GeForce RTX 3060 vs GeForce RTX 4080
GeForce RTX 3060
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GeForce RTX 4080
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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 4080
Performance Comparison
About G3D Mark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
The GeForce RTX 4080 is the superior choice for raw performance. It leads with a 102.7% higher G3D Mark score and 33.3% more VRAM (16 GB vs 12 GB). This advantage makes it significantly better for higher resolutions (1440p/4K) and graphic-intensive titles compared to the GeForce RTX 3060.
| Insight | GeForce RTX 3060 | GeForce RTX 4080 |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | ❌Lower raw frame rates (-102.7%) | ✅Leading raw performance (+102.7%) |
| Longevity | 🔮Strong Longevity (Ampere / 8nm) | 🏆Elite Architecture (Ada Lovelace (2022−2024) / 5nm) |
| Ecosystem | ✨ DLSS 2 Upscaling | ✨ DLSS 3/4 + Frame Gen Support |
| VRAM | 🎮 High Capacity (12 GB) | 🎮 High Capacity (16 GB) |
| Efficiency | Normal Efficiency | Normal Efficiency |
| Case Fit | 📏 Compact / SFF Friendly | Standard Size (310mm) |
💎 Value Proposition
The GeForce RTX 3060 offers a compelling cost-to-performance ratio. Priced at $289 versus $800 for the GeForce RTX 4080, it costs 64% less. While it maintains significantly lower raw performance, this results in a 36.6% higher cost efficiency score.
| Insight | GeForce RTX 3060 | GeForce RTX 4080 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅Better overall value (+36.6%) | ❌Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅More affordable ($289) | ⚠️Higher upfront cost ($800) |
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 4080
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 4080
The GeForce RTX 4080 is manufactured by NVIDIA. It was released in September 20 2022. It features the Ada Lovelace architecture. The core clock ranges from 2205 MHz to 2505 MHz. It has 9728 shading units. The thermal design power (TDP) is 320W. Manufactured using 5 nm process technology. It features 76 dedicated ray tracing cores for enhanced lighting effects. G3D Mark benchmark score: 34,445 points. Launch price was $1,199.
Graphics Performance
In G3D Mark, the GeForce RTX 3060 scores 16,995 versus the GeForce RTX 4080's 34,445 — the GeForce RTX 4080 leads by 102.7%. The GeForce RTX 3060 is built on Ampere while the GeForce RTX 4080 uses Ada Lovelace, both on 8 nm vs 5 nm. Shader units: 3,584 (GeForce RTX 3060) vs 9,728 (GeForce RTX 4080). Raw compute: 12.74 TFLOPS (GeForce RTX 3060) vs 48.74 TFLOPS (GeForce RTX 4080). Boost clocks: 1777 MHz vs 2505 MHz. Ray tracing: 28 RT cores (GeForce RTX 3060) vs 76 (GeForce RTX 4080) with 112 Tensor cores vs 304.
| Feature | GeForce RTX 3060 | GeForce RTX 4080 |
|---|---|---|
| G3D Mark Score | 16,995 | 34,445+103% |
| Architecture | Ampere | Ada Lovelace |
| Process Node | 8 nm | 5 nm |
| Shading Units | 3584 | 9728+171% |
| Compute (TFLOPS) | 12.74 TFLOPS | 48.74 TFLOPS+283% |
| Boost Clock | 1777 MHz | 2505 MHz+41% |
| ROPs | 48 | 112+133% |
| TMUs | 112 | 304+171% |
| L1 Cache | 3.5 MB | 9.5 MB+171% |
| L2 Cache | 3 MB | 64 MB+2033% |
| Ray Tracing Cores | 28 | 76+171% |
| Tensor Cores | 112 | 304+171% |
Advanced Features (DLSS/FSR)
A critical advantage for the GeForce RTX 4080 is support for DLSS 3 Frame Gen. This allows it to generate entire frames using AI/Algorithms, essentially doubling the frame rate in CPU-bound scenarios or heavy ray-tracing titles. The GeForce RTX 3060 lacks specific hardware/driver support for this native frame generation tier.
