GeForce RTX 3060 12GB vs GeForce RTX 3060 8GB
The GeForce RTX 3060 12GB is noticeably faster than the GeForce RTX 3060 8GB, leading by roughly 13% in our performance index. It is also the stronger value pick here, so it's the easy recommendation if your budget allows.
Market Value Leader
GeForce RTX 3060 12GB is the clear winner, offering 3615.0% better value than GeForce RTX 3060 8GB.
Maximum Capacity Reached. Remove a model to add another. (2/2)
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
Right now the GeForce RTX 3060 12GB starts at $33 EUR against $1,094 EUR for the GeForce RTX 3060 8GB. Because it's both faster and competitively priced, the GeForce RTX 3060 12GB wins on performance-per-dollar by about 3615%. The GeForce RTX 3060 12GB is trading below its $329 EUR MSRP — a genuine deal. The GeForce RTX 3060 8GB still sits about $765 EUR above its $329 EUR MSRP.
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?
The GeForce RTX 3060 12GB 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 8GB if you find it at a steep discount.
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 8GB worth the extra $1,061 EUR over the GeForce RTX 3060 12GB?
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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