OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Graphics cards Methodology v3.0
Graphics cards Methodology v3.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Graphics cards Methodology v3.0: the technical score from the specifications is the base, and independent expert and video reviews (up to ±0.5 points), owner opinions (up to ±0.3) and best-of lists (up to +0.3) move it up or down.
Explore Graphics cards Methodology v3.0

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 review: 117 specs compared

Avg. price:~£290VRAM:12 GBMemory bus width:192 bitThermal Design Power (TDP):170 W

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 Review: Compare 117 technical specifications, 49 expert and video reviews and 3 best-of lists to see how this product ranks in the Graphics cards category and whether it is worth buying.

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060
6.9/10

Overall score

Score
6.9/ 10
✕
What it is
Our main score for this model, 1–10. It combines specs, expert reviews, best-of lists and owners.
How we count it
Parts: Technical score 40%, Reviews score 25%, List score 25%, Sentiment score 10%
Marks: Each part gets a mark out of 10. For reviews, lists and owners, a typical model in this category gets about 8 and the best one gets 10.
No data yet: A part with no data shows "?". It counts as the mark of a weaker model in this category (4 in 5 models with data score higher). This way, models with reviews, lists and owners usually come out ahead.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 71% of models
Score components

40%

6.0

Technical score

25%

6.0

Reviews score

25%

8.1

List score

10%

9.4

Sentiment score

▼Worse than 71% of graphics cards
7.5

Value for money

Value for money
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the graphics card's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a graphics card that offers a strong balance of performance, features, and price.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 54% of models
Score components

70%

6.9

Overall score

30%

9.0

Price

▲Better than 54%
6.0

Technical score

Technical score
6.0/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 40% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 72% of models
Score components

44%

4.1

Performance

24%

5.6

Memory

12%

8.4

Power

11%

9.2

Features

5%

9.6

Design

4%

9.2

Connectivity

▼Worse than 72%
6.0

Reviews score

Reviews score
6.0/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.6 for now.
Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 83% of models

6.0

Mark 7.9 is below the typical mark 7.9 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

80%

7.5

Average grade

20%

9.6

Popularity

Grades by review (49)
14 reviews: 9 with a printed score, 5 estimated from the review. 35 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
▼Worse than 83%
8.1

List score

List score
8.1/ 10
✕
What it is
How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
How we count it
Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 25% of the overall score.
Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
Lists with this model (3)
List score: in 3 of 94 lists (3%)
★Better than 98%
  • nvidia-geforce-rtx-3060
nvidia-geforce-rtx-3060
Where to buy
    N/A~ £290
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.

What reviewers say about the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060

Based on 13 · 36

Reviewers like its solid 1080p gaming and generous video memory, but many feel rival cards offer better value.
Praised
Mixed views
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what
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Technical Specifications of graphics card NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060

Technical score
Technical score
6.0/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 40% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 72% of models
Score components:

44%

4.1

Performance

24%

5.6

Memory

12%

8.4

Power

11%

9.2

Features

5%

9.6

Design

4%

9.2

Connectivity

6.0
Reviews score
6.0
List score
8.1
Value for money
Value for money
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the graphics card's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a graphics card that offers a strong balance of performance, features, and price.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 54% of models
Score components:

