GeForce RTX 3050 6GB Laptop GPU vs GeForce RTX 4060

NVIDIA

GeForce RTX 3050 6GB Laptop GPU

2024Core: 1042 MHzBoost: 1470 MHz

Popular choices:

RTX 4060
VS
NVIDIA

GeForce RTX 4060

2023Core: 1830 MHzBoost: 2460 MHz

Popular choices:

Performance Spectrum - GPU

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 3050 6GB Laptop GPU

2024

Why buy it

  • Draws 70W instead of 115W, a 45W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Lower average FPS than GeForce RTX 4060 across 50 tracked games in our benchmark data.
  • Less VRAM, with 6 GB vs 8 GB for high-resolution textures and newer games.
  • 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.
  • Lower G3D Mark per dollar, at 0 vs 65.4 G3D/$ (Unknown MSRP vs $299 MSRP).

GeForce RTX 4060

2023

Why buy it

  • 70.2% more average FPS across 50 tracked games in our benchmark data.
  • Delivers 100+% more G3D Mark for each dollar spent, at 65.4 vs 0 G3D/$ ($299 MSRP vs Unknown MSRP).
  • Access to a newer frame-generation stack with DLSS 3.5 + Frame Generation (2023).
  • 33.3% more VRAM for high-resolution textures and newer games (8 GB vs 6 GB).
  • More future proof: Ada Lovelace (2022−2024) on 5nm with a newer platform for upcoming games.

Trade-offs

  • 64.3% higher power demand at 115W vs 70W.

Quick Answers

So, is GeForce RTX 4060 better than GeForce RTX 3050 6GB Laptop GPU?
Yes. GeForce RTX 4060 is clearly the better overall GPU here. GeForce RTX 4060 averages 70.2% more FPS across 50 tracked games in our benchmark data. You are also looking at 19,548 vs 10,143 in G3D Mark. On top of that, GeForce RTX 4060 is a 2023 card with DLSS 3.5 + Frame Generation, while GeForce RTX 3050 6GB Laptop GPU is a 2024 model from an older generation with DLSS Super Resolution. 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 4060 is the more future-proof choice for 2026 and beyond. You are getting 92.7% more raw performance headroom, more VRAM at 8 GB instead of 6 GB, 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 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 4060 is the smarter buy today, but it is not as lopsided as a simple winner label makes it sound. GeForce RTX 4060 is priced in an unclear MSRP range at $299 MSRP versus an unclear MSRP, and you are getting 70.2% more estimated average FPS across 50 tracked games in our benchmark data and 92.7% higher G3D Mark. It also leads G3D-per-dollar by 100+%. GeForce RTX 3050 6GB Laptop GPU is the newer 2024 card, so it still has a real case if you care more about newer architecture and lower power draw (70W vs 115W) than about squeezing out the strongest gaming value today.
When does GeForce RTX 3050 6GB Laptop GPU make more sense than GeForce RTX 4060?
Yes. GeForce RTX 3050 6GB Laptop GPU is still an excellent gaming GPU in 2026: it is still comfortable for 1080p and decent for 1440p, though 4K is more situational. It makes more sense if your priority is newer architecture, lower power draw (70W vs 115W), and staying closer to an unclear MSRP more than squeezing out the extra headroom of GeForce RTX 4060. The trade-off is that GeForce RTX 4060 currently gives you 92.7% higher G3D Mark and 70.2% more estimated average FPS across 50 tracked games in our benchmark data. It also leads G3D-per-dollar by 100+%.

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.

