NVIDIA · Ampere · 2021
GeForce RTX 3060
GeForce RTX 3060 — 1080p–1440p
GeForce RTX 3060: comfortable 1080p and 1440p at high settings. Average FPS of the GeForce RTX 3060 across 10 popular games (1440p, Ultra): 93 FPS. Recommended power supply: 500 W.
The GeForce RTX 3060 is the people's previous-generation card on the Ampere architecture. Its 12 GB of GDDR6 — an unusually large amount for its class — provide steady 1080p gaming and DLSS support. It remains an excellent budget choice with a healthy video memory buffer.
FPSHQ navigation
GeForce RTX 3060: everything about this graphics card
Games, CPU, power supply, comparisons, upgrades, drivers and prices — all FPSHQ pages about this model.
- Can it run gamesGeForce RTX 3060 FPS in popular gamesCyberpunk 2077Counter-Strike 2Dota 2MinecraftGrand Theft Auto V
- Which games it runsFPS estimate across the catalog
- Which CPU you needwithout a CPU bottleneck
- Which power supplyPSU wattage for GeForce RTX 3060
- Power consumptionwatts in games
- Electricity costcost per month
- Which monitorresolution and refresh rate
- Driverslatest version and history
- ComparisonsGeForce RTX 3060 vs rivalsvs RTX 5060vs RTX 5070vs RTX 4060vs RTX 3070vs RTX 5060 Ti
- Upgrade from GeForce RTX 3060what to replace it with→ RTX 5060→ RTX 5070→ RTX 4060
- Upgrade to GeForce RTX 3060which models it is worth it fromRX 580 →RTX 3050 →GTX 1060 6GB →
- Pairs with CPUsGeForce RTX 3060 bottleneck+ Ryzen 7 5700X+ Core i5-12400F+ Ryzen 7 7800X3D+ Ryzen 5 5600
- Priceshistory and launch price
- Temperatureofficial maximum by model
- Discussionsquestions from GeForce RTX 3060 ownersWhat PSU do GeForce RTX 30 graphics cards need?What CPU do GeForce RTX 30 graphics cards need?What should I upgrade my GeForce RTX 3060 to in 2026?
Full specs of the GeForce RTX 3060
| Architecture | Ampere |
|---|---|
| CUDA / Shading | 3584 |
| Boost Clock | 1777 MHz |
| Video memory | 12 GB GDDR6 |
| Memory bus | 192 bit |
| TDP | 170 W |
| AV1 encoder | no |
| Process node | 8 nm |
| Bench Score | 2900 |
| Value Score | 58 /100 |
| Release year | 2021 |
GeForce RTX 3060 temperature and dimensions
The official maximum GPU temperature for the GeForce RTX 3060 is 93 °C (NVIDIA specification, data as of Oct 8, 2026): anything below it is within the manufacturer’s spec.
Official specifications
93 °C
Max GPU temperature
specification, nvidia.com
170 W
Power (TGP/TBP)
PSU from 550 W per spec
varies by version
Reference card length
no reference card — see the card maker’s website
GPU temperature · GPU length: will it fit your case · Quietest graphics cards · source: nvidia.com
Launch price: GeForce RTX 3060
The official price of the GeForce RTX 3060 at announcement was $329 (NVIDIA, Jan 12, 2021). Below — how many FPS that price bought by the FPSHQ model and its rank among 2020–2026 graphics cards.
Launch price and value
$329
Launch price (US)
"starting at" · Jan 12, 2021
35.9FPS
FPS per $100 · 1440p
rank 25 of 51 models
118FPS
Average FPS · 1440p
8 popular games, high
This is the manufacturer's suggested launch price, not the current store price.
📡 GeForce RTX 3060 profile
Strengths and weaknesses across 5 parameters (0–100).
📊 Position in the performance ranking
Compared with other models. A longer bar means a higher result.
📊 FPS of the GeForce RTX 3060 in popular games (1440p) (1440p, Ultra)
Green — 60+ FPS (comfortable), yellow — 30–60 (playable), red — below 30. Dashed line marks 60 FPS.
