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 3080 Laptop GPU

2021

Why buy it

✅233.3% more Tensor Cores for AI-powered features like DLSS and frame generation, which can increase overall FPS in supported games (320 vs 96).

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark G3D performance (16,233 vs 19,548).
❌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).
❌204.3% higher power demand at 350W vs 115W.

GeForce RTX 4060

2023

Why buy it

✅+20.4% higher PassMark G3D performance.
✅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).
✅More future proof: Ada Lovelace (2022−2024) on 5nm with a newer platform for upcoming games.
✅Draws 115W instead of 350W, a 235W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Fewer Tensor Cores for AI-powered features like DLSS and frame generation (96 vs 320), which can reduce FPS gains in supported games.

GeForce RTX 3080 Laptop GPU

2021

GeForce RTX 4060

2023

Why buy it

✅233.3% more Tensor Cores for AI-powered features like DLSS and frame generation, which can increase overall FPS in supported games (320 vs 96).

Why buy it

✅+20.4% higher PassMark G3D performance.
✅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).
✅More future proof: Ada Lovelace (2022−2024) on 5nm with a newer platform for upcoming games.
✅Draws 115W instead of 350W, a 235W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark G3D performance (16,233 vs 19,548).
❌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).
❌204.3% higher power demand at 350W vs 115W.

Trade-offs

❌Fewer Tensor Cores for AI-powered features like DLSS and frame generation (96 vs 320), which can reduce FPS gains in supported games.

Quick Answers

So, is GeForce RTX 4060 better than GeForce RTX 3080 Laptop GPU?

Yes. GeForce RTX 4060 is the better GPU overall here. You are getting 20.4% higher PassMark G3D performance. It also comes from 2023 instead of 2021, which helps its case as the more complete modern gaming card.

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 a newer 2023 generation instead of 2021, 20.4% 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 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 20.4% higher G3D Mark. It also leads G3D-per-dollar by 100+%. That is why the better overall card still comes out as the smarter buy today, not just the faster one.

Is GeForce RTX 3080 Laptop GPU still worth buying for gaming in 2026?

Yes. GeForce RTX 3080 Laptop GPU is still a strong modern gaming GPU: it is very strong for 1080p, good for 1440p, and more limited at 4K. It remains a good buy when you can get it meaningfully cheaper than the alternative around an unclear MSRP, even if GeForce RTX 4060 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 3080 Laptop GPU Benchmark Check

GeForce RTX 4060 Benchmark Check

Path of Exile 2

Preset	GeForce RTX 3080 Laptop GPU	GeForce RTX 4060
1080p
low	253 FPS	167 FPS
medium	236 FPS	152 FPS
high	198 FPS	134 FPS
ultra	147 FPS	115 FPS
1440p
low	221 FPS	137 FPS
medium	183 FPS	114 FPS
high	146 FPS	99 FPS
ultra	114 FPS	90 FPS
4K
low	117 FPS	86 FPS
medium	98 FPS	74 FPS
high	71 FPS	62 FPS
ultra	61 FPS	55 FPS

Open GeForce RTX 3080 Laptop GPU Open GeForce RTX 4060

Path of Exile 2

Path of Exile 2

Counter-Strike 2

Preset	GeForce RTX 3080 Laptop GPU	GeForce RTX 4060
1080p
low	608 FPS	392 FPS
medium	523 FPS	334 FPS
high	435 FPS	268 FPS
ultra	365 FPS	211 FPS
1440p
low	434 FPS	240 FPS
medium	366 FPS	209 FPS
high	304 FPS	169 FPS
ultra	255 FPS	137 FPS
4K
low	223 FPS	119 FPS
medium	190 FPS	98 FPS
high	159 FPS	82 FPS
ultra	136 FPS	63 FPS

Open GeForce RTX 3080 Laptop GPU Open GeForce RTX 4060

Counter-Strike 2

Counter-Strike 2

League of Legends

Preset	GeForce RTX 3080 Laptop GPU	GeForce RTX 4060
1080p
low	730 FPS	812 FPS
medium	584 FPS	642 FPS
high	487 FPS	551 FPS
ultra	365 FPS	440 FPS
1440p
low	548 FPS	535 FPS
medium	438 FPS	443 FPS
high	365 FPS	379 FPS
ultra	274 FPS	329 FPS
4K
low	365 FPS	365 FPS
medium	292 FPS	297 FPS
high	243 FPS	234 FPS
ultra	183 FPS	186 FPS

