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The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 is a fascinating new addition to the already powerful graphics card lineup. With its 1080p capabilities and 1440p support, it can take your gaming experience up to another notch!
The NVIDIA RTX’s Ampere architecture is the perfect choice for gamers looking to upgrade their graphics! If you want a card that can handle any game with stunning visuals, this article will help guide your decision.At a Glance: Our Top Picks for NVIDIA RTX 3060 GPU
- OUR TOP PICK: GIGABYTE GeForce RTX 3060 Eagle OC
- RUNNER-UP: ZOTAC Gaming GeForce RTX 3060 Twin Edge OC
- EVGA GeForce RTX 3060 XC Gaming
Comparison Chart of the Best RTX 3060
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Pros and Cons of the RTX 3060
The NVIDIA RTX 3060 is the first performing graphics card in its class, delivering high-quality resolution power for various gaming applications.
The product's advantages and disadvantages will be outlined here so that when the time is right for you, our advice can help you make that investment choice.
Pros
The RTX 3060 has some pretty awesome perks! Check out our list below.
Excellent visuals for 1080p gaming
The RTX 3060 is one of the best graphics cards for 1080p gaming. It can play games at an incredible, silky smooth frame rate and packs enough power to drive up to 1440p resolution without any problem.
Superb Value for its Performance
The RTX 3060 is a high-end graphics card that can perform at an impressively fast pace without having to overburden itself. With RTX 3060, you can get a great graphics card without spending too much money.
Fits Most PC Cases
The NVIDIA RTX 3060 graphics card is the perfect addition to your PC. With a lightweight and compact design, this video card will fit in most cases with ease.
Chipset Change to Prevent Supply Shortage
NVIDIA's RTX 3060 more recent graphics card releases are now equipped with chipsets that were specifically designed to lower its computing capabilities without affecting the high-quality ray tracing for video games.
This action controls the use of the GPU for cryptocurrency mining. NVIDIA did this to avoid an impending shortage and subsequent price hike for gamers.
New Features: GeForce Now, RTX-IO, Reflex, and Broadcast
NVIDIA provides additional features such as GeForce Now, RTX-IO, Reflex, and Broadcast for the user's enjoyment and enhanced gaming adventure.
GeForce Now is a cloud gaming service containing a library of several games that can be accessed online anytime and anywhere, using a compatible device.
RTX-IO effectively hastens the CPU's IO operation by moving these types of processes to the GPU.
Reflex Latency Analyzer is a responsiveness measure indicator that works well with G-SYNC 360 Hz monitors.
Broadcast app edits and converts your immersive games into videos and live streams for social media uploads.
Cons
The RTX 3060 is a great product with outstanding features, but it has caveats. These drawbacks are listed below:
Requires High Power Supply
NVIDIA RTX 3060 needs a higher minimum power supply at 550 W. On the other hand, its predecessor RTX 2060, only requires 450 W.
RTX 3060 is a more powerful graphics card, and this results in more outstanding heat production that needs to be dissipated quickly through fans or other cooling methods for optimal performance.
High Noise Levels
Some recent buyers and users of the RTX 3060 report that some brands produce high noise levels, which is unpleasant and irritable if you share your gaming hub or workstation space with others.
Difficult to Have One at MSRP
For those looking to upgrade their graphics cards, it may be worth waiting for RTX 3060 as supplies of these cards have been limited. This supply shortage drives the prices to increase further than the MSRP.
Reviews of the Best RTX 3060 Graphics Cards
Best Overall:
GIGABYTE GeForce RTX 3060 Eagle OC
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
This marvel of engineering, the GIGABYTE GeForce RTX 3060 Eagle OC, easily renders 1080p as well as 1440p. However, reviewers report that the noisy video card and the large performance gap from the RTX 3060 Ti are some of its drawbacks.
Why It Stands Out to Us
GIGABYTE’s RTX 3060 is the best graphics card for 1080p gaming and can be an excellent choice if you want to try a 1440p software resolution.
With impressive temperature control, this GPU can be used in more settings without you having to worry about overheating issues like some cards on the market.
Plus, it has a 12 GB VRAM, so you won’t have to worry about upgrading anytime soon.
Who Will Use This Most
This GIGABYTE GPU is perfect for gamers and professionals who want to enjoy 1080p high-quality ray-traced gaming, including the 1440p resolution software. Also, it is a great choice for those who want to protect their computer from overheating.
