G3D Mark is a standard benchmark that measures graphics performance in real-world gaming scenarios. It simplifies comparing cards from different brands, where higher scores directly correlate with better fps and smoother gaming experiences.

Head-to-Head Verdict, Benchmarks, Value & Long-Term Outlook

This comparison brings together gaming FPS, raw graphics performance, VRAM, feature set, power efficiency, pricing context, and long-term value so you can see which GPU actually makes more sense.

GeForce RTX 3060 12GB

2022

Why buy it

✅22.9% more average FPS across 50 tracked games in our benchmark data.
✅191.7% more Tensor Cores for AI-powered features like DLSS and frame generation, which can increase overall FPS in supported games (280 vs 96).
✅50% more VRAM for high-resolution textures and newer games (12 GB vs 8 GB).

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark G3D performance (16,777 vs 19,548).
❌No equivalent frame-generation stack like DLSS 3.5 + Frame Generation (2023).
❌Weaker long-term outlook: GeForce RTX 4060 is the safer future-proof pick thanks to newer hardware and better gaming feature support.
❌
10% HIGHER MSRP
$329 MSRPvs$299 MSRP
❌Lower G3D Mark per dollar, at 51.0 vs 65.4 G3D/$ ($329 MSRP vs $299 MSRP).

GeForce RTX 4060

2023

Why buy it

✅+16.5% higher PassMark G3D performance.
✅Costs $30 less on MSRP ($299 MSRP vs $329 MSRP).
✅Delivers 28.2% more G3D Mark for each dollar spent, at 65.4 vs 51.0 G3D/$ ($299 MSRP vs $329 MSRP).
✅Access to a newer frame-generation stack with DLSS 3.5 + Frame Generation (2023).
✅More future proof: Ada Lovelace (2022−2024) on 5nm with a newer platform for upcoming games.

Trade-offs

❌Lower average FPS than GeForce RTX 3060 12GB across 50 tracked games in our benchmark data.
❌Less VRAM, with 8 GB vs 12 GB for high-resolution textures and newer games.
❌Fewer Tensor Cores for AI-powered features like DLSS and frame generation (96 vs 280), which can reduce FPS gains in supported games.

GeForce RTX 3060 12GB

2022

GeForce RTX 4060

2023

Why buy it

✅22.9% more average FPS across 50 tracked games in our benchmark data.
✅191.7% more Tensor Cores for AI-powered features like DLSS and frame generation, which can increase overall FPS in supported games (280 vs 96).
✅50% more VRAM for high-resolution textures and newer games (12 GB vs 8 GB).

Why buy it

✅+16.5% higher PassMark G3D performance.
✅Costs $30 less on MSRP ($299 MSRP vs $329 MSRP).
✅Delivers 28.2% more G3D Mark for each dollar spent, at 65.4 vs 51.0 G3D/$ ($299 MSRP vs $329 MSRP).
✅Access to a newer frame-generation stack with DLSS 3.5 + Frame Generation (2023).
✅More future proof: Ada Lovelace (2022−2024) on 5nm with a newer platform for upcoming games.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark G3D performance (16,777 vs 19,548).
❌No equivalent frame-generation stack like DLSS 3.5 + Frame Generation (2023).
❌Weaker long-term outlook: GeForce RTX 4060 is the safer future-proof pick thanks to newer hardware and better gaming feature support.
❌
10% HIGHER MSRP
$329 MSRPvs$299 MSRP
❌Lower G3D Mark per dollar, at 51.0 vs 65.4 G3D/$ ($329 MSRP vs $299 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌Lower average FPS than GeForce RTX 3060 12GB across 50 tracked games in our benchmark data.
❌Less VRAM, with 8 GB vs 12 GB for high-resolution textures and newer games.
❌Fewer Tensor Cores for AI-powered features like DLSS and frame generation (96 vs 280), which can reduce FPS gains in supported games.

Quick Answers

So, is GeForce RTX 4060 better than GeForce RTX 3060 12GB?

