GeForce RTX 3060 vs GeForce RTX 2060 12GB
GeForce RTX 3060
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GeForce RTX 2060 12GB
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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 RTX 2060 12GB
Performance Comparison
About G3D Mark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
The GeForce RTX 3060 is the superior choice for raw performance. It leads with a 6.7% higher G3D Mark score. This advantage makes it significantly better for higher resolutions (1440p/4K) and graphic-intensive titles compared to the GeForce RTX 2060 12GB.
| Insight | GeForce RTX 3060 | GeForce RTX 2060 12GB |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | ✅Leading raw performance (+6.7%) | ❌Lower raw frame rates (-6.7%) |
| Longevity | 🔮Strong Longevity (Ampere / 8nm) | 🔮Strong Longevity (Turing (2018−2022) / 12nm) |
| Ecosystem | ✨ DLSS 2 Upscaling | ✨ DLSS 2 Upscaling |
| VRAM | 🎮 High Capacity (12 GB) | 🎮 High Capacity (12 GB) |
| Efficiency | 💡 Excellent Perf/Watt | Normal Efficiency |
| Case Fit | 📏 Compact / SFF Friendly | 📏 Compact / SFF Friendly |
💎 Value Proposition
The GeForce RTX 2060 12GB offers a compelling cost-to-performance ratio. Priced at $120 versus $289 for the GeForce RTX 3060, it costs 58% less. While it maintains competitive performance, this results in a 125.8% higher cost efficiency score.
| Insight | GeForce RTX 3060 | GeForce RTX 2060 12GB |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌Lower cost efficiency | ✅Better overall value (+125.8%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️Higher upfront cost ($289) | ✅More affordable ($120) |
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 RTX 2060 12GB
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 RTX 2060 12GB
The GeForce RTX 2060 12GB is manufactured by NVIDIA. It was released in December 7 2021. It features the Turing architecture. The core clock ranges from 1470 MHz to 1650 MHz. It has 2176 shading units. The thermal design power (TDP) is 184W. Manufactured using 12 nm process technology. It features 34 dedicated ray tracing cores for enhanced lighting effects. G3D Mark benchmark score: 15,935 points.
Graphics Performance
In G3D Mark, the GeForce RTX 3060 scores 16,995 versus the GeForce RTX 2060 12GB's 15,935 — the GeForce RTX 3060 leads by 6.7%. The GeForce RTX 3060 is built on Ampere while the GeForce RTX 2060 12GB uses Turing, both on 8 nm vs 12 nm. Shader units: 3,584 (GeForce RTX 3060) vs 2,176 (GeForce RTX 2060 12GB). Raw compute: 12.74 TFLOPS (GeForce RTX 3060) vs 7.181 TFLOPS (GeForce RTX 2060 12GB). Boost clocks: 1777 MHz vs 1650 MHz. Ray tracing: 28 RT cores (GeForce RTX 3060) vs 34 (GeForce RTX 2060 12GB) with 112 Tensor cores vs 272.
| Feature | GeForce RTX 3060 | GeForce RTX 2060 12GB |
|---|---|---|
| G3D Mark Score | 16,995+7% | 15,935 |
| Architecture | Ampere | Turing |
| Process Node | 8 nm | 12 nm |
| Shading Units | 3584+65% | 2176 |
| Compute (TFLOPS) | 12.74 TFLOPS+77% | 7.181 TFLOPS |
| Boost Clock | 1777 MHz+8% | 1650 MHz |
| ROPs | 48 | 48 |
| TMUs | 112 | 136+21% |
| L1 Cache | 3.5 MB+67% | 2.1 MB |
| L2 Cache | 3 MB | 3 MB |
| Ray Tracing Cores | 28 | 34+21% |
| Tensor Cores | 112 | 272+143% |
Advanced Features (DLSS/FSR)
| Feature | GeForce RTX 3060 | GeForce RTX 2060 12GB |
|---|---|---|
| Upscaling Tech | DLSS 2.0 | DLSS 2.0 |
| Frame Generation | FSR 3 / AFMF (Compatible) | FSR 3 / AFMF (Compatible) |
| Ray Reconstruction | No | No |
| Low Latency | NVIDIA Reflex | NVIDIA Reflex |
Video Memory (VRAM)
Both cards feature 12 GB of GDDR6. Memory bandwidth: 360 GB/s (GeForce RTX 3060) vs 336 GB/s (GeForce RTX 2060 12GB) — a 7.1% advantage for the GeForce RTX 3060. Bus width: 192-bit vs 192-bit.
