GTX 1060 6GB vs RTX 3060
Full specification comparison between the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 6GB (2016) and the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 (2021).
GTX 1060 6GB
NVIDIA Entry-level
- ✓ Lower power draw (120 W vs 170 W)
- ✓ Cheaper at launch ($249 vs $329)
RTX 3060
NVIDIA Mid-range
- ✓ ~133% faster on average
- ✓ More VRAM (12 GB vs 6 GB)
- ✓ Newer (2021 vs 2016)
- ✓ Better performance per dollar
- ✓ More power-efficient
Verdict: The RTX 3060 is roughly 133% faster than the GTX 1060 6GB on average — a clear, noticeable performance advantage.
The RTX 3060 also carries more video memory (12 GB vs 6 GB), which matters for high-resolution textures, modern AAA titles and future-proofing.
At launch pricing, the RTX 3060 offers more performance per dollar, and the RTX 3060 is the more power-efficient chip.
Estimated performance
Estimated average 1440p raster gaming performance compiled from publicly available benchmark data. Individual games vary.
Specs side by side
| Specification | GTX 1060 6GB | RTX 3060 |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Pascal | Ampere |
| Release year | 2016 | 2021 |
| Est. performance | ||
| Shading units | ||
| Boost clock | ||
| FP32 compute | ||
| VRAM | ||
| Memory type | GDDR5 | GDDR6 |
| Memory bus | ||
| Board power | ||
| Launch MSRP |
Green bars mark the better value in each row (for power and price, lower wins).
Frequently asked questions
Is the RTX 3060 better than the GTX 1060 6GB?
Yes — based on aggregated benchmark data, the RTX 3060 is about 133% faster than the GTX 1060 6GB on average.
How much faster is the RTX 3060 than the GTX 1060 6GB?
Roughly 133% on average in raster gaming workloads. The gap varies by title, resolution and settings.
Which graphics card is better value?
Comparing launch prices, the RTX 3060 delivers more performance per dollar. Check current street prices, as market pricing often shifts the value equation.