Best RTX 3060 Ti GPU in 2024 – A graphics card for gaming and value
The Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 Ti is a good mid-range offering that allows you to experience true next-gen gaming without having to splash your hard-earned cash. It improves upon the RTX 3060 by providing more power allowing you to play today’s games at 1440p. It may not pack the biggest punch but at its price point, it can be seen as the best in class. However there are a lot of third parties that differ in slight ways, so choosing the right one for your rig is important.
Products at a Glance
How we picked the best RTX 3060 Ti GPU
When looking at the for best Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 Ti in 2023, there were several factors we had to take into consideration when choosing the top picks. Firstly, we looked at performance, checking out user reviews and professional testing scores to see which GPUs came out on top. We also focused on cooling, incorporated technology, and aesthetics as we know these are key aspects people look for in a graphics card. Finally, we tried to include a range of budgets to make sure there were some affordable options in the mix. However, this is a high powered card, so most options were on the pricier side.
Looking for additional content? We have the best graphics card guide available and a review round up of the RTX 3060 Ti here. Be sure to check them out.
Product Reviews
- Aesthetically pleasing design and frame
- High boost clock speeds
- Impressive cooling solution
- Price
The ROG Strix variant of the Nvidia RTX 3060 Ti is certainly our pick for the best overall RTX 3060 Ti graphics card on the market. With impressive specs and performance, it really does sit miles above the majority of the competition. The ASUS ROG Strix RTX 3060 Ti offers supreme cooling abilities, excellent designs, and great HDMI gaming at 1080p and 1440p. A really impressive piece of tech that amplifies PC gaming.
However, like most impressive GPUs, the ASUS ROG Strix does come with a hefty price tag of around $350 – suggesting a high-end nature. Potential buyers may need to delve a little deeper into their wallet or purse to pursue to this model. Those gamers who do purchase won’t be disappointed.
- Excellent cooling
- High boost clock
- RGB could be better
EVGA is commonly featured on our best Nvidia graphics card lists and for good reason. They produce some really high-quality GPUs that are not only reliable but have exceptional features that boost your gaming experience. Their take on the RTX 3060 Ti is no different, giving you a brilliant bit of tech that’ll last for years to come – perfect for gamers.
The specs are just as impressive as our previous pick meaning it will pack a serious punch. The FTW3 ULTRA utilizes three fans but also a ‘air-through pcb’ in which provides even more holes and gaps to shift air through and ultimately, keeping your card as ice cold as possible. In terms of RGB, the EVGA 3060 Ti is certainly more subtle. Essentially, it’s only the logo that can be lit which can be attractive to those who aren’t wanting a loud system and are seeking more of a stealth look.
Summing up, the EVGA FTW3 ULTRA 3060 Ti is a top tier budget GPU that does rival our best pick in most aspects. It’s a little less flashy and doesn’t that have fancy temperature monitor on the card itself but if you’re looking for one that’s more simplistic, this is the RTX 3060 Ti for you.
- Great price
- Stealth look
- Lower boost clock
If you’re wanting the good value option of the RTX 3060 Ti GPU, look no further than the Zotac RTX Twin Edge OC. On the whole yes, it doesn’t have the bells and whistles of the Gigabyte AORUS Master but you’ll still be getting a solid graphics card that does its job and does it well.
This RTX 3060 Ti is a little on the smaller side boasting two fans rather than the three of the graphics cards we’ve listed above. This could be a big advantage for those with cases on the smaller side or simply dont have the space but it also could be a drawback when we think about cooling, having one whole fan less. It’ll obviously stay cool in the main but when you push the Zotac to its limits you could get yourself in some hot water.
The specs don’t differ too much compared to the pricer options above with the same number of CUDA Cores, GDDR6 memory, and Core Clock. When boosted though, the Clock does unfortunately max out at 1695 MHz instead of 1800 MHz meaning if you want to squeeze more power out of it, it does have restricted limits.
