GeForce RTX 3060 vs Radeon RX 6500

CPU

GPU

GeForce RTX 3060

2021Core: 1320 MHzBoost: 1777 MHz

Popular choices:

•••••••••

Radeon RX 6500

Popular choices:

•RTX 3060••••••••

Performance Spectrum - GPU

GeForce RTX 3060

12 GB 170

16,995

+123.3%

GeForce RTX 3050 4GB Mobile

GeForce RTX 2060 (Mobile)

GeForce RTX 3060 Laptop GPU

RTX 2000 Ada Generation Embedded GPU

TITAN V

GeForce RTX 4060 Ti 16GB

GeForce RTX 5070 Ti Mobile

GeForce RTX 5070

Radeon RX 6500

4 GB 75

7,610

0.0%

Radeon R9 270 / R7 370

Radeon RX 5300M

Radeon HD 6970M Crossfire

About G3D Mark

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

✅+123.3% higher PassMark G3D performance.
✅Delivers 35.1% more G3D Mark for each dollar spent, at 51.7 vs 38.2 G3D/$ ($329 MSRP vs $199 MSRP).
✅Access to DLSS 2 Super Resolution (2020).
✅200% more VRAM for high-resolution textures and newer games (12 GB vs 4 GB).
✅More future proof: Ampere on 8nm with a newer platform for upcoming games.

Trade-offs

❌No equivalent frame-generation stack like FSR Frame Generation + AFMF (2023).
❌126.7% higher power demand at 170W vs 75W.
❌40.7% longer card at 242mm vs 172mm.

Radeon RX 6500

Why buy it

✅Costs $130 less on MSRP ($199 MSRP vs $329 MSRP).
✅Access to a newer frame-generation stack with FSR Frame Generation + AFMF (2023).
✅Draws 75W instead of 170W, a 95W reduction.
✅Measures 172mm instead of 242mm, a 70mm shorter card that is more SFF-friendly.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark G3D performance (7,610 vs 16,995).
❌Less VRAM, with 4 GB vs 12 GB for high-resolution textures and newer games.
❌No DLSS support; it relies on FSR 3 (2023) instead.
❌Weaker long-term outlook: GeForce RTX 3060 is the safer future-proof pick thanks to newer hardware and better gaming feature support.
❌Lower G3D Mark per dollar, at 38.2 vs 51.7 G3D/$ ($199 MSRP vs $329 MSRP).

GeForce RTX 3060

2021

Radeon RX 6500

Why buy it

✅+123.3% higher PassMark G3D performance.
✅Delivers 35.1% more G3D Mark for each dollar spent, at 51.7 vs 38.2 G3D/$ ($329 MSRP vs $199 MSRP).
✅Access to DLSS 2 Super Resolution (2020).
✅200% more VRAM for high-resolution textures and newer games (12 GB vs 4 GB).
✅More future proof: Ampere on 8nm with a newer platform for upcoming games.

Why buy it

✅Costs $130 less on MSRP ($199 MSRP vs $329 MSRP).
✅Access to a newer frame-generation stack with FSR Frame Generation + AFMF (2023).
✅Draws 75W instead of 170W, a 95W reduction.
✅Measures 172mm instead of 242mm, a 70mm shorter card that is more SFF-friendly.

Trade-offs

❌No equivalent frame-generation stack like FSR Frame Generation + AFMF (2023).
❌126.7% higher power demand at 170W vs 75W.
❌40.7% longer card at 242mm vs 172mm.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark G3D performance (7,610 vs 16,995).
❌Less VRAM, with 4 GB vs 12 GB for high-resolution textures and newer games.
❌No DLSS support; it relies on FSR 3 (2023) instead.
❌Weaker long-term outlook: GeForce RTX 3060 is the safer future-proof pick thanks to newer hardware and better gaming feature support.
❌Lower G3D Mark per dollar, at 38.2 vs 51.7 G3D/$ ($199 MSRP vs $329 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is GeForce RTX 3060 better than Radeon RX 6500?

Yes. GeForce RTX 3060 is clearly the better overall GPU here. You are also looking at 16,995 vs 7,610 in G3D Mark. On top of that, GeForce RTX 3060 is a 2021 card with DLSS Super Resolution, while Radeon RX 6500 is a 0 model from an older generation with FSR 3 + AFMF. So this is not really a tight same-tier comparison. It is more a modern card against an older, weaker alternative.

