GeForce RTX 3080 12GB vs GeForce RTX 4060
On raw speed the GeForce RTX 3080 12GB comes out ahead: far and away the quicker card, about 85% ahead of the GeForce RTX 4060. That said, the GeForce RTX 4060 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 4060: In-Depth Breakdown
Performance: GeForce RTX 3080 12GB vs GeForce RTX 4060
The GeForce RTX 3080 12GB is dramatically faster, around 85% ahead of the GeForce RTX 4060. That gap is enough to move it up a tier: the GeForce RTX 3080 12GB is comfortable at 1440p, while the GeForce RTX 4060 is better matched to 1080p. The GeForce RTX 3080 12GB packs 8,960 CUDA cores versus 3,072 on the GeForce RTX 4060.
Price & Value
The GeForce RTX 4060 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 4060 offers the better performance-per-dollar (~154% better value), so budget-focused buyers should weigh it carefully. The GeForce RTX 4060 still sits about $200 AUD above its $299 AUD MSRP. The GeForce RTX 3080 12GB still sits about $1,544 AUD above its $799 AUD MSRP.
Power & Efficiency
At 115W against 350W, the GeForce RTX 4060 is both the lower-power and the more efficient card, making it the easier build to cool and power. Its more modern Ada Lovelace architecture on a TSMC N4 process is part of why it does more with each watt.
VRAM & Future-Proofing
VRAM favors the GeForce RTX 3080 12GB at 12GB versus 8GB on the GeForce RTX 4060 — that extra 4GB matters most at 4K, with high-res texture packs, and for content-creation/local-AI work. The GeForce RTX 3080 12GB's memory is also faster — 912 GB/s versus 272 GB/s (384-bit vs 128-bit bus) — which helps feed the GPU at 4K and with heavy textures.
Which should you buy: GeForce RTX 3080 12GB or GeForce RTX 4060?
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 4060 stretches your money further for only slightly lower performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the GeForce RTX 3080 12GB better than the GeForce RTX 4060?
Which is better for 4K gaming, the GeForce RTX 3080 12GB or the GeForce RTX 4060?
Is the GeForce RTX 3080 12GB worth the extra $1,844 AUD over the GeForce RTX 4060?
Does the GeForce RTX 3080 12GB have enough VRAM advantage to matter?
Which should you buy: GeForce RTX 3080 12GB or GeForce RTX 4060?
Technical Specifications Comparison
Architecture & Cores
| Specification | GeForce RTX 3080 12GB | GeForce RTX 4060 |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Ampere | Ada Lovelace |
| Process Node | Samsung 8nm | TSMC N4 |
| CUDA Cores (CUDA Cores / CUDA Cores) | 8,960✓ | 3,072 |
| Ray Tracing Cores | — | 24 |
| Tensor / AI Cores | — | 96 |
Clock Speeds
| Specification | GeForce RTX 3080 12GB | GeForce RTX 4060 |
|---|---|---|
| Base Clock | 1,440 MHz | 1,830 MHz✓ |
| Boost Clock | 1,710 MHz | 2,460 MHz✓ |
Memory
| Specification | GeForce RTX 3080 12GB | GeForce RTX 4060 |
|---|---|---|
| VRAM Capacity | 12 GB✓ | 8 GB |
| Memory Type | GDDR6X | GDDR6 |
| Memory Bus | 384-bit✓ | 128-bit |
| Memory Speed | 19 Gbps✓ | 17 Gbps |
| Bandwidth | 912 GB/s✓ | 272 GB/s |
Connectivity & Power
| Specification | GeForce RTX 3080 12GB | GeForce RTX 4060 |
|---|---|---|
| Interface | PCIe 4.0 x16 | PCIe 4.0 x8 |
| TDP | 350 W | 115 W✓ |
| Power Connectors | 2x 8-pin | 1x 8-pin |
| Released | Jan 2022 | Jun 2023 |
Related Reading
GDDR5 vs GDDR6 vs GDDR6X vs GDDR7: Which VRAM Generation Actually Matters for Your GPU?
Not all VRAM is created equal. GDDR5, GDDR6, GDDR6X, GDDR7 — we break down what each generation actually delivers in bandwidth, power, and real-world impact so you can stop guessing and start buying smarter.
The 1080p Value Champion: AMD Radeon RX 7600 Review
In a market dominated by high-priced flagships, the Radeon RX 7600 remains a steadfast hero for 1080p gamers. Is it still the best value pick?
Intel Arc A580: The Reality of Budget Gaming in 2026
Between aggressive price cuts and the arrival of the Battlemage generation, is the Arc A580 still a realistic choice for 1080p gaming?