GeForce RTX 3060 12GB vs GeForce RTX 3060 8GB
The GeForce RTX 3060 12GB is a real step up in speed — leading the GeForce RTX 3060 8GB by roughly 13% in our performance index. The GeForce RTX 3060 8GB, however, delivers more performance per dollar — $58 EUR cheaper.
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Comparable or lower specs
GeForce RTX 3060 12GB vs GeForce RTX 3060 8GB: In-Depth Breakdown
Performance: GeForce RTX 3060 12GB vs GeForce RTX 3060 8GB
The GeForce RTX 3060 12GB is noticeably faster, around 13% ahead of the GeForce RTX 3060 8GB. Both cards sit in the same broad class, well suited to 1080p.
Price & Value
On price, expect to pay $341 EUR for the GeForce RTX 3060 8GB versus $399 EUR for the GeForce RTX 3060 12GB. Despite being slower, the GeForce RTX 3060 8GB offers the better performance-per-dollar, so budget-focused buyers should weigh it carefully.
VRAM & Future-Proofing
With 12GB against 8GB, the GeForce RTX 3060 12GB has more headroom for 4K textures and memory-hungry creative/AI tasks where the GeForce RTX 3060 8GB's 8GB can fall short. The GeForce RTX 3060 12GB's memory is also faster — 360 GB/s versus 240 GB/s (192-bit vs 128-bit bus) — which helps feed the GPU at 4K and with heavy textures.
Which should you buy: GeForce RTX 3060 12GB or GeForce RTX 3060 8GB?
Choose the GeForce RTX 3060 12GB if you want the most performance and can absorb the higher price. If you're optimizing for value, the GeForce RTX 3060 8GB stretches your money further for only slightly lower performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the GeForce RTX 3060 12GB better than the GeForce RTX 3060 8GB?
Which is better for 4K gaming, the GeForce RTX 3060 12GB or the GeForce RTX 3060 8GB?
Is the GeForce RTX 3060 12GB worth the extra $58 EUR over the GeForce RTX 3060 8GB?
Does the GeForce RTX 3060 12GB have enough VRAM advantage to matter?
Which should you buy: GeForce RTX 3060 12GB or GeForce RTX 3060 8GB?
Technical Specifications Comparison
Architecture & Cores
| Specification | GeForce RTX 3060 12GB | GeForce RTX 3060 8GB |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Ampere | Ampere |
| Process Node | Samsung 8nm | Samsung 8nm |
| CUDA Cores (CUDA Cores / CUDA Cores) | 3,584 | 3,584 |
| Ray Tracing Cores | 28 | 28 |
| Tensor / AI Cores | 112 | 112 |
Clock Speeds
| Specification | GeForce RTX 3060 12GB | GeForce RTX 3060 8GB |
|---|---|---|
| Base Clock | 1,320 MHz | 1,320 MHz |
| Boost Clock | 1,777 MHz | 1,777 MHz |
Memory
| Specification | GeForce RTX 3060 12GB | GeForce RTX 3060 8GB |
|---|---|---|
| VRAM Capacity | 12 GB✓ | 8 GB |
| Memory Type | GDDR6 | GDDR6 |
| Memory Bus | 192-bit✓ | 128-bit |
| Memory Speed | 15 Gbps | 15 Gbps |
| Bandwidth | 360 GB/s✓ | 240 GB/s |
Connectivity & Power
| Specification | GeForce RTX 3060 12GB | GeForce RTX 3060 8GB |
|---|---|---|
| Interface | PCIe 4.0 x16 | PCIe 4.0 x16 |
| TDP | 170 W | 170 W |
| Power Connectors | 1x 8-pin | 1x 8-pin |
| Released | Feb 2021 | Feb 2021 |
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