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RTX 4080 Super Vs RTX 3080: We Benchmarked Both

In this comparison of the RTX 4080 Super vs RTX 3080, we will compare and evaluate the specifications and technological upgrades and test the performance of these GPU in rigorous gaming tests.

Expert Verified By

Nvidia GeForce RTX 4080 Super

Rated: 9.4/10

Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080

Rated: 8.7/10


Pros And Cons

GPUProsCons
Nvidia GeForce RTX 4080 Superāœ… Incredible 4K and 1440p performance
āœ… Superb DLSS and Ray tracing skills
āŒ There is room for power efficiency gain
āŒ Lack of new hardware, still uses AD103
Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080āœ… Great 1080p and 1440p performance
āœ… Great memory bandwidth
āŒ Operates at higher power draw
āŒ VRAM could be increased

Key Takeaways

  • During our gaming trials at 1440p resolution, the RTX 4080 Super surpassed the RTX 3080, boasting a performance advantage of approximately 54%.
  • In our GPU operating efficiency tests, the RTX 3080 Super used about 7.% more power than the RTX 4080 Super, while the later GPU was 3.6% more thermally efficient.
  • Given the GPU market rates as of February 2024, the RTX 4080 Super is available at its MSRP of $999, while a refurbished RTX 3080 costs around $449.
  • We recommend the RTX 4080 Super for its great gaming performance and efficiency. In contrast, the RTX 3080 is a good option for its lower pricing.

Why Trust Tech4Gamers
  • Ali is our comparison expert who has been benchmarking graphics cards, and processors.
  • 100+ components tested and reviewed by our team of hardware experts (Tech4Gamers Team).
  • 100+ hours spent testing different components for our comparisons.
  • Objective testing criteria (See how we compare PC hardware).

At Tech4Gamers, ensuring you get reliable information is our priority. That’s why every hardware round-up undergoes a meticulous review process by our team of experts and editors. Each review is carefully examined against our strict editorial guidelines, guaranteeing you trustworthy insights you can depend on.


Comparison Table

FeatureNvidia GeForce RTX 4080 SuperNvidia GeForce RTX 3080
CUDA Cores102408704
Tensor Cores320272
Ray Tracing Cores8068
Base Clock2.29 GHz1.44 GHz
Boost ClockUp to 2.55 GHzUp to 1.71 GHz
Memory BandwidthUp to 736.3 GB/sUp to 760.3 GB/s
TDP320 watts320 watts
Maximum GPU Temperature90Ā°C92Ā°C
Best VariantsBest RTX 4080 Super Graphics CardsBest RTX 3080 Graphics Cards


Architectural Difference

  • Architecture: The RTX 3080 features Nvidiaā€™s previous Ampere architecture, while the RTX 4080 Super has the most advanced Nvidia Ada Lovelace architecture.
  • GPU Chip: The RTX 4080 Super features an AD103 chip made by TSMC in a 5nm process. In contrast, the RTX 3080 utilizes a GA102 chipset fabricated at an 8nm node by Samsung.
  • VRAM: Looking at the specs, the newer GPU boosts a 256-bit 16GB GDDR6X VRAM, whereas the RTX 3080 has a 320-bit 10GB GDDR6X memory.
  • Clock Speed: Nvidia significantly increased GPU clock frequencies from the RTX 30 to the RTX 40 series. The RTX 4080 Super provides about 59% greater base clock and a 49% loftier turbo clock than the RTX 3080.
  • Advanced Technologies: The RTX 3080 introduced DLSS 2.0, which offered leading ray tracing and upscaling performance. The newer RTX 4080 Super features Nvidia’s latest DLSS 3.5, further enhancing performance.

The RTX 4080 Super is a new high-performance GPU of Nvidiaā€™s RTX 40 series with top-notch specifications and technology. In contrast, the RTX 3080 is one of the most potent GPUs of its time, with top specs from the RTX 3000 series. In this comparison of RTX 4080 Super vs RTX 3080, we will evaluate the strides in performance and efficiency between these two Nvidia GPUs.


Gaming Benchmarks

The specs comparison of the RTX 4080 Super vs RTX 3080 reveals significant generational advancements and enhancements. For a more precise assessment, we rigorously tested these GPUs in eight GPU-intensive games, running them at 1440p resolution.

