Quick Answer
The GeForce RTX 3060 and RTX 2070 SUPER are two graphics cards from different generations that offer similar performance in many gaming scenarios. The RTX 3060 generally benefits from newer architecture features like improved ray tracing and DLSS, while the RTX 2070 SUPER typically has a slight edge in raw memory bandwidth.
GeForce RTX 3060 vs GeForce RTX 2070 SUPER: Full Comparison
Comparing graphics cards from adjacent generations can often lead to interesting insights, as is the case with the GeForce RTX 3060 and the GeForce RTX 2070 SUPER. This analysis is useful for users considering an upgrade or building a system, as these two cards often occupy a similar performance tier in the market. This article will break down their architectures, gaming performance, feature sets, and specifications to provide a clear understanding of their differences and similarities.
Architecture and Specifications
The core differences between these two GPUs stem from their underlying architectures. The RTX 2070 SUPER is based on NVIDIA’s Turing architecture, while the RTX 3060 utilizes the newer Ampere architecture.
- RTX 2070 SUPER (Turing): This card features 2560 CUDA cores and uses 8GB of GDDR6 memory on a 256-bit bus. Its ray tracing and AI tensor cores are of the first-generation design.
- RTX 3060 (Ampere): This model comes with 3584 CUDA cores and 12GB of GDDR6 memory, but on a narrower 192-bit bus. It employs second-generation RT cores and third-generation Tensor cores, which are more efficient.
The RTX 3060’s higher VRAM capacity can be advantageous for certain creative workloads or games with very high-resolution textures, while the RTX 2070 SUPER’s wider memory bus provides higher bandwidth.
Gaming Performance
In traditional rasterization gaming (without ray tracing or DLSS), the performance between these two cards is often quite close, varying by title and resolution.
- 1080p Gaming: Both cards are typically capable of delivering high frame rates in most modern titles at this resolution. The RTX 2070 SUPER may hold a small lead in some games due to its memory bandwidth advantage.
- 1440p Gaming: This is a common target resolution for both GPUs. Performance is generally comparable, with trade-offs depending on the game’s optimization for each architecture.
- Ray Tracing & DLSS: When enabling advanced features, the RTX 3060’s newer architecture often shows benefits. Its second-gen RT cores can handle ray tracing more efficiently, and its third-gen Tensor cores support DLSS 2.0 and newer versions, which can provide a more significant performance boost with good image quality.
Features and Efficiency
Beyond raw frame rates, the architectural generation gap introduces differences in features and power consumption.
- Feature Support: The RTX 3060 supports the full suite of Ampere-era features, including NVIDIA Reflex and Broadcast, which may be appealing for gamers and streamers. The RTX 2070 SUPER supports these in a more limited capacity.
- Power and Thermals: The RTX 3060 is generally specified with a lower typical Total Graphics Power (TGP) than the RTX 2070 SUPER. This can translate to lower power draw and potentially cooler operation, though actual results depend heavily on the specific card design from the manufacturer.
- Driver Support: As the newer card, the RTX 3060 can be expected to receive driver optimizations and support for a longer period into the future, though both are currently well-supported.
Specification Comparison Table
| Feature | GeForce RTX 3060 | GeForce RTX 2070 SUPER |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Ampere (GA106) | Turing (TU104) |
| CUDA Cores | 3584 | 2560 |
| VRAM | 12 GB GDDR6 | 8 GB GDDR6 |
| Memory Bus | 192-bit | 256-bit |
| Memory Bandwidth | 360 GB/s | 448 GB/s |
| Ray Tracing Cores | 2nd Generation | 1st Generation |
| Tensor Cores | 3rd Generation | 1st Generation |
| Typical TGP (Board Power) | 170W | 215W |
| Notable Features | DLSS 2.0+, NVIDIA Reflex, Broadcast | DLSS 1.0, NVENC Encoder |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main performance difference between the RTX 3060 and RTX 2070 SUPER?
In most games, the performance is very similar. The RTX 2070 SUPER can have a slight advantage in traditional gaming due to higher memory bandwidth, while the RTX 3060 often performs better when using ray tracing and DLSS due to its more advanced cores.
Does the RTX 3060’s 12GB of VRAM make a big difference?
For gaming at 1080p and 1440p, 8GB is typically sufficient for current titles. The 12GB on the RTX 3060 may offer more headroom for future games with higher-resolution textures or for specific creative applications like video editing and 3D rendering.
Which card is more power-efficient?
The RTX 3060 generally has a lower specified power draw (TGP) than the RTX 2070 SUPER, making it typically more power-efficient. This can result in lower heat output and potentially quieter cooling solutions.
Is the RTX 3060 considered a direct successor to the RTX 2070 SUPER?
Not exactly in a linear sense. While the RTX 3060 is from the next generation, its positioning in the product stack and its performance place it in competition with the previous generation’s RTX 2070 SUPER, rather than being a strict, significantly faster replacement.
Final Thoughts
The GeForce RTX 3060 and RTX 2070 SUPER present a compelling cross-generational comparison where neither card holds a definitive overall advantage. The RTX 2070 SUPER offers strong traditional performance with high memory bandwidth, while the RTX 3060 counters with a newer architecture, benefits in ray-traced titles, more VRAM, and typically better efficiency. The choice between them often comes down to specific use cases, such as the importance of future feature support or the types of games being played, rather than a clear-cut performance hierarchy.