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

2021

Why buy it

✅Costs $870 less on MSRP ($329 MSRP vs $1,199 MSRP).
✅Delivers 130.6% more G3D Mark for each dollar spent, at 51.7 vs 22.4 G3D/$ ($329 MSRP vs $1,199 MSRP).
✅Draws 170W instead of 350W, a 180W reduction.
✅Measures 242mm instead of 285mm, a 43mm shorter card that is more SFF-friendly.

Trade-offs

❌Lower average FPS than GeForce RTX 3080 Ti across 49 tracked games in our benchmark data.
❌Fewer Tensor Cores for AI-powered features like DLSS and frame generation (112 vs 320), which can reduce FPS gains in supported games.
❌Weaker long-term outlook: GeForce RTX 3080 Ti is the safer future-proof pick thanks to newer hardware and better gaming feature support.

GeForce RTX 3080 Ti

2021

Why buy it

✅41.4% more average FPS across 49 tracked games in our benchmark data.
✅185.7% more Tensor Cores for AI-powered features like DLSS and frame generation, which can increase overall FPS in supported games (320 vs 112).
✅More future proof: Ampere (2020−2025) on 8nm with a newer platform for upcoming games.

Trade-offs

❌
264.4% HIGHER MSRP
$1,199 MSRPvs$329 MSRP
❌Lower G3D Mark per dollar, at 22.4 vs 51.7 G3D/$ ($1,199 MSRP vs $329 MSRP).
❌105.9% higher power demand at 350W vs 170W.
❌17.8% longer card at 285mm vs 242mm.

GeForce RTX 3060

2021

GeForce RTX 3080 Ti

2021

Why buy it

✅Costs $870 less on MSRP ($329 MSRP vs $1,199 MSRP).
✅Delivers 130.6% more G3D Mark for each dollar spent, at 51.7 vs 22.4 G3D/$ ($329 MSRP vs $1,199 MSRP).
✅Draws 170W instead of 350W, a 180W reduction.
✅Measures 242mm instead of 285mm, a 43mm shorter card that is more SFF-friendly.

Why buy it

✅41.4% more average FPS across 49 tracked games in our benchmark data.
✅185.7% more Tensor Cores for AI-powered features like DLSS and frame generation, which can increase overall FPS in supported games (320 vs 112).
✅More future proof: Ampere (2020−2025) on 8nm with a newer platform for upcoming games.

Trade-offs

❌Lower average FPS than GeForce RTX 3080 Ti across 49 tracked games in our benchmark data.
❌Fewer Tensor Cores for AI-powered features like DLSS and frame generation (112 vs 320), which can reduce FPS gains in supported games.
❌Weaker long-term outlook: GeForce RTX 3080 Ti is the safer future-proof pick thanks to newer hardware and better gaming feature support.

Trade-offs

❌
264.4% HIGHER MSRP
$1,199 MSRPvs$329 MSRP
❌Lower G3D Mark per dollar, at 22.4 vs 51.7 G3D/$ ($1,199 MSRP vs $329 MSRP).
❌105.9% higher power demand at 350W vs 170W.
❌17.8% longer card at 285mm vs 242mm.

Quick Answers

So, is GeForce RTX 3080 Ti better than GeForce RTX 3060?

Yes. GeForce RTX 3080 Ti is the better GPU overall here. You are getting 41.4% more average FPS across 49 tracked games in our benchmark data, 58.1% higher PassMark G3D performance, and 320 vs 112 Tensor cores.

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

GeForce RTX 3080 Ti is the more future-proof choice for 2026 and beyond. You are getting 58.1% more raw performance headroom and 185.7% more ray-tracing hardware. That extra performance headroom should help it hold higher settings and newer game demands for longer.

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

GeForce RTX 3080 Ti is about 264.4% more expensive on MSRP at $1,199 MSRP versus $329 MSRP, and you are getting 41.4% more estimated average FPS across 49 tracked games in our benchmark data and 58.1% higher G3D Mark. GeForce RTX 3060 still holds the G3D-per-dollar lead, so the performance win comes with a real value premium. If you are comfortable paying the premium for the stronger gaming result, GeForce RTX 3080 Ti is the one to buy. If staying closer to budget matters more, GeForce RTX 3060 still makes more sense on price alone and remains capable enough for modern gaming.

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

Yes. GeForce RTX 3060 is still a strong gaming GPU in 2026: it is very strong for 1080p, good for 1440p, and more limited at 4K. This mostly comes down to price. If you want to stay closer to $329 MSRP, it remains a strong choice; if you are comfortable paying more, GeForce RTX 3080 Ti earns that extra money with a clearly stronger gaming result and a more complete overall package.