Bottom Line
The GIGABYTE GeForce RTX 3060 is the perfect GPU if you are looking to find a balance between its functionality, durability, and aesthetics. From its design to its remarkable features, this graphics card is an incredible value for money.
Runner-Up:
ZOTAC Gaming GeForce RTX 3060 Twin Edge OC
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
The ZOTAC Gaming GeForce RTX 3060 Twin Edge OC grabs everyone's attention because of its cheaper MSRP than its predecessor. While it is a good RTX 3060 choice, the GPU does not include RGB, and its hash rate has been lowered, so it can’t be overclocked further.
Why It Stands Out to Us
ZOTAC’s RTX 3060 is an outstanding option for gamers looking to upgrade their current gaming system. It has ray tracing and high frame rate features in mind-blowing detail.
The GPU can handle the demands of ever-growing games and creative software without lag, thanks to the generous provision of 12 GB VRAM.
Moreover, the graphics card has an active fan control built to beat the card’s hot temperature as it reaches its peak processing during operation.
Who Will Use This Most
The ZOTAC RTX 3060 is the perfect card for people who want efficiency. It has accurate data transfer speeds and can support 1080p and 1440p displays. In addition, it is for content creator workstations that focus on a graphics processor’s functions and advantages.
Bottom Line
The ZOTAC GeForce RTX 3060 is a good purchase if you search for a GPU with all the RTX 3060 features without spending too much money. However, it is difficult to secure one because of its limited stocks available and ever-growing demands.
EVGA GeForce RTX 3060 XC Gaming
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
The EVGA GeForce RTX 3060 XC Gaming provides outstanding performance for an affordable price. Also, this GPU can be overclocked up to speeds of 1882 MHz. However, recent buyers of the RTX 3060 have found that it's pretty noisy but not too loud.
Why It Stands Out to Us
EVGA’s RTX 3060 is a budget-friendly graphics card that offers exceptional value for the price.
It comes with a 3-year warranty and EVGA technical support, assuring that every purchase of this product will last longer.
The GPU’s compact design features include an all-metal backplate ensuring maximum airflow within the card unit.
Who Will Use This Most
EVGA GeForce RTX 3060 is for users who want a compact card with greater computing capacity. It is also for professionals that value durability in their GPU investment since it comes with a 3-year warranty and technical support.
Bottom Line
The EVGA RTX 3060 is an excellent card if you're looking for something fast and has some expansion capabilities. It comes with a 3-year warranty and tech support, a fantastic deal for an affordable price tag.
MSI Gaming GeForce RTX 3060 Gaming X Trio
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
The MSI Gaming GeForce RTX 3060 Trio is equipped with a lightweight yet sturdy composite graphene backplate, which can also cool the card passively. Though this RTX 3060 product is quite expensive, it is an excellent gaming graphics card at a competitive price point.
Why It Stands Out to Us
MSI’s RTX 3060 has an effective heatsink system that removes the heat produced by your graphics card during peak performance.
This graphics card permits clock boosts up to 1852 MHz. It has built-in control software for optimizing components features while running at the same time.
The GPU has a durable yet lightweight graphene shroud that serves as an aesthetic addition and protection to keep it from bending.
Who Will Use This Most
The MSI RTX 3060 graphics card is for users who like to maximize their GPU attributes to get more efficient results. Interested buyers of this product must first consider the card’s bulky dimensions to fit the CPU case well.
Bottom Line
MSI has just what you're looking for in their new RTX 3060. This GPU enables clock boosting by up to 1852 MHz. It is the best choice for 3D rendering or video editing projects needing a stable graphics processor that can work at top speeds for a long time without overheating.
MSI Gaming GeForce RTX 3060 Gaming X
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
The MSI Gaming GeForce RTX 3060 has been described by its recent users as a graphics card that works relatively better than the RTX 2060 Super. However, at a price tag that falls under the mid-range overall, this graphics card is an expensive buy.
Why It Stands Out to Us
The MSI RTX 3060 is a great graphics card for those who need quick and efficient image processing. It is a slight upgrade from previous RTX 2060 Super owners.
This graphics processing unit features an increased clock speed, allowing the user to boost the computing speed up to 1837 MHz.
In addition, this particular model's operation also happens while adequately cooled and without generating too much noise that disrupts nearby environments.
Who Will Use This Most
The MSI RTX 3060 is a graphics card for people who want to readily use the GPU because it only requires minimal customization to fit most cases. This video card has adjustable RGB great for enthusiasts who want to add attractive displays and neon colors to their build.
