Nvidia’s graphics card lineup has seen a significant shift with the introduction of the RTX 30-series, boasting Ampere architecture and promising performance enhancements over its predecessors. Based on Turing architecture, the Nvidia RTX 2070 Super was a popular choice among gamers for its balance of performance and affordability. With the arrival of the Nvidia RTX 3060, gamers face a choice between sticking with the established 20-series or embracing the newer 30-series. Let’s delve into the Nvidia RTX 2070 Super vs. Nvidia RTX 3060 comparison to see which one might be better for you.
Nvidia RTX 2070 Super vs. Nvidia RTX 3060: Specs comparison
The RTX 2070 Super utilizes Turing architecture with a 12 nm process, while the RTX 3060 employs the newer Ampere architecture on an 8 nm process. This suggests that the RTX 3060 could offer better power efficiency and performance due to the architecture and process size advancements.
Looking at clock speeds, the RTX 2070 Super boasts a higher base clock at 1605 MHz compared to the RTX 3060’s 1320 MHz. However, the RTX 3060 slightly edges out the RTX 2070 Super in boost clock speed with 1777 MHz compared to 1770 MHz. These clock speed differences may translate into nuanced performance variations, particularly in demanding gaming scenarios.
Memory size and bandwidth
Memory size and bandwidth are crucial factors for gaming performance. The RTX 3060 surpasses the RTX 2070 Super in both aspects, offering 12 GB of VRAM compared to the 8 GB of the RTX 2070 Super, along with a slightly higher memory clock and bandwidth. This larger memory size and faster speed could be advantageous, especially in games with high-resolution textures and complex scenes.
Core counts and shading units also play a significant role in determining performance. The RTX 3060 boasts more shading units and Tensor cores than the RTX 2070 Super, potentially resulting in improved performance in tasks such as real-time ray tracing and AI-based rendering.
When it comes to power consumption, the RTX 2070 Super has a higher TDP (Thermal Design Power) at 215 W compared to the RTX 3060’s 170 W. This suggests that the RTX 3060 might offer better power efficiency. This could lead to cooler and quieter operation, as well as potentially lower electricity bills over time.
| Specifications | Nvidia RTX 2070 Super | Nvidia RTX 3060 |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Turing | Ampere |
| Process size | 12 nm | 8 nm |
| Transistors | 13.6 billion | 12 billion |
| Base clock | 1605 MHz | 1320 MHz |
| Boost clock | 1770 MHz | 1777 MHz |
| Memory clock | 1750 MHz (14 Gbps effective) | 1875 MHz (15 Gbps effective) |
| Memory size | 8 GB GDDR6 | 12 GB GDDR6 |
| Memory bus | 256-bit | 192-bit |
| Bandwidth | 448 GB/s | 360 GB/s |
| CUDA Cores (Shading Units) | 2560 | 3584 |
| SM Count | 40 | 28 |
| Tensor Cores | 320 | 112 |
| RT Cores | 40 | 28 |
| L1 cache | 64 KB (per SM) | 128 KB (per SM) |
| L2 cache | 4 MB | 3 MB |
| TDP | 215 W | 170 W |
| Price (MSRP) | $499 | $329 |
Key takeaways
- Newer Architecture:The RTX 3060’s Ampere architecture is more efficient than the RTX 2070 Super’s Turing, despite the lower transistor count.
- More VRAM: 12 GB of GDDR6 in the RTX 3060 gives it a significant advantage for high-resolution gaming and future-proofing.
- Tensor Cores: The RTX 2070 Super has more Tensor Cores, offering slightly better performance for AI-powered features like DLSS.
- PSU Requirements: The RTX 3060 has a lower TDP, requiring less power from your PSU.
- DirectX: Both cards support the latest DirectX versions.
Nvidia RTX 2070 Super vs. Nvidia RTX 3060: Performance
When it comes to pitting the Nvidia RTX 2070 Super against the RTX 3060, a detailed performance comparison reveals some interesting findings. Both GPUs represent significant milestones in Nvidia’s lineup, offering compelling choices for gamers and professionals alike.
However, diving into the benchmarks and specific game performances helps us understand their strengths and weaknesses in real-world scenarios.
Benchmark performance
The RTX 2070 Super shows a notable edge over the RTX 3060 in various benchmarks. With a higher base clock speed, superior memory bus width, and greater bandwidth, it packs a punch where it matters. Additionally, the RTX 2070 Super’s increased count of SM and tensor cores contributes to its enhanced capabilities, particularly in tasks leveraging AI and ray tracing.
According to OpenCL scores, the RTX 2070 Super leads with 103,381 points, compared to the RTX 3060’s 89,215, marking a roughly 12% performance uplift for the 2070 Super. This advantage is further echoed in UserBenchmark results, where the RTX 2070 Super outperforms the RTX 3060 by approximately 15% overall.
