Quick Answer
The GeForce RTX 3060 and RTX 2080 SUPER are graphics cards from different generations with comparable performance. The RTX 3060 typically offers newer features like improved ray tracing and DLSS technology, while the RTX 2080 SUPER often provides a slight edge in raw performance for traditional rendering. The choice often depends on availability and specific system requirements.
GeForce RTX 3060 vs GeForce RTX 2080 SUPER: Full Comparison
Comparing graphics cards from successive generations can be a common dilemma for PC builders and upgraders. The GeForce RTX 3060, part of NVIDIA’s Ampere architecture, and the GeForce RTX 2080 SUPER, a high-end offering from the previous Turing generation, often occupy a similar performance tier in the market. This comparison aims to break down their architectures, gaming performance, feature sets, and efficiency to help clarify their respective positions and assist in making an informed decision based on technical merits.
Architecture and Core Specifications
The fundamental difference between these two GPUs lies in their underlying architecture. The RTX 2080 SUPER is built on the Turing architecture with 12nm process technology, while the RTX 3060 utilizes the newer Ampere architecture on a more efficient 8nm process.
- RTX 2080 SUPER: Features 3072 CUDA cores, 8GB of GDDR6 memory on a 256-bit bus, and a Turing-based RT Core and Tensor Core design for ray tracing and AI tasks.
- RTX 3060: Equipped with 3584 CUDA cores (a higher count), 12GB of GDDR6 memory on a 192-bit bus, and second-generation RT Cores and third-generation Tensor Cores from the Ampere architecture.
The RTX 3060’s larger VRAM buffer can be beneficial for certain creative workloads and future-proofing, whereas the RTX 2080 SUPER’s wider memory bus historically provides higher memory bandwidth.
Gaming Performance
In traditional rasterization performance (non-ray traced games), the two cards are generally very close. The outcome can vary significantly depending on the game title, resolution, and graphical settings used.
- 1080p & 1440p Gaming: At 1080p and 1440p resolutions, performance is typically neck-and-neck, with the RTX 2080 SUPER holding a small lead in many titles due to its higher memory bandwidth and clock speeds.
- Ray Tracing & DLSS: When ray tracing is enabled, the RTX 3060’s second-gen RT Cores can provide more efficient performance. Its support for DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling) 2.0 and newer versions often gives it a significant advantage in supported games, allowing for higher frame rates with ray tracing enabled.
- 4K Gaming: For 4K gaming, both cards may struggle to maintain high frame rates in demanding titles, but the RTX 2080 SUPER’s memory subsystem can sometimes give it a slight edge in this scenario.
Features, Power, and Efficiency
Beyond raw frame rates, the generational leap brings differences in features and power consumption.
- Feature Set: The RTX 3060 benefits from the Ampere architecture’s feature improvements, including more advanced ray tracing, better AI-driven DLSS upscaling, and support for technologies like NVIDIA Reflex for reduced system latency.
- Power Consumption: The RTX 3060 is generally more power-efficient. It has a lower typical Total Graphics Power (TGP) rating, which can translate to less heat output and potentially lower power supply requirements.
- Connectivity: Both cards support similar display outputs, but the RTX 3060 introduced support for HDMI 2.1, enabling features like 4K at 120Hz on compatible displays, which the RTX 2080 SUPER’s HDMI 2.0b port does not support.
Specification Comparison Table
| Feature | GeForce RTX 3060 | GeForce RTX 2080 SUPER |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Ampere (GA106) | Turing (TU104) |
| Process Node | 8nm | 12nm |
| CUDA Cores | 3584 | 3072 |
| RT Cores | 2nd Generation | 1st Generation |
| Tensor Cores | 3rd Generation | 2nd Generation |
| VRAM | 12 GB GDDR6 | 8 GB GDDR6 |
| Memory Bus | 192-bit | 256-bit |
| Memory Bandwidth | 360 GB/s | 496 GB/s |
| Typical TGP | 170W | 250W |
| HDMI Port | HDMI 2.1 | HDMI 2.0b |
| Notable Features | DLSS 2.0+, NVIDIA Reflex, Resizable BAR support | NVLink Support (SLI), VirtualLink USB-C |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is faster, the RTX 3060 or the RTX 2080 SUPER?
In traditional gaming without advanced features like DLSS, the RTX 2080 SUPER is generally slightly faster. However, when using ray tracing and DLSS in supported games, the RTX 3060 can often match or exceed the performance of the RTX 2080 SUPER due to its more efficient architecture.
Does the RTX 3060’s 12GB of VRAM make a big difference?
The larger VRAM capacity is primarily beneficial for content creation, 3D rendering, and playing games at very high resolutions with maximum texture settings. For most gaming at 1080p and 1440p, 8GB is typically sufficient, but the extra VRAM can provide more headroom for future games.
Is the RTX 2080 SUPER better for 4K gaming?
Due to its higher memory bandwidth, the RTX 2080 SUPER can sometimes perform slightly better at 4K resolution in games that are heavily dependent on memory throughput. However, both cards are more suited for high frame rate gaming at 1080p and 1440p rather than consistent 4K gaming at maximum settings.
Which card is more power-efficient?
The GeForce RTX 3060 is notably more power-efficient, with a lower typical power draw. This can result in quieter cooling solutions and lower operating temperatures in many system configurations.
Final Thoughts
The GeForce RTX 3060 and RTX 2080 SUPER present an interesting cross-generational comparison where neither holds a definitive overall advantage. The RTX 2080 SUPER maintains a legacy of strong raw performance, particularly in memory-intensive scenarios. The RTX 3060 counters with a more modern feature set, including superior ray tracing efficiency, DLSS support, better power efficiency, and more VRAM. The decision between them often hinges on individual priorities, such as valuing absolute frame rates in older titles versus feature support and efficiency in newer, more demanding games. Assessing specific needs for gaming resolution, target settings, and potential use in creative applications is crucial when evaluating these two capable graphics cards.