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 $170 less on MSRP ($329 MSRP vs $499 MSRP).
✅Delivers 14.8% more G3D Mark for each dollar spent, at 51.0 vs 44.4 G3D/$ ($329 MSRP vs $499 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).
✅50% more VRAM for high-resolution textures and newer games (12 GB vs 8 GB).

Trade-offs

❌Lower average FPS than GeForce RTX 3070 across 50 tracked games in our benchmark data.
❌59.1% higher power demand at 350W vs 220W.

GeForce RTX 3070

2020

Why buy it

✅0.2% more average FPS across 50 tracked games in our benchmark data.
✅Draws 220W instead of 350W, a 130W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌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 (184 vs 280), which can reduce FPS gains in supported games.
❌
51.7% HIGHER MSRP
$499 MSRPvs$329 MSRP
❌Lower G3D Mark per dollar, at 44.4 vs 51.0 G3D/$ ($499 MSRP vs $329 MSRP).

GeForce RTX 3060 12GB

2022

GeForce RTX 3070

2020

Why buy it

✅Costs $170 less on MSRP ($329 MSRP vs $499 MSRP).
✅Delivers 14.8% more G3D Mark for each dollar spent, at 51.0 vs 44.4 G3D/$ ($329 MSRP vs $499 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).
✅50% more VRAM for high-resolution textures and newer games (12 GB vs 8 GB).

Why buy it

✅0.2% more average FPS across 50 tracked games in our benchmark data.
✅Draws 220W instead of 350W, a 130W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower average FPS than GeForce RTX 3070 across 50 tracked games in our benchmark data.
❌59.1% higher power demand at 350W vs 220W.

Trade-offs

❌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 (184 vs 280), which can reduce FPS gains in supported games.
❌
51.7% HIGHER MSRP
$499 MSRPvs$329 MSRP
❌Lower G3D Mark per dollar, at 44.4 vs 51.0 G3D/$ ($499 MSRP vs $329 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is GeForce RTX 3070 better than GeForce RTX 3060 12GB?

Yes. GeForce RTX 3070 is the better GPU overall here. You are getting 0.2% more average FPS across 50 tracked games in our benchmark data and 32.2% higher PassMark G3D performance. It also comes from 2020 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 3060 12GB is the more future-proof choice for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer 2022 generation instead of 2020, more VRAM at 12 GB instead of 8 GB, and 52.2% more ray-tracing hardware. That extra memory headroom makes it the safer pick for newer games, heavier textures, and higher settings over time.

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

GeForce RTX 3070 is still the better GPU overall, but GeForce RTX 3060 12GB is probably the smarter buy today for most people. GeForce RTX 3070 is about 51.7% more expensive on MSRP at $499 MSRP versus $329 MSRP, and you are getting 0.2% more estimated average FPS across 50 tracked games in our benchmark data and 32.2% 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 51.7% more on MSRP for only 0.2% more estimated average FPS is just a weak value trade on paper.

When does GeForce RTX 3060 12GB make more sense than GeForce RTX 3070?

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 $170 on MSRP and only giving up lower estimated average FPS across 50 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 3070 Benchmark Check

Path of Exile 2

Preset	GeForce RTX 3060 12GB	GeForce RTX 3070
1080p
low	166 FPS	158 FPS
medium	151 FPS	140 FPS
high	133 FPS	123 FPS
ultra	113 FPS	104 FPS
1440p
low	139 FPS	134 FPS
medium	116 FPS	109 FPS
high	98 FPS	96 FPS
ultra	85 FPS	86 FPS
4K
low	80 FPS	80 FPS
medium	67 FPS	67 FPS
high	51 FPS	52 FPS
ultra	45 FPS	45 FPS

Open GeForce RTX 3060 12GB Open GeForce RTX 3070

Path of Exile 2

Path of Exile 2

Counter-Strike 2

Preset	GeForce RTX 3060 12GB	GeForce RTX 3070
1080p
low	494 FPS	470 FPS
medium	425 FPS	405 FPS
high	360 FPS	327 FPS
ultra	323 FPS	277 FPS
1440p
low	372 FPS	294 FPS
medium	310 FPS	246 FPS
high	258 FPS	213 FPS
ultra	219 FPS	179 FPS
4K
low	193 FPS	141 FPS
medium	167 FPS	120 FPS
high	144 FPS	105 FPS
ultra	120 FPS	83 FPS

Open GeForce RTX 3060 12GB Open GeForce RTX 3070

Counter-Strike 2

Counter-Strike 2

League of Legends

Preset	GeForce RTX 3060 12GB	GeForce RTX 3070
1080p
low	755 FPS	885 FPS
medium	604 FPS	712 FPS
high	503 FPS	619 FPS
ultra	377 FPS	499 FPS
1440p
low	566 FPS	692 FPS
medium	453 FPS	557 FPS
high	377 FPS	473 FPS
ultra	283 FPS	374 FPS
4K
low	377 FPS	479 FPS
medium	302 FPS	388 FPS
high	252 FPS	330 FPS
ultra	189 FPS	249 FPS

Open GeForce RTX 3060 12GB Open GeForce RTX 3070

League of Legends

League of Legends

Valorant

Preset	GeForce RTX 3060 12GB	GeForce RTX 3070
1080p
low	445 FPS	600 FPS
medium	396 FPS	527 FPS
high	330 FPS	433 FPS
ultra	288 FPS	385 FPS
1440p
low	366 FPS	489 FPS
medium	328 FPS	433 FPS
high	271 FPS	339 FPS
ultra	231 FPS	297 FPS
4K
low	237 FPS	292 FPS
medium	217 FPS	270 FPS
high	186 FPS	238 FPS
ultra	160 FPS	200 FPS

