GPU Comparison

Select up to 2 GPUs to analyze their pricing, performance, and specifications side-by-side.

Quick Verdict

The GeForce RTX 3080 is dramatically faster than the GeForce RTX 3060 12GB, leading by roughly 100% in our performance index.

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

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Price
Awaiting Data
Perf Index
18%
Value Score
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VRAM12GB GDDR6
Thermal TDP170W
Price
Awaiting Data
Perf Index
36%
Value Score
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VRAM10GB GDDR6X
Thermal TDP320W

GeForce RTX 3080 vs GeForce RTX 3060 12GB: In-Depth Breakdown

Performance: GeForce RTX 3080 vs GeForce RTX 3060 12GB

The GeForce RTX 3080 is dramatically faster, around 100% ahead of the GeForce RTX 3060 12GB. That gap is enough to move it up a tier: the GeForce RTX 3080 is comfortable at 1440p, while the GeForce RTX 3060 12GB is better matched to 1080p. The GeForce RTX 3080 packs 8,704 CUDA cores versus 3,584 on the GeForce RTX 3060 12GB. The GeForce RTX 3080 also has more RT cores (68 vs 28) and more AI cores (272 vs 112), strengthening its ray-tracing and AI-upscaling performance.

Power & Efficiency

The GeForce RTX 3060 12GB pulls less power (170W vs 320W), so it's the easier card to cool and the lighter load on your PSU. The faster GeForce RTX 3080 draws more overall but extracts more performance from each watt β€” plan for a sturdier power supply if you pick it.

VRAM & Future-Proofing

With 12GB against 10GB, the GeForce RTX 3060 12GB has more headroom for 4K textures and memory-hungry creative/AI tasks where the GeForce RTX 3080's 10GB can fall short. The GeForce RTX 3080's memory is also faster β€” 760 GB/s versus 240 GB/s (320-bit vs 128-bit bus) β€” which helps feed the GPU at 4K and with heavy textures.

Which should you buy: GeForce RTX 3060 12GB or GeForce RTX 3080?

The GeForce RTX 3080 is the faster card by about 100%. With live pricing limited for this pair, base your decision on the spec differences above β€” particularly VRAM and power draw β€” and check current stock before buying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the GeForce RTX 3080 better than the GeForce RTX 3060 12GB?

The GeForce RTX 3080 is dramatically faster, roughly 100% ahead. If your budget allows, it's the stronger pick.

Which is better for 4K gaming, the GeForce RTX 3060 12GB or the GeForce RTX 3080?

Neither is a dedicated 4K card; both are best at 1440p. For 4K you'd want a faster GPU, or lean on upscaling.

Does the GeForce RTX 3060 12GB have enough VRAM advantage to matter?

Its 12GB (vs 10GB) gives real headroom for 4K, heavy texture mods, and creative/AI work. At 1080p the gap matters less.

Which is better for ray tracing, the GeForce RTX 3080 or the GeForce RTX 3060 12GB?

Both handle ray tracing, but the GeForce RTX 3080 has more RT cores, giving it better ray-tracing and AI-upscaling performance than the GeForce RTX 3060 12GB.