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

✅Costs $270 less on MSRP ($329 MSRP vs $599 MSRP).
✅Delivers 13.5% more G3D Mark for each dollar spent, at 51.0 vs 44.9 G3D/$ ($329 MSRP vs $599 MSRP).
✅52.2% more Tensor Cores for AI-powered features like DLSS and frame generation, which can increase overall FPS in supported games (280 vs 184).
✅Measures 242mm instead of 304mm, a 62mm shorter card that is more SFF-friendly.

Trade-offs

❌Lower average FPS than GeForce RTX 4070 across 45 tracked games in our benchmark data.
❌No equivalent frame-generation stack like DLSS 3.5 + Frame Generation (2023).
❌Weaker long-term outlook: GeForce RTX 4070 is the safer future-proof pick thanks to newer hardware and better gaming feature support.
❌75% higher power demand at 350W vs 200W.

GeForce RTX 4070

2023

Why buy it

✅5.1% more average FPS across 45 tracked games in our benchmark data.
✅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.
✅Draws 200W instead of 350W, a 150W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Fewer Tensor Cores for AI-powered features like DLSS and frame generation (184 vs 280), which can reduce FPS gains in supported games.
❌
82.1% HIGHER MSRP
$599 MSRPvs$329 MSRP
❌Lower G3D Mark per dollar, at 44.9 vs 51.0 G3D/$ ($599 MSRP vs $329 MSRP).
❌25.6% longer card at 304mm vs 242mm.

GeForce RTX 3060 12GB

2022

GeForce RTX 4070

2023

Why buy it

✅Costs $270 less on MSRP ($329 MSRP vs $599 MSRP).
✅Delivers 13.5% more G3D Mark for each dollar spent, at 51.0 vs 44.9 G3D/$ ($329 MSRP vs $599 MSRP).
✅52.2% more Tensor Cores for AI-powered features like DLSS and frame generation, which can increase overall FPS in supported games (280 vs 184).
✅Measures 242mm instead of 304mm, a 62mm shorter card that is more SFF-friendly.

Why buy it

✅5.1% more average FPS across 45 tracked games in our benchmark data.
✅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.
✅Draws 200W instead of 350W, a 150W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower average FPS than GeForce RTX 4070 across 45 tracked games in our benchmark data.
❌No equivalent frame-generation stack like DLSS 3.5 + Frame Generation (2023).
❌Weaker long-term outlook: GeForce RTX 4070 is the safer future-proof pick thanks to newer hardware and better gaming feature support.
❌75% higher power demand at 350W vs 200W.

Trade-offs

❌Fewer Tensor Cores for AI-powered features like DLSS and frame generation (184 vs 280), which can reduce FPS gains in supported games.
❌
82.1% HIGHER MSRP
$599 MSRPvs$329 MSRP
❌Lower G3D Mark per dollar, at 44.9 vs 51.0 G3D/$ ($599 MSRP vs $329 MSRP).
❌25.6% longer card at 304mm vs 242mm.

Quick Answers

So, is GeForce RTX 4070 better than GeForce RTX 3060 12GB?

Yes. GeForce RTX 4070 is the better GPU overall here. You are getting 5.1% more average FPS across 45 tracked games in our benchmark data and 60.5% 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 4070 is the more future-proof choice for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer 2023 generation instead of 2022, 60.5% 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 4070 is still the better GPU overall, but GeForce RTX 3060 12GB is probably the smarter buy today for most people. GeForce RTX 4070 is about 82.1% more expensive on MSRP at $599 MSRP versus $329 MSRP, and you are getting 5.1% more estimated average FPS across 45 tracked games in our benchmark data and 60.5% higher G3D Mark. GeForce RTX 3060 12GB still holds the G3D-per-dollar lead, so the performance win comes with a real value premium. Paying about 82.1% more on MSRP for only 5.1% more estimated average FPS is just a weak value trade on paper.

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

Yes. GeForce RTX 3060 12GB is still a very sensible gaming buy in 2026: it is very strong for 1080p, good for 1440p, and more limited at 4K. Around $329 MSRP, you are saving about $270 on MSRP and only giving up lower estimated average FPS across 45 tracked games in our benchmark data. GeForce RTX 3060 12GB still holds the G3D-per-dollar lead, so the performance win comes with a real value premium.

