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 dramatically faster — about 64% ahead of the GeForce RTX 3050 8GB. But the GeForce RTX 3050 8GB is the better value, undercutting it by $166 EUR for the performance you get.

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

VS
NVIDIA
GeForce RTX 3050 8GB
Price
€221
Performance
11%
VRAM
8 GB GDDR6
Key Specs Advantage

Comparable or lower specs

Price
€387
Performance
18%
VRAM
12 GB GDDR6
Key Specs Advantage
+61% Bandwidth (360 GB/s vs 224 GB/s)
+50% Memory Bus (192-bit vs 128-bit)
+40% CUDA Cores (3,584 vs 2,560)

GeForce RTX 3060 12GB vs GeForce RTX 3050 8GB: In-Depth Breakdown

Performance: GeForce RTX 3060 12GB vs GeForce RTX 3050 8GB

The GeForce RTX 3060 12GB is dramatically faster, around 64% ahead of the GeForce RTX 3050 8GB. That gap is enough to move it up a tier: the GeForce RTX 3060 12GB is comfortable at 1080p, while the GeForce RTX 3050 8GB is better matched to entry-level 1080p. The GeForce RTX 3060 12GB packs 3,584 CUDA cores versus 2,560 on the GeForce RTX 3050 8GB. The GeForce RTX 3060 12GB 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

The GeForce RTX 3050 8GB currently lists from $221 EUR, $166 EUR less than the GeForce RTX 3060 12GB at $387 EUR. Despite being slower, the GeForce RTX 3050 8GB offers the better performance-per-dollar (~7% 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.

Power & Efficiency

On power, the GeForce RTX 3050 8GB is the gentler choice at 130W 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.

VRAM & Future-Proofing

The GeForce RTX 3060 12GB carries 12GB versus 8GB on the GeForce RTX 3050 8GB. 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 3060 12GB's memory is also faster — 360 GB/s versus 224 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 3050 8GB or GeForce RTX 3060 12GB?

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 3050 8GB stretches your money further for only slightly lower performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the GeForce RTX 3060 12GB better than the GeForce RTX 3050 8GB?

The GeForce RTX 3060 12GB is dramatically faster, roughly 64% 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 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 $166 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.

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

Its 12GB (vs 8GB) gives real headroom for 4K, heavy texture mods, and creative/AI work. At 1080p the gap matters less.

Which is better for ray tracing, the GeForce RTX 3060 12GB or the GeForce RTX 3050 8GB?

Both handle ray tracing, but the GeForce RTX 3060 12GB has more RT cores, giving it better ray-tracing and AI-upscaling performance than the GeForce RTX 3050 8GB.

Technical Specifications Comparison

Architecture & Cores

SpecificationGeForce RTX 3050 8GBGeForce RTX 3060 12GB
ArchitectureAmpereAmpere
Process NodeSamsung 8nmSamsung 8nm
CUDA Cores (CUDA Cores / CUDA Cores)2,5603,584
Ray Tracing Cores2028
Tensor / AI Cores80112

Clock Speeds

SpecificationGeForce RTX 3050 8GBGeForce RTX 3060 12GB
Base Clock1,552 MHz1,320 MHz
Boost Clock1,777 MHz1,777 MHz

Memory

SpecificationGeForce RTX 3050 8GBGeForce RTX 3060 12GB
VRAM Capacity8 GB12 GB
Memory TypeGDDR6GDDR6
Memory Bus128-bit192-bit
Memory Speed14 Gbps15 Gbps
Bandwidth224 GB/s360 GB/s

Connectivity & Power

SpecificationGeForce RTX 3050 8GBGeForce RTX 3060 12GB
InterfacePCIe 4.0 x8PCIe 4.0 x16
TDP130 W170 W
Power Connectors1x 8-pin1x 8-pin
ReleasedJan 2022Feb 2021