💬 FPSHQ advice
The GeForce RTX 3060 is for esports and light games at 1080p. In heavy AAA titles, use Medium settings and Performance-mode upscaling. A good option to upgrade a very old PC.
— FPSHQ · FPSHQ recommendation for the GeForce RTX 3060 · methodology
FPS of the GeForce RTX 3060 in popular games (1440p)
Real performance measurements of the GeForce RTX 3060 in the most popular games of 2024–2026. All tests at 1440p, High graphics settings.
Cyberpunk 2077 ✓ TEST
MEDIUM · 49 FPS 1% Low: 38
Counter-Strike 2 ✓ TEST
ULTRA · 188 FPS 1% Low: 143
Dota 2
ULTRA · 260 FPS 1% Low: 203
Minecraft
ULTRA · 156 FPS 1% Low: 122
Grand Theft Auto V
ULTRA · 93 FPS 1% Low: 73
League of Legends
ULTRA · 80–120 FPS 1% Low: 79
Elden Ring
MEDIUM · 46 FPS 1% Low: 36
Grand Theft Auto IV
MEDIUM · 48 FPS 1% Low: 36
Max Payne 3
HIGH · 55–82 FPS 1% Low: 55
Genshin Impact
HIGH · 63 FPS 1% Low: 49
Call of Duty: Warzone
MEDIUM · 46 FPS 1% Low: 36
Assetto Corsa
HIGH · 57–85 FPS 1% Low: 57
Real player results results: 1
Median FPS on players’ PCs — from the FPSHQ app and checked reports, after anti-fraud filtering.
| Game | Settings | Median FPS | 1% low | Prediction | Results |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Squad | 4K · Medium Upscaling | 40 | — | 38 | 1 site 1 |
Key figures
Unique FPSHQ metrics from this page's data
2,900
FPSHQ performance score FPSHQ index
faster than 49% of catalogue GPUs
6
of 10 popular games run at 60+ FPS (1440p Ultra) aggregated data
170W
TDP spec
recommended PSU 500 W
In short
How powerful is GeForce RTX 3060 and which resolution is it for?
GeForce RTX 3060 (2021): FPSHQ performance score at the 49th percentile of the catalogue, class 1080p–1440p. Average FPS of the FPSHQ model in popular games at High settings: — at 1080p, — at 1440p, — at 4K; at 1440p Ultra, 6 of the 10 most popular games run at 60+ FPS (average 93 FPS). VRAM 12 GB, TDP 170 W, recommended PSU 500 W. Source of the numbers: based on 10 independent FPSHQ measurements (review tests, verified player reports); per the NVIDIA specification as of Oct 8, 2026; per the FPSHQ catalog (Bench Score is FPSHQ's own performance index); other values are an FPSHQ model estimate (not a measurement). (model accuracy)
- FPSHQ performance score
- 2,900 FPSHQ index
Frequently asked questions about the GeForce RTX 3060
Which power supply does the GeForce RTX 3060 need?
Card TDP: 170 W. We recommend a PSU of at least 500 W from a quality maker (Seasonic, Corsair, be quiet!, Cooler Master). Cheap PSUs without 80+ Gold can cause reboots under load.
How much VRAM does the GeForce RTX 3060 have?
VRAM: 12 GB GDDR6. Memory bus: 192 bit. Enough for 1440p in most games.
Is the GeForce RTX 3060 good for 4K gaming?
Depends on expectations. In current AAA games at 4K@ultra: not recommended — better used at 1440p or 1080p.
Which is better: the GeForce RTX 3060 or the Radeon RX 5700 XT?
We have a detailed comparison: GeForce RTX 3060 vs Radeon RX 5700 XT. The short answer depends on your needs: NVIDIA is better in some games, the rival in others. Also factor in price and supported technologies.
Does the GeForce RTX 3060 support DLSS or FSR?
