NVIDIA
GeForce RTX 3060 12 GB vs GeForce RTX 5050
Full comparison of specs, performance and benchmarks
NVIDIA
RTX 5050
Aggregate performance score
We've compared RTX 3060 12 GB and RTX 5050 across specs and all relevant benchmarks.
↗RTX 3060 12 GB outperforms RTX 5050 by 16% based on our aggregate benchmark results.+16%
Scores are normalized on the Head to Head scale. Higher is better.GeForce RTX 3060 12 GB vs GeForce RTX 5050: key takeaway
The comparison of RTX 3060 12 GB and RTX 5050 shows a 16% advantage for RTX 3060 12 GB in gaming performance, while RTX 5050 may still be stronger in efficiency and feature set. Use the sections below to check whether that lead comes from real FPS, specifications, efficiency, price or platform features.
SUMMARY PROFILE
Verified-metrics radar
Axes with missing data are hidden; every value uses a fixed scale.
NVIDIAPerformance
Efficiency
Price / performance
Memory capacity
5245
100100
10081
8068
COMPARISON RESULT
RTX 3060 12 GB is the best overall choice
RTX 3060 12 GB leads in combined game performance. RTX 3060 12 GB offers the better price per frame, while the final choice depends on the required features, memory, and games.
RTX 3060 12 GB leads in the combined performance index
RTX 3060 12 GB costs less
CATALOG POSITION
Full ranking →Graphics card ranking
Positions 29–34of 317
COMPARISON VERDICT
Which should you choose?
Two practical conclusions based on community votes and gaming value.
GeForce RTX 5050
104 likesHead to Head visitors currently choose this model more often.
GeForce RTX 3060 12 GB
100/100 · Price $399The choice is based on the price-to-performance index and launch price.
OVERALL SCORE
Overview
Scores are calculated from specifications, performance, and efficiency.
The Summary score section compares RTX 3060 12 GB and RTX 5050 with normalized H2H data, turning specifications, tests and value signals into practical buying context.
GamesDirectX, OpenCL, and Vulkan performance
52Better
45
Professional applications3D modeling, video editing, and rendering
44Better
39
AI and machine learningMachine-learning and AI capabilities
41Better
36
Power efficiencyPower consumption across workloads
100
100
Head to Head scoreOverall catalog score
70Better
62
FULL COMPARISON
Specifications
The better numeric value is highlighted in green, taking the metric direction into account.
The Specifications section compares RTX 3060 12 GB and RTX 5050 with normalized H2H data, turning specifications, tests and value signals into practical buying context.
DisplayPortDisplayPort 1.4aDisplayPort 2.1b
HDMIHDMI 2.1HDMI 2.1b
Device classDesktopDesktop
UpscalingDLSS 2DLSS 4
Max monitors44
Max resolution7680 × 43207680 × 4320
USB Type-CNoNo
Power consumption170 W130 WBetter
DirectX12.212.2
Vulkan1.41.4
OpenGL4.64.6
TFLOPS12.7413.17Better
Memory typeGDDR6GDDR6
Power connector8 pin8 pin
Release date20212025
ArchitectureAmpereBlackwell 2.0
ThicknessDual-slotDual-slot
Compute APIOpenCL 3.0, CUDA 8.6OpenCL 3.0, CUDA 12.0
Launch price$399$399
Shader units / cores3584Better2560
Clock speed1320 - 1777 MHz2317 - 2572 MHzBetter
Base clock1320 MHz2317 MHzBetter
Boost clock1777 MHz2572 MHzBetter
VRAM12 GB GDDR6Better8 GB GDDR6
Memory frequency15 GHz20 GHzBetter
Memory bus192 bitBetter128 bit
Memory bandwidth360 GB/sBetter320 GB/s
InterfacePCIe 4x16PCIe 5x8
Power consumption170 W130 WBetter
Process node8 nm5 nmBetter
Recommended PSU450 W300 WBetter
Length242 mmVaries by board
Die size276 mm²149 mm²Better
Memory cacheL1 128 KB, L2 3 MBL1 128 KB, L2 24 MB
Transistor count12000 million16900 millionBetter
GAME TEST BENCH
Gaming FPS
Available results are shown separately; missing data is not treated as zero.
The Gaming FPS section compares RTX 3060 12 GB and RTX 5050 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.