CUDA cores comparison
A closer look at the CUDA cores, which are critical for parallel processing tasks such as graphics rendering and scientific computations, reveals that the RTX 2070 Super is equipped with more CUDA cores than the RTX 3060. This additional horsepower translates into better handling of complex graphics and enhanced efficiency in rendering tasks, making the RTX 2070 Super a formidable GPU for demanding applications.
Gaming performance
Gaming is where the rubber meets the road for most users considering these GPUs. The RTX 2070 Super and RTX 3060 have been tested across a spectrum of games to gauge their in-game FPS capabilities, especially at a 1080p resolution.
- Red Dead Redemption 2: The RTX 2070 Super edges out the RTX 3060, delivering smoother gameplay with higher FPS counts.
- Warzone & Space Shooter Titles: Similar trends are observed, with the 2070 Super providing a more fluid experience in fast-paced games.
- Hitman, God of War, Hogwarts Legacy, Starfield, Spider-Man Remastered: Across these titles, the RTX 2070 Super consistently delivers higher FPS, ensuring a more immersive gaming experience. This is particularly noticeable in graphically intensive scenes where the extra CUDA cores and better memory bandwidth come into play.
| Game | Nvidia RTX 2070 Super | Nvidia RTX 3060 |
|---|---|---|
| Valorant | 584 fps | 560 fps |
| League of Legends | 368 fps | 367 fps |
| Fortnite | 126 fps | 114 fps |
| Apex Legends | 170 fps | 156 fps |
| Shadow of the Tomb Raider | 112 fps | 102 fps |
| Forza Horizon 4 | 132 fps | 121 fps |
Compatibility with motherboards
Both GPUs are designed to be compatible with a wide range of motherboards, ensuring that gamers can upgrade without the need to overhaul their entire system. However, ensuring that your motherboard has the proper PCIe slot version can maximize the performance of these GPUs.
In the Nvidia RTX 2070 Super vs. Nvidia RTX 3060 showdown, the RTX 2070 Super demonstrates its prowess with higher benchmarks, more CUDA cores, and superior in-game performance across various titles from Red Dead Redemption to Warzone.
The RTX 2070 Super demonstrates its prowess with higher benchmarks, and more recent hits like Hogwarts Legacy and Spider-Man Remastered. This makes the RTX 2070 Super a preferred choice for gamers seeking the best possible performance in both current and upcoming games.
However, the RTX 3060 remains a strong contender for those looking for great value and compatibility with the latest games at a more accessible price point.
Nvidia RTX 2070 Super vs. Nvidia RTX 3060: Price and value
Speaking of price, the RTX 3060 shines as a more affordable option than the RTX 2070 Super, with a launch price of $329 compared to the $499 launch price of the RTX 2070 Super. This significant price delta may sway budget-conscious gamers towards the RTX 3060, especially considering its respectable performance metrics.
| Aspect | Nvidia RTX 2070 Super | Nvidia RTX 3060 |
|---|---|---|
| Launch Price | $499 | $329 |
| Current Market Price | Varies based on availability and retailer | Varies based on availability and retailer |
| Performance | Excellent performance in 1440p and VR | Great performance in 1080p, capable in 1440p |
| Features | Ray Tracing, DLSS, Nvidia Encoder (NVENC) | Ray Tracing, DLSS, Nvidia Encoder (NVENC), Resizable BAR |
| Power Efficiency | Less efficient than the RTX 3060 | More efficient due to newer architecture |
| Best Value For | Gamers and creators needing high performance at 1440p | Gamers looking for excellent 1080p performance with future-proof features |
Key insights:
- Launch Price vs. Performance: The RTX 2070 Super was launched at a higher price point, reflecting its positioning as a high-performance card suitable for 1440p gaming and content creation. The RTX 3060, with its lower launch price, targets gamers who prioritize value, offering strong performance at 1080p and good capabilities at 1440p.
- Features and Power Efficiency: Both GPUs come with features like ray tracing and DLSS, enhancing visual fidelity and performance in supported games. The RTX 3060 benefits from the Ampere architecture, offering better power efficiency compared to the Turing-based RTX 2070 Super.
- Best Value Proposition: Determining the “best value” depends on individual needs. The RTX 2070 Super offers superior performance for those willing to invest in a higher-end experience, especially for 1440p gaming and VR. The RTX 3060 represents a more budget-friendly option that doesn’t compromise much on features, making it a smart choice for gamers focusing on 1080p or stepping into 1440p gaming.
Final verdict
Both the Nvidia RTX 2070 Super and RTX 3060 offer compelling features and performance for gaming enthusiasts. However, we would recommend going with the RTX 3060 here because of the simple reason that among the two, it has the latest architecture. This means longer support from Nvidia.
Moreover, the high price difference between the two GPUs doesn’t justify the minor performance difference. The ultimate choice depends upon you. While the RTX 2070 Super maintains its relevance with slightly better performance in certain scenarios, the RTX 3060 emerges as a cost-effective option with newer architecture, ample VRAM, and competitive performance.
