|---|---|---|
| TDP | 170W | 106W-38% |
| Recommended PSU | 550W | 400W-27% |
| Power Connector | 8-pin | 1x 6-pin |
| Length | 242mm | — |
| Height | 112mm | — |
| Slots | 2 | — |
| Temp (Load) | 75 | — |
| Perf/Watt | 100.0+694% | 12.6 |
Value Analysis
The GeForce RTX 3060 launched at $329 MSRP and currently averages $289, while the GeForce GTS 450 launched at $129 and now averages $20. The GeForce GTS 450 costs 93.1% less ($269 savings) at current market prices. Performance per dollar (G3D Mark / price): 58.8 (GeForce RTX 3060) vs 66.8 (GeForce GTS 450) — the GeForce GTS 450 offers 13.6% better value. The GeForce RTX 3060 is the newer GPU (2021 vs 2010).
| Feature | GeForce RTX 3060 | GeForce GTS 450 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $329 | $129-61% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $289 | $20-93% |
| Performance per Dollar | 58.8 | 66.8+14% |
| Codename | GA106 | GF106 |
| Release | January 12 2021 | September 13 2010 |
| Ranking | #114 | #791 |
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