Test Bench

Alan Wake 2

Gameplay Frame Rates
Alan Wake 2 Benchmarks at 1440p – Image Credits (Tech4Gamers)
  • While playing our first game, Alan Wake 2, the RTX 4080 Super averaged 67 FPS at 1440p, which is 67.5% better performance than the 40 FPS average of the RTX 3080.
  • In regards to the worst 1% performance, the RTX 3080 provided only 34 FPS, while the RTX 4080 Super excelled by generating 57 FPS.

Avatar: Frontiers Of Pandora

Gameplay Frame Rates
Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora Benchmarks at 1440p – Image Credits (Tech4Gamers)
  • The RTX 4080 Super achieved an impressive 79 FPS average in Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora, outperforming the RTX 3080ā€™s 48 FPS average by 64.6%.
  • During the low 1% performance time, the RTX 3080 delivered 41 FPS, while the RTX 4080 Super achieved 66 FPS.

Cyberpunk 2077

Gameplay Frame Rates
Cyberpunk 2077 Benchmarks at 1440p – Image Credits (Tech4Gamers)
  • With an average of 105 FPS at 1440p, the RTX 4080 Super in Cyberpunk 2077 delivered a remarkable 40.0% boost in performance compared to the RTX 3080’s 75 FPS.
  • At the bottom 1% of performance times, the RTX 3080 managed 62 FPS, while the RTX 4080 Super achieved a higher 85 FPS.

Immortals Of Aveum

Gameplay Frame Rates
Immortals of Aveum Benchmarks at 1440p – Image Credits (Tech4Gamers)
  • In Immortals of Aveum, we saw the RTX 4080 Super achieving an average of 83 FPS, a substantial 53.7% headway over the 54 FPS average of the RTX 3080.
  • While playing this game, the RTX 3080 processed at 42 FPS in the bottom 1%, while the RTX 4080 Super soared to 61 FPS.

Remnant 2

Gameplay Frame Rates
Remnant 2 Benchmarks at 1440p – Image Credits (Tech4Gamers)
  • The RTX 4080 Super showed its prowess in Remnant 2, averaging 113 FPS at 1440p, which is 61.1% better than the RTX 3080’s average performance of 70 FPS.
  • In the lowest 1% performance times, the RTX 3080 achieved 61 FPS, while the RTX 4080 Super hit 92 FPS.

RoboCop: Rogue City

Gameplay Frame Rates
RoboCop: Rogue City Benchmarks at 1440p – Image Credits (Tech4Gamers)
  • During our RoboCop: Rogue City gameplay, the RTX 4080 Super maintained an average of 90 FPS, marking a 47.5% performance boost over the RTX 3080’s 61 FPS average.
  • The RTX 3080 managed 44 FPS in the worst 1% performance times, compared to the RTX 4080 Super’s 68 FPS in this game.

Starfield

Gameplay Frame Rates
Starfield Benchmarks at 1440p – Image Credits (Tech4Gamers)
  • In Starfield, we noted that the RTX 4080 Super delivered an average FPS of 83 at 1440p, outperforming the RTX 3080 by 53.7% based on its 54 FPS average.
  • The RTX 3080 only managed 47 FPS, according to our worst 1% performance statistics, whereas the RTX 4080 Super organized 69 FPS.

The Last Of Us Part I

Gameplay Frame Rates
The Last of Us Part I Benchmarks at 1440p – Image Credits (Tech4Gamers)
  • During The Last of Us Part I, the RTX 4080 Super showcased an average of 119 FPS at 1440p, outpacing the RTX 3080’s 78 FPS by a significant 52.6%.
  • Regarding the low 1% performance, we noted that the RTX 3080 provided 66 FPS, while the RTX 4080 Super surpassed by furnishing 89 FPS.

Editor`s Note
Image

I prefer the RTX 4080 Super for its 10,000+ CUDA cores and DLSS 3.5, which uses the Ray Reconstruction model to enhance upscaling and ray tracing performance. On the other hand, the RTX 3080, currently available at lower prices, offers better value. Explore the performance comparison of the RTX 3080 with the RTX 4080.

