Why RTX 3060 graphics cards are still popular in 2025?
The RTX 3060 NVIDIA's Ampere series GPU, launched in 2021, was positioned as an affordable and versatile mid-range GPU. With 12GB GDDR6 VRAM, was designed to offer good gaming performance in 1080p and light professional tasks.
Although in 2025 it is beginning to show its limitations against modern games and more demanding applications, it is still an excellent option for those looking for a video card Striking a balance between power, energy efficiency, and budget. Ideal for budget PC builds or basic upgrades, the RTX 3060 still remains relevant for casual gaming and moderate video editing.
RTX 3060 Specs: Key Features
The RTX 3060 graphics card combines Ampere architecture with advanced technologies such as ray tracing and DLSS, making it efficient for competitive gaming and multitasking tasks. These are its main specifications:
- CUDA Cores: 3584
- VRAM memory: 12GB GDDR6
- Bandwidth: 192 bits
- Base/boost speed: 1320 MHz / 1777 MHz
- TDP: 170W
- Video entries: HDMI 2.1, 3x DisplayPort 1.4a
Despite having 12GB VRAM, the RTX 3060's performance is not ideal for highly intensive tasks due to limitations in the number of CUDA cores and their bandwidth. However, it is still very functional for gaming in 1080p and even in 1440p with moderate adjustments.
RTX 3060 graphics card performance in gaming and professional tasks in 2025
Ideal games for the RTX 3060 at 1080p and 1440p
The RTX 3060 offers good performance in modern competitive and AAA titles, especially at resolutions 1080p and in medium-high configurations to 1440pHere is a table with its estimated performance in some of the most popular games:
| Game | Resolution | Configuration | Average FPS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cyberpunk 2077 | 1440p | Medium + DLSS | 50-60 FPS |
| Fortnite | 1440p | High | 90-100 FPS |
| Call of Duty: Warzone 2 | 1080p | Ultra + DLSS | 70-80 FPS |
| Red Dead Redemption 2 | 1440p | Half | 60 FPS |
| Valorant | 1080p | Ultra | 200+ FPS |
Thanks to the support of DLSS, the RTX 3060 can maintain acceptable FPS rates in demanding titles, especially when the graphics settings are tweaked.
Video editing and multitasking: Is the RTX 3060 enough?
With 12GB VRAM, the RTX 3060 offers solid performance for editing tasks in 1080p and some projects in 4K. It works smoothly in applications such as:
- Adobe Premiere Pro: Suitable for standard editing projects.
- DaVinci Resolve: Functional for light color correction tasks.
- Blender: Basic 3D modeling skills, but limited for complex renderings.
However, it is not the best choice for professionals working with advanced projects or intensive multitasking.
Comparison: RTX 3060 vs other modern graphics cards
| GPU | VRAM | TDP | Average FPS at 1440p (Medium) |
|---|---|---|---|
| RTX 3060 | 12 GB | 170W | 50-70 FPS |
| RTX 3060 Ti | 8 GB | 200W | 60-80 FPS |
| RTX 3070 | 8 GB | 220W | 70-100 FPS |
| RTX 4060 | 8 GB | 115W | 60-90 FPS |
The RTX 3060 is a good option for budget builds, but for those looking for more power for gaming or advanced tasks, GPUs like the RTX 3060 Ti wave RTX 4060 are superior options.
Recommended power supply for the RTX 3060
Energy requirements and recommendations
The RTX 3060, with a TDP of 170W, is relatively efficient compared to higher-end GPUs like the RTX 3070 or 3080. However, it requires a proper power supply to ensure stability.
- Minimum recommended font: 550W with certification 80 PLUS Bronze.
- Ideal source: 650W with certification 80 PLUS Gold for configurations with high-end CPUs or multiple hard drives.
Recommended sources for the RTX 3060
- Corsair CV550: An economical option for basic systems.
- EVGA 600W Bronze: Efficient and reliable for standard configurations.
- Seasonic Focus GX-650: Ideal for more advanced builds with multiple components.
Top RTX 3060 GPU Models in 2025
| Model | Refrigeration | Overclocking | Build quality |
|---|---|---|---|
| Asus TUF Gaming RTX 3060 | Triple fan | Moderate | Premium components |
| Gigabyte Gaming OC RTX 3060 | Triple RGB fan | Factory overclock | Excellent cooling |
| Zotac Gaming GeForce RTX 3060 | Double fan | Compact | Energy efficiency |
| MSI Ventus 2X RTX 3060 | Double fan | Moderate | Compact and silent design |
Each model offers different thermal and design configurations, adapting to specific needs.
Conclusion: Is an RTX 3060 worth buying in 2025?
The RTX 3060 remains a valid option in 2025 for those looking for a budget GPU for casual gaming or light tasks. It is ideal for gaming in 1080p and, with adjustments, can handle 1440p in less demanding games.
Although it is not an ideal investment for those seeking long-term power, its price-performance ratio makes it a competitive alternative for budget-conscious PC builds. If you're looking for an affordable and functional upgrade, the RTX 3060 can meet your expectations.
