GeForce RTX 3060 vs GeForce GTX 280
GeForce RTX 3060
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GeForce GTX 280
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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 GTX 280
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 GTX 280 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 1222.6% 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 GTX 280.
| Insight | GeForce RTX 3060 | GeForce GTX 280 |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | ✅Leading raw performance (+1222.6%) | ❌Lower raw frame rates (-1222.6%) |
| Longevity | 🔮Strong Longevity (Ampere / 8nm) | 🛑Obsolete Architecture (2008 / Tesla 2.0 (2007−2013)) |
| 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 (267mm) |
💎 Value Proposition
The GeForce RTX 3060 offers a compelling cost-to-performance ratio. Priced at $289 versus $649 for the GeForce GTX 280, it costs 55% less. While it maintains basic entry-level capabilities, this results in a 2870.1% higher cost efficiency score.
| Insight | GeForce RTX 3060 | GeForce GTX 280 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅Better overall value (+2870.1%) | ❌Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅More affordable ($289) | ⚠️Higher upfront cost ($649) |
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 280
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 280
The GeForce GTX 280 is manufactured by NVIDIA. It was released in June 16 2008. It features the Tesla 2.0 architecture. The core clock speed is 602 MHz. It has 240 shading units. The thermal design power (TDP) is 236W. Manufactured using 65 nm process technology. G3D Mark benchmark score: 1,285 points. Launch price was $649.
Graphics Performance
In G3D Mark, the GeForce RTX 3060 scores 16,995 versus the GeForce GTX 280's 1,285 — the GeForce RTX 3060 leads by 1222.6%. The GeForce RTX 3060 is built on Ampere while the GeForce GTX 280 uses Tesla 2.0, both on 8 nm vs 65 nm. Shader units: 3,584 (GeForce RTX 3060) vs 240 (GeForce GTX 280). Raw compute: 12.74 TFLOPS (GeForce RTX 3060) vs 0.6221 TFLOPS (GeForce GTX 280).
| Feature | GeForce RTX 3060 | GeForce GTX 280 |
|---|---|---|
| G3D Mark Score | 16,995+1223% | 1,285 |
| Architecture | Ampere | Tesla 2.0 |
| Process Node | 8 nm | 65 nm |
| Shading Units | 3584+1393% | 240 |
| Compute (TFLOPS) | 12.74 TFLOPS+1948% | 0.6221 TFLOPS |
| ROPs | 48+50% | 32 |
| TMUs | 112+40% | 80 |
| 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 GTX 280 relies on FSR (FidelityFX Super Resolution), which is capable but generally slightly noisier than DLSS in motion.
| Feature | GeForce RTX 3060 | GeForce GTX 280 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 280 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 GTX 280) — the GeForce RTX 3060 has significantly larger on-die cache to reduce VRAM reliance.
| Feature | GeForce RTX 3060 | GeForce GTX 280 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Display & API Support
DirectX support: 12 Ultimate (GeForce RTX 3060) vs 11.1 (10_0) (GeForce GTX 280). Vulkan: 1.3 vs N/A. OpenGL: 4.6 vs 3.3. Maximum simultaneous displays: 4 vs 2.
| Feature | GeForce RTX 3060 | GeForce GTX 280 |
|---|---|---|
| DirectX | 12 Ultimate+8% | 11.1 (10_0) |
| Vulkan | 1.3 | N/A |
| OpenGL | 4.6+39% | 3.3 |
| Max Displays | 4+100% | 2 |
Media & Encoding
Hardware encoder: NVENC 7th Gen (GeForce RTX 3060) vs None (GeForce GTX 280). Decoder: NVDEC 5th Gen vs PureVideo HD (VP2). Supported codecs: AV1,H.265,H.264,VP9 (GeForce RTX 3060) vs H.264,VC-1,MPEG-2 (GeForce GTX 280).
| Feature | GeForce RTX 3060 | GeForce GTX 280 |
|---|---|---|
| Encoder | NVENC 7th Gen | None |
| Decoder | NVDEC 5th Gen | PureVideo HD (VP2) |
| Codecs | AV1,H.265,H.264,VP9 | H.264,VC-1,MPEG-2 |
Power & Dimensions
The GeForce RTX 3060 draws 170W versus the GeForce GTX 280's 236W — a 32.5% difference. The GeForce RTX 3060 is more power-efficient. Recommended PSU: 550W (GeForce RTX 3060) vs 550W (GeForce GTX 280). Power connectors: 8-pin vs 1x 6-pin + 1x 8-pin. Card length: 242mm vs 267mm, occupying 2 vs 2 slots. Typical load temperature: 75 vs 85.
| Feature | GeForce RTX 3060 | GeForce GTX 280 |
|---|---|---|
| TDP | 170W-28% | 236W |
| Recommended PSU | 550W | 550W |
| Power Connector | 8-pin | 1x 6-pin + 1x 8-pin |
| Length | 242mm | 267mm |
| Height | 112mm | 111mm |
| Slots | 2 | 2 |
| Temp (Load) | 75-12% | 85 |
| Perf/Watt | 100.0+1752% | 5.4 |
Value Analysis
The GeForce RTX 3060 launched at $329 MSRP and currently averages $289, while the GeForce GTX 280 launched at $649 and now averages $649. The GeForce RTX 3060 costs 55.5% less ($360 savings) at current market prices. Performance per dollar (G3D Mark / price): 58.8 (GeForce RTX 3060) vs 2.0 (GeForce GTX 280) — the GeForce RTX 3060 offers 2840% better value. The GeForce RTX 3060 is the newer GPU (2021 vs 2008).
| Feature | GeForce RTX 3060 | GeForce GTX 280 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $329-49% | $649 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $289-55% | $649 |
| Performance per Dollar | 58.8+2840% | 2.0 |
| Codename | GA106 | GT200 |
| Release | January 12 2021 | June 16 2008 |
| Ranking | #114 | #802 |
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