The wait is over as Tech4Gamers brings you the complete guide on Best GeForce RTX 3060 GPU based on factors like Performance, VRM, and Cooling
If you think your PC is complete without a Graphics Card, you’re mistaken, my friend! So what is all the fuss about this PC component ‘Graphic Card’? Graphic cards render images to a PC monitor by converting display data into signals your computer can understand. They are not only necessary for rendering 3D images but are also critical for playing games. Across the world, gamers look out for the latest and most powerful graphics cards to run the power-hungry latest AAA titles. A huge chunk of the PC budget is reserved just for the GPU, and you should not waste that money on crappy graphic cards. Before clicking on this article, you probably have decided to buy NVIDIA’s GeForce RTX 3060 graphics card. Not sure which one to buy? What are we here for? This detailed Best GeForce RTX 3060 GPU guide is all about putting you on the right path, so you can better decide which one is the right for you.
The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 lets you face the latest games with the might of Ampere, NVIDIA’s 2nd generation of RTX architecture. The new Ampere architecture has doubled the throughput and improved overall efficiency. The 2nd generation of enhanced Ray Tracing cores takes gaming to a new level and provides a better experience in games with Ray Tracing compatibility. NVIDIA also enhanced the Tensor Cores to 3rd generation for GeForce RTX 3060; these cores enable it to improve on the existing advanced AI algorithms such as DLSS to deliver a massive boost in gaming performance and all-new AI-capability. Also, the GeForce RTX 3060 has 3584 GPU cores, almost double that of its predecessor, the GeForce RTX 2060, making it much faster and more efficient. GPUs do not share the system memory, so GeForce RTX 3060 has 12GB of built-in DDR6 VRAM.
As you can judge by the above specifications, GeForce RTX 3060 is a powerful piece of hardware capable of handling any task thrown at it. At 1080p gaming, it provides excellent performance and delivers 60+ FPS in almost all AAA titles. Regarding 4K gaming, the Geforce RTX 3060 lags a bit behind GeForce RTX 3060 Ti, but it still manages to pull off decent frame rates, to deliver a pleasant gaming experience. On top of that, the GeForce RTX 3060 has a reference boost clock of 1777MHz; almost all NVIDIA partners set the boost clock slightly higher as it can handle it. Moreover, it has a TDP of 170W, so a minimum of 500W power supply is required to maintain steady operations.
Anyone buys an aftermarket graphics card because of the cooler design and extra features someone like MSI and ASUS might add. GeForce RTX 3060 Price is also a big factor here, though comparing that point seems a little silly in the current economic situation.
Here are the 6 Best GeForce RTX 3060 GPUs in 2022:
Specifications: Type: Dimensions: 323 x 140 x 56 mm | Base Clock: 1320 MHz | Boost Clock: 1852 MHz | Bandwidth: 320GB/s | Recommended PSU: 550 W | Power Connectors: 2x 8-pin | RGB: Yes
MSI is what we consider a wonderland of the tech world, one of the industry’s biggest and most trusted giants. It’s pretty difficult that anyone hasn’t heard of MSI and its series of adventurous products that have marked their place in the heart of the community portraying the popularity and integrity of MSI. They manufacture a range of competitive grade products, including Laptops, Desktops, Monitors, Graphics Cards, Coolers, and all kinds of gaming peripherals; anything you need, MSI has got you covered. You can judge the quality of their products by the fact that MSI sponsors many Esports teams with products where they are pushed to their limits. This time we will cover MSI’s take on the Best Overall GeForce RTX 3060, named the MSI Gaming X Trio GeForce RTX 3060 12GB .
Its premium build quality is the first thing to talk about MSI Gaming X Trio GeForce RTX 3060 12GB. You would expect excellent build quality and aesthetics with a high-end graphics card like GeForce RTX 3060, and MSI fulfills all these expectations with this GPU. You can fully showcase your graphics card with the synchronized RGB lighting in your ultimate GeForce RTX 3060 Gaming PC. The RGB lighting is discretely present in numerous locations across the GPU, especially behind the MSI’s branding, which looks freakishly cool. The Gaming X Trio is also constructed with high-quality materials not to compromise its integrity. MSI includes an additional support bracket that can be attached to the GPU to reinforce and hold its weight. As far as the build quality is concerned, we can surely say you will be more than happy with it.
MSI Gaming X Trio GeForce RTX 3060 gets its name from its triple fan configuration; MSI employs over-the-top cooling solutions in Gaming X Trio to relieve its users from the worry of overheating. MSI chose their best-in-class 120mm TORX 4.0 beastlike fans for the GeForce RTX 3060, which have a staggering maximum speed of 1800RPM and are designed to provide maximum airflow into the TRI FROZR 2 cooling system; we are always fascinated by the MSI’s naming conventions. On top of that, the core pipes and heatsink work in great harmony; the core pipes evenly spread the heat along the full length of the heatsink, and the heatsink stealthily controls the airflows and deflects it to where it is needed the most, providing an efficient cooling solution. Moreover, we have found the whole cooling solution, including the fans and the heatsink, to be quiet as a mouse.
Moving on, let’s talk about the thing that matters the most, the performance of the Gaming X Trio GeForce RTX 3060. In terms of performance, Gaming X Trio GeForce RTX 3060 has impressed us, but the experience wasn’t that surprising; we had high hopes for it. The Gaming X Trio offers amazing performance, paired with the 12GB DDR6 VRAM and rated boost clock of 1837MHz. It constantly gives you excellent frame rates on your favorite AAA games at 1080p. If you want to enjoy the 4K experience, you can overclock the Gaming X to extract decent frame rates at 1440p 144Hz; what more could we want from it!
Moreover, MSI chose to add 2x 8-pin power connectors, which is somewhat unnecessary; usually, a single 8-pin power connector is enough, along with the power from the slot. The Gaming X Trio has a stock power limit of 170W, but MSI allows you to boost it up to 180W with the help of MSI Afterburner. MSI recommends a 550W power supply to power your whole build and to ensure smooth functioning. On top of that, with the help of a custom PCB, the Gaming X trio provides extra power, and additional fuses make your experience much safer.
Moreover, the MSI Gaming X Trio uses a 7-phase VRM design which makes it capable of handling power input of up to 335W, allowing extreme overclocking by breaking its power limits using shunt mods.
