20
Sep
RTX 3060 12GB vs RTX 3060 Ti
RTX 3060 12GB vs RTX 3060 Ti 8GB – Which One Should You Buy?
If you’re planning to upgrade your gaming PC or build a new one, the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 12GB and RTX 3060 Ti 8GB are two popular options in the mid-range GPU segment. Both belong to NVIDIA’s Ampere architecture, but don’t be fooled by the numbers—more VRAM doesn’t always mean more power.
Let’s break down their differences and declare a clear winner based on real-world performance and use cases.
🔧 Specifications Overview
| Feature | RTX 3060 12GB | RTX 3060 Ti 8GB |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Ampere (GA106) | Ampere (GA104 – cut-down) |
| CUDA Cores | 3584 | 4864 |
| Base Clock | ~1320 MHz | ~1410 MHz |
| Boost Clock | ~1777 MHz | ~1665 MHz |
| VRAM | 12GB GDDR6 | 8GB GDDR6 |
| Memory Bus | 192-bit | 256-bit |
| Memory Bandwidth | 360 GB/s | 448 GB/s |
| TDP (Power Draw) | ~170W | ~200W |
| Ray Tracing Cores | Yes (2nd Gen) | Yes (2nd Gen) |
| DLSS Support | Yes (3rd Gen Tensor Cores) | Yes (3rd Gen Tensor Cores) |
🎮 Gaming Performance Comparison
Despite having less VRAM, the RTX 3060 Ti outperforms the RTX 3060 in almost every game due to its significantly higher core count and wider memory bus. Here’s how they stack up in 1080p and 1440p benchmarks:
| Game (1440p Ultra) | RTX 3060 12GB | RTX 3060 Ti 8GB |
|---|---|---|
| Cyberpunk 2077 (DLSS) | ~52 FPS | ~63 FPS |
| Call of Duty: Warzone | ~85 FPS | ~105 FPS |
| Assassin’s Creed Valhalla | ~58 FPS | ~72 FPS |
| Shadow of the Tomb Raider | ~74 FPS | ~87 FPS |
| Forza Horizon 5 | ~82 FPS | ~97 FPS |
🔹 Winner in Gaming: ✅ RTX 3060 Ti 8GB
🧠 VRAM Usage – Is 12GB Better?
The RTX 3060 12GB offers 4GB more VRAM, which might sound like a big deal, especially for future-proofing and texture-heavy games. However:
-
Most modern games at 1080p and 1440p don’t use more than 8GB unless you’re modding or using ultra textures.
-
The raw power of the 3060 Ti means it can handle those workloads better despite the lower VRAM.
🔹 Winner in VRAM Capacity: ✅ RTX 3060 12GB
🔹 But in real-world usage: Performance still favors the 3060 Ti.
🖥️ Content Creation & Productivity
For video editing, 3D rendering, and light AI work:
-
RTX 3060 Ti has more CUDA cores and memory bandwidth, making it more efficient for rendering and encoding tasks.
-
RTX 3060 12GB is suitable for workloads that require more VRAM like 4K video timelines, large scenes in Blender, etc.
🔹 Winner in Content Creation: Depends on task:
-
Rendering Speed = ✅ 3060 Ti
-
VRAM-heavy workloads = ✅ 3060 12GB
💡 Power Consumption & Cooling
-
RTX 3060 Ti draws more power (~200W vs ~170W) and needs a slightly better PSU (600W recommended).
-
Cooling performance depends on the brand (ASUS, MSI, Zotac, etc.), but both cards run at 65–75°C under load with dual or triple fan designs.
💰 Pricing in India (New & Used Market)
| GPU Model | New Price Range | Used Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| RTX 3060 12GB | ₹26,000 – ₹30,000 | ₹20,000 – ₹24,000 |
| RTX 3060 Ti 8GB | ₹30,000 – ₹35,000 | ₹24,000 – ₹28,000 |
Prices may vary by brand and condition on GadgetRally
✅ Final Verdict: Who’s the Winner?
🟩 Winner: ✅ RTX 3060 Ti 8GB
Despite having less VRAM, the RTX 3060 Ti delivers superior gaming performance, faster rendering speeds, and better overall efficiency for most users. It beats the 3060 12GB in nearly every real-world benchmark.
🙋♂️ Who Should Buy Which?
| User Type | Recommended Card |
|---|---|
| 1080p/1440p Gamer | ✅ RTX 3060 Ti |
| Budget Gamer or Casual User | ✅ RTX 3060 12GB |
| Content Creator (VRAM-heavy workflows) | ✅ RTX 3060 12GB |
| Competitive Gamer / Streamer | ✅ RTX 3060 Ti |
Looking to buy one?
Visit GadgetRally.com to browse verified listings of new and used RTX 3060 and 3060 Ti graphic cards across India.
