GeForce RTX 3060 for Mini-ITX: Gainward, MSI and Palit are shrinking...

 The  trend towards ever smaller PC systems and mini-PCs continues unabated in the DIY sector, so there is a corresponding need for compact and, above all, short graphics cards that should nevertheless be as powerful as possible. Gainward, MSI and Palit have also recognized this and are shrinking gaming amps to 17 cm.

Although the Mini-ITX format is indicative of a form factor for mainboards specified with 170 × 170 mm, it is also used symbolically for the graphics cards mentioned here, as these do not exceed a length of 17 cm.

Ampere-Minis for the mini-ITX format

After Gigabyte, EVGA, Inno3D, MSI and Zotac presented the first 20 custom designs of the GeForce RTX 3060 around the digital CES 2021 based on the GA106 graphics processor with 3,584 ALUs, which was also presented at the fair, three ampere minis are now following .

Gainward GeForce RTX 3060 Pegasus

Gainward launches its GeForce RTX 3060 for the Mini-ITX format in dual-slot design with a 100 mm axial fan.  The  entire graphics card is kept in plain black and only has an illuminated GeForce RTX lettering.

 The  graphics card, which is exactly 17 cm long, clocks at 1,777 MHz according to Nvidia specifications and is supplied via an 8-pin PCIe connector. Connectivity is via three DisplayPort 1.4a and one HDMI 2.1 for either up to 8K with 60 Hz or 4K with 120 Hz.

MSI GeForce RTX 3060 Aero ITX/ITX OC

MSI is releasing its design of a GeForce RTX 3060 for systems in mini-ITX format in a regular and an overclocked version.  The  MSI GeForce RTX 3060 Aero ITX and Aero ITX OC also measures 170 mm in length and uses a 90 mm fan in axial design. Three DisplayPort 1.4a and one HDMI 2.1 are offered for image output.

Palit GeForce RTX 3060 StormX

 The  Palit GeForce RTX 3060 StormX measures 170 × 125 × 39 mm (L × W × H) and is also based on a dual-slot design, which is almost identical to that of the Gainward Pegasus, with a single axial fan with 100 mm diameter.

 The  graphics card clocks with a standard 1.777 MHz boost and therefore has the TDP of 170 watts specified by Nvidia.

 The  connections correspond to those of the two competing products from MSI and Gainward and the third Mini in the group is also supplied with power via a single 8-pin PCIe connector.

Availability and prices

So far, none of the three manufacturers has given information on the availability and non-binding prices of its GeForce RTX 3060 in mini-ITX format. It can be assumed that the “Minis” will be launched a little later than the regular versions, which are expected for the end of February.