GPU Comparison
Select up to 2 GPUs to analyze their pricing, performance, and specifications side-by-side.
Market Value Leader
Only verified data for GeForce RTX 3060 12GB is available. Benchmarks for other models are currently being processed.
On raw speed the GeForce RTX 3060 12GB comes out dramatically faster — about 157% ahead of the GeForce GTX 1060.
Maximum Capacity Reached. Remove a model to add another. (2/2)
Comparable or lower specs
GeForce RTX 3060 12GB vs GeForce GTX 1060: In-Depth Breakdown
Performance: GeForce RTX 3060 12GB vs GeForce GTX 1060
The GeForce RTX 3060 12GB is dramatically faster, around 157% ahead of the GeForce GTX 1060. That gap is enough to move it up a tier: the GeForce RTX 3060 12GB is comfortable at 1080p, while the GeForce GTX 1060 is better matched to entry-level 1080p. The GeForce RTX 3060 12GB packs 3,584 CUDA cores versus 1,280 on the GeForce GTX 1060.
Power & Efficiency
On power, the GeForce GTX 1060 is the gentler choice at 120W versus 170W. The GeForce RTX 3060 12GB is more efficient per watt because it's faster, but its higher 170W draw means more heat and a bigger PSU. Its more modern Ampere architecture on a Samsung 8nm process is part of why it does more with each watt.
VRAM & Future-Proofing
The GeForce RTX 3060 12GB carries 12GB versus 6GB on the GeForce GTX 1060. The extra 6GB helps at 4K, with high-resolution texture packs, and for content-creation or local-AI workloads that exhaust smaller buffers. The GeForce RTX 3060 12GB's memory is also faster — 360 GB/s versus 192 GB/s — which helps feed the GPU at 4K and with heavy textures.
Generation & Longevity
The GeForce RTX 3060 12GB is roughly 5 years newer than the GeForce GTX 1060 (Ampere vs Pascal), so it generally benefits from a more modern architecture and longer driver-support runway.
Which should you buy: GeForce GTX 1060 or GeForce RTX 3060 12GB?
The GeForce RTX 3060 12GB is the faster card by about 157%. 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 GTX 1060?
Which is better for 4K gaming, the GeForce GTX 1060 or the GeForce RTX 3060 12GB?
Does the GeForce RTX 3060 12GB have enough VRAM advantage to matter?
Technical Specifications Comparison
Architecture & Cores
| Specification | GeForce GTX 1060 | GeForce RTX 3060 12GB |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Pascal | Ampere |
| Process Node | TSMC 16nm | Samsung 8nm |
| CUDA Cores (CUDA Cores / CUDA Cores) | 1,280 | 3,584✓ |
| Ray Tracing Cores | — | 28 |
| Tensor / AI Cores | — | 112 |
Clock Speeds
| Specification | GeForce GTX 1060 | GeForce RTX 3060 12GB |
|---|---|---|
| Base Clock | 1,506 MHz✓ | 1,320 MHz |
| Boost Clock | 1,708 MHz | 1,777 MHz✓ |
Memory
| Specification | GeForce GTX 1060 | GeForce RTX 3060 12GB |
|---|---|---|
| VRAM Capacity | 6 GB | 12 GB✓ |
| Memory Type | GDDR5 | GDDR6 |
| Memory Bus | 192-bit | 192-bit |
| Memory Speed | 8 Gbps | 15 Gbps✓ |
| Bandwidth | 192 GB/s | 360 GB/s✓ |
Connectivity & Power
| Specification | GeForce GTX 1060 | GeForce RTX 3060 12GB |
|---|---|---|
| Interface | PCIe 3.0 x16 | PCIe 4.0 x16 |
| TDP | 120 W✓ | 170 W |
| Power Connectors | 1x 6-pin | 1x 8-pin |
| Released | Jul 2016 | Feb 2021 |
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