GeForce RTX 3060 vs GeForce RTX 5060
GeForce RTX 3060
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GeForce RTX 5060
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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 5060
Performance Comparison
About G3D Mark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
The GeForce RTX 5060 is the superior choice for raw performance. It leads with a 22.6% higher G3D Mark score. However, the GeForce RTX 3060 offers more VRAM, which may be beneficial for texture-heavy scenarios at higher resolutions.
| Insight | GeForce RTX 3060 | GeForce RTX 5060 |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | ❌Lower raw frame rates (-22.6%) | ✅Leading raw performance (+22.6%) |
| Longevity | 🔮Strong Longevity (Ampere / 8nm) | 🏆Elite Architecture (Blackwell 2.0 (2025−2026) / 5nm) |
| Ecosystem | ✨ DLSS 2 Upscaling | ✨ DLSS 3/4 + Frame Gen Support |
| VRAM | 🎮 High Capacity (12 GB) | 🎮 High Capacity (8 GB) |
| Efficiency | ⚡ Higher Power Consumption | 💡 Excellent Perf/Watt |
| Case Fit | 📏 Compact / SFF Friendly | 📏 Compact / SFF Friendly |
💎 Value Proposition
The GeForce RTX 5060 offers a compelling cost-to-performance ratio. Although it costs $299 (vs $289), its significant performance lead justifies the premium, offering 18.5% better value per dollar than the GeForce RTX 3060.
| Insight | GeForce RTX 3060 | GeForce RTX 5060 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌Lower cost efficiency | ✅Better overall value (+18.5%) |
| Upfront Cost | ✅More affordable ($289) | ⚠️Higher upfront cost ($299) |
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 5060
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 5060
The GeForce RTX 5060 is manufactured by NVIDIA. It was released in May 19 2025. It features the Blackwell 2.0 architecture. The core clock ranges from 2280 MHz to 2497 MHz. It has 3840 shading units. The thermal design power (TDP) is 145W. Manufactured using 5 nm process technology. It features 30 dedicated ray tracing cores for enhanced lighting effects. G3D Mark benchmark score: 20,836 points. Launch price was $299.
Graphics Performance
In G3D Mark, the GeForce RTX 3060 scores 16,995 versus the GeForce RTX 5060's 20,836 — the GeForce RTX 5060 leads by 22.6%. The GeForce RTX 3060 is built on Ampere while the GeForce RTX 5060 uses Blackwell 2.0, both on 8 nm vs 5 nm. Shader units: 3,584 (GeForce RTX 3060) vs 3,840 (GeForce RTX 5060). Raw compute: 12.74 TFLOPS (GeForce RTX 3060) vs 19.18 TFLOPS (GeForce RTX 5060). Boost clocks: 1777 MHz vs 2497 MHz. Ray tracing: 28 RT cores (GeForce RTX 3060) vs 30 (GeForce RTX 5060) with 112 Tensor cores vs 120.
| Feature | GeForce RTX 3060 | GeForce RTX 5060 |
|---|---|---|
| G3D Mark Score | 16,995 | 20,836+23% |
| Architecture | Ampere | Blackwell 2.0 |
| Process Node | 8 nm | 5 nm |
| Shading Units | 3584 | 3840+7% |
| Compute (TFLOPS) | 12.74 TFLOPS | 19.18 TFLOPS+51% |
| Boost Clock | 1777 MHz | 2497 MHz+41% |
| ROPs | 48 | 48 |
| TMUs | 112 | 120+7% |
| L1 Cache | 3.5 MB | 3.8 MB+9% |
| L2 Cache | 3 MB | 32 MB+967% |
| Ray Tracing Cores | 28 | 30+7% |
| Tensor Cores | 112 | 120+7% |
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 RTX 5060 relies on FSR (FidelityFX Super Resolution), which is capable but generally slightly noisier than DLSS in motion.
