NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 8GB vs NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080

The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080 is the faster card by roughly 4%. Here is how the two compare across every spec that matters for gaming.

NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080 wins — about 4% faster in gaming workloads
Specification NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 8GB NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080
Performance score 24/100 25/100
Tier C C
VRAM 8 GB 8 GB
Power draw (TDP) 170 W 180 W
Launch MSRP $329 $599
Performance per $100 7.3 4.2
Release year 2022 2016
DLSS ✓ Yes — No
FSR ✓ Yes ✓ Yes
XeSS — No — No
Ray tracing ✓ Yes — No

Which should you buy?

The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080 is the stronger performer of the two, and it is the default choice if raw frame rate is what you care about. The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 8GB draws 10W less, so it is easier on your power supply and case cooling — check the PSU calculator before committing. On launch pricing, the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 8GB offers better performance per dollar.