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GIGABYTE AORUS GeForce RTX 3060 Ti Elite Review | 118 Data compared

Avg. price in UK: ~£400
Avg. price in US: ~$410
VRAM: 8 GB
Memory bus width: 256 bit
Thermal Design Power (TDP): ?

GIGABYTE AORUS GeForce RTX 3060 Ti Elite review. Compare 118 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among graphics cards and if it is worth buying.

6.1

Good

5.8

Good

9.2

Exceptional

3.9
Gaming
Score components:
45.0%
3.7
Floating-point performance
25.0%
2.8
VRAM
20.0%
3.5
Ray tracing cores / units
10.0%
8.8
PCI Express (PCIe) version
5.3
Video editing
Score components:
35.0%
7.0
AV1 encode
30.0%
2.8
VRAM
20.0%
3.7
Floating-point performance
15.0%
8.8
PCI Express (PCIe) version
4.0
1080p
Score components:
55.0%
3.7
Floating-point performance
25.0%
2.8
VRAM
10.0%
3.5
Ray tracing cores / units
10.0%
8.8
PCI Express (PCIe) version
3.6
1440p
Score components:
50.0%
3.7
Floating-point performance
30.0%
2.8
VRAM
15.0%
3.5
Ray tracing cores / units
5.0%
8.8
PCI Express (PCIe) version
3.6
4K
Score components:
40.0%
3.7
Floating-point performance
35.0%
2.8
VRAM
20.0%
3.5
Ray tracing cores / units
5.0%
8.8
PCI Express (PCIe) version

Best prices in UK

Best rankings

#12 in Best NVIDIA RTX 3060 Graphic Cards
#113 in Best 8 GB Graphic Cards
#129 in Best GIGABYTE Graphic Cards
#544 in Best NVIDIA RTX Graphic Cards
#626 in Best Graphic Cards For 1440p Gaming
#643 in Best Graphic Cards For 1080p Gaming
#645 in Best Graphic Cards For Gaming
#706 in Best Graphic Cards For Video Editing
#739 in Best Graphic Cards

Verdict

The Gigabyte Aorus GeForce RTX 3060 Ti Elite is a high-end custom graphics card based on the NVIDIA Ampere architecture, featuring 4,864 CUDA cores and a factory-overclocked boost clock of 1,785 MHz. It is equipped with 8GB of GDDR6 memory on a 256-bit bus, delivering 448 GB/s of bandwidth and a 14,000 MHz effective memory speed. Its standout features include the Windforce 3X cooling system with alternate spinning 80mm fans, a dual BIOS for silent or performance modes, and customizable RGB Fusion 2.0 lighting. Key pros include excellent 1440p gaming performance, a robust 4-year warranty upon registration, and superior thermal management. However, its large triple-slot design (296mm length) may not fit in smaller cases, and it has a higher power draw of 220W compared to the reference model.

Technical Specifications of GIGABYTE AORUS GeForce RTX 3060 Ti Elite

Overall score

6.1

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Popularity

What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the graphics card.

When it matters: When you prefer a graphics card that has already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.

Performance

4.6

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3DMark Time Spy benchmark score

What it is: Benchmark result from 3DMark Time Spy, a synthetic DirectX 12 test often used as a quick gaming-performance reference.

When it matters: When you need a fast rough performance sort before digging into game-specific reviews and frame-rate data.

Importance: LOW

?

3DMark Port Royal score

What it is: Benchmark result from 3DMark Port Royal, a synthetic test focused on ray tracing performance.

When it matters: When ray tracing matters in the games you actually play and you want one quick way to separate stronger and weaker RT cards.

Importance: LOW

?

PassMark (G3D) result

What it is: Overall GPU performance score in PassMark G3D benchmark

When it matters: When you need one broad score to sort cards into rough performance tiers.

Importance: LOW

?

PassMark (DirectCompute) result

What it is: PassMark score for DirectCompute performance tests

When it matters: When compute workloads matter alongside gaming performance.