| Feature | GeForce RTX 3060 | GeForce RTX 5060 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | NVIDIA Reflex |
Video Memory (VRAM)
The GeForce RTX 3060 comes with 12 GB of VRAM, while the GeForce RTX 5060 has 8 GB. The GeForce RTX 3060 offers 50% more capacity, crucial for higher resolutions and texture-heavy games. Memory bandwidth: 360 GB/s (GeForce RTX 3060) vs 448 GB/s (GeForce RTX 5060) — a 24.4% advantage for the GeForce RTX 5060. Bus width: 192-bit vs 128-bit. L2 Cache: 3 MB (GeForce RTX 3060) vs 32 MB (GeForce RTX 5060) — the GeForce RTX 5060 has significantly larger on-die cache to reduce VRAM reliance.
| Feature | GeForce RTX 3060 | GeForce RTX 5060 |
|---|---|---|
| VRAM Capacity | 12 GB+50% | 8 GB |
| Memory Type | GDDR6 | GDDR7 |
| Memory Bandwidth | 360 GB/s | 448 GB/s+24% |
| Bus Width | 192-bit+50% | 128-bit |
| L2 Cache | 3 MB | 32 MB+967% |
Display & API Support
DirectX support: 12 Ultimate (GeForce RTX 3060) vs 12 Ultimate (GeForce RTX 5060). Vulkan: 1.3 vs 1.4. OpenGL: 4.6 vs 4.6. Maximum simultaneous displays: 4 vs 4.
| Feature | GeForce RTX 3060 | GeForce RTX 5060 |
|---|---|---|
| DirectX | 12 Ultimate | 12 Ultimate |
| Vulkan | 1.3 | 1.4+8% |
| OpenGL | 4.6 | 4.6 |
| Max Displays | 4 | 4 |
Media & Encoding
Hardware encoder: NVENC 7th Gen (GeForce RTX 3060) vs NVENC 9th gen (GeForce RTX 5060). Decoder: NVDEC 5th Gen vs NVDEC 6th gen. Supported codecs: AV1,H.265,H.264,VP9 (GeForce RTX 3060) vs H.264,H.265/HEVC,AV1 (GeForce RTX 5060).
| Feature | GeForce RTX 3060 | GeForce RTX 5060 |
|---|---|---|
| Encoder | NVENC 7th Gen | NVENC 9th gen |
| Decoder | NVDEC 5th Gen | NVDEC 6th gen |
| Codecs | AV1,H.265,H.264,VP9 | H.264,H.265/HEVC,AV1 |
Power & Dimensions
The GeForce RTX 3060 draws 170W versus the GeForce RTX 5060's 145W — a 15.9% difference. The GeForce RTX 5060 is more power-efficient. Recommended PSU: 550W (GeForce RTX 3060) vs 450W (GeForce RTX 5060). Power connectors: 8-pin vs 8-pin. Card length: 242mm vs 241mm, occupying 2 vs 2 slots. Typical load temperature: 75 vs 65°C.
| Feature | GeForce RTX 3060 | GeForce RTX 5060 |
|---|---|---|
| TDP | 170W | 145W-15% |
| Recommended PSU | 550W | 450W-18% |
| Power Connector | 8-pin | 8-pin |
| Length | 242mm | 241mm |
| Height | 112mm | 111mm |
| Slots | 2 | 2 |
| Temp (Load) | 75 | 65°C-13% |
| Perf/Watt | 100.0 | 143.7+44% |
Value Analysis
The GeForce RTX 3060 launched at $329 MSRP and currently averages $289, while the GeForce RTX 5060 launched at $299 and now averages $299. The GeForce RTX 3060 costs 3.3% less ($10 savings) at current market prices. Performance per dollar (G3D Mark / price): 58.8 (GeForce RTX 3060) vs 69.7 (GeForce RTX 5060) — the GeForce RTX 5060 offers 18.5% better value. The GeForce RTX 5060 is the newer GPU (2025 vs 2021).
| Feature | GeForce RTX 3060 | GeForce RTX 5060 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $329 | $299-9% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $289-3% | $299 |
| Performance per Dollar | 58.8 | 69.7+19% |
| Codename | GA106 | GB206 |
| Release | January 12 2021 | May 19 2025 |
| Ranking | #114 | #69 |
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