NVIDIA Plans to Bring Back the GeForce RTX 3060 in Q1 2026 Amid GPU & Memory Shortages

In a surprising but strategic move, NVIDIA is reportedly preparing to resume production of the GeForce RTX 3060 in Q1 2026, aiming to offset ongoing current-generation GPU and DRAM memory shortages that are impacting newer graphics cards.

The information comes from a trusted industry insider and highlights how serious the supply situation has become—even for one of the world’s largest GPU manufacturers.

RTX 3060: A Discontinued GPU That Never Really Left

Although NVIDIA began phasing out the GeForce RTX 3060 in 2024, the GPU—originally launched in 2021—has remained the most popular graphics card on Steam. According to the Steam Hardware & Software Survey (December 2025), RTX 3060 usage grew by 2.20%, reaching a total share of 6.53%, reinforcing its dominance among PC gamers.

While newer cards like the RTX 4060 and the upcoming RTX 5060 have entered the market, adoption has been slower than expected—largely due to pricing and supply constraints.

Why Is NVIDIA Reviving the RTX 3060?

The report comes from @hongxing2020, a leaker with a strong track record regarding NVIDIA’s GPU production plans. According to their January 5, 2026 update, NVIDIA has informed its board partners that RTX 3060 production will restart in Q1 2026.

The key reason? DRAM shortages.

• The RTX 5060 relies on GDDR7 memory
• DRAM prices are rising
• Supply of advanced memory is constrained
• This affects both pricing and availability of next-gen GPUs

Because the 60-series GPUs are designed for mass-market consumers, NVIDIA needs a reliable alternative that doesn’t depend on scarce next-generation memory. The RTX 3060, based on GDDR6, fits that role perfectly.

Which RTX 3060 Version Will Return?

At this time, it’s unclear whether NVIDIA will relaunch:

• The 12 GB (192-bit) version
• The 8 GB (128-bit) version
• Or both

Historically, the 12 GB model was well received, while the 8 GB variant faced backlash due to its reduced memory bus and lower performance. Many gamers and analysts believe NVIDIA should focus exclusively on the 12 GB version if the card is to make a meaningful comeback.

💰 Pricing Will Be the Deciding Factor

If NVIDIA wants this move to succeed, pricing will be critical.

Industry expectations suggest that the RTX 3060 should return at under $200 USD to remain competitive in 2026. At that price point, the card would:

• Appeal to budget and mid-range gamers
• Compete strongly with used GPUs
• Offer a viable alternative amid RTX 50-series shortages

Anything higher would likely limit its appeal, especially with newer architectures on the horizon.

📉 What This Says About the GPU Market

NVIDIA’s decision to bring back a five-year-old GPU architecture underlines how deeply memory supply issues are affecting the industry. With rising DRAM costs and geopolitical pressure on semiconductor manufacturing, even major players are being forced to rethink product lifecycles.

In short, the RTX 3060’s return isn’t nostalgia—it’s a supply chain workaround.

🏁 Final Thoughts

The GeForce RTX 3060 coming back in Q1 2026 is both unexpected and logical. Its continued popularity, combined with memory shortages impacting newer GPUs, makes it a safe and scalable solution for NVIDIA and its partners.

If priced correctly and offered in the right configuration, the RTX 3060 could once again become the go-to GPU for mainstream PC gamers.

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