A powerful graphics processing unit (GPU) is paramount in the ever-evolving world of gaming and graphic-intensive applications.
NVIDIA, synonymous with cutting-edge GPU technology, has introduced two juggernauts into the market – the GeForce RTX 3080 and the RTX 3090. But which one is right for you?
In this article, we’ll delve into these GPUs’ specifications, performance, and use cases, helping you make an informed decision.
NVIDIA RTX 3080 vs. RTX 3090 Performance and Features
Considering the specifications listed above, the RTX 3090 is the superior card regarding raw performance. It has more CUDA cores, more ray tracing cores, more than double the GDDR6X VRAM, a wider memory bus and bandwidth, and a slightly higher memory clock.
These are both Ampere GPUs based on an 8nm Samsung node, but the RTX 3090 is significantly larger physically and has a higher TDP at 350W.
Despite the boosted specs the RTX 3090 is sporting, dedicated gamers will see a small increase when gaming at 4K. In most cases, the gaming performance is only about 10% to 15% less than the RTX 3080.
It also costs $800 less than the RTX 3090, making it the right choice for those who plan on undertaking something other than professional work.
If you’re a gamer with an unlimited budget, you will undoubtedly go for the RTX 3090 anyway. It will deliver better gaming performance than the RTX 3080, and it’s better cut out to toy with 8K.
The RTX 3090 is an absolute behemoth with 24GB of GDDR6X VRAM, making it better cut out for content creation and professional applications.
It’s the GPU unofficially taking over for NVIDIA’s Titan GPU lineup. It was the cards for professionals and creators who didn’t want to step up to workstation graphics (previously known as “Quadro”).
RTX 3080 vs. RTX 3090
Whereas gaming performance between the RTX 3080 and RTX 3090 is quite close, you should see, in some cases, up to a 20% increase when working with demanding professional software.
Both GPUs support extra RTX features like DLSS and ray tracing, but the RTX 3090 is much better prepared to deal with the heavier workload they present.
The RTX 3090 will deliver a strong gaming experience, but at $1,500, it’s not worth the money for most people. Remember the physical size and TDP difference between these two graphics cards. The RTX 3080 takes up two slots, while the RTX 3090 takes up three.
The larger card should fit into most mid-size PC towers, but be sure to reference the exact dimensions before making a final purchase. Also, NVIDIA recommends a 750W PSU for each card despite the RTX 3080 having a lower 320W TDP.
For more information about getting your PC ready for a new GPU, look at our guide to preparing your PC for NVIDIA RTX 30-series graphics cards.
NVIDIA’s RTX 3080 is the Right GPU for 4K Gaming
If you’re looking to game at 4K with smooth frame rates and don’t want to spend the extra money on an RTX 3090, the RTX 3080 makes a lot of sense.
It has the same features as the RTX 3090 and is the better pick if you want raw gaming performance. Availability could be better for both of these GPUs, so check out our guide on where to buy NVIDIA RTX 30-series GPUs.
4K Gaming at a Far Better Price
NVIDIA’s RTX 3080 costs significantly less than the RTX 3090, yet it performs similarly to the heavy hitter. It’s the right choice for most people who want to enjoy 4K PC gaming.
The RTX 3090 is Best for Content Creators and Pros
Yes, the RTX 3090 will crush even the most intensive games, but it’s better cut out for a professional setting. The $1,500 price tag also puts it out of realistic reach for most casual users.
The Ultimate RTX 3000 GPU
The RTX 3090 will be overkill for most people, with performance to push 8K resolution. But if you need the extra power and have the budget to support it, it’s no doubt a tempting option.
Certainly! Here’s a comparison of the technical specifications of the NVIDIA RTX 3080 and RTX 3090 graphics cards:
NVIDIA RTX 3080:
- GPU Architecture: Ampere
- CUDA Cores: 8704
- Memory: 10 GB GDDR6X
- Memory Bus: 320-bit
- Memory Speed: 19 Gbps
- Memory Bandwidth: 760 GB/s
- Base Clock: 1440 MHz
- Boost Clock: 1710 MHz
- TDP (Thermal Design Power): 320 watts
- Ray Tracing Cores: 68
- Tensor Cores: 272
- NVLink Support: No
- Price (at launch): Around $699
NVIDIA RTX 3090:
- GPU Architecture: Ampere
- CUDA Cores: 10,496
- Memory: 24 GB GDDR6X
- Memory Bus: 384-bit
- Memory Speed: 19.5 Gbps
- Memory Bandwidth: 936 GB/s
- Base Clock: 1395 MHz
- Boost Clock: 1695 MHz
- TDP (Thermal Design Power): 350 watts
- Ray Tracing Cores: 82
- Tensor Cores: 328
- NVLink Support: Yes (for multi-GPU setups)
- Price (at launch): Around $1,499
Key Differences:
- The RTX 3090 has more CUDA cores (10,496) than the RTX 3080 (8,704), making it more powerful for content creation and 3D rendering tasks.
