GTX 1080 vs RTX 3060
Full specification comparison between the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080 (2016) and the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 (2021).
RTX 3060
NVIDIA Mid-range
- ✓ ~40% faster on average
- ✓ More VRAM (12 GB vs 8 GB)
- ✓ Lower power draw (170 W vs 180 W)
- ✓ Cheaper at launch ($329 vs $599)
- ✓ Newer (2021 vs 2016)
Verdict: The RTX 3060 is roughly 40% faster than the GTX 1080 on average — a clear, noticeable performance advantage.
The RTX 3060 also carries more video memory (12 GB vs 8 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 1080 | RTX 3060 |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Pascal | Ampere |
| Release year | 2016 | 2021 |
| Est. performance | ||
| Shading units | ||
| Boost clock | ||
| FP32 compute | ||
| VRAM | ||
| Memory type | GDDR5X | 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 1080?
Yes — based on aggregated benchmark data, the RTX 3060 is about 40% faster than the GTX 1080 on average.
How much faster is the RTX 3060 than the GTX 1080?
Roughly 40% 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.