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 significantly faster — about 38% ahead of the GeForce RTX 3050 8GB. But the GeForce RTX 3050 8GB is the better value, undercutting it by $179 GBP for the performance you get.

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VS
NVIDIA
GeForce RTX 3050 8GB
Price
£180
Perf Index
13%
Value Score
0.072
VRAM8GB GDDR6
Thermal TDP130W
Price
£359
Perf Index
18%
Value Score
0.050
VRAM12GB GDDR6
Thermal TDP170W

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 significantly faster, around 38% 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 $180 GBP, $179 GBP less than the GeForce RTX 3060 12GB at $359 GBP. Despite being slower, the GeForce RTX 3050 8GB offers the better performance-per-dollar (~44% better value), so budget-focused buyers should weigh it carefully. The GeForce RTX 3050 8GB is trading below its $249 GBP 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.

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 significantly faster, roughly 38% 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 $179 GBP 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.