Path of Exile 2

Path of Exile 2

PresetGeForce RTX 3050 6GB Laptop GPUGeForce RTX 4060
1080p
low85 FPS167 FPS
medium72 FPS152 FPS
high60 FPS134 FPS
ultra40 FPS115 FPS
1440p
low74 FPS137 FPS
medium64 FPS114 FPS
high47 FPS99 FPS
ultra30 FPS90 FPS
4K
low27 FPS86 FPS
medium25 FPS74 FPS
high17 FPS62 FPS
ultra15 FPS55 FPS
Counter-Strike 2

Counter-Strike 2

PresetGeForce RTX 3050 6GB Laptop GPUGeForce RTX 4060
1080p
low174 FPS392 FPS
medium149 FPS334 FPS
high118 FPS268 FPS
ultra87 FPS211 FPS
1440p
low129 FPS240 FPS
medium106 FPS209 FPS
high83 FPS169 FPS
ultra62 FPS137 FPS
4K
low74 FPS119 FPS
medium62 FPS98 FPS
high48 FPS82 FPS
ultra34 FPS63 FPS
League of Legends

League of Legends

PresetGeForce RTX 3050 6GB Laptop GPUGeForce RTX 4060
1080p
low456 FPS812 FPS
medium365 FPS642 FPS
high304 FPS551 FPS
ultra228 FPS440 FPS
1440p
low342 FPS535 FPS
medium274 FPS443 FPS
high228 FPS379 FPS
ultra171 FPS329 FPS
4K
low228 FPS365 FPS
medium183 FPS297 FPS
high152 FPS234 FPS
ultra114 FPS186 FPS
Valorant

Valorant

PresetGeForce RTX 3050 6GB Laptop GPUGeForce RTX 4060
1080p
low243 FPS746 FPS
medium210 FPS613 FPS
high171 FPS536 FPS
ultra144 FPS440 FPS
1440p
low185 FPS594 FPS
medium166 FPS486 FPS
high131 FPS421 FPS
ultra109 FPS330 FPS
4K
low104 FPS358 FPS
medium87 FPS308 FPS
high69 FPS285 FPS
ultra55 FPS220 FPS

Technical Specifications

Side-by-side comparison of GeForce RTX 3050 6GB Laptop GPU and GeForce RTX 4060

NVIDIA

GeForce RTX 3050 6GB Laptop GPU

The GeForce RTX 3050 6GB Laptop GPU is manufactured by NVIDIA. It was released in February 2 2024. It features the Ampere architecture. The core clock ranges from 1042 MHz to 1470 MHz. It has 2304 shading units. The thermal design power (TDP) is 70W. Manufactured using 8 nm process technology. It features 18 dedicated ray tracing cores for enhanced lighting effects. G3D Mark benchmark score: 10,143 points. Launch price was $179.

NVIDIA

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 3050 6GB Laptop GPU scores 10,143 versus the GeForce RTX 4060's 19,548 — the GeForce RTX 4060 leads by 92.7%. The GeForce RTX 3050 6GB Laptop GPU is built on Ampere while the GeForce RTX 4060 uses Ada Lovelace, both on 8 nm vs 5 nm. Shader units: 2,304 (GeForce RTX 3050 6GB Laptop GPU) vs 3,072 (GeForce RTX 4060). Raw compute: 6.774 TFLOPS (GeForce RTX 3050 6GB Laptop GPU) vs 15.11 TFLOPS (GeForce RTX 4060). Boost clocks: 1470 MHz vs 2460 MHz. Ray tracing: 18 RT cores (GeForce RTX 3050 6GB Laptop GPU) vs 24 (GeForce RTX 4060) with 72 Tensor cores vs 96.

FeatureGeForce RTX 3050 6GB Laptop GPUGeForce RTX 4060
G3D Mark Score
10,143
19,548+93%
Architecture
Ampere
Ada Lovelace
Process Node
8 nm
5 nm
Shading Units
2304
3072+33%
Compute (TFLOPS)
6.774 TFLOPS
15.11 TFLOPS+123%
Boost Clock
1470 MHz
2460 MHz+67%
ROPs
32
48+50%
TMUs
72
96+33%
L1 Cache
2.3 MB
3 MB+30%
L2 Cache
2 MB
24 MB+1100%
Ray Tracing Cores
18
24+33%
Tensor Cores
72
96+33%

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 3050 6GB Laptop GPU 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 3050 6GB Laptop GPU is capped at DLSS 2 Super Resolution.