70%

6.9

Overall score

30%

9.0

Price

7.5
3DMark Time Spy benchmark score
8,600 points
Market range: <4.1k points – >30.1k points
This graphics card scores 8,600 points in 3DMark Time Spy, which is lower than 76.2% of graphics cards and equal to 0.1% of graphics cards.
3DMark Port Royal score
5,200 points
Market range: <0 points – >22.4k points
This graphics card scores 5,200 points in 3DMark Port Royal, which is lower than 71.6% of graphics cards and equal to 0.3% of graphics cards.
PassMark (G3D) result
16,776 points
Market range: <7.7k points – >36k points
This graphics card scores 16,776 points in PassMark G3D, which is lower than 70% of graphics cards and equal to 0.2% of graphics cards.
PassMark (DirectCompute) result
8,438 points
Market range: <3.1k points – >26.3k points
This graphics card scores 8,438 points in PassMark DirectCompute, which is lower than 68.5% of graphics cards and equal to 0.4% of graphics cards.
FP32 performance
12.7 TFLOPS
Market range: <3.94 TFLOPS – >56.3 TFLOPS
This graphics card delivers 12.7 TFLOPS FP32 performance, which is lower than that of 70.2% of graphics cards and equal to that of 0.1% of graphics cards.
Show more
What reviewers say
VRAM
12 GB
Market range: <4 GB – >16 GB
This graphics card has 12 GB of VRAM, which is more than 46% of graphics cards and equal to 16% of graphics cards.
Memory type
GDDR6
This graphics card uses GDDR6 memory, which is newer than on 16.4% of graphics cards and equal to 40.3% of graphics cards.
Memory bus width
192 bit
Market range: <128 bit – >384 bit
This graphics card uses a 192 bit memory bus, which is wider than that of 31.9% of graphics cards and equal to that of 18.7% of graphics cards.
Maximum memory bandwidth
360 GB/s
Market range: <168 GB/s – >960 GB/s
This graphics card reaches 360 GB/s memory bandwidth, which is lower than that of 61.9% of graphics cards and equal to that of 1.5% of graphics cards.
Effective memory speed
15,000 MHz
Market range: <7k MHz – >28k MHz
This graphics card reaches an effective memory speed of 15,000 MHz, which is slower than that of 67.8% of graphics cards and equal to that of 1.5% of graphics cards.
Show more
What reviewers say
PCI Express (PCIe) version
4
This graphics card supports PCIe 4, which is newer than on 22.5% of graphics cards and equal to 50.5% of graphics cards.
PCIe lanes
x16
This graphics card uses x16 PCIe lanes, which is more than 24.1% of graphics cards and equal to 75.9% of graphics cards.
DirectX version
12 Ultimate
This graphics card supports DirectX 12 Ultimate, which is more advanced than on 22.8% of graphics cards and equal to 77.2% of graphics cards.
Vulkan version
1.4
This graphics card supports Vulkan 1.4, which is more advanced than on 20.8% of graphics cards and equal to 79.2% of graphics cards.
OpenGL version
4.6
This graphics card supports OpenGL 4.6, which is more advanced than on 2% of graphics cards and equal to 98% of graphics cards.
Show more
What reviewers say
Max displays supported
4
Market range: <4 – >4
This graphics card supports up to 4 displays, which is more than 9% of graphics cards and equal to 88.2% of graphics cards.
Max digital resolution
7680x4320
This graphics card supports a maximum digital resolution of 7680x4320, which is higher than that of 9.2% of graphics cards and equal to that of 90.9% of graphics cards.
DisplayPort outputs
3
Market range: <1 – >3
This graphics card offers 3 DisplayPort outputs, which is more than 21.7% of graphics cards and equal to 76% of graphics cards.
DisplayPort version
1.4a
This graphics card supports DisplayPort 1.4a, which is more advanced than on 19.3% of graphics cards and equal to 46.3% of graphics cards.
DisplayPort link rates
32.4 Gbps
Market range: <5.4 Gbps – >80 Gbps
This graphics card supports DisplayPort link rates up to 32.4 Gbps, which is faster than on 56.6% of graphics cards and equal to 20.9% of graphics cards.
Show more
Thermal Design Power (TDP)
170 W
Market range: <86 W – >360 W
This graphics card has a TDP of 170 W, which is lower than that of 63.3% of graphics cards and equal to that of 1.9% of graphics cards.
Power consumption while under peak load
170 W
Market range: <106 W – >365 W
This graphics card draws 170 W under peak load, which is lower than 66.6% of graphics cards and equal to 1.7% of graphics cards.
Recommended PSU wattage
550 W
Market range: <450 W – >850 W
This graphics card recommends a 550 W PSU, which is lower than that of 61.8% of graphics cards and equal to that of 13.3% of graphics cards.
Board power limit
170 W
Market range: <107 W – >400 W
This graphics card has a board power limit of 170 W, which is lower than that of 67.8% of graphics cards and equal to that of 1.4% of graphics cards.
PCIe power spec
170 W
Show more
What reviewers say
Size
242x 112x 42 mm
Length
242 mm
Market range: <200 mm – >337 mm
This graphics card is 242 mm long, which is shorter than 72.5% of graphics cards and equal in length to 1.7% of graphics cards.
Height
112 mm
Market range: <109 mm – >146 mm
This graphics card is 112 mm tall, which is shorter than 76.6% of graphics cards and equal in height to 3.2% of graphics cards.
Slot width
2 slot/s
Market range: <2 slot/s – >3.25 slot/s
This graphics card occupies 2 slot/s, which is slimmer than 52.4% of graphics cards and equal in width to 43.4% of graphics cards.
Weight
996 g
Market range: <541 g – >2k g
This graphics card weighs 996 g, which is lighter than 55% of Graphics cards and equal to 0.3% of Graphics cards.
Show more
What reviewers say