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 Benchmark Check

GeForce RTX 3080 Ti Benchmark Check

Path of Exile 2

Preset	GeForce RTX 3060	GeForce RTX 3080 Ti
1080p
low	149 FPS	200 FPS
medium	131 FPS	183 FPS
high	118 FPS	155 FPS
ultra	99 FPS	129 FPS
1440p
low	126 FPS	176 FPS
medium	104 FPS	145 FPS
high	92 FPS	118 FPS
ultra	80 FPS	103 FPS
4K
low	67 FPS	108 FPS
medium	58 FPS	91 FPS
high	39 FPS	66 FPS
ultra	32 FPS	56 FPS

Open GeForce RTX 3060 Open GeForce RTX 3080 Ti

Path of Exile 2

Path of Exile 2

Counter-Strike 2

Preset	GeForce RTX 3060	GeForce RTX 3080 Ti
1080p
low	354 FPS	636 FPS
medium	310 FPS	551 FPS
high	249 FPS	438 FPS
ultra	195 FPS	382 FPS
1440p
low	222 FPS	464 FPS
medium	196 FPS	399 FPS
high	160 FPS	316 FPS
ultra	128 FPS	263 FPS
4K
low	110 FPS	222 FPS
medium	94 FPS	188 FPS
high	77 FPS	158 FPS
ultra	60 FPS	133 FPS

Open GeForce RTX 3060 Open GeForce RTX 3080 Ti

Counter-Strike 2

Counter-Strike 2

League of Legends

Preset	GeForce RTX 3060	GeForce RTX 3080 Ti
1080p
low	765 FPS	903 FPS
medium	612 FPS	739 FPS
high	510 FPS	659 FPS
ultra	382 FPS	573 FPS
1440p
low	535 FPS	710 FPS
medium	432 FPS	581 FPS
high	366 FPS	506 FPS
ultra	287 FPS	434 FPS
4K
low	367 FPS	489 FPS
medium	298 FPS	404 FPS
high	221 FPS	348 FPS
ultra	176 FPS	289 FPS

Open GeForce RTX 3060 Open GeForce RTX 3080 Ti

League of Legends

League of Legends

Valorant

Preset	GeForce RTX 3060	GeForce RTX 3080 Ti
1080p
low	523 FPS	821 FPS
medium	452 FPS	763 FPS
high	383 FPS	673 FPS
ultra	319 FPS	604 FPS
1440p
low	428 FPS	656 FPS
medium	371 FPS	606 FPS
high	298 FPS	532 FPS
ultra	245 FPS	453 FPS
4K
low	279 FPS	475 FPS
medium	259 FPS	441 FPS
high	225 FPS	395 FPS
ultra	186 FPS	302 FPS

Open GeForce RTX 3060 Open GeForce RTX 3080 Ti

Valorant

Valorant

Check FPS for your specific build

Technical Specifications

Side-by-side comparison of GeForce RTX 3060 and GeForce RTX 3080 Ti

GeForce RTX 3060

The GeForce RTX 3060 is manufactured by NVIDIA. It was released in January 12 2021. It features the Ampere architecture. The core clock ranges from 1320 MHz to 1777 MHz. It has 3584 shading units. The thermal design power (TDP) is 170W. Manufactured using 8 nm process technology. It features 28 dedicated ray tracing cores for enhanced lighting effects. G3D Mark benchmark score: 16,995 points. Launch price was $329.

GeForce RTX 3080 Ti

The GeForce RTX 3080 Ti is manufactured by NVIDIA. It was released in May 31 2021. It features the Ampere architecture. The core clock ranges from 1365 MHz to 1665 MHz. It has 10240 shading units. The thermal design power (TDP) is 350W. Manufactured using 8 nm process technology. It features 80 dedicated ray tracing cores for enhanced lighting effects. G3D Mark benchmark score: 26,861 points. Launch price was $1,199.

⚡

Graphics Performance

In G3D Mark, the GeForce RTX 3060 scores 16,995 versus the GeForce RTX 3080 Ti's 26,861 — the GeForce RTX 3080 Ti leads by 58.1%. The GeForce RTX 3060 is built on Ampere while the GeForce RTX 3080 Ti uses Ampere, both on a 8 nm process. Shader units: 3,584 (GeForce RTX 3060) vs 10,240 (GeForce RTX 3080 Ti). Raw compute: 12.74 TFLOPS (GeForce RTX 3060) vs 34.1 TFLOPS (GeForce RTX 3080 Ti). Boost clocks: 1777 MHz vs 1665 MHz. Ray tracing: 28 RT cores (GeForce RTX 3060) vs 80 (GeForce RTX 3080 Ti) with 112 Tensor cores vs 320.

