Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060
Rated: 6.5/10
Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060
Rated: 8/10
Pros And Cons
| GPU | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| GeForce RTX 2060 | ✅Great entry level price tag ✅Slightly lower power draw | ❌Significantly lower performance |
| GeForce RTX 3060 | ✅Significantly higher performance ✅1664 additional rendering cores | ❌Relatively higher price tag |
- In our performance tests, the RTX 3060 showcased a remarkable 25% increase in average framerate, showcasing a significant performance boost.
- Power consumption was around 4% higher on the newer card, marking the RTX 2060 to be slightly more power-efficient.
- The price of the RTX 2060 was much lower than that of the RTX 3060.
- If you’re budget-conscious, the RTX 2060 offers great value with its lower price tag. However, for those with more flexible budgets, we highly recommend investing in the RTX 3060 for superior performance.
Comparison Table
| Specification | RTX 3060 | RTX 2060 |
|---|---|---|
| GPU Name | GA106 (GA106-300-A1) | TU106-200A-KA-A1 |
| Shaders | 3840 | 1920 |
| Compute Units | 30 | - |
| Tensor Cores | 112 | 240 |
| ROPs | 48 | 48 |
| TMUs | 112 | 120 |
| Memory Type | GDDR6 | GDDR6 |
| Boost Clock | 1777MHz | 1680MHz |
| RT Cores | 28 | 30 |
| Release Date | Jan 2021 | Jan 2019 |
| Best Variants | Best RTX 3060 | - |
Architectural Differences
- Process Node: The RTX 2060 utilizes TSMC’s 12nm node, while the RTX 3060 employs Samsung’s more advanced 8nm node, offering improved power efficiency and performance.
- Memory Bandwidth: The RTX 2060 delivers a memory bandwidth of 336 GB/s, whereas the RTX 3060 provides a higher bandwidth of 360 GB/s, facilitating faster data transfer and improved performance.
- Transistors: The RTX 2060 is equipped with 10.8 billion transistors, whereas the RTX 3060 features 13.25 billion transistors, signifying increased complexity and performance potential in the latter.
- TDP: Both cards have similar TDP ratings, with the RTX 2060 at 160W and the RTX 3060 at 170W. They both require a single 8-pin power connector for operation, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of power supplies.
The 2000 series of RTX graphics cards have endured the test of time amid recent GPU releases and price hikes. Our comparison between the RTX 3060 and RTX 2060 aims to find out if Nvidia’s newer cards can match up to their predecessors.
Gaming Benchmarks – 1080p
Now that we know the new technology that the RTX 2060 Vs. 3060 GPUs utilize; let’s check their benchmarks. When comparing two pieces of hardware, it’s best to benchmark them to know which is better. Therefore, we are testing both graphics cards on 1080p. If you want to see our review of the RTX 2060 we used, check out our review.
Test System
- Operating System: Windows 11
- CPU: Ryzen 9 5900X
- Motherboard: Gigabyte X570 Aorus Pro Wifi
- CPU Cooler: DeepCool PX1000P 80 PLUS Platinum
- SSD: XPG GAMMIX S70 BLADE 2TB NVMe
- Power Supply: ENERMAX REVOLUTION D.F. X 1050W
Cyberpunk 2077
- While testing Cyberpunk 2077, the RTX 3060 showcased an average of 50 FPS, surpassing the RTX 2060 by approximately 38.8%. In contrast, the RTX 2060 managed only 37 FPS on average.
- When considering 1% lows, the RTX 3060 maintains a smoother gaming experience, with lows closer to 44 FPS compared to the RTX 2060’s 35 FPS.
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla
- While testing Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, the RTX 3060 maintained an average of 64 FPS, outperforming the RTX 2060’s average of 50 FPS.
- As for the 1% lows, the RTX 3060 stood at 53 FPS, significantly higher than the RTX 2060’s average of 41 FPS.
Doom Eternal
- While testing Doom Eternal, the RTX 3060 achieved an impressive average of 204 FPS, surpassing the RTX 2060’s 164 FPS.
- As for the 1% lows, the RTX 3060 exhibited significantly higher 1% lows, reaching 175 FPS, indicating smoother performance compared to the RTX 2060’s 143 FPS.
Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War
- While testing Call of Duty: Black Ops, the RTX 3060 exhibited a commendable average 72 FPS, outperforming the RTX 2060’s 60 FPS.
- Furthermore, the 1% lows of the RTX 3060 were notably higher, hitting 60 FPS, indicating smoother performance, compared to the RTX 2060’s 1% lows of 47 FPS.
Red Dead Redemption 2
- While testing Red Dead Redemption 2, the RTX 3060 achieved an average of 71 FPS, outperforming the RTX 2060, which averaged at 60 FPS.
- As for the 1% lows, the RTX 3060 maintained a steadier performance at 61 FPS, demonstrating smoother gameplay, in contrast to the RTX 2060’s 53 FPS.
Watch Dogs: Legion
- While testing Watch Dogs: Legion, the RTX 3060 delivered an average of 52 FPS, surpassing the RTX 2060’s average of 33 FPS.
- Additionally, the 1% lows of the RTX 3060 were measured at 47 FPS, indicating smoother performance compared to the RTX 2060’s 23 FPS.
