NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 12GB vs NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060
Detailed gaming performance comparison
Reference CPU: Intel Core i5-13400
We compare the RTX 2060 12GB and the RTX 3060 with real FPS across the most popular games at 1080p, 1440p and 4K, plus specs, launch price and AI upscaling support (DLSS/FSR/XeSS). See at a glance which is better for your resolution and budget.
The RTX 3060 is ~16% faster than the RTX 2060 12GB on average at 1080p. On top of that, the RTX 2060 12GB is 9% cheaper (launch price).
RTX 2060 12GB
- Index (1080p)
- 39/100
- VRAM
- 12 GB
- Price (MSRP)
- $299 · ≈ €275
- Upscaling
- DLSS
Average FPS by resolution
Estimated average FPS for each graphics card across the most popular games. The gap usually shows at 1080p and 1440p; at 4K both lose smoothness and upscaling (DLSS/FSR) helps.
| Resolution | RTX 2060 12GB | RTX 3060 | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1080p | 44 | 51 | +16% |
| 1440p | 33 | 39 | +18% |
| 4K | 15 | 18 | +20% |
Specifications
Side-by-side specs of the RTX 2060 12GB and RTX 3060: VRAM, power draw (TDP), performance index and launch price. The better value in each row is highlighted in blue.
| Spec | RTX 2060 12GB | RTX 3060 |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | NVIDIA | NVIDIA |
| VRAM | 12 GB | 12 GB |
| TDP | 185W | 170W |
| Tier | Mid-range | Mid-range |
| Score 1080p | 39 | 45 |
| Score 1440p | 33 | 39 |
| Score 4K | 20 | 24 |
| Price (MSRP) | $299 | $329 |
Gaming Performance
Per-game FPS detail at 1080p Ultra. The graphics card that wins each title is highlighted in blue.
| Game | RTX 2060 12GB | RTX 3060 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Theft Auto IV: Complete Edition | 45FPS | 52FPS | RTX 3060 |
| Grand Theft Auto VI | 35FPS | 40FPS | RTX 3060 |
| Halloween: The Game | 44FPS | 50FPS | RTX 3060 |
| Kena: Scars of Kosmora | 45FPS | 52FPS | RTX 3060 |
| Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War IV | 50FPS | 58FPS | RTX 3060 |
| Mortal Shell II | 41FPS | 47FPS | RTX 3060 |
| Clive Barker's Hellraiser: Revival | 44FPS | 50FPS | RTX 3060 |
| Valor Mortis | 41FPS | 47FPS | RTX 3060 |
| Star Wars Zero Company | 50FPS | 58FPS | RTX 3060 |
| Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve | 45FPS | 52FPS | RTX 3060 |
Verdict
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 wins in 10 out of 10 games
We recommend NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 as the best option for gaming.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions when comparing the RTX 2060 12GB with the RTX 3060.
Which is better, the RTX 2060 12GB or the RTX 3060?
On average at 1080p, the RTX 3060 is 16% faster than the RTX 2060 12GB. The best one for you depends on your resolution, budget and whether you prioritise ray tracing or price.
Which is better at 4K?
At 4K Ultra, the RTX 2060 12GB averages 15 FPS and the RTX 3060 18 FPS across the most popular games. For smooth 4K, enabling upscaling (DLSS/FSR) helps on both.
Is it worth paying more for the faster one?
At 1080p or 1440p the FPS gap may not justify the extra cost; at 4K or with ray tracing the faster card matters more. Check the by-resolution table to decide.
Which has better ray tracing and upscaling?
AI upscaling (DLSS on NVIDIA, FSR on AMD, XeSS on Intel) raises FPS on both; for ray tracing, GeForce RTX cards usually lead. See each card’s support above.
How big is the FPS difference between them?
On average across top games, the gap is around 16% at 1080p. At higher resolutions (1440p and 4K) the relative difference usually stays similar.