If you are a competitive gamer or a content creator, which of the RTX 4080 Vs RTX 3090 GPUs is better? MILLIONS OF GAMERS AND CONTENT PRODUCERS EAGERLY AWAITED the RTX 400 series, which will replace Nvidia’s 30 series. The new Lovelace architecture, DLSS 3, and 3rd generation ray tracing are all part of the 4000 line of graphics cards. Let’s look at their features, specifications, and scores.
Key Takeaways
- The RTX 4080 graphics card is the next-generation GPU in NVIDIA’s highly regarded RTX series. It uses the updated Ada Lovelace design and is part of the RTX series.
- The NVIDIA RTX 4080 has a few more frames per second than the 3090, but not by much.
- Even though the RTX 3090’s DLSS and design are older, it plays games at 4K resolution almost as well as the 4080.
Comparison Table
Let’s start the RTX 4080 vs RTX 3090 showdown by comparing the two cards.
| Technical Specs | RTX 4080 | RTX 3090 |
| GPU | AD103-300 | GA102 |
| Architecture | ADA Lovelace | Ampere |
| GPU Cores | 9728 | 10496 Cuda Cores |
| Thermal design power (TDP) | 320 W | 350 W |
| Manufacturing process technology | 4 nm | 8 nm |
| Base clock speed | 2205 MHz | 1395 MHz |
| Boost clock speed | 2505 MHz | 1695 MHz |
| Memory Capacity | 16 GB | 24 GB GDDR6X |
| Memory speed | 22.4 Gbps | 19.5 Gbps |
| Bandwidth | 716.8 GB/s | 936 GB/s |
| RT Cores | 76 | 82 |
Detailed Specifications
Now that we’ve reviewed the technical specs for both GPUs let’s look at the detailed specs to see which would be best for your needs. Also, look at our comparison of the RTX 4090 and RTX 3090.
RTX 4080 Specifications
- Release Date: September 20, 2022
- Launch Price: 1,199 USD
- GPU Name: AD103
- Architecture: Ada Lovelace
- Process: 4 nm
- Cuda Cores: 9782
- Transistors: 45,900 million
- Die Size: 379 mm²
- Base Clock: 2205 MHz
- Boost Clock: 2505 MHz
- Memory Capacity: 16 GB
- Memory Cock: 22.4 Gbps
- Memory Bus: 256 bit
- Memory Bandwidth: 716.8 GB/s
- TMUs: 304
- ROPs: 112
- SM Count: 76
- Tensor Cores: 304
- RT Cores: 76
- L1 Cache: 128 KB (per SM)
- L2 Cache: 64 MB
Features
- DirectX: 12 Ultimate (12_2)
- OpenGL: 4.6
- OpenCL: 3.0
- Vulkan: 1.3
- CUDA: 8.9
- Shader Model: 6.6
Design
- Slot Width: Triple Slot
- TDP: 320 W
- Suggested PSU: 700 W
- Outputs: 1x HDMI 2.1 – 3x DisplayPort 1.4a
- Power Connectors: 1x 16-pin
- Board Number: PG139 SKU 360
RTX 3090 Specifications
- Release Date: Sep 1st, 2020
- Launch Price: 1,499 USD
- GPU Name: GA102
- Architecture: Ampere
- Process Size: 8 nm
- Transistors: 28,300 million
- Die Size: 628 mm²
- Number of CUDA Cores: 10496
- Base Clock: 1395 MHz
- Boost Clock: 1695 MHz
- Memory Capacity: 24GB GDDR6X
- Memory Clock: 1219 MHz (19.5 Gbps effective)
- Shading Units: 10496
- TMUs: 328
- ROPs: 112
- SM Count: 82
- Tensor Cores: 328
- RT Cores: 82
- L1 Cache: 128 KB (per SM)
- L2 Cache: 6 MB
Features
- DirectX: 12 Ultimate (12_2)
- OpenGL: 4.6
- OpenCL: 3.0
- Vulkan: 1.3
- CUDA: 8.9
- Shader Model: 6.6
Design
- Slot Width: Triple-slot
- TDP: 350 W
- Suggested PSU: 750 W
- Outputs: 1x HDMI 2.1 and 3x DisplayPort 1.4a
- Power Connectors: 1x 12-pin
- Board Number: PG132 SKU 10
Gamers are following both GPUs since they perform well in numerous areas. The 16 GB RTX 4080’s ADA Lovelace architecture supports 9728 CUDA Cores and 76 billion transistors in TSMC’s 4nm mode.
No worries if this lingo confuses you. Remember that more transistors mean faster processing. The RTX 3090 has 10,496, seven hundred more CUDA Cores than the RTX 4080, despite its impressive specs and features. With 24 GB of RAM, the RTX 3090 beats the 4080. The 3090 competes with and occasionally outperforms the RTX 4080, a next-generation graphics card.
RTX 4080 VS RTX 3090: Features
Now, let’s look at the different features each of these graphics processing units has to give to see which is better.
