Performance comparison: which is faster?
GeForce RTX 3060 Ti (NVIDIA, 2020) and GeForce RTX 2080 Ti (NVIDIA, 2019) are compared here. Compare scores and VRAM, generative AI usability, and CPUs that pair well with each GPU.
Overall performance: RTX 3060 Ti is about 5.4% faster
For generative AI, the higher-VRAM RTX 2080 Ti（11GB） has the advantage. For gaming, prioritize performance score and CPU compatibility; for AI, prioritize VRAM.
Relative performance score (higher is faster). Actual fps varies by resolution, game, and CPU configuration.
| Item | RTX 3060 Ti | RTX 2080 Ti |
|---|---|---|
| Performance Score | 19,500 | 18,500 |
| VRAM | 8GB | 11GB |
| Manufacturer | NVIDIA | NVIDIA |
| Series | RTX 30 | RTX 20 |
| Release Year | 2020 | 2019 |
| Compatible CPU Example | Ryzen 9 3900X | Core i5-9500 |
These generative AI models can run on only one GPU because of the VRAM difference (Stable Diffusion, Flux, LLMs, and others).
— None (all models that run on RTX 2080 Ti also run here)
| If You Want To... | Recommended |
|---|---|
| Prioritize high fps and smooth performance in demanding games | RTX 3060 Ti |
| Run larger generative AI and LLM models | RTX 2080 Ti |
| Prioritize value and adequate performance | RTX 2080 Ti (the lower model is often sufficient) |
RTX 3060 Ti is about 5.4% higher by score (RTX 3060 Ti: 19500 points / RTX 2080 Ti: 18500 points). Actual fps also varies by resolution, game, and CPU, so price is a reasonable deciding factor when the gap is only a few percent.
RTX 3060 Ti has 8GB of VRAM, while RTX 2080 Ti has 11GB; RTX 2080 Ti has more. If image generation or a local LLM is even a possibility, the higher-VRAM option provides more room.
Using our guideline, Ryzen 9 3900X pairs well with RTX 3060 Ti and Core i5-9500 with RTX 2080 Ti (CPU:GPU ≈ 0.9:1). If the CPU is too weak, replacing the GPU may not raise fps, so check the combination before buying.
