GeForce RTX 3060 vs GeForce MX230
GeForce RTX 3060
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GeForce MX230
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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 MX230
Why is GeForce RTX 3060 better than GeForce MX230?
Comparing the efficiency-focused GeForce MX230 to the powerful GeForce RTX 3060 Ti illustrates the absolute widest gap in current digital technology. The RTX 3060 Ti delivers roughly 3000% more raw compute muscle, moving from a chip that can barely handle basic 1080p tasks to a desktop icon that masters 1440p Ultra with high refresh rates and cinematic graphics.
Technically, the GeForce MX230 is a budget mobile solution and lacks the core count or thermal headroom of a dedicated desktop card. The RTX 3060 Ti features 8GB of fast dedicated memory and specialized hardware for Ray Tracing and mature DLSS support. Moving from an ultra-thin notebook with legacy graphics to a 30-series discrete tower is a life-changing improvement, providing the speed and visual stability needed for high-end rendering work in 2026.
There is no contest here; the GeForce RTX 3060 Ti is the absolute winner. it provides a level of depth and speed that turns the most demanding games into fluid, immersive experiences. The mobile MX230 is now strictly for basic office use on legacy notebooks. If you are looking to revitalize your PC experience with a performance boost that is truly night and day, the 30-series discrete card is the superior and definitive choice.
Performance Comparison
About G3D Mark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
The GeForce RTX 3060 is the superior choice for raw performance. It leads with a 830.7% higher G3D Mark score and 500% more VRAM (12 GB vs 2 GB). This advantage makes it significantly better for higher resolutions (1440p/4K) and graphic-intensive titles compared to the GeForce MX230.
| Insight | GeForce RTX 3060 | GeForce MX230 |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | ✅Leading raw performance (+830.7%) | ❌Lower raw frame rates (-830.7%) |
| Longevity | 🔮Strong Longevity (Ampere / 8nm) | Pascal (2016−2021) (14nm) |
| Ecosystem | ✨ DLSS 2 Upscaling | Supports FSR Upscaling |
| VRAM | 🎮 High Capacity (12 GB) | ❌ Less VRAM capacity |
| Efficiency | ⚡ Higher Power Consumption | 💡 Excellent Perf/Watt |
| Case Fit | 📏 Compact / SFF Friendly | — |
💎 Value Proposition
The GeForce RTX 3060 offers a compelling cost-to-performance ratio. Although it costs $289 (vs $150), its significant performance lead justifies the premium, offering 383.1% better value per dollar than the GeForce MX230.
| Insight | GeForce RTX 3060 | GeForce MX230 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅Better overall value (+383.1%) | ❌Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️Higher upfront cost ($289) | ✅More affordable ($150) |
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 MX230
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 MX230
The GeForce MX230 is manufactured by NVIDIA. It was released in February 21 2019. It features the Pascal architecture. The core clock ranges from 1519 MHz to 1582 MHz. It has 256 shading units. The thermal design power (TDP) is 10W. Manufactured using 14 nm process technology. G3D Mark benchmark score: 1,826 points.
Graphics Performance
In G3D Mark, the GeForce RTX 3060 scores 16,995 versus the GeForce MX230's 1,826 — the GeForce RTX 3060 leads by 830.7%. The GeForce RTX 3060 is built on Ampere while the GeForce MX230 uses Pascal, both on 8 nm vs 14 nm. Shader units: 3,584 (GeForce RTX 3060) vs 256 (GeForce MX230). Raw compute: 12.74 TFLOPS (GeForce RTX 3060) vs 0.81 TFLOPS (GeForce MX230). Boost clocks: 1777 MHz vs 1582 MHz.
| Feature | GeForce RTX 3060 | GeForce MX230 |
|---|---|---|
| G3D Mark Score | 16,995+831% | 1,826 |
| Architecture | Ampere | Pascal |
| Process Node | 8 nm | 14 nm |
| Shading Units | 3584+1300% | 256 |
| Compute (TFLOPS) | 12.74 TFLOPS+1473% | 0.81 TFLOPS |
| Boost Clock | 1777 MHz+12% | 1582 MHz |
| ROPs | 48+200% | 16 |
| TMUs | 112+600% | 16 |
| L1 Cache | 3.5 MB+3789% | 0.09 MB |
| L2 Cache | 3 MB+500% | 0.5 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 MX230 relies on FSR (FidelityFX Super Resolution), which is capable but generally slightly noisier than DLSS in motion.
| Feature | GeForce RTX 3060 | GeForce MX230 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 MX230 has 2 GB. The GeForce RTX 3060 offers 500% more capacity, crucial for higher resolutions and texture-heavy games. Memory bandwidth: 360 GB/s (GeForce RTX 3060) vs 48 GB/s (GeForce MX230) — a 650% advantage for the GeForce RTX 3060. Bus width: 192-bit vs 64-bit. L2 Cache: 3 MB (GeForce RTX 3060) vs 0.5 MB (GeForce MX230) — the GeForce RTX 3060 has significantly larger on-die cache to reduce VRAM reliance.
| Feature | GeForce RTX 3060 | GeForce MX230 |
|---|---|---|
| VRAM Capacity | 12 GB+500% | 2 GB |
| Memory Type | GDDR6 | GDDR5 |
| Memory Bandwidth | 360 GB/s+650% | 48 GB/s |
| Bus Width | 192-bit+200% | 64-bit |
| L2 Cache | 3 MB+500% | 0.5 MB |
Power & Dimensions
The GeForce RTX 3060 draws 170W versus the GeForce MX230's 10W — a 177.8% difference. The GeForce MX230 is more power-efficient. Recommended PSU: 550W (GeForce RTX 3060) vs 350W (GeForce MX230). Power connectors: 8-pin vs Mobile.
| Feature | GeForce RTX 3060 | GeForce MX230 |
|---|---|---|
| TDP | 170W | 10W-94% |
| Recommended PSU | 550W | 350W-36% |
| Power Connector | 8-pin | Mobile |
| Length | 242mm | — |
| Height | 112mm | — |
| Slots | 2 | — |
| Temp (Load) | 75 | — |
| Perf/Watt | 100.0 | 182.6+83% |
Value Analysis
The GeForce RTX 3060 launched at $329 MSRP and currently averages $289, while the GeForce MX230 launched at $150 and now averages $150. The GeForce MX230 costs 48.1% less ($139 savings) at current market prices. Performance per dollar (G3D Mark / price): 58.8 (GeForce RTX 3060) vs 12.2 (GeForce MX230) — the GeForce RTX 3060 offers 382% better value. The GeForce RTX 3060 is the newer GPU (2021 vs 2019).
| Feature | GeForce RTX 3060 | GeForce MX230 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $329 | $150-54% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $289 | $150-48% |
| Performance per Dollar | 58.8+382% | 12.2 |
| Codename | GA106 | GP108 |
| Release | January 12 2021 | February 21 2019 |
| Ranking | #114 | #708 |
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