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 latest generation of AMD and NVIDIA 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 exceptional 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 the brand-new 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.
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 hyper 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.
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 blisteringly-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 (90YV0HC1-MONA00):
- 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 brand-new 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 (RTX 3060 VENTUS 2X 12G OC):
- 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.
Gainward GeForce RTX 3050 Ghost LHR 8192MB GDDR6 PCI-Express Graphics Card (NE63050019P1-190AB):
- 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 blisteringly-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 (GV-N3080GAMINGOC10GD):
- 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 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 Enigma Essential Gaming PC (FS-1DV-OG):
- Configurable gaming PC for casual gaming
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600 CPU
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 GPU
- Flexible storage solution
- 3 year parts and labour warranty included
OcUK Gaming Firefly Plus Gaming PC (FS-1DY-OG):
- Configurable gaming PC designed for mid-tier gaming and budding content creators
- Built and tested by the OcUK team of experts
- Intel Core i5-12400F CPU
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 GPU
- 3 year parts and labour warranty included
OcUK Gaming Kinetic R4 Gaming PC (FS-1DP-EP):
- Configurable gaming PC for mid-tier gaming
- Each component has been cherry-picked by the OcUK team to ensure quality performance
- AMD 5 5000 Series CPU
- Choose from NVIDIA RTX 30 Series and AMD Radeon RX 6000 Series GPUs
- 3 year parts and labour warranty included
Medion Erazer Beast X30 Gaming Laptop (30033994):
- Game on the go with a powerful gaming laptop
- 17.3” QHD display with 165Hz refresh rate
- Intel Core i7-12700H CPU
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 Ti GPU
- Comes with Windows 11 home
- 2 year warranty
PC specs are subject to change.
- 6 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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