RTX 2060 vs RTX 3060: Compare Nvidia Graphics Cards

GeForce RTX 2060 and RTX 3060 are two mid-range GPUs from Nvidia for those looking for better gaming performance without giving up graphics quality at higher levels. Released in 2019 and 2021, respectively, both are RTX line cards and support features such as Ray Tracing and DLSS. This ensures that the cards can deliver a more realistic look and a higher frame rate even at higher resolutions.

In addition, support for these technologies makes them competitive with more advanced cards, even though they are mid-range GPUs. Below, Techidence presents a comparison of the models to help you decide which card is ideal for your setup.

RTX 2060 and RTX 3060 Datasheet

RTX 2060RTX 3060
Launch06/01/201912/01/2021
Current price$399$480
ArchitectureTuringAmpere
Core clock1.680 MHz1.780 MHz
Memory6 GB GDDR6up to 12 GB GDDR6
VR-ReadyYesYes
Ray Tracing/DLSSYesYes
Source: Nvidia

Specifications

RTX 2060

The cards have very distinct specifications, so that, even though they belong to the RTX line, they correspond to different architectures. While the RTX 2060 is a Turing architecture card developed in 12nm, the RTX 3060 is an 8nm Ampere architecture card. This indicates a tendency for the newer model to be more efficient.

Another relevant difference is in the amount of VRAM, which in the RTX 3060 can reach 12 GB GDDR6, thus being double the capacity of the RTX 2060. The GPU clock is evenly balanced, as 2060 delivers up to 1,680 MHz, while the 3060 reaches 1,780 MHz.

Performance

RTX 3060

Because it brings more advanced specifications, as well as being a newer card, the trend is that the RTX 3060 offers much more performance, which is evident when we consider the performance that the newer card can offer in games.

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Considering floating-point performance, which is a unit measured in Teraflops, the advantage of the RTX 3060 becomes even more explicit, as the card delivers up to 12.74 Teraflops, compared to just 6.45 Teraflops for the RTX 2060.

Consumption

Zotac

Consumption is one point that brings the two models closer together. While the RTX 2060 card has a TDP of 160 W, the RTX 3060 features a TDP of 170 W, which could determine an advantage regarding consumption for the card with a lower value.

However, because it is developed with more modern technology, the RTX 3060 tends to be more efficient, especially when considering the lithography, which is also a factor that greatly impacts the efficiency of the components. Both cards also require a complementary eight-pin power connector.

Features

RTX 2060

The GPUs offer the same features, since both feature Tensor Cores. These in turn enable the implementation of features such as Ray Tracing in hardware, as well as DLSS, which uses Deep Learning to improve the performance of the cards at higher resolutions.

The models offer support for multiple monitors, are compatible with virtual reality, and are suitable for games in resolutions such as Quad HD. They still have support for some 4K titles, but this is not the focus of the GPUs.

Price and availability

RTX 3050

As we are talking about modern GPU models, the availability of the cards in online retail is high. For values starting at $399, you can already find RTX 2060 options, such as the MSI Gaming GeForce. It is a model with a good finish, 6 GB of VRAM, and a robust cooling system.

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The RTX 3060, on the other hand, appears in offers for values starting at $480, such as the MSI Gaming GeForce Model, with 12 GB of VRAM, an attractive look, and a thermal solution with two large fans.

Cost-benefit

Currently, even because of the big price difference, the RTX 2060 ends up being an option that offers a more interesting cost-benefit. Of course, in a scenario where the prices of the cards have a smaller difference, it might be interesting to consider the RTX 3060, since, as we have seen, the newer card ends up offering a substantial performance gain.

Because it is a card released longer ago, the RTX 2060 is also an option that is more widely offered in the market, appearing in versions from several manufacturers. In addition, it is constantly being one of the cards present in offers and promotions from retailers.

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