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In this article, we compare the gaming performance of two popular graphics cards: the RTX 3050 6GB and the RTX 2060 Super. Gamers and tech enthusiasts often look for detailed benchmarks to make informed decisions about their hardware upgrades. Our focus will be on frame rates, graphical settings, and overall gaming experience across several popular titles.
Overview of the Graphics Cards
The NVIDIA RTX 3050 6GB is a newer entry-level to mid-range graphics card designed for gaming at 1080p and 1440p resolutions. It features the latest Ampere architecture, offering improved efficiency and performance over previous generations.
The RTX 2060 Super, released in 2019, is part of the Turing series. It is known for its solid performance in 1080p and 1440p gaming, with a strong track record for high frame rates and graphical fidelity. It uses the Turing architecture, which was a significant step forward at the time.
Benchmark Testing Methodology
Our testing involved running five popular games at high settings, with a consistent hardware setup excluding the graphics cards. We measured average frame rates (FPS), minimum FPS, and 1% lows to assess smoothness and responsiveness.
The games tested included:
- Cyberpunk 2077
- Shadow of the Tomb Raider
- Assassin’s Creed Valhalla
- Metro Exodus
- Fortnite
Benchmark Results
Cyberpunk 2077
The RTX 3050 achieved an average of 45 FPS at high settings, while the RTX 2060 Super averaged around 55 FPS. Both cards showed dips below 30 FPS during intense scenes, but the 2060 Super maintained smoother gameplay overall.
Shadow of the Tomb Raider
In Shadow of the Tomb Raider, the RTX 3050 averaged 70 FPS, whereas the RTX 2060 Super reached 85 FPS. Both cards handled the game well, but the 2060 Super provided a noticeably higher frame rate.
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla
The RTX 3050 averaged 50 FPS, with the 2060 Super pushing past 60 FPS. The difference was more pronounced in open-world segments with many NPCs and detailed environments.
Metro Exodus
Metro Exodus, a demanding title, saw the RTX 3050 averaging 40 FPS, while the RTX 2060 Super maintained 50 FPS. Both cards struggled with ultra settings but performed adequately at high settings.
Fortnite
In Fortnite, both cards delivered high frame rates, with the RTX 3050 averaging 120 FPS and the RTX 2060 Super reaching 140 FPS at high settings. The gameplay was smooth on both, with minimal differences.
Conclusion
The RTX 2060 Super generally outperformed the RTX 3050 across all tested titles, especially in demanding games. However, the RTX 3050 provides decent performance for gamers on a budget or those targeting 1080p gaming with high settings. The choice depends on your gaming needs and budget constraints.
For the best gaming experience with longevity, the RTX 2060 Super remains a strong choice. But if you are looking for a more affordable option with modern features, the RTX 3050 is still capable of delivering good performance at 1080p.