Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 12GB in review: Affordable entry into the RTX 3000 series?

With the current RTX 3000 graphics cards, Nvidia has been able to increase the performance even more compared to the RTX 2000 series. Now we could also convince ourselves of the performance of the GeForce RTX 3060. For this review, we used an INNO3D GeForce RTX 3060 Twin X2 with the newer LHR chip. This addition indicates that it is a graphics card that was specifically slowed down for mining with the ethash algorithm in order to make the graphics card unattractive for so-called crypto mining. Unfortunately, this approach did not have an effect in terms of price, because the models are still listed significantly above the RRP (329 Euros/~$380). At just under 690 Euros (~$798), the INNO3D GeForce RTX 3060 Twin X2 costs more than twice as much. However, this already makes this model one of the cheaper models that are currently available.

The GA106 graphics chip offers 3,854 shader units and can access 12 GB GDDR6 VRAM. Thus, the smallest model gets the second-largest VRAM of the RTX-3000 series. Due to the memory interface, Nvidia only had the choice between 6 GB or 12 GB. In order not to sell another memory cripple as an entry-level graphics card, the manufacturer made the right decision in our opinion. In the many gaming tests, we could very often determine a VRAM utilization of more than 6 GB. The INNO3D model's power consumption (170 watts) is exactly on the level that Nvidia specifies for the reference design. This also applies to the clock rates of the graphics chip and VRAM.

There are no big surprises in the dimensions. With a length of 24 centimeters, the INNO3D GeForce RTX 3060 Twin X2 is a conventional 2-slot graphics card. Furthermore, the INNO3D GeForce RTX 3060 Twin X2 requires an 8 pin power connector. Externally, up to four monitors can be operated simultaneously. For this, there is one HDMI with the latest standard (2.1) and three DisplayPort ports (1.4a).

Our INNO3D GeForce RTX 3060 Twin X2 cuts a comparatively better figure in our gaming tests. However, it still lags behind AMD's Radeon RX 6600 XT. The larger VRAM is positively noticed in very memory-intensive games, such as Call of Duty Black Ops Cold War. Here, our test sample in 1080p with maximum details can set itself apart by 7%. At even higher resolutions (2160p), the lead can even be increased to up to 15 percent compared to the AMD Radeon RX 6600 XT. Nevertheless, it should be mentioned that the 36.6 FPS on average is not a good gaming experience. Rather, the GeForce RTX 3060 is aimed at gamers who primarily play in 1080p or 1440p. However, the latter is not always smooth even with the RTX 3060 depending on the game. A few games slipped below 40 FPS in the QHD test.

Those who mostly play in 1080p or 1440p will still be happy with the performance of the INNO3D GeForce RTX 3060 Twin X2.

The 12 GB VRAM is good and makes this card more future-proof than comparable models. As always, we use the game The Witcher 3 (1080p Ultra Preset) for the frame times and frame progression. Apart from one outlier, there are no significant latencies that affect the gameplay when recording the data. The frame rate starts at over 85 FPS and drops to 83.8 FPS over the course of the test. This is a minimal performance loss that is negligible.