GeForce RTX 3060 12GB vs GeForce RTX 3080
Performance-wise the GeForce RTX 3080 is out front, dramatically faster, roughly 94% up on the GeForce RTX 3060 12GB. Value tips toward the GeForce RTX 3060 12GB, though: $752 AUD cheaper for what you get.
Maximum Capacity Reached. Remove a model to add another. (2/2)
GeForce RTX 3080 vs GeForce RTX 3060 12GB: In-Depth Breakdown
Performance: GeForce RTX 3080 vs GeForce RTX 3060 12GB
The GeForce RTX 3080 is dramatically faster, around 94% ahead of the GeForce RTX 3060 12GB. That gap is enough to move it up a tier: the GeForce RTX 3080 is comfortable at 1440p, while the GeForce RTX 3060 12GB is better matched to 1080p. The GeForce RTX 3080 packs 8,704 CUDA cores versus 3,584 on the GeForce RTX 3060 12GB. The GeForce RTX 3080 also has more RT cores (68 vs 28) and more AI cores (272 vs 112), strengthening its ray-tracing and AI-upscaling performance.
Price & Value
Right now the GeForce RTX 3060 12GB starts at $499 AUD against $1,251 AUD for the GeForce RTX 3080. Despite being slower, the GeForce RTX 3060 12GB offers the better performance-per-dollar (~29% 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. The GeForce RTX 3080 still sits about $552 AUD above its $699 AUD MSRP.
Power & Efficiency
The GeForce RTX 3060 12GB is the lighter draw at 170W against the GeForce RTX 3080's 320W, making it the easier card to power and cool. The GeForce RTX 3080 draws more in absolute terms but squeezes out more performance per watt, so budget for a beefier PSU if you go that route.
VRAM & Future-Proofing
The GeForce RTX 3060 12GB's 12GB (vs 10GB on the GeForce RTX 3080) gives it more room for 4K textures and memory-hungry creative or AI workloads. The GeForce RTX 3080's memory is also faster — 760 GB/s versus 360 GB/s (320-bit vs 192-bit bus) — which helps feed the GPU at 4K and with heavy textures.
Which should you buy: GeForce RTX 3060 12GB or GeForce RTX 3080?
Choose the GeForce RTX 3080 if you want the most performance and can absorb the higher price. If you're optimizing for value, the GeForce RTX 3060 12GB stretches your money further for only slightly lower performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the GeForce RTX 3080 better than the GeForce RTX 3060 12GB?
Which is better for 4K gaming, the GeForce RTX 3060 12GB or the GeForce RTX 3080?
Is the GeForce RTX 3080 worth the extra $752 AUD over the GeForce RTX 3060 12GB?
Does the GeForce RTX 3060 12GB have enough VRAM advantage to matter?
Which is better for ray tracing, the GeForce RTX 3080 or the GeForce RTX 3060 12GB?
Which should you buy: GeForce RTX 3060 12GB or GeForce RTX 3080?
Technical Specifications Comparison
Architecture & Cores
| Specification | GeForce RTX 3060 12GB | GeForce RTX 3080 |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Ampere | Ampere |
| Process Node | Samsung 8nm | Samsung 8nm |
| CUDA Cores (CUDA Cores / CUDA Cores) | 3,584 | 8,704✓ |
| Ray Tracing Cores | 28 | 68✓ |
| Tensor / AI Cores | 112 | 272✓ |
Clock Speeds
| Specification | GeForce RTX 3060 12GB | GeForce RTX 3080 |
|---|---|---|
| Base Clock | 1,320 MHz | 1,440 MHz✓ |
| Boost Clock | 1,777 MHz✓ | 1,710 MHz |
Memory
| Specification | GeForce RTX 3060 12GB | GeForce RTX 3080 |
|---|---|---|
| VRAM Capacity | 12 GB✓ | 10 GB |
| Memory Type | GDDR6 | GDDR6X |
| Memory Bus | 192-bit | 320-bit✓ |
| Memory Speed | 15 Gbps | 19 Gbps✓ |
| Bandwidth | 360 GB/s | 760 GB/s✓ |
Connectivity & Power
| Specification | GeForce RTX 3060 12GB | GeForce RTX 3080 |
|---|---|---|
| Interface | PCIe 4.0 x16 | PCIe 4.0 x16 |
| TDP | 170 W✓ | 320 W |
| Power Connectors | 1x 8-pin | 1x 12-pin |
| Released | Feb 2021 | Sep 2020 |
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