RTX 3060 vs RTX 5050: Specs, Price & Performance
The RTX 3060 is the faster card, about 1% ahead of the RTX 5050 on 3DMark Time Spy. It currently costs $13 more than the RTX 5050. On price per frame, the RTX 5050 is the better value.
Spec & price comparison
| Spec | RTX 3060 | RTX 5050 |
|---|---|---|
| Current price | $299 | $286 |
| MSRP | $329 | $249 |
| VRAM | 12GB | 8GB |
| Architecture | Ampere | Blackwell |
| Generation | RTX 3000 | RTX 5000 |
| Power draw (TDP) | 170W | 130W |
| Recommended PSU | 550W | 550W |
| 3DMark Time Spy | 10,500 | 10,400 |
| 1080p gaming (avg FPS) | 78 fps | 84 fps |
| 1440p gaming (avg FPS) | 58 fps | 61 fps |
| Price per frame (1440p) | $5.16 | $4.69 |
Green marks the stronger figure per row. Benchmark and FPS values are representative 3DMark Time Spy and 1440p gaming averages; prices are live and update continuously.
Which should you buy?
For raw performance: the RTX 3060 leads by about 1% on Time Spy, making it the pick if you want the most frames at 1440p and 4K and can absorb the price.
For value: the RTX 5050delivers more frames per dollar at today's prices, so it is the smarter buy if you care about price-to-performance over outright speed.
Power and platform: the RTX 3060 draws 170W (≈550W PSU) versus 130W (≈550W PSU) for the RTX 5050. Factor the higher-wattage card's PSU and cooling needs into the total cost.
RTX 3060 vs RTX 5050 FAQ
Is the RTX 3060 better than the RTX 5050?
RTX 3060 is the faster of the two, roughly 1% ahead on 3DMark Time Spy (10,500 vs 10,400). The RTX 5050 offers more frames per dollar, so the better choice depends on whether you are optimizing for outright performance or value.
How much do the RTX 3060 and RTX 5050 cost right now?
The RTX 3060 is currently $299, and the RTX 5050 is $286. GPU Drip tracks both across Best Buy, Amazon, Newegg, B&H and other major retailers and updates the prices continuously.
Which is the better value, the RTX 3060 or the RTX 5050?
Measured by price per 1440p frame, the RTX 5050 is the better value at this moment ($4.69 per frame). Because GPU prices move, check the live figures above before buying.