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. That said, the GeForce GTX 1070 is the smarter buy on value — $81 USD less for the performance on offer.
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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 GTX 1070 currently lists from $109 USD, $81 USD less than the GeForce RTX 3060 8GB at $190 USD. Despite being slower, the GeForce GTX 1070 offers the better performance-per-dollar (~20% better value), so budget-focused buyers should weigh it carefully. The GeForce GTX 1070 is trading below its $379 USD MSRP — a genuine deal. The GeForce RTX 3060 8GB is trading below its $329 USD MSRP — a genuine deal.
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?
Choose the GeForce RTX 3060 8GB if you want the most performance and can absorb the higher price. If you're optimizing for value, the GeForce GTX 1070 stretches your money further for only slightly lower performance.
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 RTX 3060 8GB worth the extra $81 USD over the GeForce GTX 1070?
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 |