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 3090 comes out dramatically faster — about 117% ahead of the GeForce RTX 3060 12GB. But the GeForce RTX 3060 12GB is the better value, undercutting it by $1,403 EUR for the performance you get.

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

VS
NVIDIA
GeForce RTX 3060 12GB
Price
€387
Performance
18%
VRAM
12 GB GDDR6
Key Specs Advantage
+5% Boost Clock (1,777 MHz vs 1,695 MHz)
Price
€1,790
Performance
39%
VRAM
24 GB GDDR6X
Key Specs Advantage
+193% CUDA Cores (10,496 vs 3,584)
+193% RT Cores (82 vs 28)
+193% Tensor Cores (328 vs 112)

GeForce RTX 3090 vs GeForce RTX 3060 12GB: In-Depth Breakdown

Performance: GeForce RTX 3090 vs GeForce RTX 3060 12GB

The GeForce RTX 3090 is dramatically faster, around 117% ahead of the GeForce RTX 3060 12GB. That gap is enough to move it up a tier: the GeForce RTX 3090 is comfortable at 1440p, while the GeForce RTX 3060 12GB is better matched to 1080p. The GeForce RTX 3090 packs 10,496 CUDA cores versus 3,584 on the GeForce RTX 3060 12GB. The GeForce RTX 3090 also has more RT cores (82 vs 28) and more AI cores (328 vs 112), strengthening its ray-tracing and AI-upscaling performance.

Price & Value

The GeForce RTX 3060 12GB currently lists from $387 EUR, $1,403 EUR less than the GeForce RTX 3090 at $1,790 EUR. Despite being slower, the GeForce RTX 3060 12GB offers the better performance-per-dollar (~114% better value), so budget-focused buyers should weigh it carefully. The GeForce RTX 3090 still sits about $291 EUR above its $1,499 EUR MSRP.

Power & Efficiency

On power, the GeForce RTX 3060 12GB is the gentler choice at 170W versus 350W. The GeForce RTX 3090 is more efficient per watt because it's faster, but its higher 350W draw means more heat and a bigger PSU.

VRAM & Future-Proofing

The GeForce RTX 3090 carries 24GB versus 12GB on the GeForce RTX 3060 12GB. The extra 12GB helps at 4K, with high-resolution texture packs, and for content-creation or local-AI workloads that exhaust smaller buffers. The GeForce RTX 3090's memory is also faster — 936 GB/s versus 360 GB/s (384-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 3090?

Choose the GeForce RTX 3090 if you want the most performance and can absorb the higher price. If you're optimizing for value, the GeForce RTX 3060 12GB stretches your money further for only slightly lower performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the GeForce RTX 3090 better than the GeForce RTX 3060 12GB?

The GeForce RTX 3090 is dramatically faster, roughly 117% ahead. The GeForce RTX 3060 12GB is still worth it if value matters more than top-end frames.

Which is better for 4K gaming, the GeForce RTX 3060 12GB or the GeForce RTX 3090?

Neither is a dedicated 4K card; both are best at 1440p. For 4K you'd want a faster GPU, or lean on upscaling.

Is the GeForce RTX 3090 worth the extra $1,403 EUR over the GeForce RTX 3060 12GB?

Only if you need the extra performance or features; on pure value the GeForce RTX 3060 12GB comes out ahead.

Does the GeForce RTX 3090 have enough VRAM advantage to matter?

Its 24GB (vs 12GB) 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 3090 or the GeForce RTX 3060 12GB?

Both handle ray tracing, but the GeForce RTX 3090 has more RT cores, giving it better ray-tracing and AI-upscaling performance than the GeForce RTX 3060 12GB.

Technical Specifications Comparison

Architecture & Cores

SpecificationGeForce RTX 3060 12GBGeForce RTX 3090
ArchitectureAmpereAmpere
Process NodeSamsung 8nmSamsung 8nm
CUDA Cores (CUDA Cores / CUDA Cores)3,58410,496
Ray Tracing Cores2882
Tensor / AI Cores112328

Clock Speeds

SpecificationGeForce RTX 3060 12GBGeForce RTX 3090
Base Clock1,320 MHz1,395 MHz
Boost Clock1,777 MHz1,695 MHz

Memory

SpecificationGeForce RTX 3060 12GBGeForce RTX 3090
VRAM Capacity12 GB24 GB
Memory TypeGDDR6GDDR6X
Memory Bus192-bit384-bit
Memory Speed15 Gbps19.5 Gbps
Bandwidth360 GB/s936 GB/s

Connectivity & Power

SpecificationGeForce RTX 3060 12GBGeForce RTX 3090
InterfacePCIe 4.0 x16PCIe 4.0 x16
TDP170 W350 W
Power Connectors1x 8-pin1x 12-pin
ReleasedFeb 2021Sep 2020