GeForce RTX 3050 6GB vs GeForce RTX 3060 8GB
Performance-wise the GeForce RTX 3060 8GB is out front, dramatically faster, roughly 60% up on the GeForce RTX 3050 6GB. Value tips toward the GeForce RTX 3050 6GB, though: $340 CAD cheaper for what you get.
Maximum Capacity Reached. Remove a model to add another. (2/2)
Comparable or lower specs
GeForce RTX 3060 8GB vs GeForce RTX 3050 6GB: In-Depth Breakdown
Performance: GeForce RTX 3060 8GB vs GeForce RTX 3050 6GB
The GeForce RTX 3060 8GB is dramatically faster, around 60% ahead of the GeForce RTX 3050 6GB. That gap is enough to move it up a tier: the GeForce RTX 3060 8GB is comfortable at 1080p, while the GeForce RTX 3050 6GB is better matched to entry-level 1080p. The GeForce RTX 3060 8GB packs 3,584 CUDA cores versus 2,560 on the GeForce RTX 3050 6GB. The GeForce RTX 3060 8GB also has more RT cores (28 vs 20) and more AI cores (112 vs 80), strengthening its ray-tracing and AI-upscaling performance.
Price & Value
Right now the GeForce RTX 3050 6GB starts at $240 CAD against $580 CAD for the GeForce RTX 3060 8GB. Despite being slower, the GeForce RTX 3050 6GB offers the better performance-per-dollar (~51% better value), so budget-focused buyers should weigh it carefully. The GeForce RTX 3060 8GB still sits about $251 CAD above its $329 CAD MSRP.
Power & Efficiency
The GeForce RTX 3050 6GB is the lighter draw at 130W against the GeForce RTX 3060 8GB's 170W, making it the easier card to power and cool. The GeForce RTX 3060 8GB 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 8GB's 8GB (vs 6GB on the GeForce RTX 3050 6GB) gives it more room for 4K textures and memory-hungry creative or AI workloads.
Which should you buy: GeForce RTX 3050 6GB or GeForce RTX 3060 8GB?
Choose the GeForce RTX 3060 8GB if you want the most performance and can absorb the higher price. If you're optimizing for value, the GeForce RTX 3050 6GB stretches your money further for only slightly lower performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the GeForce RTX 3060 8GB better than the GeForce RTX 3050 6GB?
Which is better for 4K gaming, the GeForce RTX 3050 6GB or the GeForce RTX 3060 8GB?
Is the GeForce RTX 3060 8GB worth the extra $340 CAD over the GeForce RTX 3050 6GB?
Does the GeForce RTX 3060 8GB have enough VRAM advantage to matter?
Which is better for ray tracing, the GeForce RTX 3060 8GB or the GeForce RTX 3050 6GB?
Which should you buy: GeForce RTX 3050 6GB or GeForce RTX 3060 8GB?
Technical Specifications Comparison
Architecture & Cores
| Specification | GeForce RTX 3050 6GB | GeForce RTX 3060 8GB |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Ampere | Ampere |
| Process Node | Samsung 8nm | Samsung 8nm |
| CUDA Cores (CUDA Cores / CUDA Cores) | 2,560 | 3,584✓ |
| Ray Tracing Cores | 20 | 28✓ |
| Tensor / AI Cores | 80 | 112✓ |
Clock Speeds
| Specification | GeForce RTX 3050 6GB | GeForce RTX 3060 8GB |
|---|---|---|
| Base Clock | 1,552 MHz✓ | 1,320 MHz |
| Boost Clock | 1,777 MHz | 1,777 MHz |
Memory
| Specification | GeForce RTX 3050 6GB | GeForce RTX 3060 8GB |
|---|---|---|
| VRAM Capacity | 6 GB | 8 GB✓ |
| Memory Type | GDDR6 | GDDR6 |
| Memory Bus | 128-bit | 128-bit |
| Memory Speed | 14 Gbps | 15 Gbps✓ |
| Bandwidth | 224 GB/s | 240 GB/s✓ |
Connectivity & Power
| Specification | GeForce RTX 3050 6GB | GeForce RTX 3060 8GB |
|---|---|---|
| Interface | PCIe 4.0 x8 | PCIe 4.0 x16 |
| TDP | 130 W✓ | 170 W |
| Power Connectors | 1x 8-pin | 1x 8-pin |
| Released | Jan 2022 | Feb 2021 |