The RTX 3060 graphics card from Nvidia is the company’s answer to the mainstream market, poised to replace the popular Pascal-based GTX 1060 and the last-gen 1660-series. Nvidia’s RTX 3060 card brings many new and improved features like raytracing and DLSS that were once exclusive to more expensive GPUs, making it the ideal choice for most gamers looking for a more affordable RTX 30 Series GPU if you can get it at MSRP. With several AIB board partners selling their graphics card variants, we have identified the best RTX 3060 graphics cards on the market.
Although overkill for its current processing capabilities, the RTX 3060’s 12 GB of VRAM will enable it to run demanding titles in the future even when the more powerful RTX 3060 Ti and 3070 run out of memory. But choosing the best RTX 3060 card can be challenging, especially since there isn’t a universal recommendation for everyone. Some might prefer aesthetics over performance, while cost-conscious buyers prefer the cheapest possible card that will do the job while lasting them long term.
So, to ensure that you get the RTX 3060 that is best for your use case and budget, we have compiled this list of the best RTX 3060 GPUs available. We recommend you give it a read and make sure of your decision before making a purchase.
RTX 3060 Graphics Card Comparison Table
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ASUS ROG Strix RTX 3060 OC
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GIGABYTE RTX 3060 GAMING OC
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EVGA GeForce RTX 3060 XC Gaming
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AORUS RTX 3060 ELITE
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ASUS TUF GamingRTX 3060 OC
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ZOTAC Gaming GeForce RTX 3060 Twin Edge OC
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GIGABYTE GeForce RTX 3060 VISION OC 12G
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MSI RTX 3060 Gaming X Trio
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Best RTX 3060 Graphics Cards
1. ASUS ROG Strix RTX 3060 OC
Stream Processors: 3584 | Base/Boost Clock: OC Mode – 1912 MHz (Boost Clock) Gaming Mode – 1882 MHz (Boost Clock) | Memory: 12 GB GDDR6 | Memory Clock: 15Gbps | Power Connectors: 1x PCIe 8-pin | Outputs: 2x HDMI 2.1, 3x DisplayPort 1.4aThe ROG Strix from Asus is a premium variant of the RTX 3060, featuring the best performance, cooling, and features among any other 3060 on the market. Coming in at 30 centimeters wide and spanning 2.7 slots, the card’s heft should make it evident enough that its target market are gamers and enthusiasts who need nothing but the best from their graphics card.
The beefy cooling solution comes equipped with the excellent axial fan tech from Asus, optimized for downward air pressure and a low system noise output. Alternate fans spin in opposite directions to minimize turbulence, smoothening the airflow for improved cooling. The fans also turn off at lower temperatures to further reduce noise and increase the fans’ lifespan. The large 2.7-slot heatsink also features a precision machined surface for improved contact with the GPU die, leading to better thermal performance.
The card also features a dual-BIOS switch for easy switching between performance and noise-focused modes. Two system fan connectors are also present and let you hook up additional chassis fans to your build without needing a splitter. The card’s metal backplate features a vent for hot air to flow out, preventing any recirculation. RGB on the Strix 3060 is limited to the top edge and has a light-up logo on the backplate and is controlled using Asus’s AuraSync utility. An additional HDMI 2.1 port is also present on the card, which is essential if you plan to run a dual-monitor setup with identical monitors.
The Asus Strix 3060’s enhanced cooling makes it the ideal candidate for enthusiasts who plan to push the card to its limits by overclocking to squeeze out every bit of performance. Its unique design also fits well in premium builds, though you will need to ensure that it fits in your case before making a purchase.
2. GIGABYTE RTX 3060 GAMING OC
Stream Processors: 3584 | Base/Boost Clock: 1320 MHz/1837 MHz | Memory: 12 GB GDDR6 | Memory Clock: 15Gbps | Power Connectors: 1x PCIe 8-pin | Outputs: 2x HDMI 2.1, 2x DisplayPort 1.4aThe Gigabyte Gaming OC is Gigabyte’s standard variant of the RTX 3060 that comes with a factory overclock for improved performance. The card’s sizeable cooling solution and triple-fan design also make it a suitable card for those looking to perform their own overclocks for small performance gains.
The Windforce 3x cooling solution employs three fans that spin in opposite directions for smoother airflow. The GPU’s heatsink extends beyond the PCB, allowing airflow to pass through for better cooling. The three copper heat pipes are also in direct contact with the GPU die for a more efficient heat transfer. When the GPU is idle or operating on lower loads, the system can passively cool it, leaving out its fans’ need to run.
The card features a protective metal backplate with an appropriately sized cutout for hot air to vent through. The card features a single 8-pin power connector with a light-up LED that flashes to troubleshoot any abnormalities. The card features an RGB light-up logo on the front edge that you can control via Gigabyte’s RGB Fusion 2.0 software. The card also features two HDMI and DP outputs, useful for hooking up with multi-monitor setups.