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

GeForce RTX 3060 is the more future-proof choice for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer 2021 generation instead of 0, 123.3% more raw performance headroom, more VRAM at 12 GB instead of 4 GB, and the stronger feature stack with DLSS Super Resolution instead of FSR 3 + AFMF. That leaves it with more room for heavier textures, tougher ray tracing loads, and higher-end 1440p or 4K gaming over the next few years.

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

GeForce RTX 3060 is the smarter buy today, but it is not as lopsided as a simple winner label makes it sound. GeForce RTX 3060 is about 65.3% more expensive on MSRP at $329 MSRP versus $199 MSRP, and you are getting 123.3% higher G3D Mark. It also leads G3D-per-dollar by 35.1%. That is why the better overall card still comes out as the smarter buy today, not just the faster one.

Is Radeon RX 6500 still worth buying for gaming in 2026?

Yes. Radeon RX 6500 is still a strong modern gaming GPU: it is still comfortable for 1080p and decent for 1440p, though 4K is more situational. It remains a good buy when you can get it meaningfully cheaper than the alternative around $199 MSRP, even if GeForce RTX 3060 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 Benchmark Check

Radeon RX 6500 Benchmark Check

Path of Exile 2

Preset	GeForce RTX 3060	Radeon RX 6500
1080p
low	149 FPS	78 FPS
medium	131 FPS	68 FPS
high	118 FPS	54 FPS
ultra	99 FPS	35 FPS
1440p
low	126 FPS	71 FPS
medium	104 FPS	60 FPS
high	92 FPS	43 FPS
ultra	80 FPS	28 FPS
4K
low	67 FPS	25 FPS
medium	58 FPS	24 FPS
high	39 FPS	16 FPS
ultra	32 FPS	14 FPS

Open GeForce RTX 3060 Open Radeon RX 6500

Path of Exile 2

Path of Exile 2

Counter-Strike 2

Preset	GeForce RTX 3060	Radeon RX 6500
1080p
low	354 FPS	106 FPS
medium	310 FPS	73 FPS
high	249 FPS	49 FPS
ultra	195 FPS	33 FPS
1440p
low	222 FPS	72 FPS
medium	196 FPS	44 FPS
high	160 FPS	32 FPS
ultra	128 FPS	23 FPS
4K
low	110 FPS	34 FPS
medium	94 FPS	23 FPS
high	77 FPS	18 FPS
ultra	60 FPS	13 FPS

Open GeForce RTX 3060 Open Radeon RX 6500

Counter-Strike 2

Counter-Strike 2

League of Legends

Preset	GeForce RTX 3060	Radeon RX 6500
1080p
low	765 FPS	299 FPS
medium	612 FPS	258 FPS
high	510 FPS	196 FPS
ultra	382 FPS	160 FPS
1440p
low	535 FPS	221 FPS
medium	432 FPS	198 FPS
high	366 FPS	157 FPS
ultra	287 FPS	121 FPS
4K
low	367 FPS	135 FPS
medium	298 FPS	117 FPS
high	221 FPS	81 FPS
ultra	176 FPS	53 FPS

Open GeForce RTX 3060 Open Radeon RX 6500

League of Legends

League of Legends

Valorant

Preset	GeForce RTX 3060	Radeon RX 6500
1080p
low	523 FPS	131 FPS
medium	452 FPS	107 FPS
high	383 FPS	91 FPS
ultra	319 FPS	77 FPS
1440p
low	428 FPS	99 FPS
medium	371 FPS	82 FPS
high	298 FPS	71 FPS
ultra	245 FPS	58 FPS
4K
low	279 FPS	58 FPS
medium	259 FPS	47 FPS
high	225 FPS	37 FPS
ultra	186 FPS	29 FPS

Open GeForce RTX 3060 Open Radeon RX 6500

Valorant

Valorant

Check FPS for your specific build

Technical Specifications

Side-by-side comparison of GeForce RTX 3060 and Radeon RX 6500

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.

Radeon RX 6500

The Radeon RX 6500 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in sem dados. The thermal design power (TDP) is 75W. G3D Mark benchmark score: 7,610 points.