Yes. GeForce RTX 4060 is the better GPU overall here. You are getting 16.5% higher PassMark G3D performance. It also comes from 2023 instead of 2022, which helps its case as the more complete modern gaming card.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

GeForce RTX 4060 is the more future-proof choice for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer 2023 generation instead of 2022, 16.5% more raw performance headroom, better upscaling support with DLSS 3.5 Super Resolution (2023) instead of DLSS 2 Super Resolution (2020) and better frame-generation support with DLSS 3.5 + Frame Generation (2023) instead of DLSS Super Resolution, and a 5nm process instead of 8nm. That broader feature stack should age better as more games lean on modern upscaling and frame-generation support.

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper card?

GeForce RTX 4060 is the smarter buy today, but it is not as lopsided as a simple winner label makes it sound. GeForce RTX 4060 is about $30 cheaper on MSRP at $299 MSRP versus $329 MSRP, and you are getting lower estimated average FPS across 50 tracked games in our benchmark data and 16.5% higher G3D Mark. It also leads G3D-per-dollar by 28.2%. That is why the better overall card still comes out as the smarter buy today, not just the faster one.

Is GeForce RTX 3060 12GB still worth buying for gaming in 2026?

Yes. GeForce RTX 3060 12GB is still a strong modern gaming GPU: it is very strong for 1080p, good for 1440p, and more limited at 4K. It remains a good buy when you can get it meaningfully cheaper than the alternative around $329 MSRP, even if GeForce RTX 4060 is still the cleaner recommendation on overall value today.

Games Benchmarks

Real-world benchmarks and performance projections based on comprehensive hardware analysis and comparative metrics. Values represent expected performance on High/Ultra settings at 1080p, 1440p, and 4K. Modeled using a Ryzen 7 9800X3D reference profile to minimize specific CPU bottlenecks.

Note: Performance behavior can vary per game. Specific architectures may perform better or worse depending on game engine optimizations and API implementation.

GeForce RTX 3060 12GB Benchmark Check

GeForce RTX 4060 Benchmark Check

Path of Exile 2

Preset	GeForce RTX 3060 12GB	GeForce RTX 4060
1080p
low	166 FPS	167 FPS
medium	151 FPS	152 FPS
high	133 FPS	134 FPS
ultra	113 FPS	115 FPS
1440p
low	139 FPS	137 FPS
medium	116 FPS	114 FPS
high	98 FPS	99 FPS
ultra	85 FPS	90 FPS
4K
low	80 FPS	86 FPS
medium	67 FPS	74 FPS
high	51 FPS	62 FPS
ultra	45 FPS	55 FPS

Open GeForce RTX 3060 12GB Open GeForce RTX 4060

Path of Exile 2

Path of Exile 2

Counter-Strike 2

Preset	GeForce RTX 3060 12GB	GeForce RTX 4060
1080p
low	494 FPS	392 FPS
medium	425 FPS	334 FPS
high	360 FPS	268 FPS
ultra	323 FPS	211 FPS
1440p
low	372 FPS	240 FPS
medium	310 FPS	209 FPS
high	258 FPS	169 FPS
ultra	219 FPS	137 FPS
4K
low	193 FPS	119 FPS
medium	167 FPS	98 FPS
high	144 FPS	82 FPS
ultra	120 FPS	63 FPS

Open GeForce RTX 3060 12GB Open GeForce RTX 4060

Counter-Strike 2

Counter-Strike 2

League of Legends

Preset	GeForce RTX 3060 12GB	GeForce RTX 4060
1080p
low	755 FPS	812 FPS
medium	604 FPS	642 FPS
high	503 FPS	551 FPS
ultra	377 FPS	440 FPS
1440p
low	566 FPS	535 FPS
medium	453 FPS	443 FPS
high	377 FPS	379 FPS
ultra	283 FPS	329 FPS
4K
low	377 FPS	365 FPS
medium	302 FPS	297 FPS
high	252 FPS	234 FPS
ultra	189 FPS	186 FPS