Deep Learning Super Sampling
DLSS 3 requires RTX 40 graphics cards. Microsoft Flight Simulator and A Plague Tale: Requiem are among the most popular DLSS 3 games released recently. The RTX 4080 is also worth considering because numerous DLSS 3 games are coming soon. Due to its DLSS 3 compatibility, the RTX 4080 outperforms the RTX 3090 in supersampling.
Memory And Architecture
Despite being a next-generation GPU, the Nvidia RTX 4080 has 16 GB GDDR6X memory, whereas the 3090 has 24 GB. With 936 GB/s of memory bandwidth, the RTX 3090 beats the 4080. The RTX 4080’s ADA Lovelace architecture outperforms the 3090 GPU’s Ampere architecture.
G-Sync
G-Sync eliminates screen tearing and reduces stuttering caused by misaligned refresh and frame rates. G-Sync syncs your display or TV’s refresh rate with the GPU’s framerates for a smooth gaming experience.
Nvidia certifies and licenses display manufacturers to utilize G-Sync, unlike FreeSync, which is free. G-Sync requires an Nvidia GPU. Nvidia’s strict standards make this technique more reliable and performant than Freesync. RTX 4080 and 3090 support G-Sync.
RTX 4080 Vs RTX 3090: Key Advantages
When comparing the RTX 4080 and RTX 3090, both cards have advantages in distinct areas. Before discussing these GPUs’ benchmarks, let’s examine their benefits. RTX 4080’s next-gen ADA Lovelace architecture gives it the edge over 3090. The 3090s Ampere architecture is fine, but better choices for future-proofing a gaming setup may exist.
RTX 4080’s DLSS 3 compatibility is another benefit. DLSS 3 support for older GPUs like the 3090 hasn’t been confirmed, but rumours suggest it may happen.
Now, let’s look at some of the best things about the RTX 3090:
- Bandwidth of 936 GB/s is a little better than the 4080’s 716.8 GB/s.
- The RTX 3090’s 24 GB of GDDR6X is much more than the RTX 4080’s 16 GB.
Now that we’ve gone over the main benefits, let’s look at how well the RTX 4080 and 3090 do in games.
Gaming Benchmarks: 4K
Many graphics cards with great specs function poorly. How would the RTX 4080 compare to the 3090 at 4K max settings? We tested these GPUs in five games at 4k and 1440p resolutions.
Performance Lab on Youtube did the performance tests that you will see below. Here’s what their truck looks like:
- CPU Cooler: AIO – Arctic Freezer 420mm
- Motherboard: ASUS ROG STRIX Z 690
- Processor: Intel Core i9 13900K 5 GHz
- RAM: 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) Gskill Z Trident DDR 5 – 6200 Mhz
- SSD: Samsung EVO 970 500gb.
- Power Supply: EVGA SuperNOVA 1000 G5
It’s easy to see that the computer is more than capable of running both graphics cards. Also, since a 1000 W power supply is being used, the GPUs can take advantage of the extra capacity and use extra power from the source.
Cyberpunk
In CD Projekt RED’s Cyberpunk, the next-gen RTX 4080 averages 51 FPS compared to the 3090’s 36 FPS in ultra-high definition. This may appear low to professional gamers, but the resolution is stunning. With a 19.7-ms frame time, the RTX 4080 runs more fabulously than the 3090.
Watch Dogs Legion
Ubisoft’s third Watch Dogs game was a hit. RTX 4080 again outperforms 3090 in games with 100 FPS. The 4080’s CPU temperature was 58°C and the 3090’s 60°C during games.
Horizon Zero Dawn
RTX 4080 wins the FPS duel again with 111 FPS compared to RTX 3090’s 80 FPS. Both cards perform well, with the 4080 being 1% cooler. Both GPUs make this game look great in 4k resolution; the only noticeable difference is FPS.
Spiderman
The RTX 4080 or 3090 make 4K Spiderman unique. Framerate and time favour the former. Otherwise, the benchmarks are practically identical, suggesting that if you currently have an RTX 3090, replacing it with the 4080 only for games like this is unnecessary unless you want the slightly higher FPS.
Red Dead Redemption 2
Red Dead Redemption 2 is practically every gamer’s favourite, and for good reason. Its great tale, stunning graphics, and smooth gameplay make you want to finish it in one sitting. RDR 2 runs smoothly on RTX 4080 and RTX 3090 GPUs.
Also, check out our separate post on 3080 10GB Vs 3080 12GB
The 4080’s 102 FPS and fast GPU clock beat the 3090, although the game runs OK on RTX’s previous-gen GPU. The performance difference may only be noticeable to a skilled eye.
Gaming Benchmarks: 1440p
NVIDIA RTX 40 and 30 GPUs can run games at 1440p if they can run them at 4k. Who performs better? Will the 3090 overtake the RTX 4080 in FPS? Again, we tested the GPUs.
The Spy Hood, who uses this rig, did the speed tests for the 1440p resolution:
- CPU Cooler: MSI MAG Core Liquid C360 and Liquid Cooler.
