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GeForce RTX 3050 8GB vs GeForce RTX 3060 8GB

Quick Verdict

The GeForce RTX 3060 8GB is dramatically faster than the GeForce RTX 3050 8GB, leading by roughly 45% in our performance index. The GeForce RTX 3050 8GB, however, delivers more performance per dollar — $1,064 EUR cheaper.

Market Value Leader

GeForce RTX 3050 8GB is the clear winner, offering 2407.2% better value than GeForce RTX 3060 8GB.

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

VS
NVIDIA
GeForce RTX 3050 8GB
Price
€30
Performance
11/100
VRAM
8 GB GDDR6
Key Specs Advantage

Comparable or lower specs

Price
€1,094
Performance
16/100
VRAM
8 GB GDDR6
Key Specs Advantage
+40% CUDA Cores (3,584 vs 2,560)
+40% RT Cores (28 vs 20)
+40% Tensor Cores (112 vs 80)

GeForce RTX 3060 8GB vs GeForce RTX 3050 8GB: In-Depth Breakdown

Performance: GeForce RTX 3060 8GB vs GeForce RTX 3050 8GB

The GeForce RTX 3060 8GB is dramatically faster, around 45% ahead of the GeForce RTX 3050 8GB. That gap is enough to move it up a tier: the GeForce RTX 3060 8GB is comfortable at 1080p, while the GeForce RTX 3050 8GB is better matched to entry-level 1080p. The GeForce RTX 3060 8GB packs 3,584 CUDA cores versus 2,560 on the GeForce RTX 3050 8GB. The GeForce RTX 3060 8GB also has more RT cores (28 vs 20) and more AI cores (112 vs 80), strengthening its ray-tracing and AI-upscaling performance.

Price & Value

Right now the GeForce RTX 3050 8GB starts at $30 EUR against $1,094 EUR for the GeForce RTX 3060 8GB. Despite being slower, the GeForce RTX 3050 8GB offers the better performance-per-dollar (~2407% better value), so budget-focused buyers should weigh it carefully. The GeForce RTX 3050 8GB is trading below its $249 EUR MSRP — a genuine deal. The GeForce RTX 3060 8GB still sits about $765 EUR above its $329 EUR MSRP.

Power & Efficiency

The GeForce RTX 3050 8GB pulls less power (130W vs 170W), so it's the easier card to cool and the lighter load on your PSU. The faster GeForce RTX 3060 8GB draws more overall but extracts more performance from each watt — plan for a sturdier power supply if you pick it.

Which should you buy: GeForce RTX 3050 8GB or GeForce RTX 3060 8GB?

Choose the GeForce RTX 3060 8GB if you want the most performance and can absorb the higher price. If you're optimizing for value, the GeForce RTX 3050 8GB stretches your money further for only slightly lower performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the GeForce RTX 3060 8GB better than the GeForce RTX 3050 8GB?

The GeForce RTX 3060 8GB is dramatically faster, roughly 45% ahead. The GeForce RTX 3050 8GB is still worth it if value matters more than top-end frames.

Which is better for 4K gaming, the GeForce RTX 3050 8GB or the GeForce RTX 3060 8GB?

Neither is a dedicated 4K card; both are best at 1080p. For 4K you'd want a faster GPU, or lean on upscaling.

Is the GeForce RTX 3060 8GB worth the extra $1,064 EUR over the GeForce RTX 3050 8GB?

Only if you need the extra performance or features; on pure value the GeForce RTX 3050 8GB comes out ahead.

Which is better for ray tracing, the GeForce RTX 3060 8GB or the GeForce RTX 3050 8GB?

Both handle ray tracing, but the GeForce RTX 3060 8GB has more RT cores, giving it better ray-tracing and AI-upscaling performance than the GeForce RTX 3050 8GB.

Which should you buy: GeForce RTX 3050 8GB or GeForce RTX 3060 8GB?

Choose the GeForce RTX 3060 8GB if you want the most performance and can absorb the higher price. If you're optimizing for value, the GeForce RTX 3050 8GB stretches your money further for only slightly lower performance.

Technical Specifications Comparison

Architecture & Cores

Architecture & Cores specifications comparison between GeForce RTX 3050 8GB and GeForce RTX 3060 8GB
SpecificationGeForce RTX 3050 8GBGeForce RTX 3060 8GB
ArchitectureAmpereAmpere
Process NodeSamsung 8nmSamsung 8nm
CUDA Cores (CUDA Cores / CUDA Cores)2,5603,584
Ray Tracing Cores2028
Tensor / AI Cores80112

Clock Speeds

Clock Speeds specifications comparison between GeForce RTX 3050 8GB and GeForce RTX 3060 8GB
SpecificationGeForce RTX 3050 8GBGeForce RTX 3060 8GB
Base Clock1,552 MHz1,320 MHz
Boost Clock1,777 MHz1,777 MHz

Memory

Memory specifications comparison between GeForce RTX 3050 8GB and GeForce RTX 3060 8GB
SpecificationGeForce RTX 3050 8GBGeForce RTX 3060 8GB
VRAM Capacity8 GB8 GB
Memory TypeGDDR6GDDR6
Memory Bus128-bit128-bit
Memory Speed14 Gbps15 Gbps
Bandwidth224 GB/s240 GB/s

Connectivity & Power

Connectivity & Power specifications comparison between GeForce RTX 3050 8GB and GeForce RTX 3060 8GB
SpecificationGeForce RTX 3050 8GBGeForce RTX 3060 8GB
InterfacePCIe 4.0 x8PCIe 4.0 x16
TDP130 W170 W
Power Connectors1x 8-pin1x 8-pin
ReleasedJan 2022Feb 2021