Open GeForce RTX 3060 12GB Open GeForce RTX 3070

Valorant

Valorant

Check FPS for your specific build

Technical Specifications

Side-by-side comparison of GeForce RTX 3060 12GB and GeForce RTX 3070

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 3070

The GeForce RTX 3070 is manufactured by NVIDIA. It was released in September 1 2020. It features the Ampere architecture. The core clock ranges from 1500 MHz to 1725 MHz. It has 5888 shading units. The thermal design power (TDP) is 220W. Manufactured using 8 nm process technology. It features 46 dedicated ray tracing cores for enhanced lighting effects. G3D Mark benchmark score: 22,172 points. Launch price was $499.

⚡

Graphics Performance

In G3D Mark, the GeForce RTX 3060 12GB scores 16,777 versus the GeForce RTX 3070's 22,172 — the GeForce RTX 3070 leads by 32.2%. The GeForce RTX 3060 12GB is built on Ampere while the GeForce RTX 3070 uses Ampere, both on a 8 nm process. Shader units: 8,960 (GeForce RTX 3060 12GB) vs 5,888 (GeForce RTX 3070). Raw compute: 30.64 TFLOPS (GeForce RTX 3060 12GB) vs 20.31 TFLOPS (GeForce RTX 3070). Boost clocks: 1710 MHz vs 1725 MHz. Ray tracing: 70 RT cores (GeForce RTX 3060 12GB) vs 46 (GeForce RTX 3070) with 280 Tensor cores vs 184.

Feature	GeForce RTX 3060 12GB	GeForce RTX 3070
G3D Mark Score	16,777	22,172+32%
Architecture	Ampere	Ampere
Process Node	8 nm	8 nm
Shading Units	8960+52%	5888
Compute (TFLOPS)	30.64 TFLOPS+51%	20.31 TFLOPS
Boost Clock	1710 MHz	1725 MHz
ROPs	96	96
TMUs	280+52%	184
L1 Cache	8.8 MB+52%	5.8 MB
L2 Cache	6 MB+50%	4 MB
Ray Tracing Cores	70+52%	46
Tensor Cores	280+52%	184

✨

Advanced Features (DLSS/FSR)

Feature	GeForce RTX 3060 12GB	GeForce RTX 3070
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)

The GeForce RTX 3060 12GB comes with 12 GB of VRAM, while the GeForce RTX 3070 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 448 GB/s (GeForce RTX 3070) — a 24.4% advantage for the GeForce RTX 3070. Bus width: 192-bit vs 256-bit. L2 Cache: 6 MB (GeForce RTX 3060 12GB) vs 4 MB (GeForce RTX 3070) — the GeForce RTX 3060 12GB has significantly larger on-die cache to reduce VRAM reliance.

Feature	GeForce RTX 3060 12GB	GeForce RTX 3070
VRAM Capacity	12 GB+50%	8 GB
Memory Type	GDDR6	GDDR6
Memory Bandwidth	360 GB/s	448 GB/s+24%
Bus Width	192-bit	256-bit+33%
L2 Cache	6 MB+50%	4 MB

🖥️

Display & API Support

DirectX support: 12 Ultimate (GeForce RTX 3060 12GB) vs 12 Ultimate (GeForce RTX 3070). Vulkan: 1.3 vs 1.4. OpenGL: 4.6 vs 4.6. Maximum simultaneous displays: 4 vs 4.

Feature	GeForce RTX 3060 12GB	GeForce RTX 3070
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 12GB) vs NVENC 7th gen (GeForce RTX 3070). 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,VP9 (GeForce RTX 3070).

Feature	GeForce RTX 3060 12GB	GeForce RTX 3070
Encoder	NVENC 7th gen	NVENC 7th gen
Decoder	NVDEC 5th gen	NVDEC 5th gen
Codecs	H.264,H.265/HEVC,AV1	H.264,H.265/HEVC,AV1,VP9

🔌

Power & Dimensions

The GeForce RTX 3060 12GB draws 350W versus the GeForce RTX 3070's 220W — a 45.6% difference. The GeForce RTX 3070 is more power-efficient. Recommended PSU: 550W (GeForce RTX 3060 12GB) vs 650W (GeForce RTX 3070). Power connectors: 8-pin vs 8-pin. Card length: 242mm vs 242mm, occupying 2 vs 2 slots. Typical load temperature: 75°C vs 75°C.

Feature	GeForce RTX 3060 12GB	GeForce RTX 3070
TDP	350W	220W-37%
Recommended PSU	550W-15%	650W
Power Connector	8-pin	8-pin
Length	242mm	242mm
Height	112mm	112mm
Slots	2	2
Temp (Load)	75°C	75°C
Perf/Watt	47.9	100.8+110%

💰

Value Analysis

The GeForce RTX 3060 12GB launched at $329 MSRP, while the GeForce RTX 3070 launched at $499. The GeForce RTX 3060 12GB costs 34.1% less ($170 savings) on MSRP. Performance per dollar on MSRP (G3D Mark / MSRP): 51.0 (GeForce RTX 3060 12GB) vs 44.4 (GeForce RTX 3070) — the GeForce RTX 3060 12GB offers 14.9% better value. The GeForce RTX 3060 12GB is the newer GPU (2022 vs 2020).