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 vs the average graphics card

246810TotalPerformanceMemoryFeaturesConnectivityPowerDesign
  • 0.5 slot/s slimmer design
    This graphics card occupies fewer slots than the average graphics card (2 slot/s vs 2.5 slot/s). The average graphics card occupies 2.5 slot/s.
    2 slot/s vs 2.5 slot/s
  • 13 mm lower card height
    This graphics card is shorter than the average graphics card (112 mm vs 125 mm). The average graphics card has a height of 125 mm.
    112 mm vs 125 mm
  • 40.2 mm shorter card length
    This graphics card is shorter than the average graphics card (242 mm vs 282.2 mm). The average graphics card has a length of 282.2 mm.
    242 mm vs 282.2 mm
  • 15.4% lower PSU requirement
    This graphics card has a lower PSU requirement than the average graphics card (550 W vs 650 W). The average graphics card has a PSU requirement of 650 W.
    550 W vs 650 W
  • 20.9% lower TDP
    This graphics card has a lower TDP than the average graphics card (170 W vs 215 W). The average graphics card has a TDP of 215 W.
    170 W vs 215 W
  • 20.5% higher sentiment score
    9.4 vs 7.8
  • 7.1% faster VRAM clock
    This graphics card has a higher VRAM clock than the average graphics card (1,875 MHz vs 1,750 MHz). The average graphics card runs its VRAM at 1,750 MHz.
    1,875 MHz vs 1,750 MHz
  • Supports LHR limiting
    This graphics card supports an LHR limiter, while the average graphics card does not. 7.5% of Graphics cards support one.
  • 20.5% higher sentiment score
    9.4 vs 7.8
  • 6.6% higher list score
    List score
    8.1/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
    How we count it
    Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 25% of the overall score.
    Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
    Lists with this model (3)
    List score: in 3 of 94 lists (3%)
    8.1 vs 7.6
  • 7.1% faster VRAM clock
    This graphics card has a higher VRAM clock than the average graphics card (1,875 MHz vs 1,750 MHz). The average graphics card runs its VRAM at 1,750 MHz.
    1,875 MHz vs 1,750 MHz
  • Supports LHR limiting
    This graphics card supports an LHR limiter, while the average graphics card does not. 7.5% of Graphics cards support one.
  • 15.4% lower PSU requirement
    This graphics card has a lower PSU requirement than the average graphics card (550 W vs 650 W). The average graphics card has a PSU requirement of 650 W.
    550 W vs 650 W
  • 20.9% lower TDP
    This graphics card has a lower TDP than the average graphics card (170 W vs 215 W). The average graphics card has a TDP of 215 W.
    170 W vs 215 W
  • 13 mm lower card height
    This graphics card is shorter than the average graphics card (112 mm vs 125 mm). The average graphics card has a height of 125 mm.
    112 mm vs 125 mm
  • 0.5 slot/s slimmer design
    This graphics card occupies fewer slots than the average graphics card (2 slot/s vs 2.5 slot/s). The average graphics card occupies 2.5 slot/s.
    2 slot/s vs 2.5 slot/s
  • 40.2 mm shorter card length
    This graphics card is shorter than the average graphics card (242 mm vs 282.2 mm). The average graphics card has a length of 282.2 mm.
    242 mm vs 282.2 mm
  • 29.1% lower boost clock speed
    This graphics card has a lower boost GPU clock than the average graphics card (1,777 MHz vs 2,505 MHz). The average graphics card has a boost GPU clock of 2,505 MHz.
    1,777 MHz vs 2,505 MHz
  • Less advanced frame generation
    This graphics card has less advanced frame generation than the average graphics card (no vs multi frame generation).
  • 31.3% lower base clock speed
    This graphics card has a lower base GPU clock than the average graphics card (1,320 MHz vs 1920 MHz). The average graphics card has a base GPU clock of 1920 MHz.
    1,320 MHz vs 1,920 MHz
  • 1 fewer fans
    This graphics card has fewer fans than the average graphics card (2 vs 3).
    2 vs 3
  • 12 fewer compute units
    This graphics card has fewer compute units than the average graphics card (28 vs 40). The average graphics card has 40 compute units.
    28 vs 40
  • 72 fewer TMUs
    This graphics card has fewer TMUs than the average graphics card (112 vs 184). The average graphics card has 184 TMUs.
    112 vs 184
  • 60% larger process node
    This graphics card uses a larger manufacturing process than the average graphics card (8 nm vs 5 nm). The average graphics card uses a manufacturing process of 5 nm.
    8 nm vs 5 nm
  • 47.3% lower texture rate
    This graphics card has a lower texture rate than the average graphics card (199.4 GTexel/s vs 378 GTexel/s). The average graphics card has a texture rate of 378 GTexel/s.
    199.36 GTexel/s vs 378 GTexel/s
  • 16.7% lower review score
    Reviews score
    6.0/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.6 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    ▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    ▼ Worse than 83% of models