To sum up, the Zotac Twin Edge OC RTX 3060 Ti is a brilliant choice for those on a tighter budget. It offers everything you need from a lower-cost 30 series GPU and yes, while it lack those fancier features, you shouldn’t expect them at this price and you more than likely wouldn’t miss them too much.
- Three fans
- Priced well
- No RGB
Finally, let’s talk about the MSI NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 Ti 8GB VENTUS 3X OC. It doesn’t necessarily receive one of our ‘best’ awards but we certainly think it should be mentioned. We essentially think this entry from MSI is the ‘best of the rest’ RTX 3060 Ti, coming in with some solid features but none that really stand out from the crowd.
For the specs, it details the usual 4864 CUDA Cores, 1410 MHz Core Clock, and 8GB of DDR6 RAM but sadly, the boost clock maxes out at 1695 MHz, the same as our budget Zotac pick. We’re not saying this is bad don’t get us wrong but due to this, it really can’t compete with those other top selections.
In terms of features, the Ventus uses MSI’s Frozr cooling tech incorporated into three fans, ensuring that those optimal temperatures are the norm and no overheating occurs. While this is a step up from the Zotac, there’s no change to the lack of RGB lighting thus meaning if you are already rocking a lit setup, it might leave you feeling a little flat.
Best RTX 3060 Ti GPU – Features and considerations
Cost
Cost is undeniably the primary concern for many users when considering the purchase of any new hardware component. Luckily, the GPUs featured in this guide are relatively close in price. While there can be a significant price gap between different models of cards, the difference is usually not as pronounced between various AIBs offering the same card.
Moreover, the higher price associated with certain “premium” AIBs often reflects added value, such as enhanced cooling efficiency, superior out-of-the-box clock speeds, and overall better build quality. Essentially, what I’m emphasizing is that a mere $30 disparity between two RTX 3060 TIs shouldn’t deter you. It’s likely that the pricier option offers additional benefits that justify the increase in cost.
Cooling
One factor that impacts all the models featured in this guide is the type of cooling solution they employ. Cooling is critical for any GPU, as it’s among the most heavily utilized components in your PC. If a GPU lacks an adequate cooling solution, it may experience a shortened lifespan and decreased performance over time.
Therefore, we place great emphasis on cooling when making GPU recommendations. All the cards highlighted in this guide are equipped with premium cooling systems designed to maintain low temperatures, even during intense usage.
Size
Over the past decade, there’s been a noticeable increase in the size of GPUs, exemplified by the latest models from Nvidia and AMD, which rank among the largest ever produced. Nevertheless, it’s important to recognize that most AIBs adhere to a similar size profile, largely dictated by the necessity for effective cooling solutions, which significantly impacts the overall dimensions of the card.
Thus, it’s imperative to ensure that your chosen PC case has the capacity to accommodate the specific GPU you plan to purchase. Many smaller mid-tower cases may encounter difficulties in accommodating the latest offerings from both Nvidia and AMD due to their expanded dimensions.
What is the Best RTX 3060 Ti GPU?
The ROG Strix variant of the Nvidia RTX 3060 Ti is certainly our pick for the best the market has to offer. It excels in design, performance, and cooling categories. Be sure to check it out.
What is the difference between Nvidia RTX 3060 and RTX 3060 Ti?
The Ti variant is more powerful, it boasts more CUDA cores (3584 vs. 4864), and higher core clock speeds ( 1320 MHz vs. 1410 MHz). The RTX 3060 Ti although having less memory (8GB GDDR6 vs 16GB GDDR6) possesses a much larger 256bit memory bus allowing for 448GB/s of memory bandwidth making much more memory available when completing processes.
Our Verdict
Overall, as you can see with all the GPUs we’ve listed above, the RTX 3060 Ti really is a triumph for Nvidia and one that budget PC builders will be clambering to get their hands on. But, if you do want the best of the best when it comes to the RTX 3060 Ti, the ASUS ROG Strix RTX 3060 Ti OC should be your GPU of choice. It has all the fundamentals of what makes this GPU/graphics card so good but also has those additional features that allow it to more than stand out from the crowd.