- Motherboard: Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Master.
- Processor: Intel Core i9 13900K.
- RAM: 64 GB (4 x 16 GB) DDR 5 – 600 Mhz.
- Power Supply: SUS ROG Thor Platinum 2 1200 W.
Like the 4K test equipment, this one can handle high-resolution games. This section solely covers 1440p benchmarks.
Spiderman
Spiderman is gorgeous in 4k or 1440p. Despite the RTX 4080’s 120 FPS average, the 3090 performs decently.
Cyberpunk
RTX 4080 and RTX 3090 are excellent at high FPS, which is ideal for first-person shooters like Cyberpunk. Both perform smoothly at 1440p resolution, with the 4080 averaging 151 FPS and the 3090 116.
Horizon Zero Dawn
Horizon Zero Dawn on 1440p on an RTX 4080 or 3090 is amazing. The former has a slight FPS edge over the latter, which most people won’t notice.
Watch Dogs Legion
1440p Watch Dogs Legion runs fine. If you think the 4080’s 30 FPS will give you an edge, go for it.
Red Dead Redemption 2
Red Dead Redemption 2 looks great at any resolution. While 4K has the greatest images, 1440p has greater FPS and is close. The 3090 averaged 135 FPS, whereas the RTX 4080 averaged 161 FPS in our gameplay test.
Overall Gaming Performance
Due to its more excellent FPS and lower temps, the RTX 4080 outperforms the 4090 in numerous resolutions and demanding titles. You shouldn’t replace your 3090 GPU with the 4080 GPU. It would be best not to upgrade rapidly, especially when the FPS, temperature, and graphics are all similar.
Power Consumption
The 4k benchmark tests for the NVIDIA 4080 and 3090 show that both GPUs use the same amount of electricity. This means that you don’t have to worry that one choice will cost more than the other.
Pricing And Availability
Nvidia’s 1,199 USD RTX 4080 MSRP drew criticism. However, increased FPS, reduced temps, and better power consumption make the card perform well. 4th-generation tensor cores and DLSS 3 will make games more immersive.
New RTX 3090s are expensive. When released, it cost 2000 USD. Pandemic chip shortages caused this. Third-party sites sell RTX 3090s for 1000 USD or less now that things are better.
RTX 4080 Vs. RTX 3090: Which One Should You Go For?
- Even though the specs and scores for the RTX 4080 look great on paper, the RTX 3090 is no slouch and more than holds its own in this matchup.
- If you love playing games in 4K and want the best FPS possible, you should get the RTX 4080.
However, the benchmarks show that the FPS difference between the two GPUs is insignificant; thus, you only need to buy a next-gen GPU if you require the extra fps. Personal preference decides. The 4080 is the greatest GPU for budget-minded gamers that want the latest architecture and highest performance.
Conclusion:
The eternal clash of graphics titans RTX 4080 and RTX 3090 leaves us in awe of technological prowess. Delving into the immersive world of cutting-edge GPUs, one is enthralled by the epitome of gaming marvels these cards bestow upon enthusiasts.
In the realm of gaming performance, the RTX 4080 emerges as a phoenix, soaring on 2nd-gen ray tracing wings, unleashing unparalleled rendering acumen. Meanwhile, the venerable RTX 3090, boasting colossal VRAM, remains an unyielding fortress, catering to the demands of content creation with staggering finesse.
As innovation knows no bounds, the ever-burgeoning rivalry between these behemoths ignites the spark of progress, illuminating the path to unforeseen possibilities. In this realm where silicon dreams come true, let us embrace the duel of destinies and anticipate the future with bated breath.
FAQs
Is the 4080 better than the 3090?
The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 replaced the RTX 3080 as the second-best GPU, outperforming the 3090 Ti. RTX 30 launch vs. RTX 20 series cards is similar.
How much faster is 4080 vs 3090?
When the CPU isn’t slowing down fps, like during GPU benchmarks, the 4080 is about 50% faster than the 3080 and 25% faster than the 3090-Ti; these numbers are about the high limits for fps improvements in games. The list price for the 4080 is $1,200.
Is a 4080 better than a 3080?
The RTX 4080 and the RTX 3080 10 GB have a TDP of 320W, but the RTX 4080 can do much more because the 4nm process is more efficient and can significantly boost clock speeds.
Is RTX 4090 better than 3090?
The RTX 4090 is better than the RTX 3090 Ti because it has better technology, such as advanced ray tracing cores, DLSS, more memory, faster base and boost clock rates, and more. Because of this, users can expect the RTX 4090 to work better than the RTX 3090 Ti.
Is 4080 slower than 3080?
With ray tracing Ultra at 4K, the RTX 3080 could only get 15fps, which was too low to play. The RTX 4080 brings that up to 29 frames per second, which still needs to be more playable, but doubles the speed. With DLSS, the RTX 3080 can reach 42fps, and the RTX 4080 can reach 66fps, which is much better.
