RTX 2070 Super vs RTX 3060
When a maker splits one card into several versions, the job of picking falls to you. Here that means the RTX 2070 Super or the RTX 3060. Of the 3 areas we compared, the RTX 3060 wins 2. If one area explains the result, it’s gpu & performance. The RTX 2070 Super also costs $170 more at launch, which raises the bar for what it needs to deliver.
At a glance
- GPU & Performance RTX 3060 wins
- Memory Trade-off
- Power & Thermals RTX 3060 wins
- Price RTX 3060 wins
- GPU & Performance1.3
- Memory3.1
- Power & Thermals3.8
- GPU & Performance2.0
- Memory3.8
- Power & Thermals8.0
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
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The RTX 3060 has 4 GB more VRAM
The RTX 2070 Super gives up a lot on vram: 8 GB, compared with 12 GB on the RTX 3060. At high resolutions or with texture packs, running out of VRAM can hurt more than a small speed gap.
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The RTX 3060 has 40% more theoretical FP32 compute
Few buyers will miss this one. The RTX 3060 brings 12.7 TFLOPS to the table; the RTX 2070 Super brings 9.1 TFLOPS. The RTX 3060 has more theoretical compute, which often, but not always, translates into higher frame rates.
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The RTX 3060 has 40% more shader units
When it comes to shader units, the RTX 3060 wins comfortably with 3,584 against 2,560. The RTX 3060’s extra shaders give it more raw muscle, although comparisons across different architectures aren’t one-to-one.
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The RTX 3060 has 45 W lower board power
It’s a lopsided result (170 W for the RTX 3060, 215 W for the RTX 2070 Super) and one of the main reasons to choose between them. Higher board power often comes with higher performance, so the RTX 2070 Super’s appetite may be part of the price of its speed.
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The RTX 2070 Super has 24% more memory bandwidth
The spread here is large: 448 GB/s on the RTX 2070 Super versus 360 GB/s on the RTX 3060. Expect to notice it. Bandwidth needs vary by architecture, so compare it alongside VRAM and cache rather than on its own.
Design & Size
Size & Connectivity
| Spec | RTX 2070 Super | RTX 3060 |
|---|---|---|
| Reference card length | 10.51 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Slot width | 2 slots | N/A (not specified) |
GPU & Performance
RTX 3060 leads
This is one of the RTX 3060’s strongest areas. On gpu & performance, the RTX 2070 Super falls well short. The RTX 3060 makes its case with 40% more theoretical FP32 compute. FP32 compute is a theoretical peak that combines shader count and clock speed, a quick way to size up raw power. In its favor, the RTX 2070 Super has 43% more ray tracing units. Prioritize gpu & performance, and the RTX 3060 is where you should land.
FP32 compute
RTX 2070 Super: 9.1 TFLOPS RTX 3060: 12.7 TFLOPS Architectures use their compute differently, so treat the gap as a guide and look at game benchmarks for the details.
Shader units
RTX 2070 Super: 2,560 RTX 3060: 3,584 Treat shader count as a strong hint about performance tier, then check benchmarks for the games you actually play.
Memory
Trade-off
The RTX 2070 Super leans on 24% more memory bandwidth in this section, while the RTX 3060 leans on 4 GB more VRAM. Think about how you’ll use the card; that’s what settles memory.
VRAM
RTX 2070 Super: 8 GB RTX 3060: 12 GB More VRAM lets the card hold higher-resolution textures and bigger scenes without stutter.
Memory bandwidth
RTX 2070 Super: 448 GB/s RTX 3060: 360 GB/s Memory bandwidth decides how quickly the GPU can feed itself with data, which matters most at 1440p and 4K.
Features
The RTX 2070 Super and the RTX 3060 differ on features in ways that are described rather than measured. The table has the details.
Power & Thermals
RTX 3060 leads
The RTX 3060 dominates the power & thermals section, and the gaps are large enough to matter in daily use. The RTX 3060 adds 45 W lower board power. The RTX 3060 draws less power, which makes it easier to cool in compact cases. If power & thermals is your priority, the RTX 3060 is the card to pick.
Total board power
RTX 2070 Super: 215 W RTX 3060: 170 W Lower board power means less heat, quieter cooling and a smaller impact on your electricity bill.
Recommended PSU
RTX 2070 Super: 650 W RTX 3060: 550 W The recommended power supply tells you whether your current PSU can handle the card without an upgrade.
