GPU Comparison
Select up to 2 GPUs to analyze their pricing, performance, and specifications side-by-side.
Market Value Leader
Only verified data for GeForce RTX 5060 is available. Benchmarks for other models are currently being processed.
The GeForce RTX 5060 is dramatically faster than the GeForce RTX 3060 12GB, leading by roughly 44% in our performance index.
Maximum Capacity Reached. Remove a model to add another. (2/2)
GeForce RTX 5060 vs GeForce RTX 3060 12GB: In-Depth Breakdown
Performance: GeForce RTX 5060 vs GeForce RTX 3060 12GB
The GeForce RTX 5060 is dramatically faster, around 44% ahead of the GeForce RTX 3060 12GB. That gap is enough to move it up a tier: the GeForce RTX 5060 is comfortable at 1440p, while the GeForce RTX 3060 12GB is better matched to 1080p. The GeForce RTX 5060 packs 3,840 CUDA cores versus 3,584 on the GeForce RTX 3060 12GB.
Power & Efficiency
The GeForce RTX 5060 draws just 145W versus 170W for the GeForce RTX 3060 12GB, and it also delivers more performance per watt — so it runs cooler and quieter and needs less PSU headroom. Its more modern Blackwell architecture on a TSMC 4N process is part of why it does more with each watt.
VRAM & Future-Proofing
With 12GB against 8GB, the GeForce RTX 3060 12GB has more headroom for 4K textures and memory-hungry creative/AI tasks where the GeForce RTX 5060's 8GB can fall short. The GeForce RTX 5060's memory is also faster — 448 GB/s versus 360 GB/s (128-bit vs 192-bit bus) — which helps feed the GPU at 4K and with heavy textures.
Generation & Longevity
The GeForce RTX 5060 is roughly 4 years newer than the GeForce RTX 3060 12GB (Blackwell vs Ampere), so it generally benefits from a more modern architecture and longer driver-support runway.
Which should you buy: GeForce RTX 3060 12GB or GeForce RTX 5060?
The GeForce RTX 5060 is the faster card by about 44%. With live pricing limited for this pair, base your decision on the spec differences above — particularly VRAM and power draw — and check current stock before buying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the GeForce RTX 5060 better than the GeForce RTX 3060 12GB?
Which is better for 4K gaming, the GeForce RTX 3060 12GB or the GeForce RTX 5060?
Does the GeForce RTX 3060 12GB have enough VRAM advantage to matter?
Technical Specifications Comparison
Architecture & Cores
| Specification | GeForce RTX 3060 12GB | GeForce RTX 5060 |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Ampere | Blackwell |
| Process Node | Samsung 8nm | TSMC 4N |
| CUDA Cores (CUDA Cores / CUDA Cores) | 3,584 | 3,840✓ |
| Ray Tracing Cores | 28 | 30✓ |
| Tensor / AI Cores | 112 | 120✓ |
Clock Speeds
| Specification | GeForce RTX 3060 12GB | GeForce RTX 5060 |
|---|---|---|
| Base Clock | 1,320 MHz | 2,280 MHz✓ |
| Boost Clock | 1,777 MHz | 2,497 MHz✓ |
Memory
| Specification | GeForce RTX 3060 12GB | GeForce RTX 5060 |
|---|---|---|
| VRAM Capacity | 12 GB✓ | 8 GB |
| Memory Type | GDDR6 | GDDR7 |
| Memory Bus | 192-bit✓ | 128-bit |
| Memory Speed | 15 Gbps | 28 Gbps✓ |
| Bandwidth | 360 GB/s | 448 GB/s✓ |
Connectivity & Power
| Specification | GeForce RTX 3060 12GB | GeForce RTX 5060 |
|---|---|---|
| Interface | PCIe 4.0 x16 | PCIe 5.0 x16 |
| TDP | 170 W | 145 W✓ |
| Power Connectors | 1x 8-pin | 1x 16-pin |
| Released | Feb 2021 | May 2025 |
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