| Feature | GeForce RTX 3060 | GeForce RTX 2060 12GB |
|---|---|---|
| VRAM Capacity | 12 GB | 12 GB |
| Memory Type | GDDR6 | GDDR6 |
| Memory Bandwidth | 360 GB/s+7% | 336 GB/s |
| Bus Width | 192-bit | 192-bit |
| L2 Cache | 3 MB | 3 MB |
Display & API Support
DirectX support: 12 Ultimate (GeForce RTX 3060) vs 12.1 (GeForce RTX 2060 12GB). Vulkan: 1.3 vs 1.3. OpenGL: 4.6 vs 4.6. Maximum simultaneous displays: 4 vs 4.
| Feature | GeForce RTX 3060 | GeForce RTX 2060 12GB |
|---|---|---|
| DirectX | 12 Ultimate | 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 6.0 (GeForce RTX 2060 12GB). Decoder: NVDEC 5th Gen vs PureVideo HD VP9. Supported codecs: AV1,H.265,H.264,VP9 (GeForce RTX 3060) vs MPEG-2,H.264,HEVC,VP9 (GeForce RTX 2060 12GB).
| Feature | GeForce RTX 3060 | GeForce RTX 2060 12GB |
|---|---|---|
| Encoder | NVENC 7th Gen | NVENC 6.0 |
| Decoder | NVDEC 5th Gen | PureVideo HD VP9 |
| Codecs | AV1,H.265,H.264,VP9 | MPEG-2,H.264,HEVC,VP9 |
Power & Dimensions
The GeForce RTX 3060 draws 170W versus the GeForce RTX 2060 12GB's 184W — a 7.9% difference. The GeForce RTX 3060 is more power-efficient. Recommended PSU: 550W (GeForce RTX 3060) vs 550W (GeForce RTX 2060 12GB). Power connectors: 8-pin vs 8-pin. Card length: 242mm vs 229mm, occupying 2 vs 2 slots. Typical load temperature: 75 vs 88°C.
| Feature | GeForce RTX 3060 | GeForce RTX 2060 12GB |
|---|---|---|
| TDP | 170W-8% | 184W |
| Recommended PSU | 550W | 550W |
| Power Connector | 8-pin | 8-pin |
| Length | 242mm | 229mm |
| Height | 112mm | 113mm |
| Slots | 2 | 2 |
| Temp (Load) | 75-15% | 88°C |
| Perf/Watt | 100.0+15% | 86.6 |
Value Analysis
The GeForce RTX 3060 launched at $329 MSRP and currently averages $289, while the GeForce RTX 2060 12GB launched at $470 and now averages $120. The GeForce RTX 2060 12GB costs 58.5% less ($169 savings) at current market prices. Performance per dollar (G3D Mark / price): 58.8 (GeForce RTX 3060) vs 132.8 (GeForce RTX 2060 12GB) — the GeForce RTX 2060 12GB offers 125.9% better value.
| Feature | GeForce RTX 3060 | GeForce RTX 2060 12GB |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $329-30% | $470 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $289 | $120-58% |
| Performance per Dollar | 58.8 | 132.8+126% |
| Codename | GA106 | TU106 |
| Release | January 12 2021 | December 7 2021 |
| Ranking | #114 | #133 |
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