GeForce GTX 1060 vs GeForce RTX 3050 6GB
On raw speed the GeForce RTX 3050 6GB comes out dramatically faster — about 43% ahead of the GeForce GTX 1060. But the GeForce GTX 1060 is the better value, undercutting it by $1,867 SEK for the performance you get.
Market Value Leader
GeForce GTX 1060 is the clear winner, offering 278.9% better value than GeForce RTX 3050 6GB.
Maximum Capacity Reached. Remove a model to add another. (2/2)
GeForce RTX 3050 6GB vs GeForce GTX 1060: In-Depth Breakdown
Performance: GeForce RTX 3050 6GB vs GeForce GTX 1060
The GeForce RTX 3050 6GB is dramatically faster, around 43% ahead of the GeForce GTX 1060. Both cards sit in the same broad class, well suited to entry-level 1080p. The GeForce RTX 3050 6GB packs 2,560 CUDA cores versus 1,280 on the GeForce GTX 1060.
Price & Value
The GeForce GTX 1060 currently lists from $423 SEK, $1,867 SEK less than the GeForce RTX 3050 6GB at $2,290 SEK. Despite being slower, the GeForce GTX 1060 offers the better performance-per-dollar (~279% better value), so budget-focused buyers should weigh it carefully. The GeForce GTX 1060 still sits about $124 SEK above its $299 SEK MSRP. The GeForce RTX 3050 6GB still sits about $2,121 SEK above its $169 SEK MSRP.
Power & Efficiency
On power, the GeForce GTX 1060 is the gentler choice at 120W versus 130W. The GeForce RTX 3050 6GB is more efficient per watt because it's faster, but its higher 130W 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.
Memory & Bandwidth
The GeForce RTX 3050 6GB's memory is faster — 224 GB/s versus 192 GB/s (128-bit vs 192-bit bus) — which helps feed the GPU at 4K and with heavy textures.
Generation & Longevity
The GeForce RTX 3050 6GB is roughly 6 years newer than the GeForce GTX 1060 (Ampere vs Pascal), so it generally benefits from a more modern architecture and longer driver-support runway.
Which should you buy: GeForce GTX 1060 or GeForce RTX 3050 6GB?
Choose the GeForce RTX 3050 6GB if you want the most performance and can absorb the higher price. If you're optimizing for value, the GeForce GTX 1060 stretches your money further for only slightly lower performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the GeForce RTX 3050 6GB better than the GeForce GTX 1060?
Which is better for 4K gaming, the GeForce GTX 1060 or the GeForce RTX 3050 6GB?
Is the GeForce RTX 3050 6GB worth the extra $1,867 SEK over the GeForce GTX 1060?
Which should you buy: GeForce GTX 1060 or GeForce RTX 3050 6GB?
Technical Specifications Comparison
Architecture & Cores
| Specification | GeForce GTX 1060 | GeForce RTX 3050 6GB |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Pascal | Ampere |
| Process Node | TSMC 16nm | Samsung 8nm |
| CUDA Cores (CUDA Cores / CUDA Cores) | 1,280 | 2,560✓ |
| Ray Tracing Cores | — | 20 |
| Tensor / AI Cores | — | 80 |
Clock Speeds
| Specification | GeForce GTX 1060 | GeForce RTX 3050 6GB |
|---|---|---|
| Base Clock | 1,506 MHz | 1,552 MHz✓ |
| Boost Clock | 1,708 MHz | 1,777 MHz✓ |
Memory
| Specification | GeForce GTX 1060 | GeForce RTX 3050 6GB |
|---|---|---|
| VRAM Capacity | 6 GB | 6 GB |
| Memory Type | GDDR5 | GDDR6 |
| Memory Bus | 192-bit✓ | 128-bit |
| Memory Speed | 8 Gbps | 14 Gbps✓ |
| Bandwidth | 192 GB/s | 224 GB/s✓ |
Connectivity & Power
| Specification | GeForce GTX 1060 | GeForce RTX 3050 6GB |
|---|---|---|
| Interface | PCIe 3.0 x16 | PCIe 4.0 x8 |
| TDP | 120 W✓ | 130 W |
| Power Connectors | 1x 6-pin | 1x 8-pin |
| Released | Jul 2016 | Jan 2022 |