Bottom Line
The MSI Gaming GeForce RTX 3060 lets you enjoy high-performance results without all of those pesky loud noises. Its well-balanced design with a dual-fan system controls heat efficiently in a relatively silent manner compared to other cards.
ASUS ROG Strix GeForce RTX 3060 V2 OC
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
The ASUS ROG Strix GeForce RTX 3060 V2 OC is an incredible ray-tracing card that makes virtual scenes come alive with greater pixel resolutions. On the other hand, this GPU needs a minimum power supply of 750 watts, about 100 watts greater than the Founder’s Edition.
Why It Stands Out to Us
The ASUS RTX 3060 is a functional graphics card that can be overclocked up to 1912 MHz. This allows the GPU to compute a large number of complex calculations at a time.
It has five video outputs, including two HDMIs and three DisplayPorts so that you can connect it easily to your monitor or TV set without any problem.
This compact graphics card has a relatively small size which only takes up roughly 3 slots in a computer CPU case.
Who Will Use This Most
The ASUS RTX 3060 is a card for people who require a card with relatively high overclocking of up to 1912 MHz. With a strong processor and sufficient memory, it is suitable for professionals working for hours and creating complex 3D modeling and graphic design.
Bottom Line
The ASUS GeForce RTX 3060 has five video outputs for various display devices such as computer monitors, laptops, and larger LED TV screens. It is quite costly, but considering the high demand for graphics cards right now, it is still a good purchase decision.
ASUS TUF Gaming GeForce RTX 3060 OC
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
The ASUS TUF Gaming GeForce RTX 3060 OC is made from certified durable parts for long service life. While it is best for 1080p and a good starter for 1440, this GPU is not yet ready for 4K. Also, recent users report that the device gets louder as it reaches its top speeds.
Why It Stands Out to Us
The ASUS RTX 3060 has military-grade certification for its capacitors, which means it can work impressively even when rendering the most heavily detailed parts of a program.
The graphics card has an aluminum shroud that is both stylish and sturdy. It also comes with a protective metal backplate that passively cools the card.
This GPU is the ultimate tool for any enthusiast looking to push their system's limits. It permits clock boosting of up to 1852 MHz.
Who Will Use This Most
The ASUS RTX 3060 is suitable for people who like the combination of the product’s solid functionalities, stylish yet sturdy build, and customizable RGB lighting. It is for users who are not easily distracted by the graphics card's loud sound at times during peak performance.
Bottom Line
The ASUS GeForce RTX 3060 is a powerful graphics card that has been factory overclocked to achieve its optimal performance. If you are willing to invest in an expensive component that works well and is built to last long, choosing this graphics card would certainly not disappoint.
PNY GeForce RTX 3060 XLR8 Gaming Revel Epic-X
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
The PNY GeForce RTX 3060 XLR8 Gaming Revel Epic-X has all the impeccable features that RTX 3060 provides with an economical price range. However, the graphics card has a relatively low clock boost compared to other GPUs with a dual-fan mechanism attached to it.
Why It Stands Out to Us
PNY’s RTX 3060 is equipped with the power to render graphics realistically, especially for 1080p and 1440p displays. It is an affordable starter for 4K or 8k gaming.
Also, this device is VR-ready, so you don't have to think about compatibility issues in the future for the upcoming era of virtual reality software.
This GPU lets users easily adjust the clock speeds to match their personalized needs with a quick and easy-to-use overclocking software tool.
Who Will Use This Most
The PNY RTX 3060 is for people searching for a budget-friendly option from a wide array of capable and efficient RTX 3060 selections. This GPU is for users who find its peak performance noise levels to be workable and acceptable.
Bottom Line
The PNY GeForce RTX 3060 is a future-ready GPU that can render and rasterize gaming and software with various pixel resolutions, including virtual reality. Moreover, if the relatively high power supply doesn’t put you off, then this GPU is the right investment for you.
ASUS Phoenix GeForce RTX 3060 Gaming
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
The ASUS Phoenix GeForce RTX 3060 Gaming offers a significant clock boost for its size compared to its larger counterparts. On the other hand, this graphics card that focuses on overall functionality has no RGB lighting provisions.
Why It Stands Out to Us
ASUS’ RTX 3060 is the shortest graphics card of its kind. For its small size, a capacity of about 1777 MHz is a good clock boost.
It is made up of a protective backplate that supports and passively cools the card simultaneously.
The graphics card has one axial fan design that aims to cool the card efficiently while running silently.