Feature	GeForce RTX 3060	GeForce RTX 3080 Ti
G3D Mark Score	16,995	26,861+58%
Architecture	Ampere	Ampere
Process Node	8 nm	8 nm
Shading Units	3584	10240+186%
Compute (TFLOPS)	12.74 TFLOPS	34.1 TFLOPS+168%
Boost Clock	1777 MHz+7%	1665 MHz
ROPs	48	112+133%
TMUs	112	320+186%
L1 Cache	3.5 MB	10 MB+186%
L2 Cache	3 MB	6 MB+100%
Ray Tracing Cores	28	80+186%
Tensor Cores	112	320+186%

✨

Advanced Features (DLSS/FSR)

Feature	GeForce RTX 3060	GeForce RTX 3080 Ti
Upscaling Tech	DLSS 2 Super Resolution	DLSS 2 Super Resolution
Frame Generation	Not Supported	Not Supported
Ray Reconstruction	No	No
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) vs 912 GB/s (GeForce RTX 3080 Ti) — a 153.3% advantage for the GeForce RTX 3080 Ti. Bus width: 192-bit vs 384-bit. L2 Cache: 3 MB (GeForce RTX 3060) vs 6 MB (GeForce RTX 3080 Ti) — the GeForce RTX 3080 Ti has significantly larger on-die cache to reduce VRAM reliance.

Feature	GeForce RTX 3060	GeForce RTX 3080 Ti
VRAM Capacity	12 GB	12 GB
Memory Type	GDDR6	GDDR6X
Memory Bandwidth	360 GB/s	912 GB/s+153%
Bus Width	192-bit	384-bit+100%
L2 Cache	3 MB	6 MB+100%

🖥️

Display & API Support

DirectX support: 12 Ultimate (GeForce RTX 3060) vs 12 Ultimate (GeForce RTX 3080 Ti). Vulkan: 1.3 vs 1.4. OpenGL: 4.6 vs 4.6. Maximum simultaneous displays: 4 vs 4.

Feature	GeForce RTX 3060	GeForce RTX 3080 Ti
DirectX	12 Ultimate	12 Ultimate
Vulkan	1.3	1.4+8%
OpenGL	4.6	4.6
Max Displays	4	4

🎬

Media & Encoding

Hardware encoder: NVENC 7th Gen (GeForce RTX 3060) vs NVENC 7th gen (GeForce RTX 3080 Ti). Decoder: NVDEC 5th Gen vs NVDEC 5th gen. Supported codecs: AV1,H.265,H.264,VP9 (GeForce RTX 3060) vs H.264,H.265/HEVC,AV1 (GeForce RTX 3080 Ti).

Feature	GeForce RTX 3060	GeForce RTX 3080 Ti
Encoder	NVENC 7th Gen	NVENC 7th gen
Decoder	NVDEC 5th Gen	NVDEC 5th gen
Codecs	AV1,H.265,H.264,VP9	H.264,H.265/HEVC,AV1

🔌

Power & Dimensions

The GeForce RTX 3060 draws 170W versus the GeForce RTX 3080 Ti's 350W — a 69.2% difference. The GeForce RTX 3060 is more power-efficient. Recommended PSU: 550W (GeForce RTX 3060) vs 750W (GeForce RTX 3080 Ti). Power connectors: 8-pin vs 2x 8-pin. Card length: 242mm vs 285mm, occupying 2 vs 2 slots. Typical load temperature: 75 vs 85°C.

Feature	GeForce RTX 3060	GeForce RTX 3080 Ti
TDP	170W-51%	350W
Recommended PSU	550W-27%	750W
Power Connector	8-pin	2x 8-pin
Length	242mm	285mm
Height	112mm	112mm
Slots	2	2
Temp (Load)	75-12%	85°C
Perf/Watt	100.0+30%	76.7

💰

Value Analysis

The GeForce RTX 3060 launched at $329 MSRP, while the GeForce RTX 3080 Ti launched at $1199. The GeForce RTX 3060 costs 72.6% less ($870 savings) on MSRP. Performance per dollar on MSRP (G3D Mark / MSRP): 51.7 (GeForce RTX 3060) vs 22.4 (GeForce RTX 3080 Ti) — the GeForce RTX 3060 offers 130.8% better value.