| Feature | GeForce RTX 3060 | GeForce RTX 4080 |
|---|---|---|
| Upscaling Tech | DLSS 2.0 | DLSS 3.5 |
| Frame Generation | FSR 3 / AFMF (Compatible) | DLSS 3.0 (Native) |
| Ray Reconstruction | No | Yes (DLSS 3.5) |
| Low Latency | NVIDIA Reflex | NVIDIA Reflex |
Video Memory (VRAM)
The GeForce RTX 3060 comes with 12 GB of VRAM, while the GeForce RTX 4080 has 16 GB. The GeForce RTX 4080 offers 33.3% more capacity, crucial for higher resolutions and texture-heavy games. Memory bandwidth: 360 GB/s (GeForce RTX 3060) vs 736 GB/s (GeForce RTX 4080) — a 104.4% advantage for the GeForce RTX 4080. Bus width: 192-bit vs 256-bit. L2 Cache: 3 MB (GeForce RTX 3060) vs 64 MB (GeForce RTX 4080) — the GeForce RTX 4080 has significantly larger on-die cache to reduce VRAM reliance.
| Feature | GeForce RTX 3060 | GeForce RTX 4080 |
|---|---|---|
| VRAM Capacity | 12 GB | 16 GB+33% |
| Memory Type | GDDR6 | GDDR6X |
| Memory Bandwidth | 360 GB/s | 736 GB/s+104% |
| Bus Width | 192-bit | 256-bit+33% |
| L2 Cache | 3 MB | 64 MB+2033% |
Display & API Support
DirectX support: 12 Ultimate (GeForce RTX 3060) vs 12 Ultimate (GeForce RTX 4080). Vulkan: 1.3 vs 1.3. OpenGL: 4.6 vs 4.6. Maximum simultaneous displays: 4 vs 4.
| Feature | GeForce RTX 3060 | GeForce RTX 4080 |
|---|---|---|
| DirectX | 12 Ultimate | 12 Ultimate |
| 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 8th gen (GeForce RTX 4080). Decoder: NVDEC 5th Gen vs NVDEC 5th gen. Supported codecs: AV1,H.265,H.264,VP9 (GeForce RTX 3060) vs H.264,H.265/HEVC,AV1,VP9 (GeForce RTX 4080).
| Feature | GeForce RTX 3060 | GeForce RTX 4080 |
|---|---|---|
| Encoder | NVENC 7th Gen | NVENC 8th gen |
| Decoder | NVDEC 5th Gen | NVDEC 5th gen |
| Codecs | AV1,H.265,H.264,VP9 | H.264,H.265/HEVC,AV1,VP9 |
Power & Dimensions
The GeForce RTX 3060 draws 170W versus the GeForce RTX 4080's 320W — a 61.2% difference. The GeForce RTX 3060 is more power-efficient. Recommended PSU: 550W (GeForce RTX 3060) vs 750W (GeForce RTX 4080). Power connectors: 8-pin vs 16-pin. Card length: 242mm vs 310mm, occupying 2 vs 3 slots. Typical load temperature: 75 vs 70°C.
| Feature | GeForce RTX 3060 | GeForce RTX 4080 |
|---|---|---|
| TDP | 170W-47% | 320W |
| Recommended PSU | 550W-27% | 750W |
| Power Connector | 8-pin | 16-pin |
| Length | 242mm | 310mm |
| Height | 112mm | 140mm |
| Slots | 2-33% | 3 |
| Temp (Load) | 75 | 70°C-7% |
| Perf/Watt | 100.0 | 107.6+8% |
Value Analysis
The GeForce RTX 3060 launched at $329 MSRP and currently averages $289, while the GeForce RTX 4080 launched at $1199 and now averages $800. The GeForce RTX 3060 costs 63.9% less ($511 savings) at current market prices. Performance per dollar (G3D Mark / price): 58.8 (GeForce RTX 3060) vs 43.1 (GeForce RTX 4080) — the GeForce RTX 3060 offers 36.4% better value. The GeForce RTX 4080 is the newer GPU (2022 vs 2021).
| Feature | GeForce RTX 3060 | GeForce RTX 4080 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $329-73% | $1199 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $289-64% | $800 |
| Performance per Dollar | 58.8+36% | 43.1 |
| Codename | GA106 | AD103 |
| Release | January 12 2021 | September 20 2022 |
| Ranking | #114 | #7 |
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