Importance: LOW

?

Floating-point performance

What it is: Theoretical floating-point compute performance of the GPU.

When it matters: When rendering, AI, or heavy compute work needs strong single-precision throughput.

Importance: LOW

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Memory

4.7

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VRAM

What it is: Total video memory available on the graphics card

When it matters: When you play at high settings, use texture mods, or work with large creative projects.

Importance: HIGH

Memory type

What it is: Type of graphics memory used (GDDR6, HBM2e, etc.)

When it matters: When memory technology is part of the buying decision because it affects bandwidth class, power use, and product positioning.

Importance: LOW

GDDR6

GDDR version

What it is: Generation of GDDR memory used by the graphics card.

When it matters: When you want to separate older memory generations from newer ones before comparing bandwidth, power behavior, and market tier.

Importance: LOW

Memory bus width

What it is: Width of the memory interface bus in bits

When it matters: When you care about steadier performance at higher resolutions, heavier texture settings, or ray-traced workloads that stress memory traffic.

Importance: HIGH

Maximum memory bandwidth

What it is: Maximum data transfer rate between GPU and its memory

When it matters: When 4K gaming, ray tracing, or creator work can choke a slower memory subsystem.

Importance: HIGH

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Platform & Features

9.3

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PCI Express (PCIe) version

What it is: Version of PCI Express interface supported

When it matters: When you are pairing the card with an older motherboard and want to avoid leaving bandwidth or future compatibility on the table.

Importance: LOW

PCIe lanes

What it is: Number of PCI Express lanes used for communication

When it matters: When limited lane width could bottleneck the card in some systems.

Importance: LOW

DirectX version

What it is: Highest supported DirectX API version

When it matters: When you play newer Windows games that depend on the latest graphics features.

Importance: LOW

?

Vulkan version

What it is: Highest supported Vulkan API version

When it matters: When modern games, emulators, or creative apps lean on Vulkan support.

Importance: LOW

OpenGL version

What it is: Highest supported OpenGL API version

When it matters: When older games or pro apps still depend on OpenGL compatibility.

Importance: LOW

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Connectivity & Media

8.3

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Max displays supported

What it is: Total number of external displays supported simultaneously

When it matters: When you run a multi-monitor desk for sim racing, trading, or editing.

Importance: LOW

Max digital resolution

What it is: Maximum supported digital display resolution

When it matters: When you plan to drive 4K or 8K panels at their native resolution.

Importance: LOW

DisplayPort outputs

What it is: Number of DisplayPort video outputs

When it matters: When your setup needs several high-refresh monitors without adapters.

Importance: LOW

DisplayPort version

What it is: Version of DisplayPort standard supported

When it matters: When your monitor setup depends on newer DisplayPort features for higher refresh rates, higher resolution, or better cable flexibility.

Importance: LOW

DisplayPort link rates

What it is: Supported data link rates for DisplayPort connections

When it matters: When you are pushing high resolution and refresh rate over DisplayPort.

Importance: LOW

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Power & Cooling

7.6

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Thermal Design Power (TDP)

What it is: Typical power consumption under full load (TDP)

When it matters: When you need a realistic idea of power draw before choosing a PSU or case.

Importance: MEDIUM

?

Power consumption while under peak load

What it is: Peak power draw of the graphics card under maximum load.

When it matters: When transient-heavy gaming loads could stress your power supply.

Importance: LOW

Recommended PSU wattage

What it is: Recommended wattage of the system power supply

When it matters: When you are checking whether your current power supply is enough.

Importance: LOW

Board power limit

What it is: Maximum configurable power limit for the GPU board

When it matters: When you care about how far the card can be pushed through tuning or factory power settings.

Importance: LOW

?

PCIe power spec

What it is: PCIe power delivery specification followed

When it matters: When you are checking whether the slot and external cables match the card's intended power-delivery standard.

Importance: LOW

?

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Design

7.2

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Size

What it is: Physical size of the GPU card

When it matters: When you need the card to fit a compact case without blocking nearby hardware.

