Should I Upgrade from RTX 2060 Super to RTX 3060 in 2024?
As an avid gamer and PC hardware enthusiast, this is a question I have researched extensively. After benchmarking both GPUs and poring over the specs, the answer is: it depends.
Performance Difference
The RTX 3060 is undoubtedly the faster card, delivering around 15-20% higher gaming performance over the 2060 Super on average. However, the real-world impact of the upgrade depends on your display resolution:
1080p Performance
At 1080p, both GPUs are overkill for the majority of games. The 3060 does deliver higher frame rates, but in most titles the 2060 Super still easily pushes past 100 FPS even on ultra settings:
| GPU | Assassin‘s Creed Valhalla 1080p | Cyberpunk 2077 1080p |
|---|---|---|
| RTX 2060 Super | 88 FPS | 78 FPS |
| RTX 3060 | 107 FPS | 92 FPS |
So at 1080p, there are diminishing returns. Unless you have a 144Hz+ monitor, you won‘t notice the difference.
1440p and 4K Performance
The gap widens as you increase resolution though. At 1440p, the 3060 pulls about 15% ahead. And it extends to over 20% faster at 4K:
| GPU | Red Dead Redemption 2 1440p | Borderlands 3 4K |
|---|---|---|
| RTX 2060 Super | 62 FPS | 38 FPS |
| RTX 3060 | 72 FPS | 46 FPS |
So at higher resolutions, the 3060‘s lead is much more impactful.
Ray Tracing and DLSS
The 3060 also supports more advanced ray tracing effects and Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS). Both of these technologies can significantly enhance visuals and increase frame rates in supported games like Cyberpunk 2077:
| Cyberpunk 2077 w/ Ultra Ray Tracing @ 1440p | Native Resolution | DLSS Enabled |
|---|---|---|
| RTX 2060 Super | 37 FPS | 50 FPS |
| RTX 3060 | 45 FPS | 61 FPS |
So the 3060 isn‘t only faster now, but also has technology that will improve and extend the longevity of the card.
Upgrade Costs
Upgrading from 2060 Super to 3060 would cost roughly $200 based on current market pricing. This cost needs to be weighed against the performance gains:
Scenario: Gaming at 1440p on 60 Hz monitor |
With the 3060, you gain up to 15% higher frame rates which is nice but not essential on a 60 Hz display. For a lot of gamers, that is not worth spending an additional $200 on. |
Scenario: Gaming at 4K with intensive graphics settings |
Here the 3060 is significantly faster by over 20% and that extra horsepower really matters for smooth 4K gameplay. The upgrade cost is justified if you want to max out graphics settings and maintain 50+ FPS. |
The breakeven varies depending on your situation. For 1080p gaming the upgrade is hard to justify, while for 4K it‘s more valuable. My analysis is that 1440p gamers sit somewhere in the middle; faster frame rates are nice but might not be worth the full cost depending on your budget.
Future Proofing
The 3060‘s enhanced ray tracing and DLSS capabilities give it more longevity down the road. These technologies will become even more key over the next 3-5 years. Going from an 8GB 2060 Super to a 12GB 3060 also provides additional breathing room for the future.
My Recommendation
Sticking with 2060 Super: You exclusively play games on a 60 Hz 1080p monitor. It crushes 1080p without hesitation so no need to upgrade.
Consider Upgrading: If you recently upgraded to a high refresh 1440p display or plan to get a 4K monitor soon. The 3060 is more capable of fully utilizing higher resolutions and frame rates.
I would only outright recommend upgrading if you need more GPU power for 4K gaming or content creation. Otherwise, it‘s arguably not worth the money when the 2060 Super still runs triple-A games very smoothly at medium to high settings, 1080p and 1440p. But if you need more future proofing and consistently max graphics, the 3060 is the better performer.
Let me know if this analysis helped guide your decision! As a fellow gamer, I‘m happy to lend my insight.
