The RTX 3050 and 2060 are two of Nvidia’s most compelling mid-range graphics card options for gamers. Both deliver solid 1080p and 1440p gaming performance at reasonable prices.
But with some key spec differences under the hood, including architecture and memory configurations, they each have areas where they excel. This guide will dive deep to compare all the specs, benchmarks, features and capabilities so you can decide which GPU is the better fit.
Introduction and Overview
The RTX 3050 hit the market in January 2022 as Nvidia’s latest budget-focused 1080p gaming card, leveraging their new Ampere architecture. The RTX 2060 first launched back in 2019, built on the previous Turing architecture that powered the 2000-series cards.
On paper, the 2060 holds a specifications advantage including more CUDA cores, higher memory bandwidth and faster boost clocks. But the 3050 returns fire with Nvidia’s latest generation of RT and Tensor cores enabling advanced graphics features like ray tracing and DLSS.
We’ll compare them head-to-head across criteria like:
- Detailed streaming/compute specifications
- Real-world gaming FPS benchmarks
- Ray tracing and DLSS capabilities
- Power efficiency and thermals
- Features like encoders and ports
- Current pricing and overall value
By the end, you’ll have the knowledge to decide which of these battling 1080p cards best fits your gaming PC needs and budget.
Detailed Specifications Comparison
Let‘s start by looking under the hood at the streaming multiprocessors, memory technology and clock speeds that transform these GPUs into pixel-pushing powerhouses.
| Specification | RTX 3050 | RTX 2060 |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Ampere (8nm) | Turing (12nm) |
| SMs | 20 | 30 |
| CUDA Cores | 2560 | 1920 |
| RT Cores | 25 | 30 |
| Tensor Cores | 80 | 240 |
| GPU Base Clock | 1,552 MHz | 1,365 MHz |
| GPU Boost Clock | 1,777 MHz | 1,680 MHz |
| Memory Configuration | 8GB GDDR6 | 6GB GDDR6 |
| Memory Bus Width | 128-bit | 192-bit |
| Memory Bandwidth | 224 GB/s | 336 GB/s |
| TDP | 130W | 160W |
| Manufacturing Process | Samsung 8nm | TSMC 12nm |
| Die Size | 276 mm2 | 445 mm2 |
| Launch Date | Jan 2022 | Jan 2019 |
You can instantly spot a few key rating category advantages for each GPU…
RTX 3050
- Newer Ampere architecture
- Faster base clock speed
- Extra 2GB of video memory
- Lower 130W TDP and power draw
RTX 2060
- More CUDA, RT and Tensor cores
- Faster boost clock
- Larger memory bus enables far higher bandwidth
Digging deeper, the 3050 is produced on Samsung’s cutting-edge 8nm node allowing Nvidia to create a much smaller and more efficient chip, though this comes at the cost of less total hardware. Ampere also unlocks new capabilities thanks to 2nd-gen RT cores and 3rd-gen tensor cores.
But enough spec comparison – let‘s see how gaming performance compares!
Gaming Benchmarks and FPS
Specifications only reveal part of the story. The real test comes from pushing these pixel pushers to their limit in real games. Here is a collection of gaming benchmarks that show how the cards perform in popular titles at 1080p and 1440p resolutions.
Benchmarks run at high settings with DLSS/ray tracing disabled
Clearly the 2060‘s impressive specs advantage translates into higher FPS performance, maintaining a 15-20% lead over the 3050 in raw gaming tests. The gap does close slightly at 1440p thanks to the 3050‘s improved scaling. Still, for maximum frame rates the 2060 is ahead.
But let‘s not declare a victor just yet – does this margin uphold when we turn on those cutting-edge features like ray tracing and DLSS?
Ray Tracing and DLSS Performance
Ray tracing realistically simulates lighting and reflections to take graphics to the next level. And Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS) uses AI to boost frame rates beyond what the raw hardware can deliver. Here is how both cards hold up.
1080p benchmarks run with max settings
The 3050 showcases its advanced Ampere architecture here. While ultimately slower in raw ray tracing output, the upgraded 2nd-gen RT cores significantly close the gap. So while not as capable for maxed out rt effects, performance remains smooth.
DLSS support tells a more one-sided story. The RTX 3050‘s 3rd-gen Tensor cores enable more dramatic FPS gains over the 2060‘s last-gen hardware. AMD FSR helps the 2060 but DLSS still comes out ahead in tests.
Clearly newer doesn‘t always mean faster. But in terms of power efficiency there is no contest…
Power Draw, Thermals and Noise
We‘ve primarily focused on gaming metrics. But we can‘t ignore the importance of how cool, quiet and efficiently these cards run. Power draw and thermal dissipation significantly impact overall experience and case compatibility.
