GeForce RTX 3060 vs GeForce GTX 1060 5GB
GeForce RTX 3060
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GeForce GTX 1060 5GB
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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
Performance Comparison
About G3D Mark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
⚠️ Generational Difference
The GeForce RTX 3060 uses modern memory architecture. 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 GTX 1060 5GB 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 85.2% higher G3D Mark score and 140% more VRAM (12 GB vs 5 GB). This advantage makes it significantly better for higher resolutions (1440p/4K) and graphic-intensive titles compared to the GeForce GTX 1060 5GB.
| Insight | GeForce RTX 3060 | GeForce GTX 1060 5GB |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | ✅Leading raw performance (+85.2%) | ❌Lower raw frame rates (-85.2%) |
| Longevity | 🔮Strong Longevity (Ampere / 8nm) | 🛑Obsolete Architecture (2017 / Pascal (2016−2021)) |
| 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 | Standard Size (250mm) |
💎 Value Proposition
The GeForce GTX 1060 5GB offers a compelling cost-to-performance ratio. Priced at $65 versus $289 for the GeForce RTX 3060, it costs 78% less. While it maintains lower overall performance, this results in a 140% higher cost efficiency score.
| Insight | GeForce RTX 3060 | GeForce GTX 1060 5GB |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌Lower cost efficiency | ✅Better overall value (+140%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️Higher upfront cost ($289) | ✅More affordable ($65) |
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 GTX 1060 5GB
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 GTX 1060 5GB
The GeForce GTX 1060 5GB is manufactured by NVIDIA. It was released in December 26 2017. It features the Pascal architecture. The core clock ranges from 1506 MHz to 1709 MHz. It has 1280 shading units. The thermal design power (TDP) is 120W. Manufactured using 16 nm process technology. G3D Mark benchmark score: 9,175 points.
Graphics Performance
In G3D Mark, the GeForce RTX 3060 scores 16,995 versus the GeForce GTX 1060 5GB's 9,175 — the GeForce RTX 3060 leads by 85.2%. The GeForce RTX 3060 is built on Ampere while the GeForce GTX 1060 5GB uses Pascal, both on 8 nm vs 16 nm. Shader units: 3,584 (GeForce RTX 3060) vs 1,280 (GeForce GTX 1060 5GB). Raw compute: 12.74 TFLOPS (GeForce RTX 3060) vs 4.375 TFLOPS (GeForce GTX 1060 5GB). Boost clocks: 1777 MHz vs 1709 MHz.
| Feature | GeForce RTX 3060 | GeForce GTX 1060 5GB |
|---|---|---|
| G3D Mark Score | 16,995+85% | 9,175 |
| Architecture | Ampere | Pascal |
| Process Node | 8 nm | 16 nm |
| Shading Units | 3584+180% | 1280 |
| Compute (TFLOPS) | 12.74 TFLOPS+191% | 4.375 TFLOPS |
| Boost Clock | 1777 MHz+4% | 1709 MHz |
| ROPs | 48+20% | 40 |
| TMUs | 112+40% | 80 |
| L1 Cache | 3.5 MB+645% | 0.47 MB |
| L2 Cache | 3 MB+140% | 1.25 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 GTX 1060 5GB relies on FSR (FidelityFX Super Resolution), which is capable but generally slightly noisier than DLSS in motion.
| Feature | GeForce RTX 3060 | GeForce GTX 1060 5GB |
|---|---|---|
| Upscaling Tech | DLSS 2.0 | FSR 2.1 (Compatible) |
| Frame Generation | FSR 3 / AFMF (Compatible) | FSR 3 (Compatible) |
| 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 GTX 1060 5GB has 5 GB. The GeForce RTX 3060 offers 140% more capacity, crucial for higher resolutions and texture-heavy games. Memory bandwidth: 360 GB/s (GeForce RTX 3060) vs 160 GB/s (GeForce GTX 1060 5GB) — a 125% advantage for the GeForce RTX 3060. Bus width: 192-bit vs 160-bit. L2 Cache: 3 MB (GeForce RTX 3060) vs 1.25 MB (GeForce GTX 1060 5GB) — the GeForce RTX 3060 has significantly larger on-die cache to reduce VRAM reliance.