FeatureGeForce RTX 3050 6GB Laptop GPUGeForce 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 3050 6GB Laptop GPU comes with 6 GB of VRAM, while the GeForce RTX 4060 has 8 GB. The GeForce RTX 4060 offers 33.3% more capacity, crucial for higher resolutions and texture-heavy games. Memory bandwidth: 168 GB/s (GeForce RTX 3050 6GB Laptop GPU) vs 272 GB/s (GeForce RTX 4060) — a 61.9% advantage for the GeForce RTX 4060. Bus width: 96-bit vs 128-bit. L2 Cache: 2 MB (GeForce RTX 3050 6GB Laptop GPU) vs 24 MB (GeForce RTX 4060) — the GeForce RTX 4060 has significantly larger on-die cache to reduce VRAM reliance.

FeatureGeForce RTX 3050 6GB Laptop GPUGeForce RTX 4060
VRAM Capacity
6 GB
8 GB+33%
Memory Type
GDDR6
GDDR6
Memory Bandwidth
168 GB/s
272 GB/s+62%
Bus Width
96-bit
128-bit+33%
L2 Cache
2 MB
24 MB+1100%
🖥️

Display & API Support

DirectX support: 12.2 (GeForce RTX 3050 6GB Laptop GPU) vs 12 Ultimate (GeForce RTX 4060). Vulkan: 1.3 vs 1.3. OpenGL: 4.6 vs 4.6. Maximum simultaneous displays: 4 vs 4.

FeatureGeForce RTX 3050 6GB Laptop GPUGeForce RTX 4060
DirectX
12.2+2%
12 Ultimate
Vulkan
1.3
1.3
OpenGL
4.6
4.6
Max Displays
4
4
🎬

Media & Encoding

Hardware encoder: 7th Gen NVENC (GeForce RTX 3050 6GB Laptop GPU) vs NVENC 8th gen (GeForce RTX 4060). Decoder: 5th Gen NVDEC vs NVDEC 5th gen. Supported codecs: MPEG-2,H.264,HEVC,VP9,AV1 (Decode) (GeForce RTX 3050 6GB Laptop GPU) vs H.264,H.265/HEVC,AV1 (GeForce RTX 4060).

FeatureGeForce RTX 3050 6GB Laptop GPUGeForce RTX 4060
Encoder
7th Gen NVENC
NVENC 8th gen
Decoder
5th Gen NVDEC
NVDEC 5th gen
Codecs
MPEG-2,H.264,HEVC,VP9,AV1 (Decode)
H.264,H.265/HEVC,AV1
🔌

Power & Dimensions

The GeForce RTX 3050 6GB Laptop GPU draws 70W versus the GeForce RTX 4060's 115W — a 48.6% difference. The GeForce RTX 3050 6GB Laptop GPU is more power-efficient. Recommended PSU: 500W (GeForce RTX 3050 6GB Laptop GPU) vs 550W (GeForce RTX 4060). Power connectors: Mobile vs 8-pin. Card length: 0mm vs 240mm, occupying 0 vs 2 slots. Typical load temperature: 80°C vs 73°C.

FeatureGeForce RTX 3050 6GB Laptop GPUGeForce RTX 4060
TDP
70W-39%
115W
Recommended PSU
500W-9%
550W
Power Connector
Mobile
8-pin
Length
0mm
240mm
Height
0mm
111mm
Slots
0-100%
2
Temp (Load)
80°C
73°C-9%
Perf/Watt
144.9
170.0+17%
💰

Value Analysis

The GeForce RTX 3050 6GB Laptop GPU is the newer GPU (2024 vs 2023).

FeatureGeForce RTX 3050 6GB Laptop GPUGeForce RTX 4060
MSRP
$299
Codename
GA107
AD107
Release
February 2 2024
May 18 2023
Ranking
#252
#84