Open GeForce RTX 3060 12GB Open GeForce RTX 4060

League of Legends

League of Legends

Valorant

Preset	GeForce RTX 3060 12GB	GeForce RTX 4060
1080p
low	445 FPS	746 FPS
medium	396 FPS	613 FPS
high	330 FPS	536 FPS
ultra	288 FPS	440 FPS
1440p
low	366 FPS	594 FPS
medium	328 FPS	486 FPS
high	271 FPS	421 FPS
ultra	231 FPS	330 FPS
4K
low	237 FPS	358 FPS
medium	217 FPS	308 FPS
high	186 FPS	285 FPS
ultra	160 FPS	220 FPS

Open GeForce RTX 3060 12GB Open GeForce RTX 4060

Valorant

Valorant

Check FPS for your specific build

Technical Specifications

Side-by-side comparison of GeForce RTX 3060 12GB and GeForce RTX 4060

GeForce RTX 3060 12GB

The GeForce RTX 3060 12GB is manufactured by NVIDIA. It was released in January 11 2022. It features the Ampere architecture. The core clock ranges from 1260 MHz to 1710 MHz. It has 8960 shading units. The thermal design power (TDP) is 350W. Manufactured using 8 nm process technology. It features 70 dedicated ray tracing cores for enhanced lighting effects. G3D Mark benchmark score: 16,777 points. Launch price was $799.

GeForce RTX 4060

The GeForce RTX 4060 is manufactured by NVIDIA. It was released in May 18 2023. It features the Ada Lovelace architecture. The core clock ranges from 1830 MHz to 2460 MHz. It has 3072 shading units. The thermal design power (TDP) is 115W. Manufactured using 5 nm process technology. It features 24 dedicated ray tracing cores for enhanced lighting effects. G3D Mark benchmark score: 19,548 points. Launch price was $299.

⚡

Graphics Performance

In G3D Mark, the GeForce RTX 3060 12GB scores 16,777 versus the GeForce RTX 4060's 19,548 — the GeForce RTX 4060 leads by 16.5%. The GeForce RTX 3060 12GB is built on Ampere while the GeForce RTX 4060 uses Ada Lovelace, both on 8 nm vs 5 nm. Shader units: 8,960 (GeForce RTX 3060 12GB) vs 3,072 (GeForce RTX 4060). Raw compute: 30.64 TFLOPS (GeForce RTX 3060 12GB) vs 15.11 TFLOPS (GeForce RTX 4060). Boost clocks: 1710 MHz vs 2460 MHz. Ray tracing: 70 RT cores (GeForce RTX 3060 12GB) vs 24 (GeForce RTX 4060) with 280 Tensor cores vs 96.

Feature	GeForce RTX 3060 12GB	GeForce RTX 4060
G3D Mark Score	16,777	19,548+17%
Architecture	Ampere	Ada Lovelace
Process Node	8 nm	5 nm
Shading Units	8960+192%	3072
Compute (TFLOPS)	30.64 TFLOPS+103%	15.11 TFLOPS
Boost Clock	1710 MHz	2460 MHz+44%
ROPs	96+100%	48
TMUs	280+192%	96
L1 Cache	8.8 MB+193%	3 MB
L2 Cache	6 MB	24 MB+300%
Ray Tracing Cores	70+192%	24
Tensor Cores	280+192%	96

✨

Advanced Features (DLSS/FSR)

A critical advantage for the GeForce RTX 4060 is support for DLSS 3.5 + Frame Generation. This allows it to generate entire frames using AI/Algorithms, essentially doubling the frame rate in CPU-bound scenarios or heavy ray-tracing titles. The GeForce RTX 3060 12GB lacks specific hardware/driver support for this native frame generation tier.The GeForce RTX 4060 supports the newer DLSS 3.5 Super Resolution, whereas the GeForce RTX 3060 12GB is capped at DLSS 2 Super Resolution.