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 4070 Benchmark Check

Path of Exile 2

Preset	GeForce RTX 3060 12GB	GeForce RTX 4070
1080p
low	166 FPS	183 FPS
medium	151 FPS	167 FPS
high	133 FPS	151 FPS
ultra	113 FPS	131 FPS
1440p
low	139 FPS	150 FPS
medium	116 FPS	124 FPS
high	98 FPS	110 FPS
ultra	85 FPS	101 FPS
4K
low	80 FPS	92 FPS
medium	67 FPS	78 FPS
high	51 FPS	65 FPS
ultra	45 FPS	58 FPS

Open GeForce RTX 3060 12GB Open GeForce RTX 4070

Path of Exile 2

Path of Exile 2

Counter-Strike 2

Preset	GeForce RTX 3060 12GB	GeForce RTX 4070
1080p
low	494 FPS	544 FPS
medium	425 FPS	454 FPS
high	360 FPS	353 FPS
ultra	323 FPS	299 FPS
1440p
low	372 FPS	351 FPS
medium	310 FPS	288 FPS
high	258 FPS	235 FPS
ultra	219 FPS	197 FPS
4K
low	193 FPS	172 FPS
medium	167 FPS	144 FPS
high	144 FPS	125 FPS
ultra	120 FPS	101 FPS

Open GeForce RTX 3060 12GB Open GeForce RTX 4070

Counter-Strike 2

Counter-Strike 2

League of Legends

Preset	GeForce RTX 3060 12GB	GeForce RTX 4070
1080p
low	755 FPS	884 FPS
medium	604 FPS	713 FPS
high	503 FPS	643 FPS
ultra	377 FPS	569 FPS
1440p
low	566 FPS	684 FPS
medium	453 FPS	549 FPS
high	377 FPS	483 FPS
ultra	283 FPS	424 FPS
4K
low	377 FPS	467 FPS
medium	302 FPS	373 FPS
high	252 FPS	326 FPS
ultra	189 FPS	277 FPS

Open GeForce RTX 3060 12GB Open GeForce RTX 4070

League of Legends

League of Legends

Valorant

Preset	GeForce RTX 3060 12GB	GeForce RTX 4070
1080p
low	445 FPS	751 FPS
medium	396 FPS	612 FPS
high	330 FPS	536 FPS
ultra	288 FPS	497 FPS
1440p
low	366 FPS	615 FPS
medium	328 FPS	500 FPS
high	271 FPS	433 FPS
ultra	231 FPS	395 FPS
4K
low	237 FPS	384 FPS
medium	217 FPS	324 FPS
high	186 FPS	301 FPS
ultra	160 FPS	272 FPS

Open GeForce RTX 3060 12GB Open GeForce RTX 4070

Valorant

Valorant

Check FPS for your specific build

Technical Specifications

Side-by-side comparison of GeForce RTX 3060 12GB and GeForce RTX 4070

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 4070

The GeForce RTX 4070 is manufactured by NVIDIA. It was released in April 12 2023. It features the Ada Lovelace architecture. The core clock ranges from 1920 MHz to 2475 MHz. It has 5888 shading units. The thermal design power (TDP) is 200W. Manufactured using 5 nm process technology. It features 46 dedicated ray tracing cores for enhanced lighting effects. G3D Mark benchmark score: 26,919 points. Launch price was $599.

⚡

Graphics Performance

In G3D Mark, the GeForce RTX 3060 12GB scores 16,777 versus the GeForce RTX 4070's 26,919 — the GeForce RTX 4070 leads by 60.5%. The GeForce RTX 3060 12GB is built on Ampere while the GeForce RTX 4070 uses Ada Lovelace, both on 8 nm vs 5 nm. Shader units: 8,960 (GeForce RTX 3060 12GB) vs 5,888 (GeForce RTX 4070). Raw compute: 30.64 TFLOPS (GeForce RTX 3060 12GB) vs 29.15 TFLOPS (GeForce RTX 4070). Boost clocks: 1710 MHz vs 2475 MHz. Ray tracing: 70 RT cores (GeForce RTX 3060 12GB) vs 46 (GeForce RTX 4070) with 280 Tensor cores vs 184.