RTX 3060 12 GBRTX 5050
Verified H2HCommunity VerifiedEstimatedPredicted
Black Myth: Wukong
1080p High
27 FPSEstimated 66%
25 FPSEstimated 66%
1080p Ultra
23 FPSEstimated 66%
21 FPSEstimated 66%
1440p Ultra
17 FPSEstimated 66%
15 FPSEstimated 65%
4K Ultra
8 FPSEstimated 62%
5 FPSEstimated 57%
Black Myth: WukongRTX 3060 12 GB27 FPSEstimated 66%RTX 505025 FPSEstimated 66%RTX 3060 12 GB23 FPSEstimated 66%RTX 505021 FPSEstimated 66%RTX 3060 12 GB17 FPSEstimated 66%RTX 505015 FPSEstimated 65%RTX 3060 12 GB8 FPSEstimated 62%RTX 50505 FPSEstimated 57%
Call of Duty: WarzoneRTX 3060 12 GB27 FPSEstimated 66%RTX 505025 FPSEstimated 66%RTX 3060 12 GB23 FPSEstimated 66%RTX 505021 FPSEstimated 66%RTX 3060 12 GB17 FPSEstimated 66%RTX 505015 FPSEstimated 65%RTX 3060 12 GB8 FPSEstimated 62%RTX 50505 FPSEstimated 57%
Counter-Strike 2RTX 3060 12 GB225 FPSEstimated 74%RTX 5050211 FPSEstimated 74%RTX 3060 12 GB158 FPSEstimated 74%RTX 5050149 FPSEstimated 74%RTX 3060 12 GB123 FPSEstimated 74%RTX 5050110 FPSEstimated 73%RTX 3060 12 GB51 FPSEstimated 70%RTX 505033 FPSEstimated 65%
Cyberpunk 2077RTX 3060 12 GB145 FPSEstimated 74%RTX 5050136 FPSEstimated 74%RTX 3060 12 GB125 FPSEstimated 74%RTX 5050117 FPSEstimated 74%RTX 3060 12 GB89 FPSEstimated 74%RTX 505080 FPSEstimated 73%RTX 3060 12 GB34 FPSEstimated 70%RTX 505022 FPSEstimated 65%
Forza Horizon 5RTX 3060 12 GB183 FPSEstimated 80%RTX 5050172 FPSEstimated 80%RTX 3060 12 GB118 FPSEstimated 74%RTX 5050111 FPSEstimated 74%RTX 3060 12 GB111 FPSEstimated 74%RTX 505099 FPSEstimated 73%RTX 3060 12 GB75 FPSEstimated 70%RTX 505048 FPSEstimated 65%
God of War RagnarökRTX 3060 12 GB27 FPSEstimated 66%RTX 505025 FPSEstimated 66%RTX 3060 12 GB23 FPSEstimated 66%RTX 505021 FPSEstimated 66%RTX 3060 12 GB17 FPSEstimated 66%RTX 505015 FPSEstimated 65%RTX 3060 12 GB8 FPSEstimated 62%RTX 50505 FPSEstimated 57%
Hogwarts LegacyRTX 3060 12 GB118 FPSEstimated 74%RTX 5050111 FPSEstimated 74%RTX 3060 12 GB99 FPSEstimated 74%RTX 505093 FPSEstimated 74%RTX 3060 12 GB80 FPSEstimated 74%RTX 505071 FPSEstimated 73%RTX 3060 12 GB35 FPSEstimated 70%RTX 505022 FPSEstimated 65%
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024RTX 3060 12 GB27 FPSEstimated 66%RTX 505025 FPSEstimated 66%RTX 3060 12 GB23 FPSEstimated 66%RTX 505021 FPSEstimated 66%RTX 3060 12 GB17 FPSEstimated 66%RTX 505015 FPSEstimated 65%RTX 3060 12 GB8 FPSEstimated 62%RTX 50505 FPSEstimated 57%
Monster Hunter WildsRTX 3060 12 GB27 FPSEstimated 66%RTX 505025 FPSEstimated 66%RTX 3060 12 GB23 FPSEstimated 66%RTX 505021 FPSEstimated 66%RTX 3060 12 GB17 FPSEstimated 66%RTX 505015 FPSEstimated 65%RTX 3060 12 GB8 FPSEstimated 62%RTX 50505 FPSEstimated 57%
StarfieldRTX 3060 12 GB27 FPSEstimated 66%RTX 505025 FPSEstimated 66%RTX 3060 12 GB23 FPSEstimated 66%RTX 505021 FPSEstimated 66%RTX 3060 12 GB17 FPSEstimated 66%RTX 505015 FPSEstimated 65%RTX 3060 12 GB8 FPSEstimated 62%RTX 50505 FPSEstimated 57%
HEAD TO HEAD · CALCULATED INDEX
H2H workload indices
Comparable internal indices on a fixed 0–100 scale.
The Benchmarks section compares RTX 3060 12 GB and RTX 5050 with normalized H2H data, turning specifications, tests and value signals into practical buying context.
H2H Raster IndexH2H Index / 100524514%
H2H Compute IndexH2H Index / 10057554%
H2H Rendering IndexH2H Index / 100605214%
H2H Memory Workload IndexH2H Index / 100806816%
H2H Efficiency IndexH2H Index / 1001001000%
These are versioned H2H calculated indices derived from normalized catalog data. They are not results from a third-party benchmark.
