GPU Comparison
Select up to 2 GPUs to analyze their pricing, performance, and specifications side-by-side.
Market Value Leader
Market comparison is currently pending while we verify the latest benchmarks for GeForce RTX 3060 12GB and GeForce RTX 3070.
On raw speed the GeForce RTX 3070 comes out dramatically faster — about 50% ahead of the GeForce RTX 3060 12GB. It also wins on performance-per-dollar, making it the cleaner choice when you can afford it.
Maximum Capacity Reached. Remove a model to add another. (2/2)
GeForce RTX 3070 vs GeForce RTX 3060 12GB: In-Depth Breakdown
Performance: GeForce RTX 3070 vs GeForce RTX 3060 12GB
The GeForce RTX 3070 is dramatically faster, around 50% ahead of the GeForce RTX 3060 12GB. That gap is enough to move it up a tier: the GeForce RTX 3070 is comfortable at 1440p, while the GeForce RTX 3060 12GB is better matched to 1080p. The GeForce RTX 3070 packs 5,888 CUDA cores versus 3,584 on the GeForce RTX 3060 12GB. The GeForce RTX 3070 also has more RT cores (46 vs 28) and more AI cores (184 vs 112), strengthening its ray-tracing and AI-upscaling performance.
Price & Value
The GeForce RTX 3060 12GB currently lists from $48,800 JPY, $11,000 JPY less than the GeForce RTX 3070 at $59,800 JPY. Because it's both faster and competitively priced, the GeForce RTX 3070 wins on performance-per-dollar by about 22%. The GeForce RTX 3060 12GB still sits about $48,471 JPY above its $329 JPY MSRP. The GeForce RTX 3070 still sits about $59,301 JPY above its $499 JPY MSRP.
Power & Efficiency
On power, the GeForce RTX 3060 12GB is the gentler choice at 170W versus 220W. The GeForce RTX 3070 is more efficient per watt because it's faster, but its higher 220W draw means more heat and a bigger PSU.
VRAM & Future-Proofing
The GeForce RTX 3060 12GB carries 12GB versus 8GB on the GeForce RTX 3070. The extra 4GB helps at 4K, with high-resolution texture packs, and for content-creation or local-AI workloads that exhaust smaller buffers. The GeForce RTX 3070's memory is also faster — 448 GB/s versus 360 GB/s (256-bit vs 192-bit bus) — which helps feed the GPU at 4K and with heavy textures.
Which should you buy: GeForce RTX 3060 12GB or GeForce RTX 3070?
The GeForce RTX 3070 is the all-round winner here — it's faster and the better value, so buy it if it fits your budget. Only consider the GeForce RTX 3060 12GB if you find it at a steep discount.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the GeForce RTX 3070 better than the GeForce RTX 3060 12GB?
Which is better for 4K gaming, the GeForce RTX 3060 12GB or the GeForce RTX 3070?
Is the GeForce RTX 3070 worth the extra $11,000 JPY over the GeForce RTX 3060 12GB?
Does the GeForce RTX 3060 12GB have enough VRAM advantage to matter?
Which is better for ray tracing, the GeForce RTX 3070 or the GeForce RTX 3060 12GB?
Technical Specifications Comparison
Architecture & Cores
| Specification | GeForce RTX 3060 12GB | GeForce RTX 3070 |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Ampere | Ampere |
| Process Node | Samsung 8nm | Samsung 8nm |
| CUDA Cores (CUDA Cores / CUDA Cores) | 3,584 | 5,888✓ |
| Ray Tracing Cores | 28 | 46✓ |
| Tensor / AI Cores | 112 | 184✓ |
Clock Speeds
| Specification | GeForce RTX 3060 12GB | GeForce RTX 3070 |
|---|---|---|
| Base Clock | 1,320 MHz | 1,500 MHz✓ |
| Boost Clock | 1,777 MHz✓ | 1,725 MHz |
Memory
| Specification | GeForce RTX 3060 12GB | GeForce RTX 3070 |
|---|---|---|
| VRAM Capacity | 12 GB✓ | 8 GB |
| Memory Type | GDDR6 | GDDR6 |
| Memory Bus | 192-bit | 256-bit✓ |
| Memory Speed | 15 Gbps✓ | 14 Gbps |
| Bandwidth | 360 GB/s | 448 GB/s✓ |
Connectivity & Power
| Specification | GeForce RTX 3060 12GB | GeForce RTX 3070 |
|---|---|---|
| Interface | PCIe 4.0 x16 | PCIe 4.0 x16 |
| TDP | 170 W✓ | 220 W |
| Power Connectors | 1x 8-pin | 1x 12-pin |
| Released | Feb 2021 | Sep 2020 |
Related Reading
How to Run Powerful Local LLMs on a Budget GPU in 2026
An 8GB GPU can now run near-flagship open models locally. Here's how QAT, MoE, llama.cpp offloading and MTP turn a budget PC into a private AI rig in 2026.
The Budget Hero: Intel Arc A750 Real-World Review
Is the Intel Arc A750 still the king of budget 1080p gaming? We look at how years of driver maturity have transformed this GPU.