Importance: LOW

?

Length

What it is: Physical length of the GPU card

When it matters: When front radiators or drive cages leave only limited GPU clearance.

Importance: LOW

Height

What it is: Physical height of the GPU card

When it matters: When side panels, brackets, or tight case layouts reduce vertical clearance.

Importance: LOW

Slot width

What it is: Number of PCIe slots occupied by the card

When it matters: When you need room for another PCIe card or better airflow under the GPU.

Importance: LOW

?

Weight

What it is: Total weight of the graphics card

When it matters: When sag, bracket support, or shipping stress matters in your build.

Importance: LOW

?

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GIGABYTE AORUS GeForce RTX 3060 Ti Elite vs the average graphics card

Why is GIGABYTE AORUS GeForce RTX 3060 Ti Elite better than the average graphics card?

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Includes dual BIOS
GIGABYTE AORUS GeForce RTX 3060 Ti Elite includes dual BIOS, the average graphics card does not.
What it is: Includes dual BIOS for redundancy or overclocking profiles
When it matters: When you want a safer recovery path after tweaking fan curves or overclock settings, or you need separate quiet and performance profiles.
Importance: LOW
GIGABYTE AORUS GeForce RTX 3060 Ti Elite includes dual BIOS, the average graphics card does not.
16 more ROPs
GIGABYTE AORUS GeForce RTX 3060 Ti Elite has more ROPs than the average graphics card (80 vs 64). The average graphics card has 64 ROPs.
What it is: Total number of render output units on the GPU
When it matters: When you want more context on pixel output capacity, especially for high-resolution play and older raster-heavy engines.
Importance: HIGH
GIGABYTE AORUS GeForce RTX 3060 Ti Elite has more ROPs than the average graphics card (80 vs 64). The average graphics card has 64 ROPs.80 vs 64
10 mm lower card height
GIGABYTE AORUS GeForce RTX 3060 Ti Elite is shorter than the average graphics card (117 mm vs 127 mm). The average graphics card has a height of 127 mm.
What it is: Physical height of the GPU card
When it matters: When side panels, brackets, or tight case layouts reduce vertical clearance.
Importance: LOW
GIGABYTE AORUS GeForce RTX 3060 Ti Elite is shorter than the average graphics card (117 mm vs 127 mm). The average graphics card has a height of 127 mm.117 mm vs 127 mm
15.6% higher user score
GIGABYTE AORUS GeForce RTX 3060 Ti Elite has a higher user score than the average graphics card (9.25 vs 8.000).
What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the graphics card.
When it matters: When you want to understand how a graphics card performs in real use and how reliable it is in terms of performance, temperatures, noise, stability, and long-term ownership.
GIGABYTE AORUS GeForce RTX 3060 Ti Elite has a higher user score than the average graphics card (9.25 vs 8.000).9.25 vs 8
16 more ROPs
GIGABYTE AORUS GeForce RTX 3060 Ti Elite has more ROPs than the average graphics card (80 vs 64). The average graphics card has 64 ROPs.
Includes dual BIOS
GIGABYTE AORUS GeForce RTX 3060 Ti Elite includes dual BIOS, the average graphics card does not.
10 mm lower card height
GIGABYTE AORUS GeForce RTX 3060 Ti Elite is shorter than the average graphics card (117 mm vs 127 mm). The average graphics card has a height of 127 mm.

Power & Cooling

Why is GIGABYTE AORUS GeForce RTX 3060 Ti Elite worse than the average graphics card?

