Previously, we put the RTX 4080 against the RTX 4070 to learn about the performance differences between the two. In this comparison, we will take a look at the previous generation and compare the RTX 3080 vs RTX 3090, highlighting the performance difference of these cards.
Key Takeaways
- Gaming Performance: We know that the RTX 3080 is a high-performing graphics card, but upon testing, the RTX 3090 took the lead by offering a significant FPS boost of 11.9%.
- Power Efficiency: We noticed that the RTX 3080 is more power efficient than the RTX 309 as it drew 15.4% less power than its rival.
- Thermal Efficiency: Upon our observation, we found that the RTX 3080 shows us that it is the RTX 3090, generating less heat by 8.2%.
Comparison Table
| Technical Specs | GeForce RTX 3080 | GeForce RTX 3090 |
|---|---|---|
| GPU Name | GA102 | AD103 |
| Architecture | Ampere | Ada Lovelace |
| CUDA Cores | 5888 | 9728 |
| Tensor Cores | 272 | 304 |
| RT Cores | 68 | 76 |
| TMUs | 272 | 304 |
| ROPs | 96 | 112 |
| Memory Bandwidth | 760.3 GB/s | 716.8 GB/s |
| Suggested PSU | 700 W | 700 W |
| Release Date | Sep 1st, 2020 | Nov 16th, 2022 |
| Approximated Price | 699 USD | 1,199 USD |
| Best Variants | BEST RTX 3080 | BEST RTX 3090 |
Architectural Difference
- Process Node: The RTX 3080 has a process node of 8nm, whereas the newer RTX 3090 employs a 4nm process size, showing us advancement in technology from Nvidia’s end.
- Clock Speed: The RTX 3080 has a base clock of 1440 MHz that can be boosted up to 1710 MHz. In contrast, the RTX 3090’s base clock starts from 2205 MHz which can be ramped up to a whopping 2505 MHz.
- VRAM: With regards to memory, the RTX 3080 comes with 10GB GDDR6X, while the RTX 3090 comes with a higher memory of 16GB GDDR6X.
- TDP: Despite their different specifications, both the RTX 3080 and the RTX 3090 arrive with a TDP rating of 320W. This makes a 700W PSU a recommendable option for both cards.
- Supported Technologies: Both cards employ DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling) technology which improves the framerates especially when ray tracing is enabled. However, RTX 3090 performs slightly better when DLSS is enabled.
RTX 3080 Vs RTX 3090: Gaming Benchmarks
After analyzing the specifications of the RTX 3080 and RTX 3090, it is now time for us to proceed with the next phase of the comparison. Now, we’ll put the two cards side by side to see how well they perform in games on 4K.
Testing Rig
Here are the specs of the testing rig:
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 7700X
- Motherboard: Asus ROG Strix X670E-a
- Memory: 32GB Corsair Vengeance DDR5 6000 CL36
- Storage Drive: Samsung 980 Pro
- CPU Cooler: Corsair H150i Elite
- Power Supply: Thermaltake 1650W Toughpower GF3
- Operating System: Windows 10
Note: It’s essential to note that various external factors, such as temperature and background software, may influence the benchmark tests, affecting the final results. As a result, it’s important to consider the findings as close estimations rather than accurate metrics.
Outriders
- Under our observation, the RTX 3090 outperforms the RTX 3080 in terms of average FPS, with a significant 12.9% improvement, achieving an impressive 74 FPS compared to 65 FPS.
- Additionally, the RTX 3090 showed us its capabilities in 1% lows as it outshines the RTX 3080, with a 20.6% lead and 64 FPS compared to 52 FPS.
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla
- With a decent 52 FPS compared to the RTX 3080’s 46 FPS, the RTX 3090 clearly surpasses in terms of average FPS, giving us a 12.2% increase.
- Furthermore, we get to see that the RTX 3090 outperforms the RTX 3080 in terms of 1% lows, with an 11.2% difference and 47 FPS versus 42 FPS.
Dirt 5
- It’s clear that the RTX 3090 is the superior graphics card when it comes to average FPS, with an impressive 87 FPS compared to the RTX 3080’s 78 FPS, showing us a 10.9% increase.
- When it comes to 1% lows, the RTX 3090 shows us its dominance over the RTX 3080, with a 10% difference and 73 FPS compared to 66 FPS.
