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GeForce RTX 2060 12GB vs GeForce RTX 3060 12GB

Quick Verdict

Performance-wise the GeForce RTX 3060 12GB is out front, significantly faster, roughly 29% up on the GeForce RTX 2060 12GB.

Maximum Capacity Reached. Remove a model to add another. (2/2)

VS
NVIDIA GeForce
RTX 2060 12GB
Price
Reference GPU
Performance
14/100
VRAM
12 GB GDDR6
Key Specs Advantage

Comparable or lower specs

NVIDIA GeForce
RTX 3060 12GB
Price
€458
Performance
18/100
VRAM
12 GB GDDR6
Key Specs Advantage
+65% CUDA Cores (3,584 vs 2,176)
+8% Boost Clock (1,777 MHz vs 1,650 MHz)
+7% Bandwidth (360 GB/s vs 336 GB/s)

GeForce RTX 3060 12GB vs GeForce RTX 2060 12GB: In-Depth Breakdown

Performance: GeForce RTX 3060 12GB vs GeForce RTX 2060 12GB

The GeForce RTX 3060 12GB is significantly faster, around 29% ahead of the GeForce RTX 2060 12GB. Both cards sit in the same broad class, well suited to 1080p. The GeForce RTX 3060 12GB packs 3,584 CUDA cores versus 2,176 on the GeForce RTX 2060 12GB.

Power & Efficiency

The GeForce RTX 3060 12GB sips power at 170W next to the GeForce RTX 2060 12GB's 184W, and still leads on performance-per-watt — quieter, cooler, and gentler on your PSU.

Which should you buy: GeForce RTX 2060 12GB or GeForce RTX 3060 12GB?

The GeForce RTX 3060 12GB is the faster card by about 29%. 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 3060 12GB better than the GeForce RTX 2060 12GB?

The GeForce RTX 3060 12GB is significantly faster, roughly 29% ahead. If your budget allows, it's the stronger pick.

Which is better for 4K gaming, the GeForce RTX 2060 12GB or the GeForce RTX 3060 12GB?

Neither is a dedicated 4K card; both are best at 1080p. For 4K you'd want a faster GPU, or lean on upscaling.

Which should you buy: GeForce RTX 2060 12GB or GeForce RTX 3060 12GB?

The GeForce RTX 3060 12GB is the faster card by about 29%. 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.

Technical Specifications Comparison

Architecture & Cores

Architecture & Cores specifications comparison between GeForce RTX 2060 12GB and GeForce RTX 3060 12GB
SpecificationGeForce RTX 2060 12GBGeForce RTX 3060 12GB
ArchitectureTuringAmpere
Process NodeTSMC 12nmSamsung 8nm
CUDA Cores (CUDA Cores / CUDA Cores)2,1763,584
Ray Tracing Cores28
Tensor / AI Cores112

Clock Speeds

Clock Speeds specifications comparison between GeForce RTX 2060 12GB and GeForce RTX 3060 12GB
SpecificationGeForce RTX 2060 12GBGeForce RTX 3060 12GB
Base Clock1,470 MHz1,320 MHz
Boost Clock1,650 MHz1,777 MHz

Memory

Memory specifications comparison between GeForce RTX 2060 12GB and GeForce RTX 3060 12GB
SpecificationGeForce RTX 2060 12GBGeForce RTX 3060 12GB
VRAM Capacity12 GB12 GB
Memory TypeGDDR6GDDR6
Memory Bus192-bit192-bit
Memory Speed14 Gbps15 Gbps
Bandwidth336 GB/s360 GB/s

Connectivity & Power

Connectivity & Power specifications comparison between GeForce RTX 2060 12GB and GeForce RTX 3060 12GB
SpecificationGeForce RTX 2060 12GBGeForce RTX 3060 12GB
InterfacePCIe 3.0 x16PCIe 4.0 x16
TDP184 W170 W
Power Connectors1x 8-pin1x 8-pin
ReleasedDec 2021Feb 2021