RTX 3060 12GB remains local LLM value king

The RTX 3060 is a rare case where an older generation's hardware specs make it objectively better for AI developers than its direct successors.

• –12GB of VRAM is the "sweet spot" for running 12B models (Mistral NeMo) at high precision, which is the current state-of-the-art for local chat.
• –"Abliterated" variants (e.g., Llama-3.1-8B-Lexi) are the new standard for uncensored roleplay, offering uncensored behavior without logic degradation.
• –For more complex creative writing, Mistral Small 3.1 (22B) can be run at Q3_K_S quantization using the 12GB buffer with manageable speed trade-offs.
• –The 192-bit memory bus provides 360 GB/s bandwidth, ensuring that token generation remains fluid compared to the 128-bit bus found on modern budget alternatives.
• –While the RTX 4060 has better efficiency, the extra 4GB of VRAM on the 3060 is non-negotiable for anyone serious about local LLM deployment.