GeForce RTX 3050 8GB vs GeForce RTX 3060 12GB
On raw speed the GeForce RTX 3060 12GB comes out ahead: far and away the quicker card, about 64% ahead of the GeForce RTX 3050 8GB. That said, the GeForce RTX 3050 8GB is the smarter buy on value — $250 AUD less for the performance on offer.
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Comparable or lower specs
GeForce RTX 3060 12GB vs GeForce RTX 3050 8GB: In-Depth Breakdown
Performance: GeForce RTX 3060 12GB vs GeForce RTX 3050 8GB
The GeForce RTX 3060 12GB is dramatically faster, around 64% ahead of the GeForce RTX 3050 8GB. That gap is enough to move it up a tier: the GeForce RTX 3060 12GB is comfortable at 1080p, while the GeForce RTX 3050 8GB is better matched to entry-level 1080p. The GeForce RTX 3060 12GB packs 3,584 CUDA cores versus 2,560 on the GeForce RTX 3050 8GB. The GeForce RTX 3060 12GB also has more RT cores (28 vs 20) and more AI cores (112 vs 80), strengthening its ray-tracing and AI-upscaling performance.
Price & Value
The GeForce RTX 3050 8GB currently lists from $249 AUD, $250 AUD less than the GeForce RTX 3060 12GB at $499 AUD. Despite being slower, the GeForce RTX 3050 8GB offers the better performance-per-dollar (~22% better value), so budget-focused buyers should weigh it carefully. The GeForce RTX 3060 12GB still sits about $170 AUD above its $329 AUD MSRP.
Power & Efficiency
On power, the GeForce RTX 3050 8GB is the gentler choice at 130W versus 170W. The GeForce RTX 3060 12GB is more efficient per watt because it's faster, but its higher 170W draw means more heat and a bigger PSU.
VRAM & Future-Proofing
VRAM favors the GeForce RTX 3060 12GB at 12GB versus 8GB on the GeForce RTX 3050 8GB — that extra 4GB matters most at 4K, with high-res texture packs, and for content-creation/local-AI work. The GeForce RTX 3060 12GB's memory is also faster — 360 GB/s versus 224 GB/s (192-bit vs 128-bit bus) — which helps feed the GPU at 4K and with heavy textures.
Which should you buy: GeForce RTX 3050 8GB or GeForce RTX 3060 12GB?
Choose the GeForce RTX 3060 12GB if you want the most performance and can absorb the higher price. If you're optimizing for value, the GeForce RTX 3050 8GB stretches your money further for only slightly lower performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the GeForce RTX 3060 12GB better than the GeForce RTX 3050 8GB?
Which is better for 4K gaming, the GeForce RTX 3050 8GB or the GeForce RTX 3060 12GB?
Is the GeForce RTX 3060 12GB worth the extra $250 AUD over the GeForce RTX 3050 8GB?
Does the GeForce RTX 3060 12GB have enough VRAM advantage to matter?
Which is better for ray tracing, the GeForce RTX 3060 12GB or the GeForce RTX 3050 8GB?
Which should you buy: GeForce RTX 3050 8GB or GeForce RTX 3060 12GB?
Technical Specifications Comparison
Architecture & Cores
| Specification | GeForce RTX 3050 8GB | GeForce RTX 3060 12GB |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Ampere | Ampere |
| Process Node | Samsung 8nm | Samsung 8nm |
| CUDA Cores (CUDA Cores / CUDA Cores) | 2,560 | 3,584✓ |
| Ray Tracing Cores | 20 | 28✓ |
| Tensor / AI Cores | 80 | 112✓ |
Clock Speeds
| Specification | GeForce RTX 3050 8GB | GeForce RTX 3060 12GB |
|---|---|---|
| Base Clock | 1,552 MHz✓ | 1,320 MHz |
| Boost Clock | 1,777 MHz | 1,777 MHz |
Memory
| Specification | GeForce RTX 3050 8GB | GeForce RTX 3060 12GB |
|---|---|---|
| VRAM Capacity | 8 GB | 12 GB✓ |
| Memory Type | GDDR6 | GDDR6 |
| Memory Bus | 128-bit | 192-bit✓ |
| Memory Speed | 14 Gbps | 15 Gbps✓ |
| Bandwidth | 224 GB/s | 360 GB/s✓ |
Connectivity & Power
| Specification | GeForce RTX 3050 8GB | GeForce RTX 3060 12GB |
|---|---|---|
| Interface | PCIe 4.0 x8 | PCIe 4.0 x16 |
| TDP | 130 W✓ | 170 W |
| Power Connectors | 1x 8-pin | 1x 8-pin |
| Released | Jan 2022 | Feb 2021 |
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