All in all, the Gaming X Trio has got everything a veteran gamer can demand, and at a price tag of around $600, it may seem somewhat expensive, but the features it encapsulates make it a good deal.
The MSI Gaming X Trio GeForce RTX 3060 is the market’s most high-end and premium card. It is also one of the most stunning and mesmerizing cards; any build will look glamorous under its shade.
We are impressed with the cooling capabilities of Gaming X Trio. It is an overkill for GeForce RTX 3060, but you wouldn’t be worried about its temperatures. With the top-notch cooling system, you can push GeForce RTX 3060 to its limits for ultimate performance delivery.
The overall build quality of the graphics card is splendid, as most of the card uses high-quality metal, which adds some weight to it, but thanks to MSI’s robust design, they also attached an anti-bending strap to prevent it from bending. The cherry on top is the inclusion of an additional support bracket to reinforce the card and hold its weight. All these amazing features built into the MSI Gaming X Trio GeForce RTX 3060 easily make it one of the Best GeForce RTX 3060.
MSI Gaming X Trio GeForce RTX 3060 is an amazing GPU with a load of perks and features, but MSI can make some improvements to refine it. The MSI Gaming X Trio is a gigantic piece of hardware. Although its size helps in the cooling process due to the larger area for heat dissipation, we feel it’s unnecessary as the cooling system is already more than capable of maintaining its temperatures. Its enormous size may cause problems during installation in some Mid-tower cases, and you can forget about installing this beast in a mini-ITX PC case.
We also have our concerns over the price of the GPU. Gaming X Trio is retailed at too high of a price, which makes it out of reach for many enthusiast gamers. At around $600, the Gaming X Trio is somewhat expensive for GeForce RTX 3060.
If its enormous size is not a problem for you, then MSI Gaming X Trio GeForce RTX 3060 is an outperforming GPU that will rock your world. Price aside, rest assured you wouldn’t be disappointed after getting your hands on it. The Gaming X Trio not just performs well but cools amazingly well and looks spectacular, making it the Best Overall GeForce RTX 3060.
GeForce RTX 3060 With Best Cooling
Specifications: Dimensions: 301 x 143 x 54 mm | Base Clock: 1320MHz | Boost Clock: 1882 MHz | Bandwidth: 360GB/s | Recommended PSU: 650W | Power Connectors: 1x 8-pin | RGB: Yes
Regarding high-end gaming and professional devices, ASUS always rings a bell in our minds. ASUS is one of the most renowned tech brands, known for its quality and the user-friendly products they provide. Their arsenal of products ranges from Mobiles, Laptops, Desktops, Motherboards, GPUs, Coolers, and almost all kinds of cool accessories. They are, in the true sense, heaven for PC lovers. ASUS has a designated brand for premium gaming devices, the Republic of Gamers. Though our current contender for the Best GeForce RTX 3060 is not from the ROG lineup, nor is it of lesser quality. The TUF Gaming in ASUS TUF Gaming NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 V2 symbolizes a marquee of collaboration between ASUS and major PC components brands to make one of the contenders for Best GeForce RTX 3060.
Like its name, the TUF Gaming NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 V2 is a tough GPU, figuratively and literally. The whole GPU encloses in an all-metallic shroud that engulfs the three powerful axial-tech fans and offers rigidity, stability, and endurance to the whole GPU. Moreover, ASUS has kept the whole look of the GPU rather minimalistic, with very little use of RGB lighting. However, it still looks graceful and feels pleasant to the eye. You can also customize the top-right RGB light to display a wide range of magnificent colors and configure it according to your taste.
The TUF Gaming NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 packs cooling features that some may call overkill, but it’s just wonderful for enthusiast gamers. The three powerful axial-tech fans that utilize dual ball bearings serve as the first line of defense. On top of that, these fans have been optimized to deliver reduced turbulence; the side fans rotate anti-clockwise while the middle one rotates clockwise, thus reducing turbulence and providing maximum airflow to meet the thermal demands of the GeForce RTX 3060. Moreover, ASUS implemented an additional feature to halt all the fans when the temperatures are below 50 degrees, and the GPU is not under heavy load, thus eliminating any unnecessary noise.
Beneath the fans of the TUF Gaming NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 lies a thick heatsink that keeps the thermals well under control. The ASUS’s MaxContact technology polishes the heat spreader, increases its flatness, and improves smoothness, allowing even heat distribution across the heatsink. The spreader draws heat into the heat pipes, evenly distributing it to the 2.7 inches large heatsink. The large size of the heatsink makes heat dissipation much faster, thus maintaining the temperatures of the TUF Gaming GeForce RTX 3060 at an optimal level. The cooling features don’t end there; the rear of the GPU has a metallic backplate that features wide air vents. These vents allow hot air to escape the GPU instead of being pulled back into the cooler. All these cooling features incorporated in the TUF Gaming GeForce RTX 3060 easily make it the GeForce RTX 3060 With Best Cooling.
Talking about the performance of the ASUS TUF Gaming NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 V2, which is very close to the MSI Gaming X Trio, you can overclock it up to 1882 MHz, according to ASUS’s official ratings. The ASUS TUF Gaming NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 V2 can overclock to higher frequencies, but we don’t recommend it as it can reduce the card’s lifespan, so do it at your own risk and expense. With its 12GB DDR6 VRAM, you can expect uninterrupted 1080p gameplay at high frame rates. The TUF Gaming GeForce RTX 3060 can also deliver decent frames per second at 1440p, so performance-wise, it is truly a steal. On top of that, even under heavy load, the TUF Gaming GeForce RTX 3060 is remarkably quiet.
The PCB is the heart of any GPU, and all the components on the PCB were selected by ASUS for their performance and durability, from military-grade chokes, MOSFETS, and capacitors to deliver absolute performance while being power efficient. All PCB components are soldered via automated machines to eliminate any human error. The TUF Gaming GeForce RTX 3060 can be power hungry; it has the default power limit of 170W, but with ASUS Tweak II’s help, you can take up to 187W to get a performance boost and have better-overclocking potential. However, ASUS recommends a PSU of at least 650W if you want to push it to its limits. Though you are not looking to overclock much, you can opt for a less-powered PSU.