    6.0

    Mark 7.9 is below the typical mark 7.9 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

    80%

    7.5

    Average grade

    20%

    9.6

    Popularity

    Grades by review (49)
    14 reviews: 9 with a printed score, 5 estimated from the review. 35 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    6.0 vs 7.2
  • 29.1% lower boost clock speed
    This graphics card has a lower boost GPU clock than the average graphics card (1,777 MHz vs 2,505 MHz). The average graphics card has a boost GPU clock of 2,505 MHz.
    1,777 MHz vs 2,505 MHz
  • 31.3% lower base clock speed
    This graphics card has a lower base GPU clock than the average graphics card (1,320 MHz vs 1920 MHz). The average graphics card has a base GPU clock of 1920 MHz.
    1,320 MHz vs 1,920 MHz
  • 12 fewer compute units
    This graphics card has fewer compute units than the average graphics card (28 vs 40). The average graphics card has 40 compute units.
    28 vs 40
  • 72 fewer TMUs
    This graphics card has fewer TMUs than the average graphics card (112 vs 184). The average graphics card has 184 TMUs.
    112 vs 184
  • 47.3% lower texture rate
    This graphics card has a lower texture rate than the average graphics card (199.4 GTexel/s vs 378 GTexel/s). The average graphics card has a texture rate of 378 GTexel/s.
    199.36 GTexel/s vs 378 GTexel/s
  • 12 fewer ray tracing cores
    This graphics card has fewer ray tracing cores than the average graphics card (28 vs 40). The average graphics card has 40 ray tracing cores.
    28 vs 40
  • 47.1% lower pixel rate
    This graphics card has a lower pixel rate than the average graphics card (85.3 GPixel/s vs 161.3 GPixel/s). The average graphics card has a pixel rate of 161.3 GPixel/s.
    85.3 GPixel/s vs 161.3 GPixel/s
  • 16 fewer ROPs
    This graphics card has fewer ROPs than the average graphics card (48 vs 64). The average graphics card has 64 ROPs.
    48 vs 64
  • 43.8% lower FP32 performance
    This graphics card has a lower FP32 performance than the average graphics card (12.7 TFLOPS vs 22.6 TFLOPS). The average graphics card has FP32 performance of 22.6 TFLOPS.
    12.7 TFLOPS vs 22.6 TFLOPS
  • 32 fewer AI cores
    This graphics card has fewer AI cores than the average graphics card (112 vs 144). The average graphics card has 144 AI cores.
    112 vs 144
  • 41.8% lower gaming score
    This graphics card has a lower gaming score than the average graphics card (8,600 points vs 14,779 points). The average graphics card has a gaming score of 14,779 points.
    8,600 points vs 14,779 points
  • 2 years older
    This graphics card was released earlier than the average graphics card (2021 vs 2023).
    February 2021
    2021 vs 2023
  • 25.9% lower PassMark score
    This graphics card has a lower PassMark score than the average graphics card (16,776 points vs 22,638 points). The average graphics card has a PassMark score of 22,638 points.
