GeForce RTX 3060 12GB vs GeForce RTX 5060
Performance-wise the GeForce RTX 5060 is out front, dramatically faster, roughly 44% up on the GeForce RTX 3060 12GB. Value tips toward the GeForce RTX 3060 12GB, though: $290 CAD cheaper for what you get.
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.
Price & Value
Right now the GeForce RTX 3060 12GB starts at $300 CAD against $590 CAD for the GeForce RTX 5060. Despite being slower, the GeForce RTX 3060 12GB offers the better performance-per-dollar (~36% better value), so budget-focused buyers should weigh it carefully. The GeForce RTX 3060 12GB is trading below its $329 CAD MSRP — a genuine deal. The GeForce RTX 5060 still sits about $291 CAD above its $299 CAD MSRP.
Power & Efficiency
The GeForce RTX 5060 sips power at 145W next to the GeForce RTX 3060 12GB's 170W, and still leads on performance-per-watt — quieter, cooler, and gentler on your PSU. Its more modern Blackwell architecture on a TSMC 4N process is part of why it does more with each watt.
VRAM & Future-Proofing
The GeForce RTX 3060 12GB's 12GB (vs 8GB on the GeForce RTX 5060) gives it more room for 4K textures and memory-hungry creative or AI workloads. 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?
Choose the GeForce RTX 5060 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 5060 better than the GeForce RTX 3060 12GB?
Which is better for 4K gaming, the GeForce RTX 3060 12GB or the GeForce RTX 5060?
Is the GeForce RTX 5060 worth the extra $290 CAD over the GeForce RTX 3060 12GB?
Does the GeForce RTX 3060 12GB have enough VRAM advantage to matter?
Which should you buy: GeForce RTX 3060 12GB or GeForce RTX 5060?
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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