On top of that, ASUS implemented an 8-phase VRM design in the TUF Gaming GeForce RTX 3060, which gives it 400W current capability. It is great news for our overclocking enthusiast readers, as it allows them to break the power limits of TUF Gaming GeForce RTX 3060 for extreme overclocking without blowing up the PCB. In addition, an 8-pin connector fulfills the power demands of the GeForce RTX 3060, and the front RGB strip lights up to indicate if the power connectors are not plugged in correctly.
Finally, ASUS wrapped up the TUF Gaming GeForce RTX 3060 with excellent software support. The ASUS Tweak II makes it very easy to tune your GeForce RTX 3060. The software allows you to tweak many settings, including core clocks, memory frequency, and voltage settings. You can also visualize the performance of your GPU in real-time through a customizable interface. Thanks to PWM support, advanced fan control is also available to increase or decrease the fan speed manually according to your requirements. On top of that, a perfectly placed switch near the backplate allows easy customization of the GPU’s performance between quiet and performance mode without using any software.
With years of experience in the industry, ASUS knows how to amaze its customers. ASUS TUF Gaming NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 V2 performs remarkably well and brings out the potential of the GeForce RTX 3060. It will have your back during prolonged 1080p and 4K gaming sessions.
The TUF Gaming not just performs excellent, but its looks are also fascinating. Although the use of RGB is not much, only a small LED strip on the top also looks elegant. Looks can be subjective; although the TUF Gaming GeForce RTX 3060 looks amazing to us, you may not be impressed by it at all. So first, take a look and decide for yourself.
The numerous cooling features implemented in the TUF Gaming GeForce RTX 3060 V2 work in conjunction to keep its temperatures at a bare minimum. From the fan’s design to heat pipes and heatsink. Thanks to its excellent cooling, the TUF Gaming GeForce RTX 3060 works quietly; even under heavy load, it’s not intrusive.
Regarding price, the TUF Gaming GeForce RTX 3060 offers value for money at just around 450$. ASUS has put a lot of thought into every nook and cranny to make the TUF Gaming GeForce RTX 3060 V2 the Best GeForce RTX 3060.
The ASUS TUF Gaming GeForce RTX 3060 takes away our breath with all its fascinating features. But, not everything is perfect; there are a few things you should look out for before buying it. TUF Gaming is a humongous GPU with a lot of weight; make sure to use it with a reinforced motherboard or GPU anti-sag device. Its size makes it difficult to fit in some PC cases; we will advise you to check your GPU clearance before looking into this beast.
ASUS TUF Gaming GeForce RTX 3060 V2 is action-packed with many amazing and exciting features that keep users on their toes. If the large size is not a problem for you, then TUF Gaming GeForce RTX 3060 V2 is worth looking into. Its ability to keep everything cool and quiet even under heavy loads proves the capability of its cooling system, making it the GeForce RTX 3060 With Best Cooling.
Best GeForce RTX 3060 For Mini-ITX
Specifications: Dimensions: 177 x 128 x 51 mm | Base Clock: 1320MHz | Boost Clock: 1807 MHz | Bandwidth: 360GB/s | Recommended PSU: 650W | Power Connectors: 1x 8-pin | RGB: No
Yes, you read the title right; we have another wonderful product from ASUS for our enthusiastic readers. It’s not easy for a company to make its way on a competitive listing twice; however, ASUS does this without breaking a sweat. They deliver the best products in the market, which shows ASUS’s dedication to the community; that’s why they don’t live on the desks of its customers but also in their hearts.
It is our utmost priority to address the needs of all our readers, and we have got a surprise for our mini-ITX PC users too. If you have been wondering that the GPUs mentioned in the article are humungous and aren’t for you, then don’t worry, as we have got you covered with the Best GeForce RTX 3060 For Mini-ITX, the ASUS Phoenix NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 V2.
The ASUS Pheonix GeForce RTX 3060 V2 exists for small form factor pc cases. With a height and width of 6.97 inches and 5.04 inches, the Pheonix is probably the smallest GeForce RTX 3060 you can find on the market. You can fit it in any case and tightly packed spaces. The build quality of the Pheonix Geforce RTX 3060 V2 feels rigid, as a thick metallic shroud covers the Pheonix Geforce RTX 3060 V2 and supports its weight. There is no built-in RGB in the Pheonix GeForce RTX 3060 V2, but don’t worry; this doesn’t affect or deteriorate its aesthetics. The ASUS went with a minimalistic look for the Pheonix GeForce RTX 3060, featuring a sleek design on a black tint.
We are not done yet with the build quality of Pheonix GeForce RTX 3060 V2. It also comes with a protective metal backplate, which adds rigidity to the card and protects the PCB from possible flex damage. In addition, ASUS automated their whole manufacturing process to minimize human error and increase the product’s overall reliability. Moreover, during automated manufacturing, the components are soldered on the PCB in one go, thus reducing the thermal strain and increasing the lifespan of the GPU.
Due to its small size, the Pheonix GeForce RTX 3060 V2 features a single axial tech fan. This large axial tech fan facilitates longer blades and an outer ring design that increases the downward air pressure, thus optimizing the airflow. In addition, it also has dual ball bearings instead of sleeve bearings. The dual ball bearings provide extra durability and increase the lifespan of the axial-tech fans.
The cooling features of ASUS Pheonix and ASUS TUF Gaming GeForce RTX 3060 are similar. Due to the small size of Pheonix, the surface area for heat dissipation is not much, so cooling is not as efficient as in the case of TUF Gaming GeForce RTX 3060, which is much larger. Nevertheless, for a GPU of this size, the cooling potential is still amazing, and it will have no problem maintaining the thermals of the power-hungry GeForce RTX 3060. The heat pipes and heat sink works in perfect collaboration to carry the heat away from the card.
Despite the small GeForce RTX 3060 dimensions, the Pheonix GeForce RTX 3060 V2 packs a punch and delivers ultimate performance. With the 12GB DDR6 VRAM, you can expect a solid 1080p gaming experience. If you intend to play at 4K, turning on the DLSS will help provide decent frame rates. On top of that, the Pheonix GeForce RTX 3060 also comes with stock overclock support of up to 1807 MHz. Still, due to its small size, single fan configuration, and limited cooling potential, its temperatures tend to be on the higher side while under heavy load. But don’t worry, the fans’ noise remains almost silent even under heavy load, which is great for a mini-ITX PC build.
