Buzz
Nvidia has introduced its affordable 3000-series GPU, the $329 GeForce RTX 3060, which is hailed as the most cost-effective option for bringing ray-tracing capabilities to your gaming experience. Typically, I’d advise waiting for reviews and performance tests before buying any new product on launch day, whether it’s a highly anticipated game or a graphics card that hasn’t been thoroughly evaluated by experts and gamers.
But these are unusual times. The GPU market is facing a severe shortage, worsened by eager gamers stuck in quarantine, eager to upgrade their systems with cards that support 4K gaming and ultra-high settings. Add to that the issue of scalpers using bots to hoard inventory and resell at inflated prices, making it incredibly frustrating for anyone trying to give their older gaming PC a much-needed performance boost.
Here’s my advice: If you’re unsure about upgrading, consider grabbing the GeForce RTX 3060 as soon as possible. You can always return it if it doesn’t deliver the performance boost you expected—or if you’re fortunate enough to snag a more powerful option like the GeForce RTX 3080 later on.
However, it’s not entirely straightforward. As a budget-friendly option, the GeForce RTX 3060 isn’t suited for everyone, and I wouldn’t recommend rushing to buy it just because better options are unavailable. You should assess your specific setup to determine the minimum-tier GPU that would provide a meaningful performance boost.
For instance, if you’re using a 4K monitor and aiming for ray-traced gaming in demanding modern titles, the RTX 3060 might fall short. Based on Nvidia’s benchmarks—which are often more optimistic than real-world results—the RTX 3070 performs between the RTX 2060 and RTX 3070 in various games (resolution unspecified). While this is an assumption, it’s unlikely Nvidia would release a lower-tier card outperforming a higher-tier one so soon after its launch—that wouldn’t make business sense.
Looking at benchmarks from Overclockers Club, the RTX 3070 and RTX 2060 deliver the following frame rates at 4K resolution with maximum quality settings:
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare (3070): 55.18
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare (2060): 29.39
Control (3070): 25.01
- Control (2060): 4.31
Metro Exodus (3070): 34.39
Metro Exodus (2060): 17.83
Metro Exodus (3070, DLSS): 48.38
Metro Exodus (2060, DLSS): 0
Battlefield V (3070): 37.0
Battlefield V (2060): 20.02
Battlefield V (3070, DLSS): 51.14
Battlefield V (2060, DLSS): 30.16
While the RTX 3060’s performance likely won’t land precisely between the RTX 2060 and RTX 3070, it’s safe to assume it won’t match the RTX 3070’s capabilities. For 4K gaming with maxed-out settings and ray-tracing enabled, you’ll need to carefully select games to achieve even modest performance, and your frame rates will likely fall short of your monitor’s refresh rate.
In this scenario, it’s worth waiting for a pricier RTX 3080. As the top choice for 4K gaming in the GeForce lineup (excluding the prohibitively expensive RTX 3090), it offers better future-proofing for upcoming graphically demanding titles. Upgrading to an RTX 3060 for 4K gaming doesn’t make sense unless you’re ready to compromise on quality. If you’re open to that, wait for more benchmarks to determine how much you’ll need to lower settings to hit your desired frame rates.
The RTX 3060 shines in 1080p gaming. You should theoretically achieve close to 60 frames-per-second in demanding titles with high settings and ray-tracing enabled. If ray-tracing isn’t a priority or you’re okay with slightly reduced quality, the RTX 3060 offers a solid upgrade over older single-GPU RTX 2000-series Super cards. However, if you’re using a dual-GPU 2000-series or Super-branded card, upgrading to the RTX 3060 might not be worthwhile.
For 1440p gamers, the choice is more nuanced. If you aim to maximize quality settings and enable ray-tracing in all supported titles (including those without DLSS), the RTX 3060 should deliver at least 30 frames-per-second in most modern, demanding games—except for extreme titles like Cyberpunk 2077 at max settings. Still, I’d recommend spending an extra $170 for the RTX 3070 to minimize compromises and get closer to 60 frames-per-second in challenging games.
Nvidia’s compact lineup of GPUs simplifies the process of determining the right card for your gaming setup:
Standard 60Hz 1080p monitor: The RTX 3060 should suffice for most gaming needs.
1080p gaming monitor (>60Hz): Your choice depends on the games you play and your desired quality settings. (Is maxed-out ray-tracing a priority?) If yes, go for the RTX 3070. If not, the RTX 3060 is likely adequate for less demanding titles, though you won’t hit 120fps on ultra settings in graphically intensive games. For budget-conscious gamers, consider the RTX 3060 Ti ($400) as a middle ground. Wait for benchmarks comparing it to the RTX 3060, but the RTX 3060 Ti is expected to offer the best balance of value and performance.
1440p monitor: Opt for the RTX 3070. The RTX 3060 Ti is also viable, offering a 10% performance boost for a 25% higher cost. Depending on the game, the difference might be negligible. However, if you plan to keep your card for a while, it’s worth investing in the faster option.
4K monitor: The RTX 3080 is the best choice (excluding the overpriced RTX 3090).
As always, if performance is your top concern, wait for official benchmarks before making a decision. While it’s ideal to buy the fastest GPU you can afford, supply constraints might push some gamers to settle for a solid upgrade rather than the best.
When comparing GPUs, don’t just focus on frame rates. Consider the games you play, your preferred settings, what compromises you’re willing to make, and how these factors impact cost-per-frame. As previously noted, a minor performance boost for a significant price increase might not be worth it unless it transforms an unplayable game into a playable one. This logic applies to Nvidia’s flagship RTX 3090—while it’s the fastest, its price doesn’t justify the performance gain. Apply the same reasoning to decide if the RTX 3060 is right for you.
Update 1/13/21 12:30 p.m.: The article’s headline has been revised to clarify that preorders for the new card aren’t currently available. You can sign up for launch day notifications, and some retailers might allow preorders, though nothing has been confirmed yet. The focus remains on whether you should buy the RTX 3070 on launch day, and the answer is still: It depends.
