RTX 3050 Vs RTX 2060: Is Upgrade Worth It?

See full bio

Abde Manaf

At Tech4Gamers, I began as a comparison writer, analyzing GPU and CPU performance. Now, I focus on writing reviews and contributing to the best-ofs section, sharing personal insights after hands-on testing.

See full bio

Pros & Cons

Comparison Table

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

• Processor: Intel Core i7-13700K
• Motherboard: MSI MEG Z790 ACE MAX Motherboard
• RAM: XPG Lancer RGB 32GB 7200MHz DDR5
• CPU Cooler: Deepcool Assassin II CPU Cooler
• Storage: XPG GAMMIX S70 BLADE 2TB NVMe SSD
• PSU: ENERMAX REVOLUTION D.F. X 1050W

God Of War

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

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

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

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

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:

• RX 6600 Vs RTX 2060
• RTX 2060 Vs RX Vega 56

More From RTX 3050:

• RTX 3050 Vs RX 6600
• RX 6600 XT Vs RTX 3050
• GTX 1650 vs RTX 3050

Abde Manaf

[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.

Get In Touch: manaf@tech4gamers.com