nvidia
Released 2021
gpu category

RTX 3060

Ampere Series

MSRP
$329
Score
640
Test in Calculator
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. As an AliExpress Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Power & Efficiency

TDP / Wattage170W
Score per Watt3.76 pts/W

Quick Summary

The RTX 3060 delivers solid performance with a score of 640. Equipped with 12GB GDDR6GB VRAM, it's suitable for modern gaming.

Advantages

  • Supports modern upscaling technology for higher FPS

Considerations

  • Limited VRAM may struggle with modern AAA textures

Performance Benchmarks

Synthetic & Real-world Tests
Overall Performance
Aggregated sub-scores
640 pts
4K Gaming580 pts
1440p Gaming680 pts

Technical Specs

VRAM Size12GB GDDR6
Bandwidth360GB/s
Base Clock1.32 GHz
Boost Clock1.78 GHz
DLSS / FSRDLSS 2.4

Value Proposition

Price per Point$0.51

Cost efficiency metric. Lower is better.

Our Verdict:A budget-friendly entry-level GPU. Good for basic tasks and light gaming, but expect limitations in demanding modern titles.

Deep Dive into the RTX 3060

The RTX 3060 from NVIDIA packs 12GB GDDR6 of video memory, enabling high-resolution gaming and professional creative work. This memory buffer handles complex textures, ray tracing data, and large frame buffers without stuttering. Games running at 4K resolution with maximum settings demand exactly this kind of memory capacity.

Memory bandwidth of 360GB/s ensures data moves quickly between the GPU cores and memory chips. This bandwidth directly affects performance in memory-intensive workloads like video editing timelines and 3D viewport manipulation. Professional applications like Autodesk Maya and SolidWorks benefit from both the raw power and memory throughput.

The clock speeds of 1.32 GHz base and 1.78 GHz boost deliver consistent frame rates across various titles. According to benchmarks from AnandTech, cards in this performance class handle ray tracing effects while maintaining playable frame rates in demanding titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Alan Wake 2.

Gaming Performance Expectations

At 1440p resolution, expect smooth gameplay across virtually all current titles. Competitive games like Valorant, Counter-Strike 2, and Apex Legends run at frame rates exceeding 200 FPS on appropriate settings. This responsiveness matters for players who need every millisecond advantage.

4K gaming becomes practical with this card. AAA titles run at 60+ FPS with high settings. {dlss_text}

Future game releases will continue pushing hardware limits. The memory capacity and compute power of the RTX 3060 provide headroom for upcoming titles. Building a system around this card means gaming without major upgrades for several years.

System Requirements and Installation

Installing the RTX 3060 requires a PCIe x16 slot and adequate power connections. Most cards in this class need two or three 8-pin power connectors. Check your power supply specifications before purchasing. The official manufacturer documentation lists exact requirements.

Physical dimensions matter more than ever with modern graphics cards. Measure your case clearance for length, height, and width. Some cases require removing drive cages to accommodate longer cards. Manufacturer websites provide exact dimensions for comparison.

Driver installation happens through the manufacturer's software suite. Regular driver updates improve performance and fix bugs. Game-specific optimizations often arrive alongside major releases, ensuring the best experience from day one.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much VRAM does the RTX 3060 have?
The RTX 3060 includes 12GB GDDR6 of video memory, sufficient for 4K gaming and professional creative applications.
Can the RTX 3060 run 4K games?
Yes. This card handles 4K gaming at high settings in most titles. Ray tracing performance depends on the specific game and settings.
What power supply do I need for the RTX 3060?
Check the manufacturer's recommended PSU wattage, typically 650W to 850W or higher. Ensure adequate power connectors are available.
Does the RTX 3060 support ray tracing?
Yes. Modern graphics cards include dedicated ray tracing hardware. Performance varies by game and implementation.
What is the memory bandwidth of the RTX 3060?
The RTX 3060 delivers 360GB/s of memory bandwidth, enabling fast data transfer between GPU cores and video memory.
Should I wait for next generation cards?
Each generation brings improvements. If you need a GPU now, the RTX 3060 offers current technology. Waiting indefinitely means missing gaming time.
Is the RTX 3060 good for content creation?
Yes. Video editing, 3D rendering, and streaming all benefit from the GPU acceleration this card provides.
What resolution works best with the RTX 3060?
This card excels at 1440p and 4K resolutions. At 1080p, you may encounter CPU bottlenecks depending on your processor.