GeForce RTX 3060 12GB vs GeForce RTX 3080 12GB
On raw speed the GeForce RTX 3080 12GB comes out ahead: far and away the quicker card, about 106% ahead of the GeForce RTX 3060 12GB. That said, the GeForce RTX 3060 12GB is the smarter buy on value — $1,844 AUD less for the performance on offer.
Maximum Capacity Reached. Remove a model to add another. (2/2)
GeForce RTX 3080 12GB vs GeForce RTX 3060 12GB: In-Depth Breakdown
Performance: GeForce RTX 3080 12GB vs GeForce RTX 3060 12GB
The GeForce RTX 3080 12GB is dramatically faster, around 106% ahead of the GeForce RTX 3060 12GB. That gap is enough to move it up a tier: the GeForce RTX 3080 12GB is comfortable at 1440p, while the GeForce RTX 3060 12GB is better matched to 1080p. The GeForce RTX 3080 12GB packs 8,960 CUDA cores versus 3,584 on the GeForce RTX 3060 12GB.
Price & Value
The GeForce RTX 3060 12GB currently lists from $499 AUD, $1,844 AUD less than the GeForce RTX 3080 12GB at $2,343 AUD. Despite being slower, the GeForce RTX 3060 12GB offers the better performance-per-dollar (~128% 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 12GB still sits about $1,544 AUD above its $799 AUD MSRP.
Power & Efficiency
At 170W against 350W, the GeForce RTX 3060 12GB is both the lower-power and the more efficient card, making it the easier build to cool and power.
Memory & Bandwidth
The GeForce RTX 3080 12GB's memory is faster — 912 GB/s versus 360 GB/s (384-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 12GB?
Choose the GeForce RTX 3080 12GB 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 12GB better than the GeForce RTX 3060 12GB?
Which is better for 4K gaming, the GeForce RTX 3060 12GB or the GeForce RTX 3080 12GB?
Is the GeForce RTX 3080 12GB worth the extra $1,844 AUD over the GeForce RTX 3060 12GB?
Which should you buy: GeForce RTX 3060 12GB or GeForce RTX 3080 12GB?
Technical Specifications Comparison
Architecture & Cores
| Specification | GeForce RTX 3060 12GB | GeForce RTX 3080 12GB |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Ampere | Ampere |
| Process Node | Samsung 8nm | Samsung 8nm |
| CUDA Cores (CUDA Cores / CUDA Cores) | 3,584 | 8,960✓ |
| Ray Tracing Cores | 28 | — |
| Tensor / AI Cores | 112 | — |
Clock Speeds
| Specification | GeForce RTX 3060 12GB | GeForce RTX 3080 12GB |
|---|---|---|
| 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 12GB |
|---|---|---|
| VRAM Capacity | 12 GB | 12 GB |
| Memory Type | GDDR6 | GDDR6X |
| Memory Bus | 192-bit | 384-bit✓ |
| Memory Speed | 15 Gbps | 19 Gbps✓ |
| Bandwidth | 360 GB/s | 912 GB/s✓ |
Connectivity & Power
| Specification | GeForce RTX 3060 12GB | GeForce RTX 3080 12GB |
|---|---|---|
| Interface | PCIe 4.0 x16 | PCIe 4.0 x16 |
| TDP | 170 W✓ | 350 W |
| Power Connectors | 1x 8-pin | 2x 8-pin |
| Released | Feb 2021 | Jan 2022 |
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