Feature	GeForce RTX 3060 12GB	GeForce RTX 4060
Upscaling Tech	DLSS 2 Super Resolution	DLSS 3.5 Super Resolution
Frame Generation	Not Supported	DLSS 3.5 + Frame Generation
Ray Reconstruction	No	Yes (DLSS 3.5)
Low Latency	NVIDIA Reflex	NVIDIA Reflex

💾

Video Memory (VRAM)

The GeForce RTX 3060 12GB comes with 12 GB of VRAM, while the GeForce RTX 4060 has 8 GB. The GeForce RTX 3060 12GB offers 50% more capacity, crucial for higher resolutions and texture-heavy games. Memory bandwidth: 360 GB/s (GeForce RTX 3060 12GB) vs 272 GB/s (GeForce RTX 4060) — a 32.4% advantage for the GeForce RTX 3060 12GB. Bus width: 192-bit vs 128-bit. L2 Cache: 6 MB (GeForce RTX 3060 12GB) vs 24 MB (GeForce RTX 4060) — the GeForce RTX 4060 has significantly larger on-die cache to reduce VRAM reliance.

Feature	GeForce RTX 3060 12GB	GeForce RTX 4060
VRAM Capacity	12 GB+50%	8 GB
Memory Type	GDDR6	GDDR6
Memory Bandwidth	360 GB/s+32%	272 GB/s
Bus Width	192-bit+50%	128-bit
L2 Cache	6 MB	24 MB+300%

🖥️

Display & API Support

DirectX support: 12 Ultimate (GeForce RTX 3060 12GB) vs 12 Ultimate (GeForce RTX 4060). Vulkan: 1.3 vs 1.3. OpenGL: 4.6 vs 4.6. Maximum simultaneous displays: 4 vs 4.

Feature	GeForce RTX 3060 12GB	GeForce RTX 4060
DirectX	12 Ultimate	12 Ultimate
Vulkan	1.3	1.3
OpenGL	4.6	4.6
Max Displays	4	4

🎬

Media & Encoding

Hardware encoder: NVENC 7th gen (GeForce RTX 3060 12GB) vs NVENC 8th gen (GeForce RTX 4060). Decoder: NVDEC 5th gen vs NVDEC 5th gen. Supported codecs: H.264,H.265/HEVC,AV1 (GeForce RTX 3060 12GB) vs H.264,H.265/HEVC,AV1 (GeForce RTX 4060).

Feature	GeForce RTX 3060 12GB	GeForce RTX 4060
Encoder	NVENC 7th gen	NVENC 8th gen
Decoder	NVDEC 5th gen	NVDEC 5th gen
Codecs	H.264,H.265/HEVC,AV1	H.264,H.265/HEVC,AV1

🔌

Power & Dimensions

The GeForce RTX 3060 12GB draws 350W versus the GeForce RTX 4060's 115W — a 101.1% difference. The GeForce RTX 4060 is more power-efficient. Recommended PSU: 550W (GeForce RTX 3060 12GB) vs 550W (GeForce RTX 4060). Power connectors: 8-pin vs 8-pin. Card length: 242mm vs 240mm, occupying 2 vs 2 slots. Typical load temperature: 75°C vs 73°C.

Feature	GeForce RTX 3060 12GB	GeForce RTX 4060
TDP	350W	115W-67%
Recommended PSU	550W	550W
Power Connector	8-pin	8-pin
Length	242mm	240mm
Height	112mm	111mm
Slots	2	2
Temp (Load)	75°C	73°C-3%
Perf/Watt	47.9	170.0+255%

💰

Value Analysis

The GeForce RTX 3060 12GB launched at $329 MSRP, while the GeForce RTX 4060 launched at $299. The GeForce RTX 4060 costs 9.1% less ($30 savings) on MSRP. Performance per dollar on MSRP (G3D Mark / MSRP): 51.0 (GeForce RTX 3060 12GB) vs 65.4 (GeForce RTX 4060) — the GeForce RTX 4060 offers 28.2% better value. The GeForce RTX 4060 is the newer GPU (2023 vs 2022).