    16,776 points vs 22,638 points
  • 43.2% lower ray tracing score
    This graphics card has a lower ray tracing score than the average graphics card (5,200 points vs 9,148 points). The average graphics card has a ray tracing score of 9,148 points.
    5,200 points vs 9,148 points
  • 56.8% lower FP16 performance
    This graphics card has a lower FP16 performance than the average graphics card (12.7 TFLOPS vs 29.5 TFLOPS). The average graphics card has FP16 performance of 29.5 TFLOPS.
    12.74 TFLOPS vs 29.5 TFLOPS
  • 58.3% lower FP64 performance
    This graphics card has a lower FP64 performance than the average graphics card (0.2 TFLOPS vs 0.48 TFLOPS). The average graphics card has FP64 performance of 0.48 TFLOPS.
    0.2 TFLOPS vs 0.48 TFLOPS
  • 21.1% slower memory speed
    This graphics card has a lower effective memory speed than the average graphics card (15,000 MHz vs 19,000 MHz). The average graphics card reaches an effective memory speed of 19,000 MHz.
    15,000 MHz vs 19,000 MHz
  • 87.5% smaller L2 cache
    This graphics card has fewer L2 cache than the average graphics card (3 MB vs 24 MB). The average graphics card has 24 MB L2 cache.
    3 MB vs 24 MB
  • 19.6% lower memory bandwidth
    This graphics card has a lower memory bandwidth than the average graphics card (360 GB/s vs 448 GB/s). The average graphics card has a memory bandwidth of 448 GB/s.
    360 GB/s vs 448 GB/s
  • Less advanced frame generation
    This graphics card has less advanced frame generation than the average graphics card (no vs multi frame generation).
  • 60% larger process node
    This graphics card uses a larger manufacturing process than the average graphics card (8 nm vs 5 nm). The average graphics card uses a manufacturing process of 5 nm.
    8 nm vs 5 nm
  • Older shader model
    This graphics card supports an older shader model than the average graphics card (6.6 vs 6.8).
    6.6 vs 6.8
  • 47.6% fewer transistors
    This graphics card has fewer transistors than the average graphics card (12,000 million vs 22,900 million). The average graphics card has 22,900 million transistors.
    12,000 million vs 22,900 million
  • No AV1 encoding
    This graphics card does not support AV1 encoding, the average graphics card does.
  • Older HDMI version
    This graphics card supports an older HDMI version than the average graphics card (2.1 vs 2.1a).
    2.1 vs 2.1a
  • Older NVDEC generation
    This graphics card has a lower NVDEC generation than the average graphics card (5 vs 6). The average graphics card offers NVDEC generation 6.
    5 vs 6
  • 1 fewer fans
    This graphics card has fewer fans than the average graphics card (2 vs 3).
    2 vs 3
  • No dual BIOS
    This graphics card does not include dual BIOS, the average graphics card does.