Open GeForce RTX 3080 Laptop GPU Open GeForce RTX 4060

League of Legends

League of Legends

Valorant

Preset	GeForce RTX 3080 Laptop GPU	GeForce RTX 4060
1080p
low	730 FPS	746 FPS
medium	584 FPS	613 FPS
high	487 FPS	536 FPS
ultra	365 FPS	440 FPS
1440p
low	548 FPS	594 FPS
medium	438 FPS	486 FPS
high	365 FPS	421 FPS
ultra	274 FPS	330 FPS
4K
low	365 FPS	358 FPS
medium	292 FPS	308 FPS
high	243 FPS	285 FPS
ultra	183 FPS	220 FPS

Open GeForce RTX 3080 Laptop GPU Open GeForce RTX 4060

Valorant

Valorant

Check FPS for your specific build

Technical Specifications

Side-by-side comparison of GeForce RTX 3080 Laptop GPU and GeForce RTX 4060

GeForce RTX 3080 Laptop GPU

The GeForce RTX 3080 Laptop GPU 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: 16,233 points. Launch price was $1,199.

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 3080 Laptop GPU scores 16,233 versus the GeForce RTX 4060's 19,548 — the GeForce RTX 4060 leads by 20.4%. The GeForce RTX 3080 Laptop GPU is built on Ampere while the GeForce RTX 4060 uses Ada Lovelace, both on 8 nm vs 5 nm. Shader units: 10,240 (GeForce RTX 3080 Laptop GPU) vs 3,072 (GeForce RTX 4060). Raw compute: 34.1 TFLOPS (GeForce RTX 3080 Laptop GPU) vs 15.11 TFLOPS (GeForce RTX 4060). Boost clocks: 1665 MHz vs 2460 MHz. Ray tracing: 80 RT cores (GeForce RTX 3080 Laptop GPU) vs 24 (GeForce RTX 4060) with 320 Tensor cores vs 96.

Feature	GeForce RTX 3080 Laptop GPU	GeForce RTX 4060
G3D Mark Score	16,233	19,548+20%
Architecture	Ampere	Ada Lovelace
Process Node	8 nm	5 nm
Shading Units	10240+233%	3072
Compute (TFLOPS)	34.1 TFLOPS+126%	15.11 TFLOPS
Boost Clock	1665 MHz	2460 MHz+48%
ROPs	112+133%	48
TMUs	320+233%	96
L1 Cache	10 MB+233%	3 MB
L2 Cache	6 MB	24 MB+300%
Ray Tracing Cores	80+233%	24
Tensor Cores	320+233%	96

✨

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 3080 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 3080 Laptop GPU is capped at DLSS 2 Super Resolution.

Feature	GeForce RTX 3080 Laptop GPU	GeForce 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)

Both cards feature 8 GB of GDDR6. Memory bandwidth: 448 GB/s (GeForce RTX 3080 Laptop GPU) vs 272 GB/s (GeForce RTX 4060) — a 64.7% advantage for the GeForce RTX 3080 Laptop GPU. Bus width: 256-bit vs 128-bit. L2 Cache: 6 MB (GeForce RTX 3080 Laptop GPU) vs 24 MB (GeForce RTX 4060) — the GeForce RTX 4060 has significantly larger on-die cache to reduce VRAM reliance.

Feature	GeForce RTX 3080 Laptop GPU	GeForce RTX 4060
VRAM Capacity	8 GB	8 GB
Memory Type	GDDR6	GDDR6
Memory Bandwidth	448 GB/s+65%	272 GB/s
Bus Width	256-bit+100%	128-bit
L2 Cache	6 MB	24 MB+300%

🖥️

Display & API Support

DirectX support: 12.2 (GeForce RTX 3080 Laptop GPU) vs 12 Ultimate (GeForce RTX 4060). Vulkan: 1.2 vs 1.3. OpenGL: 4.6 vs 4.6. Maximum simultaneous displays: 4 vs 4.

Feature	GeForce RTX 3080 Laptop GPU	GeForce RTX 4060
DirectX	12.2+2%	12 Ultimate
Vulkan	1.2	1.3+8%
OpenGL	4.6	4.6
Max Displays	4	4

🎬

Media & Encoding

Hardware encoder: 7th Gen NVENC (GeForce RTX 3080 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 3080 Laptop GPU) vs H.264,H.265/HEVC,AV1 (GeForce RTX 4060).

Feature	GeForce RTX 3080 Laptop GPU	GeForce 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 3080 Laptop GPU draws 350W versus the GeForce RTX 4060's 115W — a 101.1% difference. The GeForce RTX 4060 is more power-efficient. Recommended PSU: 650W (GeForce RTX 3080 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.

Feature	GeForce RTX 3080 Laptop GPU	GeForce RTX 4060
TDP	350W	115W-67%
Recommended PSU	650W	550W-15%
Power Connector	Mobile	8-pin
Length	0mm	240mm
Height	0mm	111mm
Slots	0-100%	2
Temp (Load)	80°C	73°C-9%
Perf/Watt	46.4	170.0+266%