⚙️ Key Technology & Features
GPU Architecture: NVIDIA Ampere (GA106) — modern design for balanced performance.
CUDA Cores: 3,584 — parallel processors that handle graphics, compute, and AI tasks.
Memory: 12 GB GDDR6 — large VRAM for high-resolution textures, future-proofing, and multitasking.
Memory Bus: 192-bit interface with ~360 GB/s bandwidth.
Ray Tracing: 2nd-gen RT cores — hardware-accelerated realistic lighting and shadows.
Tensor Cores: 3rd-gen — enable AI features like NVIDIA DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling).
PCIe Interface: PCI-Express 4.0 x16 — fast data connection to the CPU.
Typical Power Draw: ~170 W — requires a suitable power supply (usually ~550 W+).
🎮 Performance & Use Cases
🕹️ Gaming
Excellent for 1080p gaming, and solid for 1440p gaming in many titles.
Supports real-time ray tracing and DLSS, which boosts performance in supported games.
🎥 Content Creation
🤖 Productivity & AI
Good for CUDA-accelerated workflows (e.g., GPU-based rendering, machine learning training/inference at entry level).
Not as powerful as high-end professional GPUs, but capable for hobbyist AI and creative tasks.
📺 Display & Connectivity
Depending on the specific card model (ASUS, Gigabyte, MSI, Zotac, etc.), typical outputs include:
📌 Why the 12 GB Version Matters
The 12 GB VRAM is unusually large for this performance tier, helping with future games, high-resolution textures, and creative workflows.
It’s one reason the RTX 3060 stayed popular longer than many expected — especially in markets where options were limited.
🧠 Summary
The GeForce RTX 3060 (12 GB) is a versatile GPU that:
Excels in 1080p gaming and performs well at 1440p.
Supports ray tracing, AI-enhanced graphics, and DLSS.
Handles content creation & GPU acceleration tasks.
Offers great value for gaming and creative use at mid-range prices.