Feature	GeForce RTX 3060 12GB	GeForce RTX 4070
G3D Mark Score	16,777	26,919+60%
Architecture	Ampere	Ada Lovelace
Process Node	8 nm	5 nm
Shading Units	8960+52%	5888
Compute (TFLOPS)	30.64 TFLOPS+5%	29.15 TFLOPS
Boost Clock	1710 MHz	2475 MHz+45%
ROPs	96+50%	64
TMUs	280+52%	184
L1 Cache	8.8 MB+52%	5.8 MB
L2 Cache	6 MB	36 MB+500%
Ray Tracing Cores	70+52%	46
Tensor Cores	280+52%	184

✨

Advanced Features (DLSS/FSR)

A critical advantage for the GeForce RTX 4070 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 4070 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 4070
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)

Both cards feature 12 GB of video memory. Memory bandwidth: 360 GB/s (GeForce RTX 3060 12GB) vs 504 GB/s (GeForce RTX 4070) — a 40% advantage for the GeForce RTX 4070. Bus width: 192-bit vs 192-bit. L2 Cache: 6 MB (GeForce RTX 3060 12GB) vs 36 MB (GeForce RTX 4070) — the GeForce RTX 4070 has significantly larger on-die cache to reduce VRAM reliance.

Feature	GeForce RTX 3060 12GB	GeForce RTX 4070
VRAM Capacity	12 GB	12 GB
Memory Type	GDDR6	GDDR6X
Memory Bandwidth	360 GB/s	504 GB/s+40%
Bus Width	192-bit	192-bit
L2 Cache	6 MB	36 MB+500%

🖥️

Display & API Support

DirectX support: 12 Ultimate (GeForce RTX 3060 12GB) vs 12.2 (GeForce RTX 4070). 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 4070
DirectX	12 Ultimate	12.2+2%
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 8th Gen NVENC (2x) (GeForce RTX 4070). Decoder: NVDEC 5th gen vs 5th Gen NVDEC. Supported codecs: H.264,H.265/HEVC,AV1 (GeForce RTX 3060 12GB) vs MPEG-2,H.264,HEVC,VP9,AV1 (GeForce RTX 4070).

Feature	GeForce RTX 3060 12GB	GeForce RTX 4070
Encoder	NVENC 7th gen	8th Gen NVENC (2x)
Decoder	NVDEC 5th gen	5th Gen NVDEC
Codecs	H.264,H.265/HEVC,AV1	MPEG-2,H.264,HEVC,VP9,AV1

🔌

Power & Dimensions

The GeForce RTX 3060 12GB draws 350W versus the GeForce RTX 4070's 200W — a 54.5% difference. The GeForce RTX 4070 is more power-efficient. Recommended PSU: 550W (GeForce RTX 3060 12GB) vs 650W (GeForce RTX 4070). Power connectors: 8-pin vs 8-pin. Card length: 242mm vs 304mm, occupying 2 vs 3 slots. Typical load temperature: 75°C vs 80°C.

Feature	GeForce RTX 3060 12GB	GeForce RTX 4070
TDP	350W	200W-43%
Recommended PSU	550W-15%	650W
Power Connector	8-pin	8-pin
Length	242mm	304mm
Height	112mm	137mm
Slots	2-33%	3
Temp (Load)	75°C-6%	80°C
Perf/Watt	47.9	134.6+181%

💰

Value Analysis

The GeForce RTX 3060 12GB launched at $329 MSRP, while the GeForce RTX 4070 launched at $599. The GeForce RTX 3060 12GB costs 45.1% less ($270 savings) on MSRP. Performance per dollar on MSRP (G3D Mark / MSRP): 51.0 (GeForce RTX 3060 12GB) vs 44.9 (GeForce RTX 4070) — the GeForce RTX 3060 12GB offers 13.6% better value. The GeForce RTX 4070 is the newer GPU (2023 vs 2022).