Full Specifications
GPU & Performance
| Spec | RTX 2070 Super | RTX 3060 |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Turing | Ampere |
| GPU die | TU104 | GA106 |
| Process | TSMC 12nm FFN | Samsung 8N |
| Shader units | 2,560 | 3,584 (winner) |
| Ray tracing units | 40 (winner) | 28 Fewest ray tracing units |
| Base clock | 1,605 MHz (winner) | 1,320 MHz Lowest base clock |
| Boost clock | 1,770 MHz | 1,777 MHz |
| FP32 computeTheoretical peak; AMD counts dual-issue, so compare within a brand only | 9.1 TFLOPS | 12.7 TFLOPS (winner) |
Memory
| Spec | RTX 2070 Super | RTX 3060 |
|---|---|---|
| VRAM | 8 GB | 12 GB (winner) |
| Memory type | GDDR6 | GDDR6 |
| Memory bus | 256-bit (winner) | 192-bit |
| Memory bandwidth | 448 GB/s (winner) | 360 GB/s |
Features
| Spec | RTX 2070 Super | RTX 3060 |
|---|---|---|
| Upscaling | DLSS Super Resolution | DLSS Super Resolution |
| Frame generation | No DLSS Frame Generation | No DLSS Frame Generation |
| PCIe interface | PCIe 3.0 x16 | PCIe 4.0 x16 |
Power & Thermals
| Spec | RTX 2070 Super | RTX 3060 |
|---|---|---|
| Total board power | 215 W | 170 W (winner) |
| Recommended PSU | 650 W | 550 W (winner) |
| Power connector | 1x 8-pin + 1x 6-pin | N/A (not specified) |
Size & Connectivity
| Spec | RTX 2070 Super | RTX 3060 |
|---|---|---|
| Reference card length | 10.51 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Slot width | 2 slots | N/A (not specified) |
Price
| Spec | RTX 2070 Super | RTX 3060 |
|---|---|---|
| Launch price (MSRP) | $499 | $329 (winner) Lowest price in class |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Price & Value
That’s $170 between the two launch prices, a spread of 52% that makes the RTX 3060 the value-minded choice. Value is clear-cut: the RTX 3060 saves $170 and leads in more areas.
Launch prices in the US as of February 2021; street prices move, so check before you buy.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the RTX 2070 Super if…
- you want more memory bandwidth (448 GB/s vs 360 GB/s)
- you play with ray tracing switched on (40 vs 28 RT units)
- you want the wider memory bus (256-bit vs 192-bit)
- you want the higher guaranteed base clock (1,605 MHz vs 1,320 MHz)
Choose the RTX 3060 if…
- you play at high resolutions with high-quality textures (12 GB vs 8 GB VRAM)
- you want more theoretical compute (12.7 TFLOPS vs 9.1 TFLOPS)
- you want more raw GPU hardware (3,584 vs 2,560 shader units)
- you want lower power draw and less heat (170 W vs 215 W board power)
- you don’t need the extras that cost $170 more
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the RTX 2070 Super or the RTX 3060?
The RTX 3060 wins more of the areas we compared, so it’s the safer pick unless you’d trade the rest for 24% more memory bandwidth.
Is the RTX 3060 worth it over the RTX 2070 Super?
It’s one of the more worthwhile generational jumps: the RTX 3060 offers 4 GB more VRAM, 40% more theoretical FP32 compute and 40% more shader units compared with the RTX 2070 Super.
Does the RTX 2070 Super perform better than the RTX 3060?
On paper, the RTX 3060 is the stronger performer, with 40% more theoretical FP32 compute and 40% more shader units.
Is the RTX 2070 Super cheaper than the RTX 3060?
Going by launch prices, the RTX 3060 costs $170 less than the RTX 2070 Super. Prices as of February 2021; current offers may differ.
Executive Summary
Here’s my take on the RTX 2070 Super versus the RTX 3060, two models from one lineup. I think the RTX 3060 makes its strongest case with 4 GB more VRAM. A second point goes to the RTX 3060 for 40% more theoretical FP32 compute. The RTX 2070 Super isn’t without merit: 24% more memory bandwidth is a real advantage.
I’d steer memory bandwidth fans toward the RTX 2070 Super and gpu & performance fans toward the RTX 3060.
My pick: the RTX 3060; the one scenario where I’d reach for the RTX 2070 Super is if having 24% more memory bandwidth matters more to you than the rest.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.