The Phoenix GeForce RTX 3060 has a stock TDP of 170W, and ASUS allows you to boost it to the maximum of 187W using its ASUS Tweak II software. Moreover, ASUS recommends using a 650W power supply to provide overclocking headroom. If overclocking is not your forte, you can use a PSU with a lesser wattage rating. Moreover, ASUS chose a 6-phase VRM design for Pheonix GeForce RTX 3060, allowing it to withstand a load of up to 315W. Although it can reach its power limits without breaking a sweat, it would be unwise to apply shunt mods on it and break the power limits for more overclocking; doing that will cause the risk of damaging the PCB. In addition, ASUS Pheonix GeForce RTX 3060 V2 utilizes an 8-pin connector to transfer power to the GPU.
ASUS backs up the Phoenix GeForce RTX 3060 V2 with a lot of software support. The GPU Tweak II allows convenient manipulation of the card’s critical parameters, including memory frequency, core clocks, and voltage settings. ASUS also provides some additional software, including the free license to XSplit (a video streaming software), a 6-month subscription to wtfast (an online gaming service), and Quantum Cloud software, which allows you to share your GPU’s computing power and earn money. What could be better?
The main highlight of Phoenix GeForce RTX 3060 V2 is the compact design that allows it to fit in a PC case and provide sufficient room for a CPU cooler and other components. The Pheonix V2 packs a punch in such a small size, delivers ultimate gaming performance at 1080p, and performs relatively well at 1440p. Performance-wise, the Pheonix V2 competes with the much larger GPUs, so it’s not inferior to anything.
The Pheonix GeForce RTX 3060 V2’s small size makes it much more durable and adds resistance against bending. On top of that, a metallic shroud covers the whole GPU and protects it from any damage. Moreover, the Pheonix V2 looks very minimalistic, with a line pattern across the front plate that looks quite elegant.
It is nice of ASUS to provide great software support for GPU settings control, enabling you to tweak them according to your requirements. On top of that, ASUS also offers free licenses to numerous software by purchasing Pheonix V2. All these features put Pheonix GeForce RTX 3060 V2 on the throne of the Best.
ASUS implemented its top-quality cooling system in the Pheonix GeForce RTX 3060 V2. However, due to its small size, there is just not much surface area for the heatsink and heat pipes for efficient heat dissipation to cool the GeForce RTX 3060 properly. So, the Pheonix V2 tends to run hotter most of the time, forcing the fans to rotate at high speeds mostly and thus produce more noise. On top of that, no RGB lights are built into the GPU, so if you are looking for a flashy GPU with RGB lighting, Pheonix V2 is not for you.
ASUS Phoenix GeForce RTX 3060 V2 is a perfect GPU for our audience looking to buy a GPU for their mini-ITX build. The hot temperature is a compromise you will have to make in the case of a single-fan GPU; if that doesn’t bother you much, then we can recommend the ASUS Phoenix GeForce RTX 3060 V2 as the Best RTX 3060 For Mini-ITX.
Best GeForce RTX 3060 For Overclocking
Specifications: Dimensions: 296 x 117 x 56 mm | Base Clock: 1320MHz | Boost Clock: 1867 MHz | Bandwidth: 360GB/s | Recommended PSU: 650W | Power Connectors: 1x 6-pin, 1x 8-pin | RGB: Yes
GIGABYTE is one of the oldest players in the PC industry, alongside ASUS and MSI. It has proved to be the user’s top choice due to its products’ reliability, stability, and durability. They are widely known for their quality Motherboards, Graphics Cards, Laptops, Desktops, Monitors, and other DIY hardware. The company also makes some of the best GPUs, which are especially popular among gamers and creators. Not only that, they produce great, affordable graphic cards for video editing and crypto too. This time we are bringing GIGABYTE AORUS GeForce RTX 3060 ELITE and discuss what makes it one of the Best GeForce RTX 3060 GPUs available in the market.
Aesthetically, the AORUS GeForce RTX 3060 Elite looks amazing. The integrated RGB lighting in a solid chassis makes it visually stunning. RGB fusion 2.0 displays 16.7M colors and numerous lighting effects; you can choose your style or synchronize it with other AORUS devices to form an eye catchy light show. The RGB lighting is put behind all three fans and beneath the GIGABYTE logo; now, you can fully show off your GPU in an open-air or tempered glass PC case. The build quality of the GIGABYTE AORUS GeForce RTX 3060 ELITE feels quite premium; only high-quality materials take part in its manufacturing. GIGABYTE went for a neon punk design with the AORUS ELITE, the RGB lighting, and a shiny front cover, giving it a glamorous look.
No matter how premium the build quality is, it means nothing if the GPU lacks performance. Thankfully, the AORUS GeForce RTX 3060 ELITE excels at that too. It will give amazing performance at 1080p gaming and 4K gaming. Of course, 1080p performance will be better than 4K, but you can overclock your AORUS GeForce RTX 3060 ELITE to max clocks of 1867MHz. You can even push it further at your own risk, but we won’t recommend it as it may reduce the card’s lifespan.
GIGABYTE goes above and beyond to enforce the best cooling system in AORUS GeForce RTX 3060 ELITE. It utilizes 3x unique blade fans to draw in the airflow after splitting it with its triangular edge. The two side fans spin anti-clockwise while the middle fan spins clockwise to minimize the air turbulence and increase airflow. On top of that, fans are coated with a graphene nano lubricant that increases its lifespan by 2.1 times. 5x composite heat pipes directly touch the GPU and dissipate it onto the extended heatsink. The extended heatsink design allows air to pass through the rear vent in the backplate. In addition, heat pipes also cover the VRAM for proper cooling. All this cooling potential comes in handy at maximum overclocks to avoid overheating.
The AORUS GeForce RTX 3060 ELITE uses a great power phase design to operate at lower temperatures and overheating protection for each MOSFET. It has a default power limit of 170W; thanks to its excellent cooling features, GIGABYTE made it capable of rocking the power limit to 240W; this much power limit gives it a lot of boost in performance and enhances its overclocking. Now, you can fully take advantage of your GPU with maximum overclocking while maintaining cool temperatures; that is exactly why AORUS GeForce RTX 3060 ELITE is the Best GeForce RTX 3060 For Overclocking. On top of that, the GPU’s PCB is covered with durable chokes and capacitors to provide ultimate performance and an extra long lifespan. Moreover, all the components are soldered on the PCB via a fully automated system that ensures top quality and avoids accidental damage to any components.