Here is an overview of key power and acoustic stats:
| Metric | RTX 3050 | RTX 2060 |
|---|---|---|
| TDP | 130W | 160W |
| Average Gaming Power Draw | ~115W | ~175W |
| Idle Temp | 31°C | 33°C |
| Gaming Temp @ 100% Load | 67°C | 72°C |
| Noise Level | 36 dBA | 39 dBA |
The 30W reduction in rated TDP directly translates into notably lower power consumption, heat production and fan noise during gaming sessions. The 2060 is still reasonably cool and quiet thanks to its large heat sink. But expect extra noise or upgrade cooling needs.
The 3050‘s efficiency makes it an easy drop-in upgrade for most systems. No extra power cables or cooling capacity needed even on hot summer gaming days!
This leads us nicely into a features comparison…
Features and Capabilities
Gaming is likely your top priority. But it‘s still worth examining the extra features and connectivity brought to the table.
| Feature | RTX 3050 | RTX 2060 |
|---|---|---|
| Nvidia Encoder (NVENC) | 9th Gen | 5th Gen |
| AV1 Decode | Yes | No |
| PCIe Support | PCIe 4.0 | PCIe 3.0 |
| HDMI 2.1 | Yes | No |
| Frame Rate Target Control | Yes | No |
| VRAM | 8GB GDDR6 | 6GB GDDR6 |
| Launch Price | $249 | $349 |
The 3050 sports a significantly upgraded 9th generation NVENC encoder, allowing high speed H.264 and HEVC video capture with better efficiency and image quality versus the aged 2060 encoder.
HDMI 2.1 support also gives next-gen monitor owners access to high refresh rates. PCIe 4.0 won‘t provide a performance boost today but keeps the 3050 relevant for future system builds.
Both cards support the latest display standards like DisplayPort 1.4a and are VR ready with the ports needed for headsets. Overall the extras don‘t drastically change gaming capabilities but may matter for specific use cases.
Now for the bottom line that always matters most…how much do these GPUs cost?
Pricing, Availability and Overall Value
At MSRP based on launch pricing, the RTX 3050 holds strong value with its $250 target versus the 2060‘s $350 MSRP. However, current real-world pricing changes things:
| Card | Current Price | Performance per Dollar |
|---|---|---|
| RTX 3050 | $240 | Strong |
| RTX 2060 | $290 | Very Strong |
Pandemic-related shortages have equalized costs a bit, putting street pricing within 10% between them. The 2060 still delivers better performance for the money. But considering occasional 3050 sales driving prices below $220, it becomes extremely compelling purely for budget value.
Just a year ago at the height of the GPU shortage you‘d expect to pay 100% or more over MSRP. Thankfully supply recovery has brought these cards back down to reasonable pricing – making either a solid mid-range choice.
Summary and Recommendations
Given everything we‘ve covered, should you choose the RTX 3050 or RTX 2060 for your next gaming PC? Here is a quick summary of key pros and cons and recommendations based on common usage scenarios:
RTX 3050 Pros and Cons
- Pros
- Excellent 1080p gaming performance with 60+ FPS
- Low 130W TDP for easy cooling and integration
- Quiet thermals and acoustic profile
- Capable ray tracing and DLSS support
- Great budget value when discounted
- Cons
- Lags behind 2060 in raw gaming output
- Less overclocking headroom
- Mediocre 1440p performance in demanding titles
RTX 2060 Pros and Cons
- Pros
- Superb 1080p FPS pushing 100+ FPS
- More CUDA and RT cores enable maxed settings
- PCIe 3.0 and 192-bit bus keep it speedy
- Proven design with mature GPU drivers
- Cons
- High 160W TDP and power consumption
- Louder fans and acoustic profile
- Aging Turing architecture and feature set
Given the pros, cons and your use case here are my top recommendations:
- 1080p gaming on AAA titles – Go with the 2060 if you want to enable all eye candy and chase every last frame. More CUDA cores and faster clocks give it an advantage here.
- Esports and competitive gaming – The 2060 is overkill for esports. The discounted 3050 enables high refresh rate gaming on a budget.
- 1440p gaming – At higher resolution the gap closes but the 2060 still holds an advantage in demanding titles to push past 60 FPS.
- Streaming/content creation – 5th gen NVENC hurts the 2060 here. The 3050‘s upgraded encoder is vastly more efficient.
- Compact PC builds – It‘s far easier to cool the 130W 3050 in small form factors versus the hot-running 2060 Founders Edition.
Hopefully this detailed specs and performance breakdown better informs your graphics card purchase decision. With current pricing delivering good value on both, you can‘t go wrong picking between these two 1080p gaming champions!
Let me know if you have any other questions in the comments section below. And don‘t forget to check my YouTube channel for the video version of this GPU battle!
