Since the popular sweet spot card RTX 1060, the 3060 is probably the successor, and its market share has always been at the top of Steam. If you think that the RTX 3060 has completely left the graphics card market and is no longer being produced, then you may need to revise your statement now.

According to a reliable insider from Twitter, @hongxing2020, NVIDIA plans to re-produce and sell GeForce RTX 3060 graphics cards in Q1 2026. The reason is not that this card's performance is particularly appealing to players, but rather that the next generation of graphics cards are "lacking in VRAM." At that time, there will be 8GB and 12GB versions.

In fact, the RTX 3060 was already discontinued in 2024. The reason for its re-production in Q1 2026 is that the supply of the next-generation VRAM (GDDR7) is tight, and due to rising VRAM costs, the supply of the 5060 and 4060 is seriously insufficient. Meanwhile, the RTX 3060 remains the most popular graphics card on the Steam platform.

Although the RTX 3060 was released in 2021, it still has the biggest advantages today: stable performance, low power consumption, and sufficient performance. It is the main sales force of NVIDIA. Once the supply is insufficient, it affects the entire mainstream market. In comparison, the RTX 3060 uses mature GDDR6 VRAM, with a stable supply chain and controllable cost, which is an immediate solution.

Now, the DIY market is like this: new cards are too expensive, VRAM is too scarce, and old cards have become the "reliable choice."

However, it is currently uncertain whether it will be the 12GB version, the 8GB version, or both versions returning. But it can be certain that the RTX 3060 will re-enter the retail market to fill the gap left by the shortage of the RTX 5060. However, regardless of how it goes, after its release, netizens with strong hands can slightly modify the VRAM and it can still last for another ten years.

Therefore, if the RTX 3060 really returns at a reasonable price, it would be good news for budget players, the internet cafe market, and users who play 1080P / 2K games. It's just unknown whether Huang (NVIDIA CEO) will be as kind as he was back then, taking care of DIY players.

Original: toutiao.com/article/7591793778021663295/

Statement: This article represents the views of the author himself.