RTX 2070 vs RTX 3060
The RTX 2070 and the RTX 3060 share their roots, so the useful question isn’t which is “good” but where each one differs. Look at the scorecard and the RTX 3060 stands out, ahead in 1 of 3 areas. The gpu & performance numbers explain a lot of that. It also matters that $170 separates their launch prices, with the RTX 2070 at the top.
At a glance
- GPU & Performance RTX 3060 wins
- Memory Trade-off
- Power & Thermals Tie
- Price RTX 3060 wins
- GPU & Performance0.5
- Memory3.1
- Power & Thermals7.7
- 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 69% more theoretical FP32 compute
Few buyers will miss this one. The RTX 3060 brings 12.7 TFLOPS to the table; the RTX 2070 brings 7.5 TFLOPS. FP32 compute is a theoretical peak that combines shader count and clock speed, a quick way to size up raw power.
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The RTX 3060 has 4 GB more VRAM
When it comes to vram, the RTX 3060 wins comfortably with 12 GB against 8 GB. Newer games tend to ask for more video memory, so the RTX 3060’s extra VRAM helps the card age better.
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The RTX 3060 has 56% more shader units
It’s a lopsided result (3,584 for the RTX 3060, 2,304 for the RTX 2070) and one of the main reasons to choose between them. Shader units do most of the heavy lifting in games, so more of them usually means more frames per second within the same architecture.
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The RTX 2070 has 24% more memory bandwidth
The spread here is large: 448 GB/s on the RTX 2070 versus 360 GB/s on the RTX 3060. Expect to notice it. The RTX 2070 has more bandwidth to work with, helping it hold up in memory-heavy games.
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The RTX 2070 has 29% more ray tracing units
Of all the specs we compared, this is one where the RTX 2070 makes its strongest case: 36 against 28. Ray tracing units differ between generations and brands, so the count matters most within the same family.
Design & Size
Size & Connectivity
| Spec | RTX 2070 | RTX 3060 |
|---|---|---|
| Reference card length | 9.02 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Slot width | 2 slots | N/A (not specified) |
GPU & Performance
RTX 3060 leads
The gpu & performance numbers point firmly in one direction: toward the RTX 3060. The RTX 3060 pulls ahead with 69% more theoretical FP32 compute. The RTX 3060 has more theoretical compute, which often, but not always, translates into higher frame rates. Choose the RTX 2070 and you get 29% more ray tracing units. If gpu & performance is your priority, the RTX 3060 is the card to pick.
FP32 compute
RTX 2070: 7.5 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: 2,304 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
On memory, it’s give and take: the RTX 2070 brings 24% more memory bandwidth, and the RTX 3060 brings 4 GB more VRAM. In short, memory splits the vote, and your use case casts the deciding one.
VRAM
RTX 2070: 8 GB RTX 3060: 12 GB At high resolutions or with texture packs, running out of VRAM can hurt more than a small speed gap.
Memory bandwidth
RTX 2070: 448 GB/s RTX 3060: 360 GB/s Bandwidth needs vary by architecture, so compare it alongside VRAM and cache rather than on its own.
Features
On features, the useful details are the names in the table: what each one uses, not a figure we can rank.
Power & Thermals
Too close to call
This is a tie in all but name. On power & thermals, both deliver about the same. Don’t let power & thermals decide this one; look at the other sections instead.
Full Specifications
GPU & Performance
| Spec | RTX 2070 | RTX 3060 |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Turing | Ampere |
| GPU die | TU106 | GA106 |
| Process | TSMC 12nm FFN | Samsung 8N |
| Shader units | 2,304 | 3,584 (winner) |
| Ray tracing units | 36 (winner) | 28 Fewest ray tracing units |
| Base clock | 1,410 MHz (winner) | 1,320 MHz Lowest base clock |
| Boost clock | 1,620 MHz Lowest boost clock | 1,777 MHz (winner) |
| FP32 computeTheoretical peak; AMD counts dual-issue, so compare within a brand only | 7.5 TFLOPS Least compute in class | 12.7 TFLOPS (winner) |
Memory
| Spec | RTX 2070 | 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 | 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 | RTX 3060 |
|---|---|---|
| Total board power | 175 W | 170 W |
| Recommended PSU | 550 W | 550 W |
| Power connector | 1x 8-pin | N/A (not specified) |
Size & Connectivity
| Spec | RTX 2070 | RTX 3060 |
|---|---|---|
| Reference card length | 9.02 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Slot width | 2 slots | N/A (not specified) |
Price
| Spec | RTX 2070 | 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
The price gap is wide: $170 at launch, which is 52% of difference between the RTX 3060 and the RTX 2070. The RTX 2070’s extra $170 is hard to justify when the RTX 3060 leads in more areas.
These are US launch prices, recorded February 2021; what you pay today may be higher or lower.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the RTX 2070 if…
- you want more memory bandwidth (448 GB/s vs 360 GB/s)
- you want more dedicated ray tracing hardware (36 vs 28)
- you want the wider memory bus (256-bit vs 192-bit)
- you want the higher guaranteed base clock (1,410 MHz vs 1,320 MHz)
Choose the RTX 3060 if…
- you want more theoretical compute (12.7 TFLOPS vs 7.5 TFLOPS)
- you play at high resolutions with high-quality textures (12 GB vs 8 GB VRAM)
- you want more shader units working on every frame (3,584 vs 2,304)
- you want the higher boost clock (1,777 MHz vs 1,620 MHz)
- you want more value for your money ($170 less at launch)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the RTX 2070 or the RTX 3060?
For most people, the RTX 3060 is the stronger choice, unless you know that 24% more memory bandwidth would make a real difference in your routine.
Is the RTX 3060 worth it over the RTX 2070?
The RTX 3060 makes a solid case for upgrading, with 69% more theoretical FP32 compute, 4 GB more VRAM and 56% more shader units over the RTX 2070.
Which is faster, the RTX 2070 or the RTX 3060?
The RTX 3060 has the edge in performance thanks to 69% more theoretical FP32 compute and 56% more shader units.
Is the RTX 2070 cheaper than the RTX 3060?
The RTX 3060 is the cheaper option, launching at $170 less than the RTX 2070 (launch prices as of February 2021).
Executive Summary
In-house decisions like the RTX 2070 versus the RTX 3060 are where I think it’s easiest to overspend or underspend. The RTX 3060 wins me over with 69% more theoretical FP32 compute. Beyond that, 4 GB more VRAM gives the RTX 3060 another edge. That said, the RTX 2070 answers with 24% more memory bandwidth, which some people will value more.
For memory bandwidth, the RTX 2070 fits better. For gpu & performance, the RTX 3060 is the better match.
My pick: the RTX 3060 is the sensible default. Only one thing changes that: if you need 24% more memory bandwidth, which only the RTX 2070 offers.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.