Quick Answer
The GeForce RTX 3060 and RTX 2060 SUPER are both capable graphics cards for 1080p and 1440p gaming. The RTX 3060 generally offers a newer architecture, more VRAM, and slightly better performance in modern titles, while the RTX 2060 SUPER remains a strong performer, often found at a lower cost in the secondary market.
GeForce RTX 3060 vs GeForce RTX 2060 SUPER: Full Comparison
Introduction
Choosing a graphics card often involves comparing current-generation options with previous-generation models that may offer compelling value. The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 and the RTX 2060 SUPER represent two such choices, separated by a generation. This comparison aims to break down their specifications, architectural differences, and typical performance to help clarify which card might align better with specific needs, focusing purely on their technical attributes and typical use cases.
Architecture and Core Specifications
The fundamental difference between these two cards lies in their underlying architecture. This influences efficiency, feature support, and performance potential.
- RTX 3060: Based on the Ampere architecture (GA106 GPU). It features 3584 CUDA cores, 112 Tensor Cores (3rd gen), and 28 RT Cores (2nd gen). It is typically equipped with 12GB of GDDR6 memory on a 192-bit bus.
- RTX 2060 SUPER: Based on the older Turing architecture (TU106 GPU). It features 2176 CUDA cores, 272 Tensor Cores (2nd gen), and 34 RT Cores (1st gen). It comes with 8GB of GDDR6 memory on a 256-bit bus.
While the RTX 2060 SUPER has a wider memory bus, the RTX 3060’s newer Ampere architecture provides significant improvements in performance-per-watt and more advanced ray tracing and AI upscaling capabilities through its 3rd-gen Tensor Cores.
Gaming and Rendering Performance
In real-world applications, particularly gaming, the performance delta can vary based on resolution, game optimization, and settings like ray tracing and DLSS.
- Traditional Rasterization (1080p/1440p): The RTX 3060 typically delivers a 10-15% performance advantage over the RTX 2060 SUPER in many games without ray tracing enabled. This makes both cards well-suited for high-refresh-rate 1080p gaming and viable for 60+ FPS 1440p gaming.
- Ray Tracing Performance: Both cards support real-time ray tracing. However, the RTX 3060’s 2nd-gen RT cores are more efficient, often resulting in a smaller performance penalty when ray tracing is turned on compared to the RTX 2060 SUPER’s 1st-gen cores.
- DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling): This AI-powered upscaling is a key feature for both. The RTX 3060 benefits from DLSS 2.0 and newer versions, which are supported by a wider range of games. The RTX 2060 SUPER also supports DLSS but may not see as dramatic a performance uplift in titles using the latest DLSS iterations.
Power, Thermals, and Features
Efficiency and supported technologies are important for long-term use and compatibility.
- TDP and Power: The RTX 3060 typically has a TDP of around 170W, while the RTX 2060 SUPER is rated at about 175W. The difference is minor, but the RTX 3060’s Ampere architecture is generally more power-efficient for the performance it delivers.
- Feature Support: The RTX 3060 supports PCIe 4.0, which can offer benefits in specific scenarios with compatible CPUs and SSDs. The RTX 2060 SUPER uses PCIe 3.0. Both support technologies like NVIDIA Reflex and Broadcast.
- VRAM: The RTX 3060’s 12GB of VRAM can be advantageous for gaming at higher resolutions with detailed textures, and for certain content creation workloads, compared to the 8GB on the RTX 2060 SUPER.
Comparison Table
| Feature | GeForce RTX 3060 | GeForce RTX 2060 SUPER |
|---|---|---|
| GPU Architecture | Ampere (GA106) | Turing (TU106) |
| CUDA Cores | 3584 | 2176 |
| RT Cores | 28 (2nd Generation) | 34 (1st Generation) |
| Tensor Cores | 112 (3rd Generation) | 272 (2nd Generation) |
| VRAM | 12GB GDDR6 | 8GB GDDR6 |
| Memory Bus | 192-bit | 256-bit |
| Typical Boost Clock | ~1.78 GHz | ~1.65 GHz |
| Typical TDP | 170W | 175W |
| PCIe Interface | PCIe 4.0 x16 | PCIe 3.0 x16 |
| Key Technologies | DLSS (2.0+), Ray Tracing (2nd gen), NVIDIA Reflex, Broadcast | DLSS, Ray Tracing (1st gen), NVIDIA Reflex, Broadcast |
| Typical Performance Target | High-FPS 1080p, Solid 1440p | High-FPS 1080p, Good 1440p |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the main difference between the RTX 3060 and RTX 2060 SUPER?
The primary differences are the GPU architecture and VRAM. The RTX 3060 uses the newer Ampere architecture and has 12GB of VRAM, while the RTX 2060 SUPER uses the older Turing architecture with 8GB of VRAM. This generally gives the RTX 3060 a performance edge and better efficiency.
Which card is better for ray tracing?
The GeForce RTX 3060 typically handles ray tracing more efficiently due to its 2nd-generation RT cores. While both cards will see a performance impact with ray tracing enabled, the penalty is often less severe on the RTX 3060, especially when paired with DLSS.
Does the RTX 3060’s 12GB of VRAM make a big difference?
It can, depending on the use case. For gaming at 1440p or with very high-resolution texture packs, the extra VRAM helps prevent performance stuttering. It is also generally more beneficial for content creation applications like video editing and 3D rendering that can utilize larger frame buffers.
Is PCIe 4.0 support on the RTX 3060 important?
For most current gaming scenarios, the difference between PCIe 3.0 and 4.0 is minimal. The benefit is more apparent in specific professional workloads or when using the latest PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSDs for direct storage technology in future games.
Final Thoughts
The GeForce RTX 3060 and RTX 2060 SUPER each have their own merits in the graphics card landscape. The RTX 3060 represents a newer generation, offering architectural improvements, more VRAM, and typically better performance in modern games, particularly with ray tracing enabled. The RTX 2060 SUPER remains a very capable card, often presenting a value-oriented option for high-fidelity 1080p and 1440p gaming. The choice between them often comes down to availability, specific performance requirements for certain applications, and the relative value offered in a given market at a specific time.