In addition to the great power limit of AORUS GeForce RTX 3060, GIGABYTE enforced it with an 8-phase VRM design, making it capable of handling currents up to 400W. The 8-phase VRM design allows users to push the AORUS GeForce RTX 3060 by breaking its power limits through shunt modding and enhancing its overclocking range.
The AORUS GeForce RTX 3060 has an intuitive AORUS Engine that you can use to monitor and control the GPU’s clock speeds, voltage, power target, and fan speeds in real-time. GIGABYTE then backs up the AORUS GeForce RTX 3060 with a 4-years warranty. You can always replace or repair your card under this warranty in case of mishaps.
The AORUS GeForce RTX 3060 is a stunning GPU with RGB lighting right into the fans. These RGB lights can display a broad range of 16.7M colors and numerous lighting effects. You can also pair it up with other AORUS devices to form a spectacular light show and show it off in your build.
The AORUS GeForce RTX 3060 is not just about looks; it also performs amazingly. With the stock support for overclocking up to 1867MHz, the AORUS outperforms all other RTX 3060 by a very close margin. You can even overclock more, but keep a look at its temperatures to not overdo it. The AORUS GeForce RTX is more than capable of handling any game you throw at it on either 1080p or 4K resolution.
The high overclocking range of AORUS GeForce RTX 3060 demands a top-of-the-line cooling system. Thankfully, GIGABYTE integrated its premium and high-end WINDFROCE 3x cooling system in the AORUS GeForce RTX 3060, which is more than capable of handling its temperatures even at maximum clocks and under heavy loads. These traits make it the ultimate partner among the Best GeForce RTX 3060 GPUs.
The AORUS GeForce RTX 3060 is a beefy graphic card with enormous size. Its size may be too much for some people and cause installation problems in some mid-tower chassis. If you’re someone who has a mini-ITX PC, this is not the GPU for you as there is no way it is going to fit in a mini-ITX chassis.
The AORUS GeForce RTX 3060 is a great graphics card for gaming enthusiasts, its elegant, quiet, cool, and most importantly, its large overclocking potential boosts its performance. The AORUS GeForce RTX 3060 GPU will also benefit you greatly if your work demands high-performance output, which you can achieve through overclocking. Thus we can easily recommend it as the Best RTX 3060 For Overclocking.
Specifications: Dimensions: 242 x 124 x 41 mm | Base Clock: 1320MHz | Boost Clock: 1807 MHz | Bandwidth: 360GB/s | Recommended PSU: 550W | Power Connectors: 1x 8-pin | RGB: Yes
GIGABYTE relentlessly tries to overcome the market with its premium yet affordable products. It is only fair to include another one of its amazing products in this battle for the Best GeForce RTX 3060. Although people spend more on the GPU than the rest of the build, not everyone can afford such expensive GPUs. To cater to the needs of such an audience, we decided to include the most affordable GeForce RTX 3060 that you can find on the market, which gives you all the amazing perks of GeForce RTX 3060 without any major compromises. The GIGABYTE GeForce RTX 3060 EAGLE OC has everything an enthusiastic gamer can demand at an economical price.
The GeForce RTX 3060 EAGLE OC comes with a dual fan configuration. With a height of 41mm and a width of 124mm, it is neither large enough to cause fitting problems nor so small to compromise the cooling solutions. Its size is perfect for any mid-tower PC case and leaves room for coolers and other components. The build quality of this GPU is top-notch; it is covered with a metallic shroud all over. Most of its components are made from metal, with very little use of plastic, giving it unmatched durability and protecting it from bending. The use of RGB in the GeForce RTX 3060 EAGLE OC is very minimal. It has a thin RGB panel on the side that uses RGB fusion 2.0 to display a wide range of colors and patterns; you can choose the one that best suits your theme and taste.
The GeForce RTX 3060 EAGLE OC does not compromise the cooling features even with its smaller dimensions. They did a wonderful job by implementing its WINDFORCE 2X cooling system, which utilizes 2x gigantic 100mm unique blade fans. The blades of these fans have a triangular edge that smoothly guides the air through its surface; that’s why they are named unique blade fans. On top of that, these fans rotate in opposite directions so that the airflow between both fans remains the same; this increases the air intake, reduces air turbulence, and minimizes noise. These unique blade fans are coated with a graphene nano lubricant that doubles the fan’s lifespan. Moreover, these fans are 3D activated, meaning they will remain off when the GPU is not under heavy load and only turn on when needed, which greatly reduces the GeForce RTX 3060 power consumption and keeps things quieter.
Behind the dual fans lies 4x copper heat pipes that directly touch the GPU and help dissipate heat better. These heat pipes transfer heat to the heatsink, which releases it through the vent in the backplate, thanks to its extended design. The backplate not only takes part in the cooling process but also enhances the structural strength of the GPU to provide complete protection.
Regarding performance, the GeForce RTX 3060 EAGLE OC packs a punch. It has 12GB DDR6 VRAM with a bandwidth of 360GB/s. Now you can strive for non-stop 1080p gaming at default clocks of 1777MHz, but if you push it hard and overclock to the max frequency of 1807MHz, it will give you a solid 4K gaming experience. The overclock range of Eagle OC is rather smaller than other higher-end graphics cards, but surprisingly, it still delivers jaw-dropping performance.
The GeForce RTX 3060 has a default TDP of 170W, but with the EAGLE OC, you can boost the power limit to a maximum of 212W to get even more performance. GIGABYTE recommends a 550W power supply to provide overclocking headroom; you can use a lesser wattage PSU if you are not into overclocking. Moreover, the GPU has a power phase design to allow the MOSFET to operate at a lower temperature. On top of the 212W power limit, GIGABYTE added a 6-phase power design in the EAGLE OC, allowing it to handle currents of up to 300W safely. The 6-phase VRM design ensures safe functioning at the maximum power limit, but we would not recommend pushing it beyond the power limit by shunt mods as it can cause safety problems.