Yes, the GeForce RTX 3060 supports DLSS (NVIDIA's AI upscaling). FSR is supported too, but on NVIDIA, DLSS usually looks better.
Which CPU pairs best with the GeForce RTX 3060?
To avoid a CPU bottleneck, for the GeForce RTX 3060 we recommend: Ryzen 5 7600 / Core i5-12400 / Ryzen 5 5600 — for 1080p / 1440p without overspending.
How loud is the GeForce RTX 3060?
FPSHQ does not measure noise; it depends on the cooler of a specific version (ASUS, MSI, Gigabyte, Palit, PNY, etc.). Official power is 170 W — low: there is little heat, so even compact versions can run quietly. Models are compared by power on the “Quietest graphics cards” page.
What are the GeForce RTX 3060's length and slot size?
Dimensions depend on the specific vendor model. Reference versions are usually 2.5–3.5 slots and 28–32 cm long. ASUS ROG / MSI Suprim X / Gigabyte AORUS — up to 3.5–4 slots and 32–36 cm. Before buying, check that the card fits your case (especially in Micro-ATX and Mini-ITX builds).
Can the GeForce RTX 3060 be overclocked?
Yes, via MSI Afterburner or GPU Tweak III you can raise the Core Clock by 100–200 MHz and the Memory Clock by 500–1500 MHz with little risk. The FPS gain is usually 3–7%. For safe overclocking, set the power limit to max, raise clocks gradually and test stability in OCCT/3DMark.
Will the GeForce RTX 3060 still be relevant in 2027–2028?
Depends on the card's class. C-class cards will be pushed to medium settings in new AAA games within 2–3 years. That is normal — just keep it in mind when buying.
Where is the best place to buy the GeForce RTX 3060?
The lowest prices are usually during big sales (11.11, Cyber Monday, Black Friday). On marketplaces prices swing a lot — look for sellers rated 4.5+. Classified-ad platforms with store warranty are for those willing to risk it for 15–20% off MSRP. Use our prices section to track discounts.
How many watts does GeForce RTX 3060 use?
The rated TDP of GeForce RTX 3060 is 170 W — its draw under full gaming load; short spikes reach ~238 W. Details: GeForce RTX 3060 power consumption.
How many watts PSU does GeForce RTX 3060 need?
From 500 W in a build with a mid-range CPU (FPSHQ calculation: TDP + system + 30% headroom and spikes). Table by CPU class — what PSU for GeForce RTX 3060.
What CPU do I need for GeForce RTX 3060?
The CPU is chosen by pairing balance: too weak caps FPS, too strong is overspending. The top 5 CPUs for GeForce RTX 3060 with in-game FPS and PSU are on what CPU for GeForce RTX 3060.
What is the maximum temperature of the GeForce RTX 3060?
According to NVIDIA’s specification, the maximum GPU temperature of the GeForce RTX 3060 is 93 °C (data as of Oct 8, 2026). Anything below that is within the manufacturer’s spec; partner versions use the same GPU, only the coolers differ.
How much did the GeForce RTX 3060 cost at launch?
The official price of the GeForce RTX 3060 at announcement was $329 (NVIDIA, Jan 12, 2021), US, before tax. By the FPSHQ model that is 35.9 FPS at 1440p per $100. Current store prices may differ.