The Gigabyte Gaming OC is an excellent value for a triple-slot RTX 3060 graphics card. At this price range, most cards’ performance differences are minimal, with only the design and additional features varying. The factory overclocks and an effective triple-fan cooling system make this card a steal for the price.
3. EVGA GeForce RTX 3060 XC Gaming
Stream Processors: 3584 | Base/Boost Clock: 1320 MHz/1882 MHz | Memory: 12 GB GDDR6 | Memory Clock: 15Gbps | Power Connectors: 1x PCIe 8-pin | Outputs: HDMI 2.1, 3x DisplayPort 1.4aThe EVGA XC Gaming is an overclocked two-slot RTX 3060 GPU that offers a good value for its performance and features. The card’s smaller form factor makes it ideal for use in smaller cases where a triple-fan card will be a tight fit and tend to overheat. The card’s compatibility with EVGA’s Precision X1 software also makes it an ideal choice for enthusiasts and overclockers.
Being a more budget-oriented graphics card, the XC gaming 3060 lacks the advanced iCX3 cooling solution of its more expensive counterparts like the RTX 3080. The dual-fan cooling system should still do the job well and even provide enough cooling for a slight overclock. Fan speeds can also be set individually via the X1 software according to your requirements.
The card includes a metal backplate with cutouts to prevent warm air from recirculating into the system. The XC lacks any RGB, which is reasonable at this price point. It takes power via a single 8-pin PCIe connector. Overall, the EVGA XC Gaming is one of the best values for gamers on a budget looking to get a slight performance boost via overclocking. Its size is also a reason why some might want to consider it for a small form-factor build.
4. AORUS RTX 3060 ELITE
Stream Processors: 3584 | Base/Boost Clock: 1320 MHz/1867 MHz | Memory: 12 GB GDDR6 | Memory Clock: 15Gbps | Power Connectors: 1x PCIe 8-pin, 1x PCIe 6-pin | Outputs: 2x HDMI 2.1, 2x DisplayPort 1.4aLike the ROG Strix from ASUS, the Aorus Elite is a premium variant of Gigabyte’s RTX 3060 lineup. The card packs unique features and improved performance, thanks to the factory overclock, which you can further increase through custom overclocking. The card also features an all-black minimal aesthetic which can go well with your PC build.
The cooling solution uses three alternating spinning 80mm fans that push air into the large heatsink. The heatsink extends over the PCB for enhanced cooling. The five heat pipes have direct contact with the GPU die for an improved transfer of heat. The fans on the GPU stop spinning on lighter loads and when idle for a quieter overall system.
The card is one of the few RTX 3060s that come equipped with an additional 6-pin PCIe power connector, enabling it to receive a large amount of power, ideal for those looking forward to extreme overclocking. The PCIe connectors also include LED indicators that display the status of the power supply. The card also features a dual-BIOS that helps change between performance and quiet modes with the flick of a switch. A metal backplate with a large cutout for airflow is present at the back of the card. The cutouts help the fans push warm air effectively out of the system.
The card features a light-up logo and a light strip along the fan’s circumference, both of which are RGB and can be controlled through Gigabyte’s RGB Fusion 2.0 software. We recommend the Aorus Elite to buyers looking to get nothing but the best performance out of the RTX 3060 through overclocking.
5. ASUS TUF Gaming RTX 3060 OC
Stream Processors: 3584 | Base/Boost Clock: 1320 MHz/1882 MHz | Memory: 12 GB GDDR6 | Memory Clock: 15Gbps | Power Connectors: 1x PCIe 8-pin | Outputs: 2x HDMI 2.1, 3x DisplayPort 1.4aThe Asus TUF Gaming RTX 3060 is Asus’ midrange offering of the 3060. It offers a decent number of features that make it almost identical to its more expensive Strix counterpart, save for the toned-down design and lower out-of-box performance. The card is still an excellent choice for those looking to overclock, thanks to the powerful cooling solution.
The TUF Gaming features Asus’ axial fan tech with a central fan that spins in the opposite direction for optimized airflow. The massive 2.7-slot heatsink with a polished GPU dies contact will also ensure the temperature stays low. The backplate features a cutout to help expel warm air effectively from the system.
The card comes with a dual-BIOS feature that lets you switch between quiet and performance modes. It also comes in handy when recovering the system from a faulty overclock. The card features a single PCIe connector for power. Asus also decided to add an extra HDMI 2.1 port if you plan on running an identical two-monitor setup. The Asus TUF Gaming offers excellent value for what it provides. Compared to the competition, the additional HDMI port, premium components, and top-notch cooling system help it stand out.