The PCB of GeForce RTX 3060 EAGLE OC is entirely manufactured in an automated process to ensure supreme quality and eradicate sharp edges of solder connectors, as seen in conventional PCB surfaces. On top of that, durable and certified chokes and capacitors are used on the PCB to boost GPU’s performance and prolong its lifespan.
Finally, GIGABYTE wraps it up with user-friendly software support. The AORUS ENGINE controls GPU’s critical parameters in real-time, including clock speed, voltage, fan performance, and power target. The AORUS ENGINE interface also displays all the GPU’s information on an interactive interface, so you always know what’s happening.
We are truly fascinated by all the amazing features of the GIGABYTE GeForce RTX 3060 EAGLE OC at such an affordable price tag. You can easily find it on any e-commerce website like Amazon at around a $400 price point. In the current economy, this is a steal.
The GIGABYTE GeForce RTX 3060 EAGLE OC is an excellent GPU with everything it takes to be among the Best GeForce RTX 3060 graphic cards . With a two-fan configuration, EAGLE OC can fit in roughly any chassis you throw, including many mini-ITX chassis. Still, for mini-ITX PC cases, we will advise checking the GPU clearance before buying the EAGLE OC.
The performance of GeForce RTX 3060 EAGLE OC is top-notch and rivals triple fan configuration GPUs. From 1080p to 4K gaming, you can expect steady gameplay at decent framerates with all settings pushed to the max.
GIGABYTE impresses us with its WINDFORCE 2X cooling system implemented in the GeForce RTX 3060 EAGLE OC. Even at maximum loads at a boost clock of 1807MHz, it easily keeps the temperatures under strict control. So you can have an uninterrupted gaming experience.
The GIGABYTE GeForce RTX 3060 EAGLE OC has a lot going for it, but despite the OC present in the name of the product, we feel like the stock overclocking range of this GPU is not much. Although, even at its max overclocking, the GIGABYTE GeForce RTX 3060 EAGLE OC provides great performance, so average users would not have a problem with it. However, those who want to exploit their graphic card’s potential fully can look into other GPUs on this list that have better-overclocking ability.
The GIGABYTE GeForce RTX 3060 EAGLE OC is a feature-rich GPU with a lot going for it. You cannot ask for more from the EAGLE OC, from performance and cooling to the build quality and aesthetics. The cherry on top is the pricing; GIGABYTE priced this gaming beast just fine at around $400, making it the Best Budget RTX 3060.
Best GeForce RTX 3060 For White Build
Specifications: Dimensions: 231.9 x 141.3 x 41.5 mm | Base Clock: 1320MHz | Boost Clock: 1867 MHz | Bandwidth: 360GB/s | Recommended PSU: 600W | Power Connectors: 2x Dual 6-pin to 8-pin | RGB: No
ZOTAC is a major PC hardware company known all around the globe for its superb yet economical GPUs. Although its arsenal includes pre-built PCs, Motherboards, SSDs, and other PC-related accessories, its GPUs have the most fan following. ZOTAC’s GPUs have received 5-star reviews from thousands of customers all around the globe because of their excellent performance and reliability. Although ZOTAC’s GPUs are not as popular as MSI, ASUS, or GIGABYTE, they have almost identical specifications. Due to the lower price of ZOTAC’s GPUs, some people may infer that they are of inferior quality to the high-end and more expensive GPUs, but we can assure you that is not the case. ZOTAC’s GPUs are competitive with MSI, ASUS, and GIGABYTE; some maybe even better, like our last contender for the Best GeForce RTX 3060, the ZOTAC GAMING GeForce RTX 3060 AMP White Edition.
As the name hints, the ZOTAC GAMING GeForce RTX 3060 AMP White Edition is covered in white with a white LED-lighted logo on the front. There aren’t many white GPUs in the market, but this GPU hits the spot for a white theme build. We can easily name it one of the most elegant and minimalistic GeForce RTX 3060 GPUs we have seen. The ZOTAC AMP White edition deserves recognition for its aesthetics. The build quality of the card also feels premium due to the use of durable materials. Moreover, the rear of the card is covered with a metallic backplate to enhance its structural integrity. We do recommend you check out White CPU Coolers alongside White PC Cases for a complete build.
The ZOTAC GAMING GeForce RTX 3060 AMP comes with a dual fan design, which makes the card compact and easy to install. Due to its compact design, ZOTAC GAMING GeForce RTX 3060 AMP can fit relatively all PC case sizes, including most mini-ITX PC cases.
To keep the GAMING GeForce RTX 3060 AMP breeze at all times, ZOTAC utilizes its top-of-the-class IceStorm 2.0 cooling system. As part of the IceStorm 2.0 cooling system, 2x 11-blade fans offer best airflow for better cooling; the fans support advanced active control. With the help of ZOTAC Gaming FireStorm software, you can adjust the fan’s RPM independently. Beneath the fans lies an aluminum fin stack array-shaped heat sink, paired with 5x copper heat pipes for efficient heat dissipation. ZOTAC reworked its design and developed a new and improved heat pipe layout for the GAMING GeForce RTX 3060 AMP. This new heat pipe layout increases direct contact with GPU in a tight space to extract heat more efficiently.
The ZOTAC GAMING GeForce RTX 3060 AMP is a powerful GPU. It will have your back during prolonged 1080p gaming sessions. You can expect spectacular frame rates even at all settings cranked up. This card is also good for 4K gaming, especially when overclocked to boost the clocks of 1867 MHz and DLSS turned on.
Like other GeForce RTX 3060 graphic cards, ZOTAC GAMING GeForce RTX 3060 AMP also has the default power limit of 170W, but ZOTAC enables its users to take it up to 187W for maximum performance boost and overclocking capability. ZOTAC recommends a 600W power supply based on the boost clocks of the card, but if you are not into overclocking, you can choose a lesser power PSU. Moreover, the ZOTAC GAMING GeForce RTX 3060 AMP has the best VRM design among all the GeForce RTX 3060 out in the market. It is because ZOTAC uses its GeForce RTX 3070 PCB board for the GAMING GeForce RTX 3060 AMP. The board has a massive 10-phase VRM design that allows it to withstand currents of up to 500W, making it ideal for shunt mods and breaking power limits for better overclocking capability. Isn’t that crazy? However, if you decide to do that, we will advise you to keep an eye on the temperatures, as higher power consumption by the graphic card can cause overheating, which might damage the electrical components.
