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 3070 comes out dramatically faster β€” about 56% ahead of the GeForce RTX 3060 12GB. It also wins on performance-per-dollar, making it the cleaner choice when you can afford it.

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

VS
Price
$380 USD
Perf Index
18%
Value Score
0.047
VRAM12GB GDDR6
Thermal TDP170W
NVIDIA
GeForce RTX 3070
Price
$285 USD
Perf Index
28%
Value Score
0.098
VRAM8GB GDDR6
Thermal TDP220W

GeForce RTX 3070 vs GeForce RTX 3060 12GB: In-Depth Breakdown

Performance: GeForce RTX 3070 vs GeForce RTX 3060 12GB

The GeForce RTX 3070 is dramatically faster, around 56% ahead of the GeForce RTX 3060 12GB. That gap is enough to move it up a tier: the GeForce RTX 3070 is comfortable at 1440p, while the GeForce RTX 3060 12GB is better matched to 1080p. The GeForce RTX 3070 packs 5,888 CUDA cores versus 3,584 on the GeForce RTX 3060 12GB. The GeForce RTX 3070 also has more RT cores (46 vs 28) and more AI cores (184 vs 112), strengthening its ray-tracing and AI-upscaling performance.

Price & Value

The GeForce RTX 3070 currently lists from $285 USD, $95 USD less than the GeForce RTX 3060 12GB at $380 USD. Because it's both faster and competitively priced, the GeForce RTX 3070 wins on performance-per-dollar by about 107%. The GeForce RTX 3070 is trading below its $499 USD MSRP β€” a genuine deal.

Power & Efficiency

On power, the GeForce RTX 3060 12GB is the gentler choice at 170W versus 220W. The GeForce RTX 3070 is more efficient per watt because it's faster, but its higher 220W draw means more heat and a bigger PSU.

VRAM & Future-Proofing

The GeForce RTX 3060 12GB carries 12GB versus 8GB on the GeForce RTX 3070. The extra 4GB helps at 4K, with high-resolution texture packs, and for content-creation or local-AI workloads that exhaust smaller buffers. The GeForce RTX 3070's memory is also faster β€” 448 GB/s versus 240 GB/s (256-bit vs 128-bit bus) β€” which helps feed the GPU at 4K and with heavy textures.

Which should you buy: GeForce RTX 3060 12GB or GeForce RTX 3070?

The GeForce RTX 3070 is the all-round winner here β€” it's faster and the better value, so buy it if it fits your budget. Only consider the GeForce RTX 3060 12GB if you find it at a steep discount.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the GeForce RTX 3070 better than the GeForce RTX 3060 12GB?

The GeForce RTX 3070 is dramatically faster, roughly 56% ahead. If your budget allows, it's the stronger pick.

Which is better for 4K gaming, the GeForce RTX 3060 12GB or the GeForce RTX 3070?

Neither is a dedicated 4K card; both are best at 1440p. For 4K you'd want a faster GPU, or lean on upscaling.

Is the GeForce RTX 3060 12GB worth the extra $95 USD over the GeForce RTX 3070?

Only if you need the extra performance or features; on pure value the GeForce RTX 3070 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 3070 or the GeForce RTX 3060 12GB?

Both handle ray tracing, but the GeForce RTX 3070 has more RT cores, giving it better ray-tracing and AI-upscaling performance than the GeForce RTX 3060 12GB.