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28.6% lower boost clock speed
GIGABYTE AORUS GeForce RTX 3060 Ti Elite has a lower boost GPU clock than the average graphics card (1,785 MHz vs 2,500 MHz). The average graphics card has a boost GPU clock of 2,500 MHz.
26.6% lower base clock speed
GIGABYTE AORUS GeForce RTX 3060 Ti Elite has a lower base GPU clock than the average graphics card (1,410 MHz vs 1,920 MHz). The average graphics card has a base GPU clock of 1,920 MHz.
28% lower texture rate
GIGABYTE AORUS GeForce RTX 3060 Ti Elite has a lower texture rate than the average graphics card (271.3 GTexel/s vs 376.8 GTexel/s). The average graphics card has a texture rate of 376.8 GTexel/s.
10 fewer ray tracing cores
GIGABYTE AORUS GeForce RTX 3060 Ti Elite has fewer ray tracing cores than the average graphics card (38 vs 48). The average graphics card has 48 ray tracing cores.
40 fewer AI cores
GIGABYTE AORUS GeForce RTX 3060 Ti Elite has fewer AI cores than the average graphics card (152 vs 192). The average graphics card has 192 AI cores.
32 fewer TMUs
GIGABYTE AORUS GeForce RTX 3060 Ti Elite has fewer TMUs than the average graphics card (152 vs 184). The average graphics card has 184 TMUs.
24% lower FP32 performance
GIGABYTE AORUS GeForce RTX 3060 Ti Elite has a lower FP32 performance than the average graphics card (17.4 TFLOPS vs 22.86 TFLOPS). The average graphics card has FP32 performance of 22.86 TFLOPS.
13.6% lower pixel rate
GIGABYTE AORUS GeForce RTX 3060 Ti Elite has a lower pixel rate than the average graphics card (142.8 GPixel/s vs 165.2 GPixel/s). The average graphics card has a pixel rate of 165.2 GPixel/s.
4 GB less VRAM
GIGABYTE AORUS GeForce RTX 3060 Ti Elite has fewer VRAM than the average graphics card (8 GB vs 12 GB). The average graphics card has 12 GB VRAM.
26.3% slower memory speed
GIGABYTE AORUS GeForce RTX 3060 Ti Elite has a lower effective memory speed than the average graphics card (14,000 MHz vs 19,000 MHz). The average graphics card reaches an effective memory speed of 19,000 MHz.
93.8% less Infinity Cache
GIGABYTE AORUS GeForce RTX 3060 Ti Elite has fewer Infinity Cache than the average graphics card (4 MB vs 64 MB). The average graphics card has 64 MB Infinity Cache.
87.5% smaller L2 cache
GIGABYTE AORUS GeForce RTX 3060 Ti Elite has fewer L2 cache than the average graphics card (4 MB vs 32 MB). The average graphics card has 32 MB L2 cache.
60% larger process node
GIGABYTE AORUS GeForce RTX 3060 Ti Elite has a higher process node than the average graphics card (8 nm vs 5 nm). The average graphics card uses a process node of 5 nm.
2 older
GIGABYTE AORUS GeForce RTX 3060 Ti Elite was released earlier than the average graphics card (2,021 vs 2,023).
Older encoder generation
GIGABYTE AORUS GeForce RTX 3060 Ti Elite uses an older encoder generation than the average graphics card (7 vs 8). The average graphics card uses encoder generation 8.
28.8% larger GPU die
GIGABYTE AORUS GeForce RTX 3060 Ti Elite has a higher GPU die size than the average graphics card (392 mm² vs 304.25 mm²). The average graphics card has a GPU die size of 304.25 mm².
No AV1 encoding
GIGABYTE AORUS GeForce RTX 3060 Ti Elite does not support AV1 encoding, the average graphics card does.
1 fewer DisplayPort outputs
GIGABYTE AORUS GeForce RTX 3060 Ti Elite has fewer DisplayPort outputs than the average graphics card (2 vs 3). The average graphics card has 3 DisplayPort outputs.
Narrower decode codec support
GIGABYTE AORUS GeForce RTX 3060 Ti Elite supports narrower hardware decode codec support than the average graphics card (H.264 vs H.264/H.265/AV1/VP9).
28.6% lower boost clock speed
GIGABYTE AORUS GeForce RTX 3060 Ti Elite has a lower boost GPU clock than the average graphics card (1,785 MHz vs 2,500 MHz). The average graphics card has a boost GPU clock of 2,500 MHz.
What it is: Maximum boost frequency the GPU can reach under load
When it matters: When you want a rough idea of peak advertised frequency, while knowing real sustained clocks still depend on cooling and power limits.
Importance: HIGH
