Performance comparison: which is faster?
GeForce RTX 3060 (NVIDIA, 2021) and GeForce RTX 2080 (NVIDIA, 2018) are compared here. Compare scores and VRAM, generative AI usability, and CPUs that pair well with each GPU.
Overall performance: RTX 3060 is about 10.3% faster
For generative AI, the higher-VRAM RTX 3060（12GB） 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 | RTX 2080 |
|---|---|---|
| Performance Score | 17,100 | 15,500 |
| VRAM | 12GB | 8GB |
| Manufacturer | NVIDIA | NVIDIA |
| Series | RTX 30 | RTX 20 |
| Release Year | 2021 | 2018 |
| Compatible CPU Example | Ryzen 3 3300X | Ryzen 5 2600 |
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 3060 also run here)
| If You Want To... | Recommended |
|---|---|
| Prioritize high fps and smooth performance in demanding games | RTX 3060 |
| Run larger generative AI and LLM models | RTX 3060 |
| Prioritize value and adequate performance | RTX 2080 (the lower model is often sufficient) |
RTX 3060 is about 10.3% higher by score (RTX 3060: 17100 points / RTX 2080: 15500 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 has 12GB of VRAM, while RTX 2080 has 8GB; RTX 3060 has more. If image generation or a local LLM is even a possibility, the higher-VRAM option provides more room.
Using our guideline, Ryzen 3 3300X pairs well with RTX 3060 and Ryzen 5 2600 with RTX 2080 (CPU:GPU ≈ 0.9:1). If the CPU is too weak, replacing the GPU may not raise fps, so check the combination before buying.
