NVIDIA
GeForce 8600 GS vs GeForce RTX 3090
Full comparison of specs, performance and benchmarks
NVIDIA
RTX 3090
Aggregate performance score
We've compared 8600 GS and RTX 3090 across specs and all relevant benchmarks.
↗RTX 3090 outperforms 8600 GS by ~48% on the catalog index; this is not a measured FPS gain.+48%
Scores are normalized on the Head to Head scale. Higher is better. How is this calculated?H2HBench Data Quality
Low confidenceSpecifications: Field verification not recordedVerified gaming results: 0Estimated / unverified results: 32Price record updated: Sep 6, 2026
Limited verified data
H2HBench Verdict
Higher catalog score: GeForce 8600 GS (~5%)
The score difference is not a measured FPS improvement.
Reasons to consider 8600 GS
- Lower stated power consumption
- Lower recorded market price
- Higher catalog value index
- Recorded feature support: OpenCL 1.1, CUDA 1.1 · Not supported
Reasons to consider RTX 3090
- Higher catalog performance index
- More graphics memory
- Recorded feature support: OpenCL 3.0, CUDA 8.6 · DLSS 2
Catalog metrics radar
Axes with missing data are hidden; every value uses a fixed scale.
NVIDIAPerformance
Efficiency
Price / performance
Memory capacity
4668
10065
10044
13100
Graphics card ranking
Positions 46–51of 321
Which should you choose?
Two practical conclusions based on community votes and gaming value.
GeForce RTX 3090
180 likesHead to Head visitors currently choose this model more often.
GeForce 8600 GS
Price $20.00Based on catalog performance per unit of current market price, not measured FPS.
Overview
Scores are calculated from specifications, performance, and efficiency.
GamesDirectX, OpenCL, and Vulkan performance
46
68Better
Professional applications3D modeling, video editing, and rendering
40
55Better
AI and machine learningMachine-learning and AI capabilities
37
53Better
Power efficiencyPower consumption across workloads
100Better
65
Head to Head scoreOverall catalog score
62Better
59
Specifications
The better numeric value is highlighted in green, taking the metric direction into account.
Device class
Power consumptionBetter
DirectX
OpenGL
TFLOPSBetter
Memory frequencyBetter
Memory type
Power connector
Release date
Architecture
Thickness
Length
Compute API
Launch priceBetter
Clock speedBetter
Base clockBetter
Boost clockBetter
VRAMBetter
Memory busBetter
Memory bandwidthBetter
Interface
Power consumptionBetter
Process nodeBetter
Recommended PSUBetter
Die sizeBetter
Transistor countBetter
Shader units / coresBetter
Memory cacheBetter
Max monitors
Max resolution
USB Type-C
Vulkan
HDMI
Upscaling
DisplayPort
Gaming FPS
Available results are shown separately; missing data is not treated as zero.
The Gaming FPS section compares 8600 GS and RTX 3090 across curated H2H Lab game presets. The useful signal is not only average FPS, but also how each device behaves at 1440p and 4K, how memory capacity and bus width affect heavy textures, and whether the game engine favors raster performance, ray tracing, or driver maturity.
8600 GSRTX 3090
Verified externalEstimatedSources ↗
Counter-Strike 2
1080p High
220 FPS
281 FPS
1080p Ultra
154 FPS
197 FPS
1440p Ultra
98 FPS
153 FPS
4K Ultra
37 FPS
76 FPS
Counter-Strike 28600 GS220 FPSRTX 3090281 FPS8600 GS154 FPSRTX 3090197 FPS8600 GS98 FPSRTX 3090153 FPS8600 GS37 FPSRTX 309076 FPS
Cyberpunk 20778600 GS142 FPSRTX 3090181 FPS8600 GS122 FPSRTX 3090156 FPS8600 GS71 FPSRTX 3090111 FPS8600 GS25 FPSRTX 309051 FPS
Forza Horizon 58600 GS179 FPSRTX 3090229 FPS8600 GS116 FPSRTX 3090148 FPS8600 GS88 FPSRTX 3090138 FPS8600 GS54 FPSRTX 3090112 FPS
Hogwarts Legacy8600 GS116 FPSRTX 3090148 FPS8600 GS97 FPSRTX 3090124 FPS8600 GS64 FPSRTX 3090100 FPS8600 GS25 FPSRTX 309052 FPS
H2H workload indices
Comparable internal indices on a fixed 0–100 scale.
H2H Raster IndexH2H Index / 100466839%
H2H Compute IndexH2H Index / 100377163%
H2H Rendering IndexH2H Index / 100377770%
H2H Memory Workload IndexH2H Index / 10013100154%
H2H Efficiency IndexH2H Index / 1001006542%
These are versioned H2H calculated indices derived from normalized catalog data. They are not results from a third-party benchmark.
H2H AI workload indices
Estimated workload profiles based on available performance and memory data.