ā€“ Ali


Overall Gaming Performance

StatsNvidia GeForce RTX 4080 SuperNvidia GeForce RTX 3080
Average FPS92.4 šŸ“ˆ60.0 šŸ“‰
Low 1% FPS73.5 šŸ“ˆ49.8 šŸ“‰
Winner: Nvidia GeForce RTX 4080 Super

In our gaming tests, the RTX 4080 Super defeats the RTX 3080 by around 54.0% superior average performance. Analyzing the low 1% performance, the RTX 4080 Super shows a 47.6% gain over the RTX 3080. Moreover, the RTX 4080 Super’s down 1% performance surpasses the RTX 3080’s average.


Power Consumption

GameNvidia GeForce RTX 3080 (W)Nvidia GeForce RTX 4080 Super (W)
Alan Wake 2316308
Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora323310
Cyberpunk 2077321314
Immortals of Aveum297253
Remnant 2305286
RoboCop: Rogue City301279
Starfield301274
The Last of Us Part I311289
Average Power Draw309.4 āš”289.1 āš”
Winner: Nvidia GeForce RTX 4080 Super

Through its innovative technology, the RTX 4080 Super offers superior efficiency over the RTX 3080 despite having the same TDP. Our tests reveal that the RTX 4080 Super is about 7.0% more energy-efficient than the RTX 3080. Additionally, it delivers comparatively higher performance per watt.


Gaming Temperatures

GameNvidia GeForce RTX 3080 (Ā°C)Nvidia GeForce RTX 4080 Super (Ā°C)
Alan Wake 27270
Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora7471
Cyberpunk 20777371
Immortals of Aveum7167
Remnant 27068
RoboCop: Rogue City7169
Starfield6968
The Last of Us Part I7066
Average Gaming Temperature71.2 šŸŒ”ļø68.7 šŸŒ”ļø
Winner: Nvidia GeForce RTX 4080 Super

Given the temperatures we observed while testing the RTX 4080 Super Vs RTX 3080, the RTX 4080 Super demonstrates approximately 3.6% greater thermal efficiency than the RTX 3080. Anyway, these graphics cards maintain safe temperature levels.


Price And Availability

GPULaunch MSRPCurrent Price
Nvidia GeForce RTX 4080 SuperšŸ’²999šŸ’²999
Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080šŸ’²699šŸ’²449 (Refurbished)
Price Difference42.8%122.2%

If we look at the launch prices, the launch price of the RTX 4080 Super exceeds that of the now-discontinued RTX 3080 by 42.8%. You can go for a refurbished RTX 3080, which costs about 122.2% less than the new RTX 4080 Super. This decision would be a smart way to get more performance for your money.


Final Verdict: What Do We Recommend?

GeForce RTX 4080 Super: The RTX 4080 Super outperforms its rival in gaming and delivers excellent 4K performance. It offers higher performance per watt, saving on running costs, and its 16GB VRAM handles memory-intensive tasks well.

GeForce RTX 3080: The RTX 3080 delivers impressive gaming performance at 1080p and 1440p. While it can handle 4K gaming, its performance is not as strong at this resolution. Nowadays, investing in a reconditioned RTX 3080 presents exceptional worth.

For optimal performance without concern for budget limitations, we suggest the RTX 4080 Super however, if you don’t mind considering a refurbished GPU, the RTX 3080 offers exceptional value for its low price.


Frequently Asked Questions

Which graphics card is better for 4K gaming, the RTX 4080 Super or the RTX 3080?

The RTX 4080 Super is the better option for 4K gaming because of its superior capabilities compared to the RTX 3080. The RTX 4080 Super also has better ray tracing skills.

Does the RTX 4080 Super consume more power than the RTX 3080?

No. The RTX 3080 Super consumes about 7.0% more energy than the RTX 4080 Super. The RTX 4080 Super is more efficient and provides higher performance.

Which graphics card offers more memory, the RTX 4080 Super or the RTX 3080?

The RTX 4080 Super has a greater 16GB memory than the 10GB memory of the RTX 3080. However, the RTX 3080 has a greater memory interface bus of 320-bit.


More From RTX 3080:

More From RTX 4080 Super:

 

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