Microsoft Flight Simulator
- While testing Microsoft Flight Simulator, the RTX 3060 achieved an average of 47 FPS, outperforming the RTX 2060’s average of 40 FPS.
- Additionally, the 1% lows of the RTX 3060 were recorded at 38 FPS, showcasing smoother performance compared to the RTX 2060’s 34 FPS.
Horizon Zero Dawn
- In our tests of Horizon Zero Dawn, the RTX 3060 displayed an average of 84 FPS, surpassing the RTX 2060’s average of 71 FPS.
- Furthermore, the 1% lows of the RTX 3060 were notably higher at 79 FPS compared to the RTX 2060’s 68 FPS, indicating smoother performance overall.
Fortnite
- While testing Fortnite, the RTX 3060 achieved an impressive average of 134 FPS, surpassing the RTX 2060’s average of 109 FPS.
- Moreover, the 1% lows of the RTX 3060 were notably higher at 98 FPS compared to the RTX 2060’s 84 FPS, ensuring smoother and more consistent gameplay experiences.
Overall Gaming Performance
| Featured | RTX 3060 | RTX 2060 |
|---|---|---|
| Average FPS | 86.4 📈 | 69.2 📈 |
| %1 lows | 75.3 📉 | 54.2 📉 |
| Winner: Nvidia's RTX 3060 | ||
The RTX 3060 outperforms the RTX 2060 with a 25% increase in average FPS, despite only a 15% price difference. However, this translates to roughly a 10% real-world performance gain.
Power Consumption
| Game | RTX 2060 (W) | RTX 3060 (W) |
|---|---|---|
| Cyberpunk 2077 | 157 | 169 |
| Assassin's Creed Valhalla | 152 | 136 |
| Doom Eternal | 160 | 170 |
| COD: Black Ops Cold War | 159 | 161 |
| Red Dead Redemption 2 | 158 | 170 |
| Watch Dogs: Legion | 151 | 155 |
| Microsoft Flight Sim | 159 | 157 |
| Horizon Zero Dawn | 162 | 166 |
| Fortnite | 158 | 166 |
| Average Power Consumption | 157.3 | 161.1 |
| Winner: Nvidia's GeForce RTX 2060 | ||
The RTX 2060 exhibited a marginally superior power efficiency over the RTX 3060 our tests showed that the RTX 2060 consumed around 3% less power than the RTX 3060, making it better in terms of power efficiency.
Price And Value
| GPU | MSRP | Current Price (Used) |
|---|---|---|
| GeForce RTX 2060 | 💲349 | 💲155 |
| GeForce RTX 3060 | 💲329 | 💲259 |
| Price Difference | 5.73% | 67.1% |
Initially, both cards shared similar price points, a trend that persists today. However, the RTX 2060 now stands significantly cheaper. However, their true value is best evaluated in the used market, where pricing dynamics differ.
Which One Should You Get?
GeForce RTX 2060: While struggling with modern AAA titles beyond 1080p, its affordability appeals to budget-conscious gamers. It also boasts slightly better power efficiency, suitable for smaller power supplies.
GeForce RTX 3060: Renowned for its solid gaming performance at 1080p with high settings, the RTX 3060 justifies its higher price tag. Ideal for those prioritizing gaming performance, it offers a compelling choice for users willing to stretch their budget.
If you’re on a tight budget and primarily gaming at 1080p, the RTX 2060 offers good value for money with decent performance. However, if you can afford to spend a bit more and prioritize gaming performance, the RTX 3060 is the better choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
In summary, no, it isn’t. While the RTX 3060 is ~25% faster than the RTX 2060, due to the 15% price addition, it’s not worth it. At most, you’re only going to get a 10% performance increase. Therefore, you’re better off buying an RTX 3060 Ti or an RTX 3070 if you find one for a reasonable price.
Mostly, there is only a transistor count difference between the RTX 2060 and RTX 3060. To explain, the RTX 3060 has Samsung’s 8nm node with 13.25 billion transistors. On the other hand, the RTX 2060 uses TSMC’s 12nm node with 10.4 billion transistors. Other than that, the number of CUDA Cores, RT Cores, etc., are different.
As stated above, the RTX 2060 Super and RTX 3060 have similar performances. The only real difference is in their price tags. Thanks to global inflation, you can find the RTX 2060 Super much cheaper than the RTX 3060. Thus, making it more valuable in terms of price per performance.
More From RTX 2060:
More From RTX 3060:
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[Comparisons Expert]
Abdemanaf is a skilled creative writer who has been honing his craft since 2011. While initially working in different fields, he found a passion for technology and has been exploring the tech world since early 2015. Over the years, he has developed an in-depth knowledge of the latest tech trends and product offerings by various companies.
Abdemanaf’s writing reflects his analytical mindset and ability to think critically. He has a knack for breaking down complex technical information into easily digestible pieces, making his articles engaging and accessible to readers from all backgrounds. In February 2022, he joined Tech4Gamers as a blog and product comparison writer, where he has been able to hone his skills further.
As a writer, Abdemanaf is dedicated to staying up-to-date with the latest technological advancements and trends, enabling him to provide readers with the most relevant and accurate information. He is always eager to learn more and is constantly seeking new challenges to improve his skills.
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