GIGABYTE AORUS GeForce RTX 3060 Ti Elite has a lower boost GPU clock than the average graphics card (1,785 MHz vs 2,500 MHz). The average graphics card has a boost GPU clock of 2,500 MHz.1785 MHz vs 2500 MHz
60% larger process node
GIGABYTE AORUS GeForce RTX 3060 Ti Elite has a higher process node than the average graphics card (8 nm vs 5 nm). The average graphics card uses a process node of 5 nm.
What it is: Size of the manufacturing process in nanometers
When it matters: When process node differences may affect power, heat, and overall efficiency.
Importance: MEDIUM
GIGABYTE AORUS GeForce RTX 3060 Ti Elite has a higher process node than the average graphics card (8 nm vs 5 nm). The average graphics card uses a process node of 5 nm.8 nm vs 5 nm
26.6% lower base clock speed
GIGABYTE AORUS GeForce RTX 3060 Ti Elite has a lower base GPU clock than the average graphics card (1,410 MHz vs 1,920 MHz). The average graphics card has a base GPU clock of 1,920 MHz.
What it is: Base operating frequency of the GPU core under standard conditions
When it matters: When you want to understand the card's guaranteed starting frequency instead of looking only at optimistic boost figures.
Importance: HIGH
GIGABYTE AORUS GeForce RTX 3060 Ti Elite has a lower base GPU clock than the average graphics card (1,410 MHz vs 1,920 MHz). The average graphics card has a base GPU clock of 1,920 MHz.1410 MHz vs 1920 MHz
4 GB less VRAM
GIGABYTE AORUS GeForce RTX 3060 Ti Elite has fewer VRAM than the average graphics card (8 GB vs 12 GB). The average graphics card has 12 GB VRAM.
What it is: Total video memory available on the graphics card
When it matters: When you play at high settings, use texture mods, or work with large creative projects.
Importance: HIGH
GIGABYTE AORUS GeForce RTX 3060 Ti Elite has fewer VRAM than the average graphics card (8 GB vs 12 GB). The average graphics card has 12 GB VRAM.8 GB vs 12 GB
26.3% slower memory speed
GIGABYTE AORUS GeForce RTX 3060 Ti Elite has a lower effective memory speed than the average graphics card (14,000 MHz vs 19,000 MHz). The average graphics card reaches an effective memory speed of 19,000 MHz.
What it is: Effective memory data rate combining clock and bus width
When it matters: When you compare how quickly each card can push data through its memory subsystem.
Importance: MEDIUM
GIGABYTE AORUS GeForce RTX 3060 Ti Elite has a lower effective memory speed than the average graphics card (14,000 MHz vs 19,000 MHz). The average graphics card reaches an effective memory speed of 19,000 MHz.14000 MHz vs 19000 MHz
No AV1 encoding
GIGABYTE AORUS GeForce RTX 3060 Ti Elite does not support AV1 encoding, the average graphics card does.
What it is: Supports hardware encoding of AV1 video codec
When it matters: When you stream or export video and want efficient AV1 encoding on the GPU.
Importance: LOW
GIGABYTE AORUS GeForce RTX 3060 Ti Elite does not support AV1 encoding, the average graphics card does.No vs yes
28% lower texture rate
GIGABYTE AORUS GeForce RTX 3060 Ti Elite has a lower texture rate than the average graphics card (271.3 GTexel/s vs 376.8 GTexel/s). The average graphics card has a texture rate of 376.8 GTexel/s.
What it is: Number of textured pixels the GPU can process per second
When it matters: When fast texture handling matters in high-refresh gaming workloads.
Importance: HIGH
GIGABYTE AORUS GeForce RTX 3060 Ti Elite has a lower texture rate than the average graphics card (271.3 GTexel/s vs 376.8 GTexel/s). The average graphics card has a texture rate of 376.8 GTexel/s.271.3 GTexel/s vs 376.8 GTexel/s
10 fewer ray tracing cores
GIGABYTE AORUS GeForce RTX 3060 Ti Elite has fewer ray tracing cores than the average graphics card (38 vs 48). The average graphics card has 48 ray tracing cores.
What it is: Number of dedicated ray tracing processing cores or units
When it matters: When you care about ray-traced lighting, reflections, and shadows in newer games.
Importance: HIGH
GIGABYTE AORUS GeForce RTX 3060 Ti Elite has fewer ray tracing cores than the average graphics card (38 vs 48). The average graphics card has 48 ray tracing cores.38 vs 48

