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 β€” about 20% ahead of the GeForce RTX 2060. But the GeForce RTX 2060 is the better value, undercutting it by $185 USD for the performance you get.

Maximum Capacity Reached. Remove a model to add another. (2/2)

VS
NVIDIA
GeForce RTX 2060
Price
$195 USD
Perf Index
15%
Value Score
0.077
VRAM6GB GDDR6
Thermal TDP160W
Price
$380 USD
Perf Index
18%
Value Score
0.047
VRAM12GB GDDR6
Thermal TDP170W

GeForce RTX 3060 12GB vs GeForce RTX 2060: In-Depth Breakdown

Performance: GeForce RTX 3060 12GB vs GeForce RTX 2060

The GeForce RTX 3060 12GB is significantly faster, around 20% ahead of the GeForce RTX 2060. Both cards sit in the same broad class, well suited to 1080p. The GeForce RTX 3060 12GB packs 3,584 CUDA cores versus 1,920 on the GeForce RTX 2060.

Price & Value

The GeForce RTX 2060 currently lists from $195 USD, $185 USD less than the GeForce RTX 3060 12GB at $380 USD. Despite being slower, the GeForce RTX 2060 offers the better performance-per-dollar (~62% better value), so budget-focused buyers should weigh it carefully. The GeForce RTX 2060 is trading below its $349 USD MSRP β€” a genuine deal.

Power & Efficiency

On power, the GeForce RTX 2060 is the gentler choice at 160W 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. Its more modern Ampere architecture on a Samsung 8nm process is part of why it does more with each watt.

VRAM & Future-Proofing

The GeForce RTX 3060 12GB carries 12GB versus 6GB on the GeForce RTX 2060. The extra 6GB helps at 4K, with high-resolution texture packs, and for content-creation or local-AI workloads that exhaust smaller buffers. The GeForce RTX 2060's memory is also faster β€” 336 GB/s versus 240 GB/s (192-bit vs 128-bit bus) β€” which helps feed the GPU at 4K and with heavy textures.

Generation & Longevity

The GeForce RTX 3060 12GB is roughly 2 years newer than the GeForce RTX 2060 (Ampere vs Turing), so it generally benefits from a more modern architecture and longer driver-support runway.

Which should you buy: GeForce RTX 2060 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 2060 stretches your money further for only slightly lower performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the GeForce RTX 3060 12GB better than the GeForce RTX 2060?

The GeForce RTX 3060 12GB is significantly faster, roughly 20% ahead. The GeForce RTX 2060 is still worth it if value matters more than top-end frames.

Which is better for 4K gaming, the GeForce RTX 2060 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 $185 USD over the GeForce RTX 2060?

Only if you need the extra performance or features; on pure value the GeForce RTX 2060 comes out ahead.

Does the GeForce RTX 3060 12GB have enough VRAM advantage to matter?

Its 12GB (vs 6GB) gives real headroom for 4K, heavy texture mods, and creative/AI work. At 1080p the gap matters less.