GeForce RTX 2060 12GB vs GeForce RTX 3060 12GB
Performance-wise the GeForce RTX 3060 12GB is out front, significantly faster, roughly 29% up on the GeForce RTX 2060 12GB. It is also the stronger value pick here, so it's the easy recommendation if your budget allows.
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Comparable or lower specs
GeForce RTX 3060 12GB vs GeForce RTX 2060 12GB: In-Depth Breakdown
Performance: GeForce RTX 3060 12GB vs GeForce RTX 2060 12GB
The GeForce RTX 3060 12GB is significantly faster, around 29% ahead of the GeForce RTX 2060 12GB. Both cards sit in the same broad class, well suited to 1080p. The GeForce RTX 3060 12GB packs 3,584 CUDA cores versus 2,176 on the GeForce RTX 2060 12GB.
Price & Value
Right now the GeForce RTX 2060 12GB starts at $287 GBP against $342 GBP for the GeForce RTX 3060 12GB. Because it's both faster and competitively priced, the GeForce RTX 3060 12GB wins on performance-per-dollar by about 8%.
Power & Efficiency
The GeForce RTX 3060 12GB sips power at 170W next to the GeForce RTX 2060 12GB's 184W, and still leads on performance-per-watt — quieter, cooler, and gentler on your PSU.
Which should you buy: GeForce RTX 2060 12GB 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 12GB if you find it at a steep discount.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the GeForce RTX 3060 12GB better than the GeForce RTX 2060 12GB?
Which is better for 4K gaming, the GeForce RTX 2060 12GB or the GeForce RTX 3060 12GB?
Is the GeForce RTX 3060 12GB worth the extra $55 GBP over the GeForce RTX 2060 12GB?
Which should you buy: GeForce RTX 2060 12GB or GeForce RTX 3060 12GB?
Technical Specifications Comparison
Architecture & Cores
| Specification | GeForce RTX 2060 12GB | GeForce RTX 3060 12GB |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Turing | Ampere |
| Process Node | TSMC 12nm | Samsung 8nm |
| CUDA Cores (CUDA Cores / CUDA Cores) | 2,176 | 3,584✓ |
| Ray Tracing Cores | — | 28 |
| Tensor / AI Cores | — | 112 |
Clock Speeds
| Specification | GeForce RTX 2060 12GB | GeForce RTX 3060 12GB |
|---|---|---|
| Base Clock | 1,470 MHz✓ | 1,320 MHz |
| Boost Clock | 1,650 MHz | 1,777 MHz✓ |
Memory
| Specification | GeForce RTX 2060 12GB | GeForce RTX 3060 12GB |
|---|---|---|
| VRAM Capacity | 12 GB | 12 GB |
| Memory Type | GDDR6 | GDDR6 |
| Memory Bus | 192-bit | 192-bit |
| Memory Speed | 14 Gbps | 15 Gbps✓ |
| Bandwidth | 336 GB/s | 360 GB/s✓ |
Connectivity & Power
| Specification | GeForce RTX 2060 12GB | GeForce RTX 3060 12GB |
|---|---|---|
| Interface | PCIe 3.0 x16 | PCIe 4.0 x16 |
| TDP | 184 W | 170 W✓ |
| Power Connectors | 1x 8-pin | 1x 8-pin |
| Released | Dec 2021 | Feb 2021 |
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