HEAD TO HEAD · CALCULATED INDEX
H2H AI workload indices
Estimated workload profiles based on available performance and memory data.
The Detailed comparison section compares RTX 3060 12 GB and RTX 5050 with normalized H2H data, turning specifications, tests and value signals into practical buying context.
H2H Image Generation IndexH2H Index / 100645515%
H2H ML Training IndexH2H Index / 100635415%
H2H Inference IndexH2H Index / 100605214%
H2H Local LLM IndexH2H Index / 100675814%
H2H Computer Vision IndexH2H Index / 100605214%
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
The Graphics APIs, SDKs and upscaling section compares RTX 3060 12 GB and RTX 5050 with normalized H2H data, turning specifications, tests and value signals into practical buying context.
DirectX12.212.2
Vulkan1.41.4
OpenGL4.64.6
UpscalingDLSS 2DLSS 4
Compute APIOpenCL 3.0, CUDA 8.6OpenCL 3.0, CUDA 12.0
Architecture and release
The Architecture and release section compares RTX 3060 12 GB and RTX 5050 with normalized H2H data, turning specifications, tests and value signals into practical buying context.
ArchitectureAmpereBlackwell 2.0
Process node8 nm5 nmBetter
Release date20212025
Device classDesktopDesktop
GPU cores, die and clocks
The Core layout and clocks section compares RTX 3060 12 GB and RTX 5050 with normalized H2H data, turning specifications, tests and value signals into practical buying context.
Transistor count12000 million16900 millionBetter
Die size276 mm²149 mm²Better
Shader units / cores3584Better2560
Base clock1320 MHz2317 MHzBetter
Boost clock1777 MHz2572 MHzBetter
Board size, power and compatibility
The Form factor and compatibility section compares RTX 3060 12 GB and RTX 5050 with normalized H2H data, turning specifications, tests and value signals into practical buying context.
InterfacePCIe 4x16PCIe 5x8
Length242 mmVaries by board
ThicknessDual-slotDual-slot
Recommended PSU450 W300 WBetter
Power connector8 pin8 pin
Display outputs and limits
The Display outputs section compares RTX 3060 12 GB and RTX 5050 with normalized H2H data, turning specifications, tests and value signals into practical buying context.
HDMIHDMI 2.1HDMI 2.1b
DisplayPortDisplayPort 1.4aDisplayPort 2.1b
USB Type-CNoNo
Max monitors44
Max resolution7680 × 43207680 × 4320
Memory and compute throughput
The VRAM capacity and bandwidth section compares RTX 3060 12 GB and RTX 5050 with normalized H2H data, turning specifications, tests and value signals into practical buying context.
VRAM12 GB GDDR6Better8 GB GDDR6
Memory typeGDDR6GDDR6
Memory bus192 bitBetter128 bit
TFLOPS12.7413.17Better
HEAD TO HEAD · DISCOVER
6Other comparisons
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AI EXPLAIN · HEAD TO HEAD
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.
REAL CONFIGURATIONS
Owner experiences
Real builds, results, and community feedback.
♢Moderator reviewed☆Helpful to the community🏅Expert badges
Frequently asked comparison questions
Short recommendations based on performance, memory, power consumption, and intended use.
01Which is better for gaming: RTX 3060 12 GB or RTX 5050?+
RTX 3060 12 GB has the higher overall gaming score, while RTX 3060 12 GB offers the better price-to-performance ratio. The final choice depends on resolution and settings.
02Which is better for streaming?+
RTX 3060 12 GB 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?+
RTX 3060 12 GB is generally the better option for Blender and GPU rendering. Rendering-engine support and available VRAM also matter.
04Which is better for video editing?+
RTX 3060 12 GB offers more overall performance, while RTX 3060 12 GB offers more memory headroom. Codecs, hardware encoders, and editor optimization can change the result.
05Which is better for neural networks and AI?+
RTX 3060 12 GB is the more practical option for local AI workloads. VRAM capacity, compute libraries, and framework compatibility are especially important.
06Which is better for 1080p?+
RTX 3060 12 GB is the most rational 1080p choice, where high frame rates and cost per frame matter most.
07Which is better for 1440p?+
RTX 3060 12 GB leads in combined 1440p performance. RTX 3060 12 GB can be preferable for heavy textures and games with high VRAM usage.
08Which is better for 4K?+
RTX 3060 12 GB is preferable for 4K, where total performance, memory bandwidth, and VRAM capacity have the greatest impact.
09Which is better for a quiet PC?+
RTX 5050 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?+
RTX 5050 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 RTX 3060 12 GB 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.