⚡

Graphics Performance

In G3D Mark, the GeForce RTX 3060 scores 16,995 versus the Radeon RX 6500's 7,610 — the GeForce RTX 3060 leads by 123.3%.

Feature	GeForce RTX 3060	Radeon RX 6500
G3D Mark Score	16,995+123%	7,610

✨

Advanced Features (DLSS/FSR)

A critical advantage for the Radeon RX 6500 is support for FSR Frame Generation + AFMF. 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 lacks specific hardware/driver support for this native frame generation tier.The GeForce RTX 3060 gives access to NVIDIA DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling), widely regarding as the superior upscaling method for image quality. The Radeon RX 6500 relies on FSR (FidelityFX Super Resolution), which is capable but generally slightly noisier than DLSS in motion.

Feature	GeForce RTX 3060	Radeon RX 6500
Upscaling Tech	DLSS 2 Super Resolution	FSR 3
Frame Generation	Not Supported	FSR Frame Generation + AFMF
Ray Reconstruction	No	No
Low Latency	NVIDIA Reflex	AMD Anti-Lag

💾

Video Memory (VRAM)

The GeForce RTX 3060 comes with 12 GB of VRAM, while the Radeon RX 6500 has 4 GB. The GeForce RTX 3060 offers 200% more capacity, crucial for higher resolutions and texture-heavy games. Memory bandwidth: 360 GB/s (GeForce RTX 3060) vs 144 GB/s (Radeon RX 6500) — a 150% advantage for the GeForce RTX 3060. Bus width: 192-bit vs 64-bit.

Feature	GeForce RTX 3060	Radeon RX 6500
VRAM Capacity	12 GB+200%	4 GB
Memory Type	GDDR6	GDDR6
Memory Bandwidth	360 GB/s+150%	144 GB/s
Bus Width	192-bit+200%	64-bit

🖥️

Display & API Support

DirectX support: 12 Ultimate (GeForce RTX 3060) vs 12.2 (Radeon RX 6500). Vulkan: 1.3 vs 1.3. OpenGL: 4.6 vs 4.6. Maximum simultaneous displays: 4 vs 2.

Feature	GeForce RTX 3060	Radeon RX 6500
DirectX	12 Ultimate	12.2+2%
Vulkan	1.3	1.3
OpenGL	4.6	4.6
Max Displays	4+100%	2

🎬

Media & Encoding

Hardware encoder: NVENC 7th Gen (GeForce RTX 3060) vs None (Radeon RX 6500). Decoder: NVDEC 5th Gen vs VCN 3.0. Supported codecs: AV1,H.265,H.264,VP9 (GeForce RTX 3060) vs MPEG-2,H.264,HEVC,VP9 (Radeon RX 6500).

Feature	GeForce RTX 3060	Radeon RX 6500
Encoder	NVENC 7th Gen	None
Decoder	NVDEC 5th Gen	VCN 3.0
Codecs	AV1,H.265,H.264,VP9	MPEG-2,H.264,HEVC,VP9

🔌

Power & Dimensions

The GeForce RTX 3060 draws 170W versus the Radeon RX 6500's 75W — a 77.6% difference. The Radeon RX 6500 is more power-efficient. Recommended PSU: 550W (GeForce RTX 3060) vs 400W (Radeon RX 6500). Power connectors: 8-pin vs 1x 6-pin. Card length: 242mm vs 172mm, occupying 2 vs 2 slots. Typical load temperature: 75 vs 85°C.

Feature	GeForce RTX 3060	Radeon RX 6500
TDP	170W	75W-56%
Recommended PSU	550W	400W-27%
Power Connector	8-pin	1x 6-pin
Length	242mm	172mm
Height	112mm	112mm
Slots	2	2
Temp (Load)	75-12%	85°C
Perf/Watt	100.0	101.5+2%

💰

Value Analysis

The GeForce RTX 3060 launched at $329 MSRP, while the Radeon RX 6500 launched at $199. The Radeon RX 6500 costs 39.5% less ($130 savings) on MSRP. Performance per dollar on MSRP (G3D Mark / MSRP): 51.7 (GeForce RTX 3060) vs 38.2 (Radeon RX 6500) — the GeForce RTX 3060 offers 35.3% better value.