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RTX 3050 Vs RTX 2060: We Benchmarked Both

In this article, we will compare the RTX 3050 and RTX 2060 in specifications and gaming benchmarks to test their performance and see which one is better in 2024.

Expert Verified By

Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050

Rated: 8.0/10

Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060

Rated: 8.4/10


Pros & Cons

GPU
Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060✅ Great for 1080p and 1440p
✅ Good overclocking capability
❌ Higher power consumption
Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050✅ 8GB of GDDR6 RAM
✅ Low power consumption
❌ Disappointing performance
Key Takeaways
  • In our gaming assessments, we observed that the RTX 2060 performs about 12.8% better than the RTX 3050 at 1080p resolution.
  • Our efficiency tests show that the RTX 2060 draws 30.7% more power and operates at 6.8% higher temperatures compared to the RTX 3050.
  • As of March 2024, the RTX 2060 commands a price tag of around $279, whereas the RTX 3050 is on offer for a mere $179.
  • For superior gaming performance, we recommend the RTX 2060. If you’re looking for a more economical choice with reduced running costs, the RTX 3050 is worth considering.
Why Trust Tech4Gamers
  • Manaf is our comparison expert who has been comparing graphics cards, and processors.
  • 500+ components tested and compared by our team of comparison experts (Tech4Gamers Team).
  • 1000+ hours spent testing different components for our comparisons.
  • Objective testing criteria (See how we compare PC hardware).

At Tech4Gamers, ensuring you get reliable information is our priority. That’s why every comparison undergoes a meticulous review process by our team of experts and editors. Each comparison is carefully examined against our strict editorial guidelines, guaranteeing you trustworthy insights you can depend on.


Comparison Table

NameNVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060
CUDA Cores25601920
Tensor Cores80240
Base Clock1552 MHz1365 MHz
Boost Clock1777 MHz1680 MHz
Memory Speed14 Gbps14 Gbps
Memory Bandwidth224 GB/s336 GB/s
TDP130W160W
Best VariantsBest RTX 3050 Cards-

Architectural Difference

  • Architecture: The RTX 3050 and RTX 2060 are built on different architectures, with the former using a relatively newer Ampere architecture, while the latter relies on the older Turing architecture.
  • GPU Chip: Viewing the design chip, the RTX 2060 employs the TU106 chip built on a 12nm node, while the RTX 3050 integrates an advanced GA106 chip fabricated at a smart 8nm node.
  • Clock Speed: Looking at the GPU specs, the RTX 3050 features a 13.7% higher base clock and a 5.8% greater max turbo clock compared to the RTX 2060.
  • VRAM: Nvidia provided a 192-bit 6GB GDDR6 memory with the RTX 2060, whereas the newer RTX 3050 features an 8GB GDDR memory but with only a 128-bit bus interface.
  • Advanced Technologies: These two graphics cards offer Nvidia DLSS support for raytracing and upscaling. However, the RTX 2060 supports only DLSS 1.0, while the RTX 3050 features DLSS 2.0.

The RTX 3050 and RTX 2060 are affordable Nvidia graphics cards, both having the DLSS and ray tracing support. In this RTX 3050 vs RTX 2060 comparison, we will conduct an in-depth examination of these cards’ specs and architecture, and test them through gaming benchmarks to find out which one is better for gaming.


Gaming Benchmarks

To compare the performance of the RTX 3050 Vs RTX 2060, we tested both GPUs in several demanding games at 1080p resolution with maximum settings. These performance results will help us to decide which GPU is better.

Testing Rig

God Of War

Gameplay Stats
God Of War Benchmarks at 1080p – Image Credits (Tech4Gamers)
  • Starting our benchmarks with God Of War, we observed that the RTX 2060 provides 10.7% better performance than the RTX 3050 by delivering 62 FPS on average compared to 56 FPS.
  • In regards to the low 1% performance, the RTX 2060 mustered a brilliant 52 FPS, whereas the RTX 3050 generated only 46 FPS.

Forza Horizon 5

Gameplay Stats
Forza Horizon 5 Benchmarks at 1080p – Image Credits (Tech4Gamers)
  • Comparing performance in Forza Horizon 5, the RTX 2060 achieves 92 FPS on average, a 10.8% improvement over the RTX 3050’s 83 FPS.
  • Regarding the low 1% frame rate in this game, the RTX 2060 delivered an impressive 76 FPS, outperforming the RTX 3050, which managed only 70 FPS.