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

7.0
Nelly's Nerd Cave
≈ estimated
10/09/2026
Long-term review · owned since 2024, plus benchmarks
Verdict
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 is still a capable card, worth buying used at a good price but hard to justify new at MSRP.
7.0
The GPU Hierarchy
≈ estimated
27/07/2026
Hands-on review · benchmarks, power and value analysis
Verdict
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 is only worth buying at a low price; otherwise, look at newer alternatives.
8.0
Thirdstring Tech
≈ estimated
27/01/2026
Hands-on review · used card tested at 1080p to 4K
Verdict
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 is worth buying for 1440p with its 12GB of VRAM, though a used card carries real risk.
9.0
BaBenche
≈ estimated
05/02/2025
Hands-on benchmark · 15 games at 1080p, DLSS vs DLAA
Verdict
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 is still a strong budget pick in 2025, especially with DLSS for good image quality.
8.0
iVadim
≈ estimated
22/01/2025
Hands-on review · benchmarks in recent games at 1080p
Verdict
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 is still fairly capable at 1080p in 2025, though demanding games need lowered settings.
7.0
ProYamYamPC
≈ estimated
30/11/2024
Hands-on review · 1080p and 1440p game tests and ray tracing checks
Verdict
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 is still decent for 1080p gaming, but it's poor value if you buy one new today.
7.0
iVadim
≈ estimated
05/05/2024
Hands-on review · 2024 benchmarks at 1080p with DLSS
Verdict
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 is a decent 1080p card that relies heavily on DLSS, and the MSI Ventus 2X is quiet.
9.0
ThisBytesForYou
≈ estimated
26/03/2021
Hands-on review · benchmarks, rendering and temperature tests
Verdict
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 is impressive next to the RTX 2060, though current pricing is far above MSRP.
5.0
Hardware Unboxed
≈ estimated
08/03/2021
Full review · benchmarks, power, overclocking and pricing
Verdict
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 is technically sound, but overpriced at current market prices, so it is hard to recommend over the Ti version.
6.0
Gamers Nexus
≈ estimated
25/02/2021
Full review · benchmarks, overclocking and value analysis
Verdict
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 is fine overall but not exciting, with a small price-to-performance gain that doesn't earn a strong recommendation.
7.0
optimum
≈ estimated
25/02/2021
Hands-on review · benchmarks, thermals and 3060 Ti comparison
Verdict
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 is solid for 1080p gaming, but the 3060 Ti offers far better value at list price.
8.0
Digital Foundry
≈ estimated
25/02/2021
Hands-on review · benchmarks, Resizable BAR and value analysis
Verdict
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 is a clear upgrade for GTX 1060 owners, but the 3060 Ti is the better value.
More graded video reviews (2)
creator’s own scoreestimated by us

