Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 vs Nvidia GeForce RTX 5050

Updated Nov 2026 · Scored by the Let’s Compare Data Engine · How we score

The Nvidia GeForce RTX 5050 and Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 are closely matched at 55 and 54/100. The Nvidia GeForce RTX 5050 edges ahead on Core Specifications, while the Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 leads on Memory — pick the one whose strengths match what you'll actually use.

Verdict

Our overall take, at a glance

Nvidia GeForce RTX 5050 and Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 are closely matched

Nvidia GeForce RTX 5050

Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060

Where Nvidia GeForce RTX 5050 stands out

Core Specifications Lithography Process: 5 nm (38% less)

Where Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 stands out

Memory Capacity: 12 GB (50% more)
Core Specifications Maximum Power: 170 W (31% more)
Memory Bandwidth: 336 GB/s (5% more)

Winner by category for Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 vs Nvidia GeForce RTX 5050
Category	Nvidia GeForce RTX 5050	Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060	Winner
Core Specifications	66	34	Nvidia GeForce RTX 5050
Memory	49	65	Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060
API Support	50	50	Tie
Theoretical Performance	50	48	Tie
Benchmark	52	52	Tie
Miscellaneous	78	78	Tie

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 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

Nvidia GeForce RTX 5050

The Nvidia GeForce RTX 5050 is an entry-level desktop graphics card built on a 5nm process, designed for budget-conscious PC builders and casual gamers. Equipped with 8 GB of dedicated GDDR6 memory on a 128-bit bus, it delivers 320 GB/s of memory bandwidth and boost clock speeds up to 2.572 GHz. With a maximum rated power consumption of 130 W, it provides modern API support including DirectX 12 and Vulkan 1.4 for efficient everyday gaming.

Best for Budget 1080p desktop gaming setups with strict power limitsBest for Energy-efficient home office or media PCs needing dedicated GPU acceleration

Pros

Low 130 W maximum power consumption suitable for modest power supplies
8 GB of dedicated GDDR6 VRAM providing 320 GB/s of bandwidth
Broad support for modern graphics APIs including Vulkan 1.4 and DirectX 12

Cons

Narrow 128-bit memory bus restricts overall bandwidth throughput
Modest compute performance cap of 13.17 TFLOPS limits heavy workload performance

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 3060

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Nvidia GeForce RTX 5050

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Performance

Higher benchmark score = faster

Nvidia GeForce RTX 306016,883

Nvidia GeForce RTX 505016,712

See the raw benchmark values →

Benchmark score — a measured indicator of raw performance, not a guarantee of real-world speed.

Detailed Specifications

The full spec sheet, side by side

Core Specifications

Feature	Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060	Nvidia GeForce RTX 5050
Base Frequency	1.32 GHz	2.317 GHz
Base Power	N/A	N/A
Maximum Frequency	1.777 GHz	2.572 GHz
Maximum Power	170 W31% more	130 W
Lithography Process	8 nm	5 nm38% less

Memory

Feature	Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060	Nvidia GeForce RTX 5050
Capacity	12 GB50% more	8 GB
Technology
Bus Width	192 bit	128 bit
Bandwidth	336 GB/s5% more	320 GB/s
Is Shared	No	No

API Support

Feature	Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060	Nvidia GeForce RTX 5050
DirectX Version	12	12
OpenGL Version	4.6	4.6
Vulkan Version	1.4	1.4
OpenCL Version	3	3

Theoretical Performance

Feature	Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060	Nvidia GeForce RTX 5050
Pixel Rate	85.4 GP/s	82.3 GP/s
Texture Rate	199.02 GT/s	205.8 GT/s
Performance (FP16)	12.738 TFLOPS	13.169 TFLOPS3% more
Performance (FP32)	12.7 TFLOPS	13.169 TFLOPS4% more
Performance (FP64)	198.9 GFLOPS	206 GFLOPS

Benchmark

Feature	Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060	Nvidia GeForce RTX 5050
G3D Mark	16,883	16,712

Miscellaneous

Feature	Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060	Nvidia GeForce RTX 5050
Release Date	February 25, 2021	July 1, 2025
Platform

Specification Note

Specifications are compiled from official manufacturer data and other reliable internet sources. Some features may vary by region or model configuration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 vs Nvidia GeForce RTX 5050 comparison

They are closely matched: Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 scores 61/100 and Nvidia GeForce RTX 5050 scores 61/100 in our overall comparison — within 1 points. Neither is a clear winner overall, so the decision comes down to the specific features and price that matter most to you.

Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 and Nvidia GeForce RTX 5050 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 61/100 for Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 and 61/100 for Nvidia GeForce RTX 5050.

It's close — Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 (61/100) and Nvidia GeForce RTX 5050 (61/100) score almost the same. Pick based on price and the individual specs that matter most to you; the comparison above shows where each one pulls ahead.