Red Dead Redemption 2
- The RTX 3090’s remarkable performance is evident to us in its 83 FPS average FPS, which is 10.1% higher than the RTX 3080’s 75 FPS.
- In addition, our observation reveals that the RTX 3090 exhibits superior 1% lows compared to the RTX 3080, with a 6.1% lead and 67 FPS versus 63 FPS.
Cyberpunk 2077
- When we’re looking at the average FPS, the RTX 3090 demonstrates its superiority over the RTX 3080, achieving an impressive 51 FPS compared to 44 FPS, displaying a 14.7% improvement.
- Moving on to 1% lows, the RTX 3090 proves us that it is the better performer, surpassing the RTX 3080 with a 12% difference and 44 FPS compared to 39 FPS.
Days Gone
- While the RTX 3080 manages an average FPS of 90, the RTX 3090 surpasses it with a remarkable 108 FPS, presenting a significant yet another improvement this time of 18.1%.
- In terms of 1% lows, the RTX 3090 outperforms the RTX 3080 with a significant 8.3% difference, producing 75 FPS versus the latter’s 69 FPS. We notice that the RTX 3090 doesn’t seem to lack anywhere.
Overall Gaming Performance
Based on our analysis, it’s clear that the RTX 3090 outperforms the RTX 3080 in all tested games, with superior average FPS and 1% lows. As evidenced by the average FPS of 71 versus 63 achieved by both graphics cards, respectively. This equates to a significant increase of 11.9% FPS on average.
Average Power Consumption
Average Thermal Statistics
Pricing And Availability
We’ve conducted a market analysis where we found that the RTX 3080 comes with an MSRP of $699, whereas the RTX 3090 arrives at a much higher price of $1199. However, it’s essential to note that the cost can vary based on the variant and model. Despite this, the RTX 3080 is still around 52.6% cheaper than the RTX 3090, making it a more budget-friendly option.
RTX 3090 Vs RTX 3090: Which One Do We Recommend?
Despite the RTX 3090 offering a significant boost in FPS performance of 11.9%, it comes at a much higher price point than the RTX 3080. However, the RTX 3080 still holds its ground as a more affordable option, costing almost 52.6% less than the RTX 3090.
Additionally, the RTX 3080 is more energy-efficient at 15.4% and produces less heat at 8.2% than the RTX 3090, making it a better choice for gamers looking to optimize their power consumption and thermal efficiency. While the RTX 3090 offers remarkable performance, we recommend you get your hands on the RTX 3080.
This is because the RTX 3080 serves as a more power-efficient, thermally efficient option that will get you 60+ FPS in most games on 4K much similar to the RTX 3090 while costing half of its price.
Pros And Cons
| GPU | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| GeForce RTX 3080 | - Affordable - Supports 2nd generation hardware accelerated RayTracing and improved DLSS. | - Gets noisy when under load. - 10GB VRAM may not suffice for long-term 4K usage. |
| GeForce RTX 3090 | - Impressive gaming performance. - Nvidia CUDA and OptiX enhance content creation. | - The RTX 3080 offers comparable performance. - High price point. |
FAQs
According to the MSRP, the 3080 is priced at $699, while the RTX 3090 comes with a price tag of $1199, leading to a difference of 52.6%.
The RTX 3090 offers more FPS at a higher price point, while the RTX 3080 is more energy-efficient and produces less heat.
According to our benchmarking, the RTX 3090 offers a 15.4% boost in FPS performance at 4K compared to the RTX 3080.
More From RTX 3080
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[Comparisons Expert]
Abdemanaf is a skilled creative writer who has been honing his craft since 2011. While initially working in different fields, he found a passion for technology and has been exploring the tech world since early 2015. Over the years, he has developed an in-depth knowledge of the latest tech trends and product offerings by various companies.
Abdemanaf’s writing reflects his analytical mindset and ability to think critically. He has a knack for breaking down complex technical information into easily digestible pieces, making his articles engaging and accessible to readers from all backgrounds. In February 2022, he joined Tech4Gamers as a blog and product comparison writer, where he has been able to hone his skills further.
As a writer, Abdemanaf is dedicated to staying up-to-date with the latest technological advancements and trends, enabling him to provide readers with the most relevant and accurate information. He is always eager to learn more and is constantly seeking new challenges to improve his skills.
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