GPU vs GPU
RTX 3060 vs RTX 5060
The RTX 5060 wins outright: 43% faster at 1440p and $11 cheaper today.
Key facts· updated
- At 1440p the RTX 3060 averages 42 fps and the RTX 5060 averages 60 fps (Tom's Hardware GPU hierarchy, June 2026, 11-game average at Ultra).
- The RTX 5060 is 43% faster than the RTX 3060 at 1440p (Tom's Hardware GPU hierarchy, June 2026).
- The RTX 3060 costs $460 and the RTX 5060 costs $449 (PC Atlas price check, Nov 3, 2026; catalog estimates, not live store prices).
- At those prices the RTX 5060 gives the most 1440p fps per $100: 13.3 vs 9.1.
- The RTX 3060 has 12 GB of video memory and the RTX 5060 has 8 GB (maker spec pages, checked Oct 29, 2026).
| Spec | RTX 3060 | RTX 5060 |
|---|---|---|
| Price today | $460Sample | $449Sample |
| Average fps at 1080p | 62 | 89 |
| Average fps at 1440p | 42 | 60 |
| Average fps at 4K | 22 | 22 |
| fps per $100 at 1440p | 9.1 | 13.3 |
| Video memory | 12 GB | 8 GB |
| Gaming power | ~170 W | ~145 W |
| Power supply advice | 550 W | 550 W |
| Card length | ~235 mm | ~240 mm |
| Power plug | 8-pin PCIe | 8-pin PCIe |
fps: Tom's Hardware GPU hierarchy (June 2026), 11-game average at Ultra. Highlighted = better. Prices last checked . Prices marked Sample are PC Atlas catalog estimates, not live store prices.
Which one should you buy?
This is the upgrade question for people who own the RTX 3060 12GB: how much faster is a new RTX 5060 8GB, and is it enough to bother? In the Tom's Hardware GPU hierarchy (June 2026), the RTX 3060 12GB averages 42 fps at 1440p and 22 at 4K; the RTX 5060 8GB averages 60 and 22. At 1080p the averages are 62 and 89 fps. That makes the RTX 5060 8GB about 43% faster at 1440p (44% at 1080p; at 4K they tie).
Memory differs: 12GB on the RTX 3060 12GB against 8GB on the RTX 5060 8GB. 8GB cards increasingly need lower texture settings in new games at 1440p, and that won't show up in an average fps number. In games the RTX 3060 12GB draws about 170W and the RTX 5060 8GB about 145W; power supply advice is 550W (maker's advice) vs 550W (maker's advice). The RTX 3060 12GB is about 235mm long and uses standard 8-pin power; the RTX 5060 8GB is about 240mm long, 2 slots thick with standard 8-pin power.
Both use DLSS for upscaling.
Our take: a 43% jump at 1440p is an upgrade you will feel. Check that your power supply and case fit the new card before ordering.
Good to know
- RTX 5060 has 8 GB of video memory, which can force lower texture settings in newer games at 1440p.
Questions
Is the RTX 3060 better than the RTX 5060?
The RTX 5060 wins outright: 43% faster at 1440p and $11 cheaper today.
Which is better value, RTX 3060 or RTX 5060?
At today's prices the RTX 5060 gives more frames per dollar at 1440p (13.3 vs 9.1 fps per $100).
What power supply do I need?
RTX 3060: 550 W (the maker's advice). RTX 5060: 550 W (the maker's advice).
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