At last, ZOTAC bundles the GAMING GeForce RTX 3060 AMP with GAMING FireStorm software, an interactive UI that you can use to tweak GPU and memory clocks, GPU voltage, and power.
The ZOTAC GAMING GeForce RTX 3060 AMP White Edition is one of the most aesthetically pleasing graphic cards available on the market. The whole GPU is covered in white, with a white-lit LED logo on the front, making it the perfect GeForce RTX 3060 for a white-themed build.
The ZOTAC GAMING GeForce RTX 3060 AMP provides excellent performance at 1080p and 4K resolutions. With a max boost clock of 1867 MHz, it is more than capable of handling any task thrown at it. Moreover, with this much overclocking, ZOTAC provides its top-performing cooling system in the GAMING GeForce RTX 3060 AMP, the IceStorm 2.0. The cooling system paired up with the aluminum fin stack array with five copper heat pipes helps extract the heat efficiently from the GPU and dissipate it. With all these features, the ZOTAC GAMING GeForce RTX 3060 AMP White Edition deserves to be the contender for the Best GeForce RTX 3060.
Although ZOTAC GAMING GeForce RTX 3060 AMP White Edition looks magnificent and performs well, we feel like ZOTAC has priced it somewhat higher than it should be, even though ZOTAC is known for its competitive pricing. There is also no RGB lighting, only white LED is present behind the logos, but this is not a big deal for a minimalistic-themed graphic card.
ZOTAC has again proved its worth with the GAMING GeForce RTX 3060 AMP White Edition. Its excellent performance and its amazing looks pull us towards it. It will look magnificent in a white-themed build, making it perfect for minimalistic lovers. The glamorous looks and amazing performance of ZOTAC GAMING GeForce RTX 3060 AMP White Edition forces us to crown it with the Best RTX 3060 For White Build title.
Compiling a list of the Best Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 Graphics Cards isn’t easy. Several factors are considered before finalizing a product to be included in this list. Each factor is critical for the decision as it tells us how capable a GPU is and how viable an option it will be for our reader. This guide will also help you decide on an ideal GeForce RTX 3060 that best suits your needs. We considered these factors in selecting the Best RTX 3060.
VRM stands for Voltage Regulation Modulator. In simple terms, the VRM has only one job; it ensures your GPU gets the power required to work at a constant voltage. If the VRM in a GPU is of low quality, it can introduce voltage fluctuations, causing critical issues like sudden shutdowns under heavy loads and poor overclocking capability. It can even reduce the lifespan of your GPU. We went through thorough research and testing to ensure all the Graphics Cards included in this list have the finest VRMs to prevent any such problems and have a satisfactory experience.
Most modern GPUs use mullti-phase VRMs . These multi-phase VRMs are far more efficient and reliable than single-phase VRMs. These multi-phase VRMs distribute the supplied power among themselves, reducing the load on the individual components and the heat produced.
We chose those GeForce RTX 3060 with better VRM designs, allowing the GPU to function better, especially while overclocking. A 5-phase VRM design can sustain the power of up to 225W, which is just 75W above the stock power limit of GeForce RTX 3060, which doesn’t give much-overclocking headroom. If you try to break the power limits on GeForce RTX 3060 with a 5-phase VRM design, you risk blowing up its PCB. So, to facilitate you and give you the best possible performance, we included GPUs with better VRM designs from 6-phase to 10-phase. Check out our product selection for individual VRM capability.
GPU Power limit defines how much power a GPU can use. It is a feature that enables users to control how much power goes into their graphics card. At 0%, the GPU functions at the default power level, and increasing this value by, supposedly 12%, allows the GPU to consume more power which in turn improves the GPU’s performance by giving you extra headroom for overclocking, and lower temperatures due to heat built into computationally expensive tasks. The higher a GPU’s power limit, the better it performs and the more reliable it is. Thus we try to include GPUs with higher power limits and allow the users to control the power limit via a software interface.
Maintaining a GPU at cool temperatures is an utmost necessity. Many companies go above and beyond to implement the best cooling systems in their GPUs. The first line of defense in cooling a GPU is its fans; the more airflow the fans take, the better the cooling will be. GPUs come in three configurations; single fan, dual fan, and triple fan. Adding fans increases the cooling potential of the GPUs but, in turn, increases their size, and thus more space is required to install them, making it harder in cases with low GPU clearance and mini-ITX PC cases. To cater to the needs of all users, we tried to include the GPUs with the best cooling system from each fan configuration.
Behind the fans lies the heat pipes and heatsink. Heatpipes suck heat from the GPU and transfer it onto the heatsink, dissipating it to lower the temperature. There should be direct contact between the heat pipes and the GPU to increase cooling efficiency. Moreover, the heatsink and heat pipes should be designed to distribute heat onto the heatsink evenly. We considered all these things while selecting the Best RTX 3060.
The PCB layer is the actual baseline unit of a graphics card on which all functional components are placed, including the power connectors, memory chips, fuses, and capacitors. It is one of the crucial parts of the graphics card as many factors rely on it. The PCB of Geforce RTX 3060 has 12GB of VRAM chips on it around the actual GPU. Different manufacturers tweak the PCB to change power connectors or display ports and overclock range, so it becomes necessary to take the PCB layer into account and monitor its power connectors, display ports, and overclocking frequencies while selecting products for this article.
Frequencies refer to the Core and Memory Clocks of a GPU. These are what matter during gaming. When it comes to core clocks, manufacturers tell two frequencies. The first one is the base clock which is the minimum GPU frequency you are guaranteed to get unless there is thermal throttling. The second one is the boost clock, also called overclock, which is the maximum factory-supported frequency you can push your GPU to. It isn’t the absolute max, but going beyond this frequency can cause overheating and damage your GPU. The more core and memory clocks there are, the better the GPU will perform.
Let’s look at the GeForce RTX 3060 comparison with the GeForce RTX 3060 Ti. Nvidia released GeForce RTX 3060 and GeForce 3060 Ti under the GeForce 30 series. However, the GeForce RTX 3060 was released two months later than the GeForce RTX 3060 Ti. Nvidia bundled the GeForce RTX 3060 with 12GB of VRAM compared to 8GB VRAM in the GeForce RTX 3060 Ti, even though Nvidia’s Ti GPU variants are more expensive and high-end than the normal version. Nvidia most probably equipped the GeForce RTX 3060 with more VRAM to better rival higher VRAM offerings by AMD.
