GeForce RTX 3060 vs GeForce GTX 680MX
GeForce RTX 3060
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GeForce GTX 680MX
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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 680MX
Why is GeForce RTX 3060 better than GeForce GTX 680MX?
Comparing the powerful GeForce RTX 3060 Ti to the legacy mobile flagship GeForce GTX 680MX highlights over a decade of astronomical GPU progress. The RTX 3060 Ti is roughly 1500% faster, representing the jump from a budget laptop chip of 2012 to a desktop icon that masters 1440p Ultra with high refresh rates and cinematic graphics.
Technically, the RTX 3060 Ti features 8GB of fast VRAM and specialized hardware for Ray Tracing and DLSS support. The GeForce GTX 680MX is based on a legacy architecture and lacks the core count or features to handle modern high-fidelity textures. Moving from any notebook with legacy graphics to an RTX 3060 Ti powered desktop is a life-changing improvement, providing the speed and visual stability needed for high-end rendering and professional creative work in 2026.
There is no contest here; the GeForce RTX 3060 Ti is the absolute winner. it provides a level of detail and speed that turns the most demanding games into fluid, immersive experiences. The GeForce GTX 680MX is now strictly for basic office use on legacy systems. If you are looking to revitalize your PC experience with a performance boost that is truly night and day, the 30-series desktop card is the definitive and superior choice.
Performance Comparison
About G3D Mark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
⚠️ Generational Difference
The GeForce RTX 3060 is significantly newer (2021 vs 2012). 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 680MX 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 347.4% higher G3D Mark score and 200% more VRAM (12 GB vs 4 GB). This advantage makes it significantly better for higher resolutions (1440p/4K) and graphic-intensive titles compared to the GeForce GTX 680MX.
| Insight | GeForce RTX 3060 | GeForce GTX 680MX |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | ✅Leading raw performance (+347.4%) | ❌Lower raw frame rates (-347.4%) |
| Longevity | 🔮Strong Longevity (Ampere / 8nm) | 🛑Obsolete Architecture (2012 / Kepler (2012−2018)) |
| 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
While current pricing data is unavailable, the GeForce RTX 3060 remains the clear technical winner. Check real-time availability to determine if the performance gap justifies the market price.
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 680MX
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 680MX
The GeForce GTX 680MX is manufactured by NVIDIA. It was released in October 23 2012. It features the Kepler architecture. The core clock speed is 720 MHz. It has 1536 shading units. The thermal design power (TDP) is 122W. Manufactured using 28 nm process technology. G3D Mark benchmark score: 3,799 points.
Graphics Performance
In G3D Mark, the GeForce RTX 3060 scores 16,995 versus the GeForce GTX 680MX's 3,799 — the GeForce RTX 3060 leads by 347.4%. The GeForce RTX 3060 is built on Ampere while the GeForce GTX 680MX uses Kepler, both on 8 nm vs 28 nm. Shader units: 3,584 (GeForce RTX 3060) vs 1,536 (GeForce GTX 680MX).
| Feature | GeForce RTX 3060 | GeForce GTX 680MX |
|---|---|---|
| G3D Mark Score | 16,995+347% | 3,799 |
| Architecture | Ampere | Kepler |
| Process Node | 8 nm | 28 nm |
| Shading Units | 3584+133% | 1536 |
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 680MX relies on FSR (FidelityFX Super Resolution), which is capable but generally slightly noisier than DLSS in motion.
| Feature | GeForce RTX 3060 | GeForce GTX 680MX |
|---|---|---|
| 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 680MX has 4 GB. The GeForce RTX 3060 offers 200% more capacity, crucial for higher resolutions and texture-heavy games. Memory bandwidth: 360 GB/s (GeForce RTX 3060) vs 160 GB/s (GeForce GTX 680MX) — a 125% advantage for the GeForce RTX 3060. Bus width: 192-bit vs 256-bit.
| Feature | GeForce RTX 3060 | GeForce GTX 680MX |
|---|---|---|
| VRAM Capacity | 12 GB+200% | 4 GB |
| Memory Type | GDDR6 | GDDR5 |
| Memory Bandwidth | 360 GB/s+125% | 160 GB/s |
| Bus Width | 192-bit | 256-bit+33% |
Display & API Support
DirectX support: 12 Ultimate (GeForce RTX 3060) vs 12 (11_0) (GeForce GTX 680MX). Vulkan: 1.3 vs 1.2. OpenGL: 4.6 vs 4.6. Maximum simultaneous displays: 4 vs 4.
| Feature | GeForce RTX 3060 | GeForce GTX 680MX |
|---|---|---|
| DirectX | 12 Ultimate | 12 (11_0) |
| Vulkan | 1.3+8% | 1.2 |
| OpenGL | 4.6 | 4.6 |
| Max Displays | 4 | 4 |
Media & Encoding
Hardware encoder: NVENC 7th Gen (GeForce RTX 3060) vs NVENC (Kepler) (GeForce GTX 680MX). Decoder: NVDEC 5th Gen vs NVDEC (Kepler). Supported codecs: AV1,H.265,H.264,VP9 (GeForce RTX 3060) vs H.264,MPEG-1,MPEG-2,VC-1 (GeForce GTX 680MX).
| Feature | GeForce RTX 3060 | GeForce GTX 680MX |
|---|---|---|
| Encoder | NVENC 7th Gen | NVENC (Kepler) |
| Decoder | NVDEC 5th Gen | NVDEC (Kepler) |
| Codecs | AV1,H.265,H.264,VP9 | H.264,MPEG-1,MPEG-2,VC-1 |
Power & Dimensions
The GeForce RTX 3060 draws 170W versus the GeForce GTX 680MX's 122W — a 32.9% difference. The GeForce GTX 680MX is more power-efficient. Recommended PSU: 550W (GeForce RTX 3060) vs 350W (GeForce GTX 680MX). Power connectors: 8-pin vs 1x 6-pin. Card length: 242mm vs 0mm, occupying 2 vs 0 slots. Typical load temperature: 75 vs 80.
| Feature | GeForce RTX 3060 | GeForce GTX 680MX |
|---|---|---|
| TDP | 170W | 122W-28% |
| Recommended PSU | 550W | 350W-36% |
| Power Connector | 8-pin | 1x 6-pin |
| Length | 242mm | 0mm |
| Height | 112mm | 0mm |
| Slots | 2 | 0-100% |
| Temp (Load) | 75-6% | 80 |
| Perf/Watt | 100.0+222% | 31.1 |
Value Analysis
The GeForce RTX 3060 is the newer GPU (2021 vs 2012).
| Feature | GeForce RTX 3060 | GeForce GTX 680MX |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $329 | — |
| Avg Price (30d) | $289 | — |
| Codename | GA106 | — |
| Release | January 12 2021 | October 23 2012 |
| Ranking | #114 | #520 |
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