Who Will Use This Most
The ASUS RTX 3060 is best for people who want to install and use the graphics card readily. It is for the users who require a device that can run for an extended period while it effectively cools and produces less sound.
Bottom Line
ASUS GeForce RTX 3060’s minimal form and size are a perfect match for you if decorative PC lighting and other colorful effects are not your style. Considering the advantages it gives in work and gaming, this is an excellent product to purchase.
GIGABYTE GeForce RTX 3060 Gaming OC
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
The GIGABYTE GeForce RTX 3060 Gaming OC has an efficient cooling system that dissipates the heat produced by the device with relatively less noise. However, its maximum calculating capacity has been decreased to prevent crypto miners from hoarding GPUs.
Why It Stands Out to Us
GIGABYTE’s RTX 3060 shows great ray-tracing and photorealistic capability for 1440p resolution displays whereas its competitors present their best performance at 1080p.
The GPU’s clock can be boosted up to 1837 MHz, which is great for tackling massive calculations at any given time.
It comes with an impeccable cooling mechanism composed of alternate spinning fans and an all-metal protective backplate serving passive cooling to the system.
Who Will Use This Most
The GIGABYTE RTX 3060 is for the gamers who love to play in 1440p, the next mainstream pixel resolution in gaming and creative software. The graphics card is for professionals who like the device’s sturdy structure that can endure extended work periods.
Bottom Line
If you are searching for a graphics card that delivers impressive rendering and rasterization, GIGABYTE GeForce RTX 3060 is the right GPU for you. This GPU has an excellent heatsink and cooling system keeping the heat controlled for several hours of work and gameplay.
People Also Ask
If you're looking for the right graphics card, then read on!
We have compiled a list of frequently asked questions and their corresponding answers below.
Is the RTX 3060 upgrade worth it?
Yes. If you get the opportunity to buy an RTX 3060 and it makes sense for your screen resolution, the age of the GPU in question, and budget considerations, then this is a solid video card.
It should provide noticeable improvements over what’s currently installed on most computers today with minimal hassle.
Is RTX 3060 good for gaming?
Yes. With the RTX 3060, you can play games on high settings with 1080p or 1200p resolution. If a game supports DLSS, it will run at 60fps and provide better performance than any older ray tracing enabled NVIDIA 20 series graphics card.
Is the RTX 3060 a good graphics card overall?
Yes. It might be a good GPU, but that's not saying much. The entire 30 series of NVIDIA Ampere GPUs is excellent.
If you can afford the Ti version for an extra $70 or so, I recommend getting it instead because 1440p gaming will let your PC provide stunning visuals with smooth gameplay.
Can RTX 3060 run 1440p?
Yes. The GeForce RTX 3060 is a powerful graphics card that can easily meet the system requirements of today's games.
This benchmarker on gaming software will often provide excellent frame rates at 1080p high or even 1440 resolution for PC gamers who want more than just basic features from their gaming experience without spending too much money.
How much does a 3060 GPU cost?
The RTX 3060 has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $329 and recommended retail price of $404. If you want the best performance for your money, this card will certainly not disappoint.
What do I need to run RTX 3060?
The system requirements for the board are pretty high, and your best bet would be a 550 W minimum power supply with one available 8-pin connector.
We recommend a resolution of 3840 x 2160 or better to have optimal performance from the latest games.
We also suggest 16 GB of RAM, so you don't encounter any lags while playing around 50 or more frames per second during peak operation.
Can RTX 3060 run 4K gaming?
Yes. With a GeForce RTX 3060, you'll be able to run higher-resolution 1440p games. This graphics card can also render 4K regularly if your overall PC is compatible with supporting such settings.
Is RTX 3060 better than RTX 2060?
Yes. The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 is the new affordable graphics card that outperforms its predecessor, the RTX 2060 by a significant margin.
The RTX 2060 is the predecessor to the more powerful and expensive RTX 30 series. It's a decent 1080 processor that offers access to ray tracing for a lower price point.
On the other hand, the RTX 3060 is the new go-to budget graphics card for those looking to play games at 1080p and 1440p. Its performance beats out any previous generation cards by a significant margin.
Conclusion
The RTX 3060 GPU is a shining example of what can be accomplished when you have the best graphics card for your money. It offers performance and features that come close to those found on higher-end cards without breaking the bank.
The new high-quality RTX 3060 graphics card has arrived. This is the best investment you can make for your gaming and creative life, so don't wait!
