GeForce RTX 3080 12GB
Ampere · 12 GB GDDR6X · 350 W
GeForce RTX 3060 12GB
Ampere · 12 GB GDDR6 · 170 W
GeForce RTX 3080 12GB takes it — here’s why.
In our weighted Specdex score, GeForce RTX 3080 12GB lands at 85 and GeForce RTX 3060 12GB at 76. That puts GeForce RTX 3080 12GB ahead by 9 points — a decisive margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.
Pick GeForce RTX 3080 12GB if…
- ✓NVIDIA driver stack
- ✓DLSS support on RTX
- ✓Strong resale value
Pick GeForce RTX 3060 12GB if…
- ✓NVIDIA driver stack
- ✓DLSS support on RTX
- ✓Strong resale value
Winner by scenario
Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate test4K & rasterization
GeForce RTX 3080 12GBTraditional rendering throughput at high resolution
GeForce RTX 3080 12GB leads on raster (85 vs 76).
Ray tracing
GeForce RTX 3080 12GBRT-heavy titles with path-traced lighting
GeForce RTX 3080 12GB leads on rt (80 vs 71).
AI workloads
GeForce RTX 3080 12GBLocal inference, upscaling, generative tools
GeForce RTX 3080 12GB leads on ai (82 vs 73).
Power efficiency
TieFrames per watt — heat, noise, and PSU sizing
Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.
Value for money
GeForce RTX 3060 12GBSpecdex score per dollar at MSRP
GeForce RTX 3060 12GB more score per dollar ($329 vs $799).
Score breakdown
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | GeForce RTX 3080 12GB | GeForce RTX 3060 12GB |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Ampere | Ampere |
| VRAM | 12 GB GDDR6X | 12 GB GDDR6 |
| TBP | 350 W | 170 W |
| Release year | 2022 | 2021 |
GeForce RTX 3080 12GB
- +NVIDIA driver stack
- +DLSS support on RTX
- +Strong resale value
- −Power draw scales with tier
- −Gen-over-gen price creep
- −VRAM gated per tier
GeForce RTX 3060 12GB
- +NVIDIA driver stack
- +DLSS support on RTX
- +Strong resale value
- −Power draw scales with tier
- −Gen-over-gen price creep
- −VRAM gated per tier
FAQ: GeForce RTX 3080 12GB vs GeForce RTX 3060 12GB
Which is better, GeForce RTX 3080 12GB or GeForce RTX 3060 12GB? +
GeForce RTX 3080 12GB scores 85 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 9. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is GeForce RTX 3080 12GB worth the price? +
At $799, GeForce RTX 3080 12GB delivers a Specdex score of 85 — strongest in raster.
Is GeForce RTX 3060 12GB worth the price? +
At $329, GeForce RTX 3060 12GB delivers a Specdex score of 76 — strongest in raster.
Does GeForce RTX 3080 12GB or GeForce RTX 3060 12GB last longer? +
Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.
Which is better for 4K gaming, GeForce RTX 3080 12GB or GeForce RTX 3060 12GB? +
GeForce RTX 3080 12GB — leads on raster (85 vs 76). Traditional rendering throughput at high resolution.
Which is better for ray tracing, GeForce RTX 3080 12GB or GeForce RTX 3060 12GB? +
GeForce RTX 3080 12GB — leads on rt (80 vs 71). RT-heavy titles with path-traced lighting.