🎮 Comparison · GPU comparison
GeForce RTX 3060 12GB vs GeForce RTX 4060: specs comparison
GeForce RTX 3060 12GB came out in 2021 on the Ampere architecture, GeForce RTX 4060 in 2023 on Ada Lovelace. GeForce RTX 3060 12GB has 12 GB of GDDR6 on a 192-bit bus (360 GB/s), GeForce RTX 4060 has 8 GB of GDDR6 on a 128-bit bus (272 GB/s). Power draw: 170 W vs 115 W. Recommended PSU for both: 550 W.
In short. The table below is built from the official spec sheets. Green marks the best value in a row, and under the table you will see which resolutions the VRAM is enough for. This is not an FPS benchmark.
| Spec | GeForce RTX 3060 12GB 12 GB GDDR6 · 2021 Spec sheet → | GeForce RTX 4060 8 GB GDDR6 · 2023 Spec sheet → |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Desktop | Desktop |
| Release year | 2021 | 2023 |
| Architecture | Ampere | Ada Lovelace |
| Shader cores | 3,584 | 3,072 |
| Boost clock MHz | 1,777MHz | 2,460MHz |
| VRAM GB | 12GB | 8GB |
| Memory type | GDDR6 | GDDR6 |
| Memory bus bit | 192bit | 128bit |
| Memory bandwidth GB/s | 360GB/s | 272GB/s |
| Power draw (TDP) W | 170W | 115W |
| Power connectors | 1×8-pin | 1×8-pin |
| Recommended PSU W | 550W | 550W |
Which is better for 1080p, 1440p and 4K
- 1080pEnough VRAM on both: GeForce RTX 3060 12GB, GeForce RTX 4060. Higher memory bandwidth: GeForce RTX 3060 12GB (360 GB/s)
- 1440pEnough VRAM: GeForce RTX 3060 12GB
- 4KBoth cards have less than 16 GB of VRAM — expect medium settings in new games.
Based on actual specs: 8 GB of VRAM or more for 1080p, 12 GB for 1440p and 16 GB for 4K at high settings in new games. This is not an FPS benchmark: we don’t show scores we can’t back with a source.
How to use it
- Compare VRAM and memory bandwidth — they matter most at high resolutions.
- Check TDP, connectors and the recommended PSU: will your power supply cope.
- Look at the “Which is better for 1080p, 1440p and 4K” block.
- To add a third card, press “Change models or add a third”.
More GPU comparisons
- RTX 4060 vs RX 7600 →
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- RTX 3060 Ti vs RTX 4060 →
- RTX 5060 vs RTX 4060 →
- RX 6600 vs RTX 3060 12GB →
- RX 6700 XT vs RTX 4060 →
- Arc B580 vs RTX 4060 →
- Arc A770 16GB vs RTX 3060 12GB →
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Where the data comes from
Specs follow the official vendor spec sheets: GeForce RTX 3060 12GB, GeForce RTX 4060. Reference designs; partner cards may have different clocks, TDP and connectors.
FAQ
Which is better — RTX 3060 12GB or RTX 4060?
It depends on resolution and budget. By VRAM: 1080p: Enough VRAM on both: GeForce RTX 3060 12GB, GeForce RTX 4060. Higher memory bandwidth: GeForce RTX 3060 12GB (360 GB/s). 1440p: Enough VRAM: GeForce RTX 3060 12GB. 4K: Both cards have less than 16 GB of VRAM — expect medium settings in new games.. There are no FPS benchmarks in the table — check tests in the specific games you play.
How much VRAM do RTX 3060 12GB and RTX 4060 have?
RTX 3060 12GB has 12 GB of GDDR6 with 360 GB/s of bandwidth, RTX 4060 has 8 GB of GDDR6 and 272 GB/s.
What PSU do RTX 3060 12GB and RTX 4060 need?
The vendors recommend a 550 W power supply for RTX 3060 12GB and 550 W for RTX 4060. Power connectors: RTX 3060 12GB — 1×8-pin, RTX 4060 — 1×8-pin.
Which card is more power-efficient — RTX 3060 12GB or RTX 4060?
Per the spec sheet, RTX 3060 12GB draws 170 W and RTX 4060 draws 115 W. Lower TDP means easier cooling and a smaller PSU.
Can I add a third graphics card?
Yes. Open the interactive comparison — the pair is already selected, you can add two more models and share the link.
Where do the specs come from?
From the official NVIDIA, AMD and Intel spec sheets — each model in the table header links to its vendor page. Bandwidth is calculated as “memory speed × bus width / 8”.
Not sure which to pick? Open our best graphics cards 2026 ranking (in Russian) — the editors explain which card to buy for 1080p, 1440p and 4K and for different budgets.