GPU Comparison

Select up to 2 GPUs to analyze their pricing, performance, and specifications side-by-side.

Quick Verdict

On raw speed the GeForce RTX 3060 12GB comes out significantly faster — about 38% ahead of the GeForce RTX 2060. 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)

VS
Price
€315
Performance
13%
VRAM
6 GB GDDR6
Key Specs Advantage
+114% Tensor Cores (240 vs 112)
+7% RT Cores (30 vs 28)
NVIDIA
GeForce RTX 3060 12GB
Price
€387
Performance
18%
VRAM
12 GB GDDR6
Key Specs Advantage
+87% CUDA Cores (3,584 vs 1,920)
+7% Bandwidth (360 GB/s vs 336 GB/s)
+6% Boost Clock (1,777 MHz vs 1,680 MHz)

GeForce RTX 3060 12GB vs GeForce RTX 2060: In-Depth Breakdown

Performance: GeForce RTX 3060 12GB vs GeForce RTX 2060

The GeForce RTX 3060 12GB is significantly faster, around 38% ahead of the GeForce RTX 2060. That gap is enough to move it up a tier: the GeForce RTX 3060 12GB is comfortable at 1080p, while the GeForce RTX 2060 is better matched to entry-level 1080p. The GeForce RTX 3060 12GB packs 3,584 CUDA cores versus 1,920 on the GeForce RTX 2060.

Price & Value

The GeForce RTX 2060 currently lists from $315 EUR, $72 EUR less than the GeForce RTX 3060 12GB at $387 EUR. Because it's both faster and competitively priced, the GeForce RTX 3060 12GB wins on performance-per-dollar by about 13%. The GeForce RTX 2060 is trading below its $349 EUR MSRP — a genuine deal.

Power & Efficiency

On power, the GeForce RTX 2060 is the gentler choice at 160W 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 RTX 2060. The extra 6GB helps at 4K, with high-resolution texture packs, and for content-creation or local-AI workloads that exhaust smaller buffers.

Generation & Longevity

The GeForce RTX 3060 12GB is roughly 2 years newer than the GeForce RTX 2060 (Ampere vs Turing), so it generally benefits from a more modern architecture and longer driver-support runway.

Which should you buy: GeForce RTX 2060 or GeForce RTX 3060 12GB?

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 2060 if you find it at a steep discount.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the GeForce RTX 3060 12GB better than the GeForce RTX 2060?

The GeForce RTX 3060 12GB is significantly faster, roughly 38% ahead. If your budget allows, it's the stronger pick.

Which is better for 4K gaming, the GeForce RTX 2060 or the GeForce RTX 3060 12GB?

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 12GB worth the extra $72 EUR over the GeForce RTX 2060?

Often yes — despite the higher price the GeForce RTX 3060 12GB delivers better performance-per-dollar here.

Does the GeForce RTX 3060 12GB have enough VRAM advantage to matter?

Its 12GB (vs 6GB) gives real headroom for 4K, heavy texture mods, and creative/AI work. At 1080p the gap matters less.

Technical Specifications Comparison

Architecture & Cores

SpecificationGeForce RTX 2060GeForce RTX 3060 12GB
ArchitectureTuringAmpere
Process NodeTSMC 12nmSamsung 8nm
CUDA Cores (CUDA Cores / CUDA Cores)1,9203,584
Ray Tracing Cores3028
Tensor / AI Cores240112

Clock Speeds

SpecificationGeForce RTX 2060GeForce RTX 3060 12GB
Base Clock1,365 MHz1,320 MHz
Boost Clock1,680 MHz1,777 MHz

Memory

SpecificationGeForce RTX 2060GeForce RTX 3060 12GB
VRAM Capacity6 GB12 GB
Memory TypeGDDR6GDDR6
Memory Bus192-bit192-bit
Memory Speed14 Gbps15 Gbps
Bandwidth336 GB/s360 GB/s

Connectivity & Power

SpecificationGeForce RTX 2060GeForce RTX 3060 12GB
InterfacePCIe 3.0 x16PCIe 4.0 x16
TDP160 W170 W
Power Connectors1x 8-pin1x 8-pin
ReleasedJan 2019Feb 2021