All pages with GeForce RTX 3060
All comparisons (55)
vs GeForce RTX 5060vs GeForce RTX 5070vs GeForce RTX 4060vs GeForce RTX 3070vs GeForce RTX 5060 Tivs GeForce RTX 3080vs GeForce RTX 4060 Tivs Radeon RX 580vs GeForce RTX 3070 Tivs GeForce RTX 3050vs GeForce RTX 5070 Tivs GeForce RTX 5080vs GeForce GTX 1060 6GBvs GeForce RTX 3080 Tivs GeForce RTX 5090vs GeForce RTX 2060 Supervs GeForce RTX 3060 Tivs GeForce GTX 1660 Supervs GeForce GTX 1080vs GeForce GTX 1660vs GeForce RTX 4070vs GeForce RTX 4090vs GeForce GTX 1660 Tivs GeForce RTX 2060vs Radeon RX 6700 XTvs Radeon RX 9070 XTvs GeForce GTX 1080 Tivs Radeon RX 9070vs Radeon RX 9060 XTvs Radeon RX 550vs GeForce RTX 4070 Supervs GeForce RTX 3090vs GeForce RTX 4080vs GeForce RTX 4070 Tivs Radeon RX 6600vs Radeon RX 7600vs Radeon RX 6800 XTvs Radeon RX 7700 XTvs GeForce RTX 4070 Ti Supervs Intel Arc B580vs GeForce GTX 760vs Radeon RX 6600 XTvs Radeon RX 6900 XTvs Radeon RX 7800 XTvs GeForce RTX 2080 Supervs Radeon RX 7900 XTvs GeForce RTX 4080 Supervs Radeon RX 7900 XTXvs GeForce GTX 960vs Radeon RX 7900 GREvs GeForce RTX 3060 Laptopvs GeForce RTX 3090 Tivs Radeon RX 460vs Intel Arc A770vs Radeon RX 6950 XT
All pairs with CPUs (58)
+ Ryzen 7 5700X+ Core i5-12400F+ Ryzen 7 7800X3D+ Ryzen 5 5600+ Ryzen 5 7500F+ Ryzen 5 5600X+ Ryzen 5 3600+ Ryzen 5 5500+ Ryzen 7 9800X3D+ Core i5-14400F+ Core i5-10400F+ Core i3-12100F+ Core i5-12400+ Core i5-13400F+ Core i5-11400F+ Core i7-7700+ Ryzen 7 5800X+ Ryzen 5 9600X+ Core i5-9400F+ Core i5-14600KF+ Ryzen 9 9950X3D+ Ryzen 7 5700+ Ryzen 5 5500X3D+ Ryzen 7 5800X3D+ Ryzen 9 5950X+ Ryzen 7 7700X+ Xeon E5-2680 v4+ Ryzen 7 5700X3D+ Core i5-14400+ Ryzen 5 7600X+ Ryzen 7 9700X+ Core i7-14700KF+ Core i9-14900K+ Ryzen 7 3700X+ Ryzen 5 5600G+ Core i5-13600KF+ Core i5-13400+ Core i5-10400+ Core i7-12700KF+ Core i7-12700K+ Core i7-14700K+ Core i3-10100F+ Core i7-14700+ Core i7-7700K+ Core i7-11700+ Core i7-10700K+ Core i5-9400+ Ryzen 5 2600X+ Core i7-13700+ Core i5-10600+ Core i5-4590+ Core i7-6700K+ Ryzen 7 5700G+ Core i5-12600+ Ryzen 5 3500X+ Core i3-14100+ Core i5-12500H+ Core i7-4770K
Power supply for all pairs (48)
+ Ryzen 7 5700X+ Core i5-12400F+ Ryzen 7 7800X3D+ Ryzen 5 5600+ Ryzen 5 7500F+ Ryzen 5 5600X+ Ryzen 5 3600+ Ryzen 5 5500+ Ryzen 7 9800X3D+ Core i5-14400F+ Core i5-10400F+ Core i3-12100F+ Core i5-12400+ Core i5-13400F+ Core i5-11400F+ Core i7-7700+ Ryzen 7 5800X+ Ryzen 5 9600X+ Core i5-9400F+ Core i5-14600KF+ Ryzen 9 9950X3D+ Ryzen 7 5700+ Ryzen 5 5500X3D+ Ryzen 7 5800X3D+ Ryzen 9 5950X+ Xeon E5-2680 v4+ Core i9-14900K+ Core i5-13400+ Core i5-10400+ Core i7-12700KF+ Core i7-14700K+ Core i3-10100F+ Core i7-14700+ Core i7-7700K+ Core i7-11700+ Core i7-10700K+ Core i5-9400+ Ryzen 5 2600X+ Core i7-13700+ Core i5-10600+ Core i5-4590+ Core i7-6700K+ Ryzen 7 5700G+ Core i5-12600+ Ryzen 5 3500X+ Core i3-14100+ Core i5-12500H+ Core i7-4770K
