Based on our overall comparison score, Nvidia GeForce RTX 4080 rates higher at 88/100 versus 61/100 for Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 — a 27-point lead. Nvidia GeForce RTX 4080 is the stronger overall pick, though the right choice still depends on which specs matter most to you; the full spec table above breaks down every difference.
Nvidia GeForce RTX 4080 vs Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060
Updated Nov 2026 · Scored by the Let’s Compare Data Engine · How we score
For most buyers the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4080 is the better pick — it scores 80/100 to the Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060's 49, leading on Memory and Theoretical Performance. Choose the Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 instead if core specifications matters most to you, where it comes out ahead.
Verdict
Our overall take, at a glance
Key takeaways
- Nvidia GeForce RTX 4080 leads Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 overall by 31 points (80 vs 49 out of 100).
- Nvidia GeForce RTX 4080 stands out on Memory Bandwidth: 716.8 GB/s (113% more), Theoretical Performance Performance (FP16): 48.737 TFLOPS (283% more), Theoretical Performance Performance (FP32): 48.7 TFLOPS (283% more).
- Best value: Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 (from $329) — the strongest score-per-dollar of the two.
Nvidia GeForce RTX 4080 leads overall
Nvidia GeForce RTX 4080
80
Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060
49
Why it stands out
- Memory Bandwidth: 716.8 GB/s (113% more)
- Theoretical Performance Performance (FP16): 48.737 TFLOPS (283% more)
- Theoretical Performance Performance (FP32): 48.7 TFLOPS (283% more)
In-depth analysisAI
AI-generated from the cited sources — may be incomplete or inaccurate; verify important details before deciding · generated Nov 2026.
Nvidia GeForce RTX 4080
The GeForce RTX 40 series is a family of consumer GPUs from Nvidia's GeForce line, succeeding the RTX 30 series. The cards are based on the Ada Lovelace architecture and include third-generation RT cores for ray tracing and fourth-generation Tensor Cores.
Best for High-end computingBest for Graphics processing
Pros
- Features native support for DirectX Direct3D 12.0 Ultimate (feature level 12_2)
- Includes a new generation of Optical Flow Accelerator to aid DLSS 3.0 frame generation
- Supports DisplayPort 1.4a and HDMI 2.1 display connections
Cons
- The RTX 4080 12GB was noted for potential failures related to the 12VHPWR connector.
Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060
The Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 is a desktop graphics card built on an 8nm manufacturing process, designed primarily for mainstream gaming and entry-level content creation. It operates with a base frequency of 1.32 GHz and can boost up to 1.777 GHz, featuring a generous 12 GB GDDR6 VRAM frame buffer on a 192-bit memory bus. With a 170 W power rating and broad API support, it delivers steady FP32 compute performance for mid-range desktop PC builds.
Best for Mid-range 1080p and 1440p PC gaming setups requiring higher VRAM capacityBest for Entry-level 3D modeling and video editing builds that benefit from a 12 GB frame
Pros
- Generous 12 GB GDDR6 VRAM buffer on a 192-bit bus provides high memory capacity for modern workloads
- Solid compute throughput offering 12.7 TFLOPS of FP32 performance
- Comprehensive API compatibility supporting DirectX 12, Vulkan 1.4, and OpenCL 3.0
Cons
- Maximum power consumption of 170 W requires adequate system power delivery
- Utilizes an 8nm manufacturing node rather than a more efficient current-gen process
Value for Money
Which is the better deal for the price
Pre-filled with launch prices where known — enter today's price for an up-to-date check. Use the same currency for both.
Nvidia GeForce RTX 4080
Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060
Performance
Higher benchmark score = faster
Nvidia GeForce RTX 408034,437
Nvidia GeForce RTX 306016,883
Benchmark score — a measured indicator of raw performance, not a guarantee of real-world speed.
Review Videos
Hand-picked expert reviews for each product
Detailed Specifications
The full spec sheet, side by side
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Nvidia GeForce RTX 4080 vs Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 comparison
Nvidia GeForce RTX 4080 and Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 are compared side by side above across every spec in the gpus category — including performance, features and design — each scored 0–100 so you can see exactly where one leads the other. Our overall scores are 88/100 for Nvidia GeForce RTX 4080 and 61/100 for Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060.
At launch, Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 was the more affordable option ($329) versus Nvidia GeForce RTX 4080 ($1199). Weigh that against the overall scores (88/100 vs 61/100) and the value-for-money meter above to judge whether the higher-rated model justifies its price for your needs. Current retail prices vary — check the retailer.
If you want the higher-rated gpus option overall, Nvidia GeForce RTX 4080 (88/100) edges out Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 (61/100). But if Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 is cheaper or stronger on the specific specs you care about, it can still be the better buy — use the spec table and strengths profile above to decide.
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