| Feature | GeForce RTX 3060 | GeForce GTX 1060 5GB |
|---|---|---|
| VRAM Capacity | 12 GB+140% | 5 GB |
| Memory Type | GDDR6 | GDDR5 |
| Memory Bandwidth | 360 GB/s+125% | 160 GB/s |
| Bus Width | 192-bit+20% | 160-bit |
| L2 Cache | 3 MB+140% | 1.25 MB |
Display & API Support
DirectX support: 12 Ultimate (GeForce RTX 3060) vs 12 (12_1) (GeForce GTX 1060 5GB). Vulkan: 1.3 vs 1.3. OpenGL: 4.6 vs 4.6. Maximum simultaneous displays: 4 vs 4.
| Feature | GeForce RTX 3060 | GeForce GTX 1060 5GB |
|---|---|---|
| DirectX | 12 Ultimate | 12 (12_1) |
| Vulkan | 1.3 | 1.3 |
| OpenGL | 4.6 | 4.6 |
| Max Displays | 4 | 4 |
Media & Encoding
Hardware encoder: NVENC 7th Gen (GeForce RTX 3060) vs NVENC (6th Gen) (GeForce GTX 1060 5GB). Decoder: NVDEC 5th Gen vs NVDEC (3rd Gen). Supported codecs: AV1,H.265,H.264,VP9 (GeForce RTX 3060) vs H.264,H.265,VP9 (GeForce GTX 1060 5GB).
| Feature | GeForce RTX 3060 | GeForce GTX 1060 5GB |
|---|---|---|
| Encoder | NVENC 7th Gen | NVENC (6th Gen) |
| Decoder | NVDEC 5th Gen | NVDEC (3rd Gen) |
| Codecs | AV1,H.265,H.264,VP9 | H.264,H.265,VP9 |
Power & Dimensions
The GeForce RTX 3060 draws 170W versus the GeForce GTX 1060 5GB's 120W — a 34.5% difference. The GeForce GTX 1060 5GB is more power-efficient. Recommended PSU: 550W (GeForce RTX 3060) vs 400W (GeForce GTX 1060 5GB). Power connectors: 8-pin vs 6-pin. Card length: 242mm vs 250mm, occupying 2 vs 2 slots. Typical load temperature: 75 vs 75.
| Feature | GeForce RTX 3060 | GeForce GTX 1060 5GB |
|---|---|---|
| TDP | 170W | 120W-29% |
| Recommended PSU | 550W | 400W-27% |
| Power Connector | 8-pin | 6-pin |
| Length | 242mm | 250mm |
| Height | 112mm | 111mm |
| Slots | 2 | 2 |
| Temp (Load) | 75 | 75 |
| Perf/Watt | 100.0+31% | 76.5 |
Value Analysis
The GeForce RTX 3060 launched at $329 MSRP and currently averages $289, while the GeForce GTX 1060 5GB launched at $249 and now averages $65. The GeForce GTX 1060 5GB costs 77.5% less ($224 savings) at current market prices. Performance per dollar (G3D Mark / price): 58.8 (GeForce RTX 3060) vs 141.2 (GeForce GTX 1060 5GB) — the GeForce GTX 1060 5GB offers 140.1% better value. The GeForce RTX 3060 is the newer GPU (2021 vs 2017).
| Feature | GeForce RTX 3060 | GeForce GTX 1060 5GB |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $329 | $249-24% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $289 | $65-78% |
| Performance per Dollar | 58.8 | 141.2+140% |
| Codename | GA106 | GP106 |
| Release | January 12 2021 | December 26 2017 |
| Ranking | #114 | #289 |
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