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

7.5
techspot.com
✓ explicit
08/03/2021
Benchmark review · Game performance
Verdict
The GeForce RTX 3060 is a decent step up from the GTX 1060 and 1070, but it's around 22% slower than the RTX 3060 Ti at 1440p.
8.0
hothardware.com
✓ explicit
25/02/2021
Benchmark test · Ray tracing
Verdict
The GeForce RTX 3060 clearly beats older GTX cards in benchmarks, but just trails the RTX 2060 Super and can't catch the Radeon RX 6800 in ray tracing.
8.0
techradar.com
✓ explicit
23/07/2022
Lab test · 1080p gaming
Verdict
The GeForce RTX 3060 is a big upgrade for 1080p gamers coming from a GTX 1060, but it's around 30% slower than the RTX 3060 Ti and struggles at 1440p.
8.0
babeltechreviews.com
≈ estimated
26/02/2021
Lab test · Gaming and VR
Verdict
The EVGA RTX 3060 Black is quiet and cool, suiting 1080p gaming and reasonable VR use, though overclocking adds only 5% to 10%.
6.0
pcworld.com
✓ explicit
12/03/2021
Hands-on test · 1080p gaming
Verdict
The GeForce RTX 3060 is a decent card for 1080p gaming, with 12GB of memory and Nvidia features, but 1440p often needs lower settings.
7.0
windowscentral.com
≈ estimated
07/06/2021
Review · 1080p upgrade
Verdict
The GeForce RTX 3060 suits 1080p players upgrading from an older GPU, while the RTX 3060 Ti is the better choice for most people.
8.0
tomshardware.com
✓ explicit
07/07/2021
Lab test · Mainstream gaming
Verdict
The GeForce RTX 3060 lands between the RTX 2060 Super and RTX 2070 Super, making it a strong mainstream card that is hard to find in stock.
7.0
theverge.com
✓ explicit
25/02/2021
Hands-on test · Small PC builds
Verdict
The GeForce RTX 3060 is a small, cool 1080p card that fits mini builds well, but it struggles at 1440p and trails the RTX 3060 Ti.
6.0
lesnumeriques.com
✓ explicit
17/03/2021
Lab test · Mid-range 1080p card
Verdict
The GeForce RTX 3060 is a mid-range card that handles Full HD well with DLSS and ray tracing, but its fans are clearly audible under load.
7.0
frandroid.com
✓ explicit
13/03/2021
Lab test · Gaming performance
Verdict
The Zotac GeForce RTX 3060 Twin Edge is a strong Full HD card and a reasonable QHD option, but its ray tracing is weak and needs DLSS to run smoothly.
9.5
elchapuzasinformatico.com
≈ estimated
03/03/2021
Lab test · Quiet dual-fan card
Verdict
The KFA2 GeForce RTX 3060 EX is quiet and cool, suiting 1080p at 144 Hz and 1440p gaming, but it struggles at 4K.
9.5
elchapuzasinformatico.com
≈ estimated
10/03/2021
Lab test · Compact mini-ITX card
Verdict
The EVGA GeForce RTX 3060 XC is a compact two-slot card suited to mini-ITX builds and Full HD to 2K gaming, not 4K.
9.4
geeknetic.es
✓ explicit
25/02/2021
Lab test · Cooling and design
Verdict
The Zotac Gaming GeForce RTX 3060 AMP White stands out for its all-white look and fans that stop at idle, but its narrow memory bus holds it back.
6.0
tweakers.net
≈ estimated
25/02/2021
Benchmark test · Mainstream card
Verdict
The GeForce RTX 3060 suits 1080p and 1440p gaming, with DLSS making ray tracing playable, though 4K is a stretch.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060

  • Excellent 1080p performance with high/ultra settings in most modern titles
  • Generous 12GB of GDDR6 VRAM provides good longevity for textures and content creation
  • Support for DLSS and Ray Tracing provides extra value and smoother frame rates in supported games
  • High energy efficiency and relatively cool/quiet operation in most partner models
  • Strong performance for creative tasks like video editing and 3D rendering (Blender)
  • Significant upgrade path for users coming from older cards like the GTX 1060 or 1650

What customers don't like about NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060

  • Underwhelming 1440p and 4K performance compared to higher-tier 30-series cards
  • Overshadowed by the RTX 3060 Ti, which offers significantly better performance for a modest price increase
  • Narrower 192-bit memory bus can limit the effectiveness of the large 12GB VRAM in some scenarios
  • Minor performance jump over the previous generation RTX 2060 Super
  • 8GB variant of the card exists which has significantly reduced performance and should be avoided
  • Historically difficult to find at its suggested MSRP due to market conditions and scalping

Verdict

The Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 is a mid-range graphics card based on the Ampere architecture, featuring 3,584 CUDA cores, a base clock of 1.32 GHz, and a boost clock of 1.78 GHz. It is most notable for its generous 12GB of GDDR6 VRAM on a 192-bit memory interface, though a later 8GB variant with a narrower 128-bit bus was also released. Main characteristics include 2nd Gen RT Cores and 3rd Gen Tensor Cores, which enable advanced features like real-time ray tracing and AI-powered DLSS. Pros include excellent 1080p and capable 1440p gaming performance, high VRAM capacity for its class that benefits creative workloads and deep learning, and great power efficiency with a 170W TDP. However, cons include limited 4K gaming capabilities, a significant performance gap compared to the RTX 3060 Ti, and a slower memory bandwidth that can bottleneck performance in high-resolution ray-tracing scenarios.

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