Nvidia Brings Back RTX 3060 GPU Production Using Samsung

Nvidia is restarting production of its RTX 3060 graphics card. According to the South Korean outlet Hankyung, Nvidia has asked Samsung to manufacture RTX 3060 chips again using Samsung's 8nm process. The RTX 3060 was discontinued in 2024, so this is a notable comeback for a two-generation-old product.

The main reasons behind this decision are the ongoing global GPU shortage and US export restrictions that limit what Nvidia can sell in certain regions, including China.

Why the RTX 3060 and Not a Newer Card?

Nvidia's more recent cards — the RTX 40 and RTX 50 series — are built using TSMC's advanced 4nm manufacturing process. Reusing that same production line to make older cards would take factory space away from Nvidia's current best-sellers, which the company clearly wants to avoid.

The RTX 3060, however, was originally made using Samsung's 8nm process back in 2021. By returning to Samsung for this chip, Nvidia can use a completely separate factory. This means extra GPUs can be added to the market without slowing down production of the newer RTX 50 series.

What We Still Don't Know

Several details remain unclear. It is not yet known whether Nvidia will revive the 12GB version of the RTX 3060 (the original, higher-spec variant) or the 8GB version, which has less memory and lower memory speeds. The pricing for these new units has also not been announced.

Is It a Good Move?

Bringing back the RTX 3060 is a bit of an odd choice. This GPU does not support Nvidia's newest gaming features, such as DLSS Frame Generation and Multi-Frame Generation — tools that help newer cards produce smoother, faster visuals. That puts it at a disadvantage compared to anything from the RTX 40 or RTX 50 generations.

That said, if the goal is simply to put more affordable GPUs on shelves during a shortage, the RTX 3060 revival could still be a practical option for buyers who are not chasing the latest features and just need a working, capable graphics card.