H2H Image Generation IndexH2H Index / 100318290%
H2H ML Training IndexH2H Index / 100338184%
H2H Inference IndexH2H Index / 100377770%
H2H Local LLM IndexH2H Index / 1002886102%
H2H Computer Vision IndexH2H Index / 100367874%
These are versioned H2H calculated indices derived from normalized catalog data. They are not results from a third-party benchmark.
Graphics APIs, SDKs and upscaling
DirectX10.012.2
VulkanNot supported1.4
OpenGL3.34.6
UpscalingNot supportedDLSS 2
Compute APIOpenCL 1.1, CUDA 1.1OpenCL 3.0, CUDA 8.6
Architecture and release
ArchitectureTeslaAmpere
Process node80 nm8 nmBetter
Release date20072020
Device classDesktopDesktop
GPU cores, die and clocks
Transistor count289 million28300 millionBetter
Die size169 mm²Better628 mm²
Shader units / cores1610496Better
Base clock540 MHz1395 MHzBetter
Boost clock540 MHz1695 MHzBetter
Board size, power and compatibility
InterfacePCIe 1x16PCIe 4x16
LengthVaries by board336 mm
ThicknessSingle-slotTriple-slot
Recommended PSU200 WBetter750 W
Power connectorNone16 pin
Display outputs and limits
HDMIBoard dependentHDMI 2.1
DisplayPortBoard dependentDisplayPort 1.4a
USB Type-CNoNo
Max monitors34
Max resolution2560 × 16007680 × 4320
Memory and compute throughput
VRAM512 MB DDR2Better24 GB GDDR6X
Memory typeDDR2GDDR6X
Memory bus128 bit384 bitBetter
TFLOPS0.03835.58Better
Other comparisons
RX 7650 GREAMDReviews and questions
Explain this comparison
Beyond percentages: causes, relevant specifications, and practical impact behind every chart.
What AI will explain
Overall score, radar, FPS, synthetic tests, specifications, efficiency, and value.
Evidence details
Data coverage
- Verified gaming results
- 0
- Verified synthetic results
- 0
- Games with verified results
- 0
- Verified community results
- 0
- Estimated / unverified results
- 32
- Specifications
- 0 / 70
Calculated scores · How is this calculated?
Scores use the catalog model and may include estimated inputs. Open each score to see its origin and the methodology.
clamp(round(performance × 0.7 + (efficiency ?? 50) × 0.2 + (value is missing ? 0 : (value − 50) × 0.2)), 0, 100)Price evidence · View sources (6)
Verified community results
No verified community benchmarks yet.
Reviewed by
No individual editorial review is recorded for this comparison.
Comparison history
Show recorded changes (4)
- · Record updated: products
- · Record updated: products
- · Record updated: products
- · Record updated: products
Why you can trust this comparison
Origin and confidence are evaluated from the evidence attached to each value. Unverified results are identified, and specification, benchmark and price dates remain separate.
Owner experiences
Real builds, results, and community feedback.
Moderator reviewedHelpful to the communityExpert badges
Frequently asked comparison questions
Short recommendations based on performance, memory, power consumption, and intended use.
01Which is better for gaming: 8600 GS or RTX 3090?+
8600 GS has the higher overall gaming score, while 8600 GS offers the better price-to-performance ratio. The final choice depends on resolution and settings.
02Which is better for streaming?+
8600 GS is the stronger streaming choice thanks to performance, hardware encoding, and application support. Check AV1, H.264, and HEVC support before buying.
03Which is better for Blender?+
8600 GS is generally the better option for Blender and GPU rendering. Rendering-engine support and available VRAM also matter.
04Which is better for video editing?+
8600 GS offers more overall performance, while 8600 GS offers more memory headroom. Codecs, hardware encoders, and editor optimization can change the result.
05Which is better for neural networks and AI?+
8600 GS is the more practical option for local AI workloads. VRAM capacity, compute libraries, and framework compatibility are especially important.
06Which is better for 1080p?+
8600 GS is the most rational 1080p choice, where high frame rates and cost per frame matter most.
07Which is better for 1440p?+
8600 GS leads in combined 1440p performance. 8600 GS can be preferable for heavy textures and games with high VRAM usage.
08Which is better for 4K?+
8600 GS is preferable for 4K, where total performance, memory bandwidth, and VRAM capacity have the greatest impact.
09Which is better for a quiet PC?+
8600 GS is easier to use in a quiet build because of its lower estimated power and thermal load. Actual noise depends on the specific cooler.
10Which is better without replacing the power supply?+
8600 GS is the safer candidate because its stated power consumption is lower. Verify PSU wattage, age, and power connectors.
11Is it worth upgrading from the previous generation?+
Consider upgrading to 8600 GS if your current device no longer delivers the required FPS, memory capacity, or feature support. A gain below 15–20% is usually worth waiting for a price cut.