Cyberpunk 2077

Gameplay Stats
Cyberpunk 2077 Benchmarks at 1080p – Image Credits (Tech4Gamers)
  • In our Cyberpunk 2077 gameplay, the RTX 2060 outperforms the RTX 3050 by 21.1%, achieving an average of 46 FPS compared to 38 FPS.
  • The RTX 2060 achieved a notable 40 FPS during its worst 1% performance time, while the RTX 3050 lagged at 34 FPS under the same conditions.

Assassin’s Creed Valhalla

Gameplay Stats
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla Benchmarks at 1080p – Image Credits (Tech4Gamers)
  • The RTX 2060 delivers 10.3% better performance than the RTX 3050 in our Assassin’s Creed Valhalla session, with 75 FPS on average versus 68 FPS.
  • In terms of low 1% performance during Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, the RTX 2060 reached 47 FPS, compared to the RTX 3050’s 46 FPS.

Microsoft Flight Simulator

Gameplay Stats
Microsoft Flight Simulator Benchmarks at 1080p – Image Credits (Tech4Gamers)
  • While playing Microsoft Flight Simulator, the RTX 2060 demonstrates a 14.1% performance advantage over the RTX 3050, achieving an average of 65 FPS versus 57 FPS.
  • Experiencing the low 1% performance, the RTX 2060 still managed an impressive 57 FPS, whereas the RTX 3050 only reached 50 FPS.

Horizon Zero Dawn

Gameplay Stats
Horizon Zero Dawn Benchmarks at 1080p – Image Credits (Tech4Gamers)
  • In our final testing of Horizon Zero Dawn, the RTX 2060 delivered 70 FPS on average, showcasing a 14.8% performance lead over the RTX 3050’s 61 FPS.
  • About the low 1% performance in Horizon Zero Dawn, the RTX 2060 produced an impressive 53 FPS, while the RTX 3050 only provided 50 FPS.

Overall Gaming Performance

StatsNvidia GeForce RTX 2060Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050
Average FPS68.3 📈60.5 📈
Low 1% FPS54.2 📉49.3 📉
Winner: Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060

Based on our analysis, the RTX 2060 demonstrates a substantial 12.8% performance advantage on average compared to the RTX 3050 in our 1080p gaming tests. Furthermore, when we evaluated the worst 1% performance, the RTX 2060 maintained its lead over the RTX 3050, outperforming it by approximately 10.0%.


Power Efficiency

StatsNvidia GeForce RTX 2060Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050
Average Power Draw (W)167.2 ⚡127.9 ⚡
Winner: Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050

In our power consumption assessments, the RTX 3050 exhibited a significant edge, boasting 30.7% greater energy efficiency compared to the RTX 2060. Additionally, the RTX 3050’s thermal design power TDP is 23.1% lower than the RTX 2060, showcasing its capability to consume less power and thereby lower electricity expenses.


Thermal Efficiency

StatsNvidia GeForce RTX 2060Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050
Average Gaming Temperaure(°C)64.3 🌡️60.2 🌡️
Winner: Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050

During our gaming sessions, the RTX 3050 consistently maintained lower temperatures compared to the RTX 2060 while running at 1080p resolution. Our observations indicate that the RTX 3050 exhibits a thermal efficiency of approximately 6.8% higher than the RTX 2060.


Price And Availability

GPULaunch MSRPCurrent Price
Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060💲349💲279
Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050💲249💲179
Price Difference40.0%55.9%

Although the RTX 2060 and RTX 3050 are older models, they can still be found in brand-new condition on the market. According to current market data, both of these graphics cards are priced $100 lower than their original launch prices.


Final Verdict: What Do We Recommend?

GeForce RTX 2060: The RTX 2060 is a great graphics card for 1080p and even 1440p gaming. This Nvidia card is one of the first to include DLSS and ray tracing, and it doesn’t consume much power.

GeForce RTX 3050: The RTX 3050 is an efficient graphics card with good 1080p gaming performance. It offers excellent value because it delivers better performance for its cost and energy efficiency.

To conclude the RTX 3050 vs RTX 2060, we recommend the RTX 2060 for enjoying a better gaming experience. However, if you want a cost-effective, newer, and efficient GPU, the RXT 3050 is a better choice.


More From RTX 2060:

More From RTX 3050:

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