GeForce GTX 1070 vs GeForce RTX 3060 8GB
On raw speed the GeForce RTX 3060 8GB comes out ahead: far and away the quicker card, about 45% ahead of the GeForce GTX 1070. Best performance and best value in one card here — the clear recommendation if you can afford it.
Maximum Capacity Reached. Remove a model to add another. (2/2)
GeForce RTX 3060 8GB vs GeForce GTX 1070: In-Depth Breakdown
Performance: GeForce RTX 3060 8GB vs GeForce GTX 1070
The GeForce RTX 3060 8GB is dramatically faster, around 45% ahead of the GeForce GTX 1070. That gap is enough to move it up a tier: the GeForce RTX 3060 8GB is comfortable at 1080p, while the GeForce GTX 1070 is better matched to entry-level 1080p. The GeForce RTX 3060 8GB packs 3,584 CUDA cores versus 1,920 on the GeForce GTX 1070.
Price & Value
The GeForce RTX 3060 8GB currently lists from $6,852 SEK, $1,446 SEK less than the GeForce GTX 1070 at $8,297 SEK. Because it's both faster and competitively priced, the GeForce RTX 3060 8GB wins on performance-per-dollar by about 76%. The GeForce RTX 3060 8GB still sits about $6,523 SEK above its $329 SEK MSRP. The GeForce GTX 1070 still sits about $7,918 SEK above its $379 SEK MSRP.
Power & Efficiency
On power, the GeForce GTX 1070 is the gentler choice at 150W versus 170W. The GeForce RTX 3060 8GB 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.
Generation & Longevity
The GeForce RTX 3060 8GB is roughly 5 years newer than the GeForce GTX 1070 (Ampere vs Pascal), so it generally benefits from a more modern architecture and longer driver-support runway.
Which should you buy: GeForce GTX 1070 or GeForce RTX 3060 8GB?
The GeForce RTX 3060 8GB 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 GTX 1070 if you find it at a steep discount.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the GeForce RTX 3060 8GB better than the GeForce GTX 1070?
Which is better for 4K gaming, the GeForce GTX 1070 or the GeForce RTX 3060 8GB?
Is the GeForce GTX 1070 worth the extra $1,446 SEK over the GeForce RTX 3060 8GB?
Which should you buy: GeForce GTX 1070 or GeForce RTX 3060 8GB?
Technical Specifications Comparison
Architecture & Cores
| Specification | GeForce GTX 1070 | GeForce RTX 3060 8GB |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Pascal | Ampere |
| Process Node | TSMC 16nm | Samsung 8nm |
| CUDA Cores (CUDA Cores / CUDA Cores) | 1,920 | 3,584✓ |
| Ray Tracing Cores | — | 28 |
| Tensor / AI Cores | — | 112 |
Clock Speeds
| Specification | GeForce GTX 1070 | GeForce RTX 3060 8GB |
|---|---|---|
| Base Clock | 1,506 MHz✓ | 1,320 MHz |
| Boost Clock | 1,683 MHz | 1,777 MHz✓ |
Memory
| Specification | GeForce GTX 1070 | GeForce RTX 3060 8GB |
|---|---|---|
| VRAM Capacity | 8 GB | 8 GB |
| Memory Type | GDDR5 | GDDR6 |
| Memory Bus | 256-bit✓ | 128-bit |
| Memory Speed | 8 Gbps | 15 Gbps✓ |
| Bandwidth | 256 GB/s✓ | 240 GB/s |
Connectivity & Power
| Specification | GeForce GTX 1070 | GeForce RTX 3060 8GB |
|---|---|---|
| Interface | PCIe 3.0 x16 | PCIe 4.0 x16 |
| TDP | 150 W✓ | 170 W |
| Power Connectors | 1x 8-pin | 1x 8-pin |
| Released | Jun 2016 | Feb 2021 |