- The RTX 3090 comes with significantly more VRAM, 24 GB, compared to the RTX 3080’s 10 GB. This makes the RTX 3090 better suited for professional workloads that require large amounts of memory.
- The RTX 3090 has a wider memory bus (384-bit) and higher memory bandwidth (936 GB/s) compared to the RTX 3080 (320-bit and 760 GB/s), which contributes to its superior memory performance.
- The RTX 3090 has a slightly higher TDP (350 watts) than the RTX 3080 (320 watts), meaning it consumes more power.
- The RTX 3090 supports NVLink for multi-GPU setups, while the RTX 3080 does not.
- Pricing for the RTX 3090 is considerably higher than the RTX 3080, making it a more premium option.
In summary, the RTX 3090 is a more powerful and feature-rich graphics card than the RTX 3080; it comes at a higher price point and is primarily targeted at professionals and enthusiasts with demanding workloads and gaming needs. The choice between the two depends on your specific requirements and budget.
The Battle Begins: GeForce RTX 3080 vs. RTX 3090
Design and Form Factor
The first thing you’ll notice about these GPUs is their design. The GeForce RTX 3080 sports a sleek and compact design, making it suitable for most PC cases.
On the other hand, the RTX 3090 is a larger card with a bulkier form factor. The RTX 3080 might be the better choice if space is a concern.
Performance
Both GPUs deliver exceptional performance, but the RTX 3090 takes the lead. With a whopping 24GB of GDDR6X memory compared to the RTX 3080’s 10GB, the RTX 3090 excels in memory-intensive tasks like 3D rendering and video editing.
For gaming, the RTX 3080 performs admirably and is more budget-friendly.
Gaming Experience
Gamers will find that the RTX 3080 offers a fantastic gaming experience at 1440p and 4K resolutions. It’s capable of running the latest games smoothly with ray tracing enabled.
The RTX 3090, with its superior memory, offers an even better gaming experience and can handle 8K gaming effortlessly.
Content Creation
If you’re a content creator, the RTX 3090 is a dream come true. Its immense VRAM allows for seamless 8K video editing and 3D rendering.
However, if your work primarily involves 1080p video editing and graphic design, the RTX 3080 is a cost-effective choice.
Price Point
The RTX 3080 wins in terms of affordability. It offers excellent performance for its price, making it a popular choice among gamers on a budget.
On the contrary, the RTX 3090 comes with a premium price tag, making it suitable for enthusiasts and professionals with specific needs.
Power Consumption
Regarding power consumption, the RTX 3080 is the more energy-efficient option. It draws less power, which means lower electricity bills and less strain on your power supply unit (PSU). The RTX 3090, with its higher power demands, requires a robust PSU.
Ray Tracing and DLSS
Both GPUs support ray tracing and DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling), enhancing the visual quality in supported games. The RTX 3090, with its extra VRAM, can handle ray tracing at higher resolutions more comfortably.
Overclocking Potential
Enthusiasts who enjoy pushing their hardware to the limit will appreciate the RTX 3090’s overclocking capabilities. It has a higher overclocking headroom compared to the RTX 3080.
FAQ
Is the Nvidia RTX 3090 a Good GPU?
The NVIDIA RTX 3090 is a GPU for pros and gamers alike that is a true beast. It is a niche purchase because it is twice as expensive as the RTX 3080. If the performance of the RTX 3080 still needs to be reduced, this is the best option.
What is the Difference Between RTX 2080 and 3090?
The base RTX 2080 is being replaced by the 3080, while the extremely pricey RTX 2080 Ti is being replaced by the 3090.
As a result, the 3090 has significantly better metrics than the 3080 in a few important categories (at least on paper). The core stats of the two cards are broken down in the table below.
Should you Buy a GeForce RTX 3080?
If you’re a serious player, invest in the GeForce RTX 3080. The RTX 3080, which Nvidia refers to as this generation’s gaming flagship, offers astounding performance that surpasses the venerable 60 frames per second threshold at both 4K and high-refresh-rate 1440p resolutions and 3440 by 1440 ultrawide. And yes, that is true even with the eye candy turned 11.
Conclusion
In the epic battle of GeForce RTX 3080 vs RTX 3090, the choice ultimately depends on your specific needs and budget. Gamers looking for exceptional performance at a reasonable price will find the RTX 3080 compelling.
Content creators & enthusiasts who demand the best performance and VRAM should consider the RTX 3090. Whatever GPU you choose, both offer incredible capabilities to elevate your computing experience.
