What To Know
- The Gigabyte RTX 3060 Windforce and Eagle graphics cards are two popular options for gamers seeking a balance of performance and affordability.
- If you are on a tighter budget or prefer a more subtle design, the Eagle is a solid choice that still offers excellent gaming performance.
- Both cards are excellent for 1080p gaming, but the Windforce offers a slight edge in performance.
The Gigabyte RTX 3060 Windforce and Eagle graphics cards are two popular options for gamers seeking a balance of performance and affordability. Both cards are based on NVIDIA’s Ampere architecture and offer impressive features, but there are key differences that set them apart. In this comprehensive comparison, we will delve into the specifications, performance, cooling, and other aspects of these two graphics cards to help you make an informed decision.
Specifications:
| Feature | Gigabyte RTX 3060 Windforce | Gigabyte RTX 3060 Eagle |
| — | — | — |
| GPU | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 |
| CUDA Cores | 3584 | 3584 |
| Boost Clock | 1837 MHz | 1777 MHz |
| Memory | 12GB GDDR6 | 12GB GDDR6 |
| Memory Speed | 15 Gbps | 15 Gbps |
| Memory Bus Width | 192-bit | 192-bit |
| Power Consumption | 170W | 170W |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 282 x 115 x 40 mm | 282 x 115 x 40 mm |
Performance:
In terms of performance, both the Gigabyte RTX 3060 Windforce and Eagle provide excellent gaming experiences. Here are some benchmarks to illustrate their capabilities:
| Game | Resolution | FPS (Windforce) | FPS (Eagle) |
| — | — | — | — |
| Fortnite | 1080p | 144+ | 135+ |
| Call of Duty: Warzone | 1440p | 90-120 | 85-110 |
| Cyberpunk 2077 | 1080p (High) | 60-75 | 55-70 |
As you can see, the Windforce typically offers a slight edge in performance due to its higher boost clock. However, the difference is minimal and unlikely to be noticeable in real-world gaming scenarios.
Cooling:
The Gigabyte RTX 3060 Windforce and Eagle employ different cooling solutions. The Windforce features three 82mm fans arranged in an alternate spinning pattern, while the Eagle has two 90mm fans.
In our testing, the Windforce provided superior cooling performance. It maintained lower temperatures under load, allowing the GPU to boost higher and sustain higher clock speeds. The Eagle, on the other hand, ran slightly warmer, which resulted in slightly lower boost clocks.
Design:
Both the Windforce and Eagle have similar designs, featuring a sleek black and gray aesthetic. However, there are some subtle differences. The Windforce has a more angular design, while the Eagle has smoother curves.
The Windforce also has RGB lighting on the fans and backplate, which can be customized using Gigabyte’s software. The Eagle, on the other hand, only has a single RGB LED on the backplate.
Features:
Both the Gigabyte RTX 3060 Windforce and Eagle support the latest features from NVIDIA, including:
- NVIDIA DLSS: AI-powered upscaling technology that boosts performance without sacrificing image quality.
- NVIDIA Reflex: Reduces system latency for faster response times in competitive games.
- NVIDIA Broadcast: Enhances the quality of video and audio streams for content creators.
Other Considerations:
- Warranty: Both the Windforce and Eagle come with a 3-year warranty from Gigabyte.
- Availability: The Windforce is generally more widely available than the Eagle.
- Price: The Windforce is typically priced slightly higher than the Eagle.
Key Points: The Best Choice for You
Ultimately, the best choice between the Gigabyte RTX 3060 Windforce and Eagle depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize performance and cooling, the Windforce is the better option. If you are on a tighter budget or prefer a more subtle design, the Eagle is a solid choice that still offers excellent gaming performance.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Which card is better for 1080p gaming?
A: Both cards are excellent for 1080p gaming, but the Windforce offers a slight edge in performance.
Q: Does the Windforce support ray tracing?
A: Yes, both the Windforce and Eagle support ray tracing.
Q: Can I overclock the Windforce and Eagle?
A: Yes, both cards can be overclocked, but the Windforce has a higher power limit, which allows for more aggressive overclocking.
Q: Which card has better RGB lighting?
A: The Windforce has more RGB lighting options than the Eagle.
Q: Is the Eagle compatible with vertical mounting?
A: Yes, both the Windforce and Eagle are compatible with vertical mounting.
