Want to upgrade your graphics cards, but don’t know which is the right one for you?
A two-part series, Overclockers UK has compiled this guide detailing everything there is to know about the AMD RX 6000 Series and NVIDIA RTX 30 Series Graphics Cards. In this blog post, we’ll cover the NVIDIA RTX 30 Series.
The NVIDIA RTX 30 Series
The successor to the 20 RTX series, NVIDIA’s RTX 30 series has been carefully engineered using NVIDIA’s Ampere architecture to deliver incredible performance and realistic graphics. Each GPU in the series comes packed with a plethora of intelligent cutting-edge features, such as Real-Time Ray Tracing, AI DLSS, and dedicated multi-streaming processors.
The graphics cards in the NVIDIA 30 series include:
- GeForce RTX 3090 Ti
- GeForce RTX 3090
- GeForce RTX 3080 Ti
- GeForce RTX 3080
- GeForce RTX 3070 Ti
- GeForce RTX 3070
- GeForce RTX 3060 Ti
- GeForce RTX 3060
- GeForce RTX 3050
If you want a closer look at how games, such as F1 22, look with an NVIDIA RTX 30 series GPU, take a look at the video below.
Exclusive Features
AI DLSS
NVIDIA DLSS, or Deep Learning Super Sampling, is an intelligent AI image rendering technology that utilises dedicated Tensor cores on the NVIDIA RTX 30 series GPUs. Thanks to AI DLSS, you can experience premium quality frame rates and zero latency, even at maximum settings and resolutions.
DLSS is just one of many upscaling technologies, designed to facilitate crystal-clear visuals. Take a look at our upscaling showdown to see how it compares!
Real-Time Ray Tracing
Simulating how light and shadows behave in the real world, Real-Time Ray Tracing, uses dedicated RT cores on the GPU to deliver realistic graphics and an immersive gaming experience. Take a look at some of the games that are compatible with Real-Time Ray Tracing.
NVIDIA Encoder
For those who want to get into PC streaming, all NVIDIA RTX 30 Series GPUs feature a built-in NVIDIA Encoder. Designed to utilise the CUDA cores on the GPU to encode your stream, this built-in software takes any additional strain from your CPU. Resulting in high-quality images, smooth frame rates, and an optimised experience for you and your audience.
If you want to read more about NVIDIA Encoder (NVENC) and how it can level up your stream, check out our blog post below.
Which GPU Should I Buy For…
Gaming
Elite Tier:
For elite-tier gaming, we recommend an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3090 Ti GPU. Thanks to its integrated 24GB of VRAM, 10752 CUDA cores, and fast speeds of up to 1950MHz. Unlock exceptional frame rates, up to 4k resolutions, and stunning photo-realistic visuals. With zero latency or drop in FPS, this GPU is perfect for fans of intense FPS and battle games, such as Battlefield 2042.
ASUS GeForce RTX 3090 Ti TUF OC Gaming 24GB GDDR6X Graphics Card
- NVIDIA Ampere architecture
- 10752 CUDA cores
- 24GB GDDR6X video memory
- Boost clock speed of 1950MHz
- VR Ready
- Real-Time Ray Tracing and G-Sync compatible
RTX 3090 Ti GPUs are no longer available. For similar performance, explore the RTX 4090 line.
Mid-Tier:
Armed with an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060, enjoy playing games such as the ESO High Isle DLC, in the stunning detail it deserves. Utilise the 12GB of VRAM, 3584 CUDA cores, and clock speeds of up to 1807MHz, experience high-quality refresh rates even at high or maximum settings at 1440p.
MSI GeForce RTX 3060 Ventus 2x 12GB GDDR6 Graphics Card
- NVIDIA Ampere architecture
- 3584 CUDA cores
- Boost clock speeds of 1807MHz
- 12GB of video memory
- VR ready
- Real-Time Ray Tracing and G-Sync compatible
Casual:
For casual gaming, we recommend a NVIDIA GeForce 3050 GPU. With 8192MB of GGDR6, 2560 CUDA cores, and speeds of up to 1852MHz, enjoy games such as League of Legends, like never before. Plus, with support for Real-Time Ray Tracing, experience stunning photo-realistic lighting and shadows and see your games in a whole new light.
ASUS GeForce RTX 3050 Dual OC LHR 8GB GDDR6 Graphics Card
- NVIDIA Ampere
- 2560 CUDA cores
- 8GB of integrated video memory
- VR ready
- Real-Time Ray Tracing and G-Sync compatible
Streaming:
Give you and your audience an immersive gaming experience by streaming with an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 GPU. Take advantage of the built-in NVIDIA Encoder, along with 8704 CUDA cores, 10GB of VRAM, and fast speeds of up to 1900MHz.
Experience premium quality refresh rates, zero latency, and stunning visuals in all your favourite games, even at maximum settings at 1440p!
Gigabyte GeForce RTX 3080 Gaming OC V2 LHR Graphics Card
- NVIDIA Ampere
- 8704 CUDA cores
- Boost clock speed of 1800MHz
- 10GB of video memory
- Real-Time Ray Tracing and G-Sync compatible
RTX 3080 GPUs are no longer available. For similar performance, explore the RTX 4080 line.
Overclockers UK’S Top NVIDIA Gaming PCs
If you want to get your hands on an NVIDIA powered gaming PC, then take a look at OcUK’s huge range of pre-built and configurable gaming PCs. To showcase just some of the PCs that utilise the powerful NVIDIA RTX 30 Series, we’ve included some of our favourite PCs and laptops.
OcUK Gaming Quartz Pre-Built PC
- Pre-built gaming PC
- Intel i5 12400F CPU and NVIDIA RTX 3060
- 16GB DDR4 RAM
- 1TB 2.5” SSD
Lenovo Legion 5 Gaming Laptop
- 15.6” FHD display
- 165Hz refresh rates
- AMD Ryzen 7 6800H CPU and NVIDIA RTX 3060
- 16GB DDR5 RAM
- Windows 11 Home
Gigabyte AERO 16 XE5 Gaming Laptop
- 16.0” UHD 4K display
- Intel i7 12700H CPU and NVIDIA RTX 3070 Ti
- 16GB DDR5 RAM
- Windows 11 Pro
Do You Have an NVIDIA RTX 30 Series?
Does an NVIDIA RTX 30 Series GPU power your battle station? How has it enhanced your performance or productivity? Let us know in the comments.
*Prices correct at time of writing and PC specs are subject to change.
- 5 min read
Ruth Rowley
Author
Ruth has been with Overclockers UK for over a year and has gone on to write about everything ranging from in-depth hardware guides to monthly game releases.
Outside of writing blog posts, she can be found wrapped in a blanket with her black cat, engrossed in a book or playing life-simulation games such as The Sims, Stardew Valley, and Animal Crossing.
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