All upgrades from GeForce RTX 3060 (27)
→ GeForce RTX 5060→ GeForce RTX 5070→ GeForce RTX 4060→ GeForce RTX 3070→ GeForce RTX 5060 Ti→ GeForce RTX 3080→ GeForce RTX 4060 Ti→ GeForce RTX 3070 Ti→ GeForce RTX 5070 Ti→ GeForce RTX 5080→ GeForce RTX 3080 Ti→ GeForce RTX 5090→ GeForce RTX 3060 Ti→ GeForce RTX 4070→ GeForce RTX 4090→ Radeon RX 6700 XT→ Radeon RX 9070 XT→ Radeon RX 9070→ Radeon RX 9060 XT→ GeForce RTX 4070 Super→ GeForce RTX 3090→ GeForce RTX 5050→ GeForce RTX 4080→ GeForce RTX 4070 Ti→ Radeon RX 7600→ GeForce RTX 2080 Super→ Radeon RX 7900 XTX
All upgrades to GeForce RTX 3060 (16)
Can it run games: all (61)
Cyberpunk 2077Counter-Strike 2Dota 2MinecraftGrand Theft Auto VHalf-LifeCounter-Strike 1.6League of LegendsBinding of Isaac: RebirthCounter-Strike: SourceHearthstoneHalf-Life 2Team Fortress 2Ultimate Chicken HorseHades-like Pizza TowerLeft 4 Dead 2Portal 2Garry's ModStumble GuysElden RingGrand Theft Auto IVHuman: Fall FlatNoitaStarCraft IIGang BeastsDiablo IIIL.A. NoireOld School RuneScapeHeroes of the StormMax Payne 3Alan Wake 2Apex LegendsBaldur's Gate 3Black Myth: WukongCall of Duty: Black Ops 6Call of Duty: Modern Warfare IICall of Duty: Modern Warfare IIICall of Duty: WarzoneDelta ForceEA Sports FC 25Elden Ring: Shadow of the ErdtreeFortniteForza Horizon 4Forza Horizon 5Genshin ImpactGod of WarHollow Knight: SilksongKingdom Come: Deliverance IIMonster Hunter: WildsOverwatch 2PalworldPUBG: BATTLEGROUNDSRed Dead Redemption 2RustSquadSTALKER 2: Heart of ChornobylThe Sims 4The Witcher 3: Wild HuntValorantWar ThunderWorld of Warcraft
Partner versions (24)
ASUS Dual GeForce RTX 3060ASUS ProArt GeForce RTX 3060ASUS ROG Strix GeForce RTX 3060ASUS ROG Strix White GeForce RTX 3060ASUS TUF Gaming GeForce RTX 3060Gainward Phantom GeForce RTX 3060Gainward Phoenix GeForce RTX 3060Gigabyte Aorus Elite GeForce RTX 3060Gigabyte Aorus Master GeForce RTX 3060Gigabyte Eagle GeForce RTX 3060Gigabyte Gaming OC GeForce RTX 3060Gigabyte Windforce GeForce RTX 3060Inno3D iChill GeForce RTX 3060KFA2 EX GeForce RTX 3060MSI Gaming X Trio GeForce RTX 3060MSI Suprim X GeForce RTX 3060MSI Ventus 2X GeForce RTX 3060MSI Ventus 3X GeForce RTX 3060Palit GameRock GeForce RTX 3060Palit GamingPro GeForce RTX 3060PNY Verto GeForce RTX 3060PNY XLR8 GeForce RTX 3060Zotac AMP Extreme GeForce RTX 3060Zotac Trinity GeForce RTX 3060
Discussions: GeForce RTX 3060
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