
GeForce RTX 3060 vs M1 8-Core GPU

GeForce RTX 3060
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M1 8-Core GPU
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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
Performance Comparison
About G3D Mark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
The GeForce RTX 3060 is the superior choice for raw performance. It leads with a 239.9% 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 M1 8-Core GPU.
| Insight | GeForce RTX 3060 | M1 8-Core GPU |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | ✅Leading raw performance (+239.9%) | ❌Lower raw frame rates (-239.9%) |
| Longevity | 🔮Strong Longevity (Ampere / 8nm) | Legacy (5nm) |
| 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
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 M1 8-Core GPU

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.
M1 8-Core GPU
The M1 8-Core GPU is manufactured by Apple. It was released in November 10 2020. The core clock speed is 1278 MHz. It has 8 shading units. The thermal design power (TDP) is 30W. Manufactured using 5 nm process technology. G3D Mark benchmark score: 5,000 points.
Graphics Performance
In G3D Mark, the GeForce RTX 3060 scores 16,995 versus the M1 8-Core GPU's 5,000 — the GeForce RTX 3060 leads by 239.9%. Shader units: 3,584 (GeForce RTX 3060) vs 8 (M1 8-Core GPU).
| Feature | GeForce RTX 3060 | M1 8-Core GPU |
|---|---|---|
| G3D Mark Score | 16,995+240% | 5,000 |
| Process Node | 8 nm | 5 nm |
| Shading Units | 3584+44700% | 8 |
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 M1 8-Core GPU relies on FSR (FidelityFX Super Resolution), which is capable but generally slightly noisier than DLSS in motion.
| Feature | GeForce RTX 3060 | M1 8-Core GPU |
|---|---|---|
| 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 M1 8-Core GPU 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 68 GB/s (M1 8-Core GPU) — a 429.4% advantage for the GeForce RTX 3060. Bus width: 192-bit vs Unified.
| Feature | GeForce RTX 3060 | M1 8-Core GPU |
|---|---|---|
| VRAM Capacity | 12 GB+500% | 2 GB |
| Memory Type | GDDR6 | Shared |
| Memory Bandwidth | 360 GB/s+429% | 68 GB/s |
| Bus Width | 192-bit | Unified |
Display & API Support
DirectX support: 12 Ultimate (GeForce RTX 3060) vs N/A (M1 8-Core GPU). OpenGL: 4.6 vs 4.1 (Rosetta 2). Maximum simultaneous displays: 4 vs 2.
| Feature | GeForce RTX 3060 | M1 8-Core GPU |
|---|---|---|
| DirectX | 12 Ultimate | N/A |
| OpenGL | 4.6+12% | 4.1 (Rosetta 2) |
| Max Displays | 4+100% | 2 |
Media & Encoding
Hardware encoder: NVENC 7th Gen (GeForce RTX 3060) vs Apple M1 Video Encoder (M1 8-Core GPU). Decoder: NVDEC 5th Gen vs Apple M1 Video Decoder. Supported codecs: AV1,H.265,H.264,VP9 (GeForce RTX 3060) vs H.264,HEVC,ProRes,ProRes RAW (M1 8-Core GPU).
| Feature | GeForce RTX 3060 | M1 8-Core GPU |
|---|---|---|
| Encoder | NVENC 7th Gen | Apple M1 Video Encoder |
| Decoder | NVDEC 5th Gen | Apple M1 Video Decoder |
| Codecs | AV1,H.265,H.264,VP9 | H.264,HEVC,ProRes,ProRes RAW |
Power & Dimensions
The GeForce RTX 3060 draws 170W versus the M1 8-Core GPU's 30W — a 140% difference. The M1 8-Core GPU is more power-efficient. Recommended PSU: 550W (GeForce RTX 3060) vs 350W (M1 8-Core GPU). Power connectors: 8-pin vs PCIe-powered.
| Feature | GeForce RTX 3060 | M1 8-Core GPU |
|---|---|---|
| TDP | 170W | 30W-82% |
| Recommended PSU | 550W | 350W-36% |
| Power Connector | 8-pin | PCIe-powered |
| Length | 242mm | — |
| Height | 112mm | — |
| Slots | 2 | 0-100% |
| Temp (Load) | 75 | — |
| Perf/Watt | 100.0 | 166.7+67% |
Value Analysis
The GeForce RTX 3060 launched at $329 MSRP and currently averages $289, while the M1 8-Core GPU launched at $0 and now averages $0. The M1 8-Core GPU costs 100+% less ($289 savings) at current market prices. Performance per dollar (G3D Mark / price): 58.8 (GeForce RTX 3060) vs Infinity (M1 8-Core GPU) — the M1 8-Core GPU offers Infinity% better value. The GeForce RTX 3060 is the newer GPU (2021 vs 2020).
| Feature | GeForce RTX 3060 | M1 8-Core GPU |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $329 | $0-100% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $289 | $0-100% |
| Performance per Dollar | 58.8 | Infinity |
| Codename | GA106 | — |
| Release | January 12 2021 | November 10 2020 |
| Ranking | #114 | #428 |
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