6. ZOTAC Gaming RTX 3060 Twin Edge OC
Stream Processors: 3584 | Base/Boost Clock: 1320 MHz/1852 MHz | Memory: 12 GB GDDR6 | Memory Clock: 15Gbps | Power Connectors: 1x PCIe 8-pin | Outputs: HDMI 2.1, 3x DisplayPort 1.4aThe Zotac 3060 Twin Edge OC is an excellent value proposition for the value and features it offers at a relatively affordable price. The card is perfect for those looking to save money or fit a 3060 in a tight space by skipping the third spinner. While the compact card might not offer the best overclocking performance, Zotac offers the OC edition tuned with faster boost clocks from the factory for those looking for a slight performance increase.
The IceStorm 2.0 cooling solution features an 11-blade fan design for improved airflow. The heatsink features four heat pipes to wick heat away from the GPU die. The fans come to a complete halt for a quieter operation and increased fan lifespan when idle and on light loads. The FireStorm utility also lets you manually control fan speeds.
The card features a metal backplate with cutouts for improved durability and protection. It also features a single 8-pin PCIe power connector for power delivery. The Zotac Twin Fan 3060 is an excellent option for gamers looking to save money on the card. Coming in near the launch price, it offers a sizeable number of features.
7. GIGABYTE GeForce RTX 3060 VISION OC 12G
Stream Processors: 3584 | Base/Boost Clock: 1320 MHz/1837 MHz | Memory: 12 GB GDDR6 | Memory Clock: 15Gbps | Power Connectors: 1x PCIe 8-pin | Outputs: 2x HDMI 2.1, 2x DisplayPort 1.4aThe Gigabyte Vision series aims to serve as the choice for creative professionals with its sleek and minimal design that does not scream gamer at first glance. The white design with silver accents also makes the card an ideal choice for PC builders who have a similar theme for the rest of their components in their PC build.
Featuring the same Windforce cooling system as the Gaming OC, the triple-fan system should be more than sufficient to keep your card cool for most workloads. The extended heatsink design allows air from the fans to flow through the heatsink and out via a large cutout at the card’s back.
The card features an all-metal backplate for protection and has an industrial box-style design. RGB is limited to the light-up logo on the top and is customizable via Gigabyte’s software. The card features a single PCIe power connector, making it easy to use with existing power supplies. The GPU also includes dual HDMI and DP ports for easy use with multi-monitor setups.
The Gigabyte Vision RTX 3060 is the ideal card for creative professionals, thanks to the RTX 3060’s performance, large video memory, dual ports, and minimal design. Although the Vision 3060 is a bit overpriced for what it offers, we believe it is worth it for those who specifically need the minimalistic design, either for work or a personal build.
8. MSI RTX 3060 Gaming X Trio
Stream Processors: 3584 | Base/Boost Clock: 1320 MHz/1852 MHz | Memory: 12 GB GDDR6 | Memory Clock: 15Gbps | Power Connectors: 2x PCIe 8-pin | Outputs: HDMI 2.1, 3x DisplayPort 1.4aThe MSI Gaming X Trio is a premium RTX 3060, which includes several features to make it the best performing card from a custom board partner. The card’s powerful cooling solution allows it to run at higher core clocks, which lets MSI tune the boost clocks to a higher value at the factory, improving its out-of-box performance. Further overclocking of the card is available through MSI’s popular Afterburner software, which natively supports the software.
The Tri Frozr 2 cooling system employed by MSI is identical to those used on the more expensive RTX 30-series cards. It features fans with unique linked blades that help channel air more efficiently into the heatsink. The six heat pipes come together and are in direct contact with the GPU Heatpipe for ideal heat transfer. The cooling solution is good enough to cool the system at idle or light loads passively, making the card have a low noise output.
The card’s massive form factor, which spans 32.7 cm in length, makes it incompatible with several small cases, so keep that in mind before making a purchase. It also features 2 PCIe 8-pin power connectors that let the GPU pull in additional power, giving it a more significant headroom for overclocking.
RGB is limited to a light strip on the top and some accents near the fan area. You can control it via MSI’s Mystic Light utility. The card also includes a GPU support holder to prevent sagging due to its massive heft. The backplate fully covers the rear of the PCB and features a cutout to let warm airflow through the extended heatsink.
Overall, the MSI Gaming X Trio is a card that pushes the RTX 3060 to its limits. The extra power input and large cooling solution make it the best card for enthusiasts and gamers looking for a capable card to overclock.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right RTX 3060 can be detrimental to your experience with Nvidia’s new mainstream card for gamers and creative professionals. With AMD’s RDNA2 cards launching soon, we expect stiff competition at this price point, given its popularity among buyers. We hope this article was informative and helped you make a purchase decision. We also have buying guides for other graphics cards, so do check them out.