Even with lesser VRAM, the RTX 3060 Ti offers much better raw performance, and its 8GB VRAM is sufficient in most cases. The GeForce RTX 3060 Ti holds the crown regarding performance; with the 448GB/s bandwidth compared to 360GB/s provided in the GeForce RTX 3060, this significant increase makes it much better and faster in data transmission and multi-tasking. The RTX 3060 Ti holds up even at 1440p 144Hz gaming for most AAA titles, while the GeForce RTX 3060 is better suited for 1080p gaming and excels at it; it can also provide good performance at 4K resolution. The GeForce RTX 3060 Ti provides comparable performance with the GeForce RTX 3070, rather than the GeForce RTX 3060, hence, putting the GeForce RTX 3060 Ti at a much higher level than the GeForce RTX 3060, even with less VRAM size.
The performance GeForce RTX 3060 Ti provides makes it more power-hungry than the GeForce RTX 3060. The GeForce RTX 3060 Ti has a power rating of 200W versus the 170W TDP in the case of the GeForce RTX 3060. More power consumption means that the GeForce RTX 3060 Ti will run hotter than the GeForce RTX 3060, but the difference is usually negligible.
On top of the astonishing performance of both GPUs, Nvidia moved on to put mouth-watering price tags on them. The Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 is available for around $420, while you would have to pay a little extra for the GeForce RTX 3060 Ti, which retails at around $550. GPUs’ performance and price make them attractive for gamers and provide great mining performance. Because of GeForce RTX 3060 mining profitability and gaming performance, the GeForce RTX 3060 availability along with the GeForce 3060 Ti suffered during high demand by gamers and miners as well, and there were quickly out of stock. To make these GPUs less appealing for crypto miners, Nvidia limited their hash rate. The newer NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 Ti can attain hash rates of 60.72Mh/s on Ethereum mining, while the GeForce RTX 3060 gives a hash rate of 50.05Mh/s. Thankfully, these GPUs are again in stock and will most definitely be available at your favorite retailers.
Nvidia’s GeForce RTX 2060 and GeF orce RTX 3060 are both high-performance flagship GPUs, but the GeFor ce RTX 2060 is a generation older than the GeForce RTX 3060. Let’s look at how the newer GeForce RTX 3060 stacks up against the previous champion, the GeForce RTX 2060.
The Nvidia GeF orce RTX 3060 outshines the GeForce RTX 2060 in all aspects. When it comes to ultimate gaming performance, the GeForce RTX 3060 knocks up the GeForce RTX 2060 from its feet. It has double the VRAM at 12GB vs. just 6GB in the GeForce RTX 2060. The GeForce RTX 3060 supports a boost clock of 1777MHz, which is abundant compared to the 1680MHz boost clock in the GeForce RTX 2060. On top of that, the GeForce RTX 3060 has more memory clocks at 1875 MHz vs. 1750 MHz on GeForce RTX 2060. Although GeForce RTX 3060 performance is much better and has better specs than the Geforce RTX 2060, it is still not that big of an upgrade. The GeForce RTX 3060 was released two years later than the last generation’s GeForce 2060. But, the GeForce RTX 3060 is worth upgrading from GeForce RTX 2060 as it has better Ray Tracing, and DLSS offers much better 1080p and 4K performance.
The GeForce RTX 3060 also shows much better mining performance than the GeForce RTX 2060; even with the LHR, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 gives a 50.05Mh/s hash rate on Ethereum mining, whereas the GeForce RTX 2060 lacks quite behind with a hash rate of just 30.1Mh/s.
The display connectivity option offered by both cards also varies slightly. The GeForce RTX 2060 has various display ports, including DVI, HDMI 2.0, DisplayPort, and USB Type-C. The GeForce RTX 3060 does not have that much variety for display options, but it makes up for it with the latest technology. Instead of HDMI 2.0, GeForce RTX 3060 has HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4a ports. Regardless, both graphic cards can perfectly connect multiple high-resolution 1080p or 4K displays.
In addition, the GeForce RTX 2060 has a slightly lower TDP at 160 W compared to the GeForce RTX 3060’s 170W TDP, implying that the GeForce RTX 3060 will run slightly hotter than the GeForce RTX 2060.
Core Clock and Boost Clock speeds directly affect the gaming performance; since GeForce RTX 3060 has better clocks on its hands, it has much better performance than GeForce RTX 2060. Both cards are superb at 1080p resolution, but when it comes to 4K gaming, the GeForce RTX 2060 struggles to provide a decent gaming experience. While playing the latest AAA games, GeForce RTX 2060 provides close to or lesser than 30fps, where it hardly becomes playable. Whereas in the case of GeForce RTX 3060, you can expect 40-60 fps depending upon the title. In conclusion, considering all specifications and performance, we recommend the GeForce RTX 3060 over the GeForce RTX 2060.
Even after the release of Nvidia’s latest RTX 3080 graphics card, the 3060 still stands out as one of the best options for this generation. The RTX 3060 provides excellent and speedy performance at a highly reasonable price. If you have a tight budget and want a great graphics card for 1080p gaming, then the RTX 3060 is an obvious choice.
RTX 3060 stills pack a punch and offer amazing gaming performance and frame rates. RTX 3060 is the best graphics card for high-end 1080p gaming. The RTX 3060 may be last-gen, but it is still much powerful and capable of delivering the ultimate gaming performance.
The power supply is one of the most important components of a PC build and should not be compromised upon under any condition. If you build a build with premium and high-end parts and then hook it up with a cheap power supply, you risk damaging your parts. So, Nvidia recommends at least a 550 Watts PSU for the GeForce RTX 3060.
The RTX 3060 has a similar raw performance as the RX 6600. The AMD’s Radeon RX 6600 is much less expensive than RTX 3060, but RTX 3060 offers better ray-tracing capability backed up by the DLSS, which gives the RTX 3060 an edge in most games.
RTX 3060 is more than capable of running any AAA game at 1080p high settings, but when it comes to 4K gaming, it doesn’t suffice. AAA games demand a lot more performance for 4K res than the RTX 3060 can provide. But, you can surely render 4K videos and play less resource-hungry titles at 1440 144Hz.