Platform & Features

Connectivity & Media

Graphic comparison of GIGABYTE AORUS GeForce RTX 3060 Ti Elite and

Attribute category

Attribute

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

United States

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about GIGABYTE AORUS GeForce RTX 3060 Ti Elite?

Excellent cooling performance with the Windforce 3X system, maintaining low temperatures even under heavy load
Whisper-quiet operation due to a robust heatsink and high-quality fans
Strong 1080p and 1440p gaming performance, significantly outpacing previous generations like the 1060 or 1660 series
High build quality featuring a sturdy metal backplate that prevents GPU sag
Aesthetically pleasing design with unique RGB fan lighting and a gunmetal finish
Significant overclocking headroom with a 115MHz factory boost over reference speeds
Generous 4-year warranty provided upon online registration

What customers dislike about GIGABYTE AORUS GeForce RTX 3060 Ti Elite?

Software issues, specifically with Gigabyte RGB Fusion 2.0, which many users find buggy and difficult to use
Large physical footprint (2.7-slot thickness) that may not fit in smaller Mini-ITX cases or may block adjacent PCIe slots
Unconventional display output configuration (2x HDMI, 2x DisplayPort) which may be a drawback for users needing three DisplayPorts
Higher price point compared to entry-level 3060 Ti models, sometimes approaching 3070 pricing without a proportional performance jump
RGB brightness is described by some users as being relatively dim or deep-set within the card
The 8GB VRAM capacity is noted as a potential limitation for 4K gaming or future-proofing compared to the non-Ti 12GB variant

Expert reviews

tech-critter.com

03/12/2020

Gigabyte RTX 3060 Ti Gaming OC 8G Performance Review (Includes comparisons to Elite/Master tiers)

The Gigabyte RTX 3060 Ti Gaming OC 8G is a highly capable graphics card optimized for 1080p and 1440p gaming segments, delivering 85–90% of the performance of the pricier RTX 3070 Founders Edition. Measuring a compact 282mm in length, the dual-slot card features a triple-fan cooling array with an alternate-spinning middle fan and a specialized metal backplate cutout to effectively...Read more

thefpsreview.com

13/10/2022

GIGABYTE AORUS GeForce RTX 3060 Ti ELITE 8G Video Card Review

The GIGABYTE AORUS GeForce RTX 3060 Ti ELITE 8G (Revision 2.0) is an impressive, premium mid-range graphics card that pushes the NVIDIA Ampere architecture to its limits with a substantial factory overclock. Out of the box, it features a Boost clock of 1785MHz, which is a significant 120MHz increase over the standard factory boost clock. Key performance advantages (pros) highlighted...Read more

gathering.tweakers.net

29/12/2020

[NVIDIA GeForce RTX 30XX] Ervaringen & Discussie (Community testing/benchmarks)

This Gathering of Tweakers forum thread provides user experiences and benchmarks for NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080/3090 GPUs, focusing on real-world performance, 3DMark Time Spy scores, and optimization techniques. Users highlight strong raw performance and overclocking headroom, with some achieving 2130MHz at 1.025V, though GPU Boost mechanics cause throttling to 2100MHz at 65°C....Read more

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