RX 7900 XTX vs RTX 3080 Ti
The RX 7900 XTX and the RTX 3080 Ti are two different answers to the same high-end graphics card brief, each with its own set of priorities. The numbers lean one way: the RX 7900 XTX comes out ahead in 1 of the 2 areas we compared, with its clearest lead in the memory category. The launch prices sit $200 apart, with the RX 7900 XTX on the more affordable side.
At a glance
- Memory RX 7900 XTX wins
- Power & Thermals RTX 3080 Ti wins
- Price RX 7900 XTX wins
- GPU & Performance7.8
- Memory10.0
- Power & Thermals1.1
- GPU & Performance5.2
- Memory4.9
- Power & Thermals2.3
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
-
The RX 7900 XTX has 12 GB more VRAM
On this line of the spec sheet, the RX 7900 XTX is in a different league: 24 GB, next to 12 GB for the RTX 3080 Ti. Newer games tend to ask for more video memory, so the RX 7900 XTX’s extra VRAM helps the card age better.
-
The RX 7900 XTX has 5.3% more memory bandwidth
The difference is minor (960 GB/s against 912 GB/s), but if you’re splitting hairs, the RX 7900 XTX wins it. Memory bandwidth decides how quickly the GPU can feed itself with data, which matters most at 1440p and 4K.
-
The RTX 3080 Ti has a smaller 750 W PSU requirement
The RX 7900 XTX comes close with 800 W; the RTX 3080 Ti does slightly better with 750 W. Recommendations include a safety margin for the rest of the system, so they’re a guide rather than a hard limit.
Design & Size
- RX 7900 XTX 11.30 in × 2.5 slots
- RTX 3080 Ti 11.22 in × 2 slots
Their dimensions are close enough that size should be one of the last things you weigh.
Size & Connectivity
| Spec | RX 7900 XTX | RTX 3080 Ti |
|---|---|---|
| Reference card length | 11.30 in | 11.22 in |
| Slot width | 2.5 slots | 2 slots |
| Display outputs | 2x DisplayPort 2.1, 1x HDMI 2.1, 1x USB-C | 3x DisplayPort 1.4a, 1x HDMI 2.1 |
GPU & Performance
The gpu & performance entries below are descriptive rather than numeric. Read them side by side to see where the RX 7900 XTX and the RTX 3080 Ti part ways.
Memory
RX 7900 XTX leads
The memory numbers point firmly in one direction: toward the RX 7900 XTX. The RX 7900 XTX has the edge with 12 GB more VRAM. At high resolutions or with texture packs, running out of VRAM can hurt more than a small speed gap. Prioritize memory, and the RX 7900 XTX is where you should land.
VRAM
RX 7900 XTX: 24 GB RTX 3080 Ti: 12 GB More VRAM lets the card hold higher-resolution textures and bigger scenes without stutter.
Memory bandwidth
RX 7900 XTX: 960 GB/s RTX 3080 Ti: 912 GB/s The RX 7900 XTX has more bandwidth to work with, helping it hold up in memory-heavy games.
Features
The features data here comes as names and types, not scores. Check the table to see what each one uses.
Power & Thermals
RTX 3080 Ti leads
Call it a small but real win for the RTX 3080 Ti in this area. The RTX 3080 Ti pulls ahead with a smaller 750 W PSU requirement. The recommended power supply tells you whether your current PSU can handle the card without an upgrade. If this section decides it for you, choose the RTX 3080 Ti.
Recommended PSU
RX 7900 XTX: 800 W RTX 3080 Ti: 750 W With the RTX 3080 Ti, you’re more likely to keep your existing power supply, which can save real money.
Full Specifications
GPU & Performance
| Spec | RX 7900 XTX | RTX 3080 Ti |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | RDNA 3 | Ampere |
| GPU die | Navi 31 | GA102 |
| Process | TSMC N5 (GCD) + N6 (MCD) chiplets | Samsung 8N |
| Shader units | 6,144 | 10,240 |
| Ray tracing units | 96 Most ray tracing units | 80 |
| Base clock | N/A (not specified) | 1,365 MHz |
| Boost clock | 2,500 MHz | 1,665 MHz |
| FP32 computeTheoretical peak; AMD counts dual-issue, so compare within a brand only | 61.4 TFLOPS Most compute in class | 34.1 TFLOPS |
Memory
| Spec | RX 7900 XTX | RTX 3080 Ti |
|---|---|---|
| VRAM | 24 GB (winner) Most VRAM in class | 12 GB |
| Memory type | GDDR6 | GDDR6X |
| Memory bus | 384-bit | 384-bit |
| Memory bandwidth | 960 GB/s (winner) | 912 GB/s |
Features
| Spec | RX 7900 XTX | RTX 3080 Ti |
|---|---|---|
| Upscaling | FSR 3 | DLSS Super Resolution |
| Frame generation | FSR 3 Frame Generation, AFMF 2 | No DLSS Frame Generation |
| PCIe interface | PCIe 4.0 x16 | PCIe 4.0 x16 |
Power & Thermals
| Spec | RX 7900 XTX | RTX 3080 Ti |
|---|---|---|
| Total board power | 355 W | 350 W |
| Recommended PSU | 800 W | 750 W (winner) |
| Power connector | 2x 8-pin | 1x 12-pin |
Size & Connectivity
| Spec | RX 7900 XTX | RTX 3080 Ti |
|---|---|---|
| Reference card length | 11.30 in | 11.22 in |
| Slot width | 2.5 slots | 2 slots |
| Display outputs | 2x DisplayPort 2.1, 1x HDMI 2.1, 1x USB-C | 3x DisplayPort 1.4a, 1x HDMI 2.1 |
Price
| Spec | RX 7900 XTX | RTX 3080 Ti |
|---|---|---|
| Launch price (MSRP) | $999 (winner) | $1,199 |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Price & Value
Compare the launch prices and they sit 20% apart, or $200 in real money. The RX 7900 XTX delivers more for less: $200 less, to be exact.
These are US launch prices, recorded December 2022; what you pay today may be higher or lower.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the RX 7900 XTX if…
- you want more video memory for the years ahead (24 GB vs 12 GB)
- you game at high resolutions where bandwidth matters (960 GB/s vs 912 GB/s)
- you’d rather keep $200 in your pocket
Choose the RTX 3080 Ti if…
- you’re building on a modest power supply (750 W vs 800 W)
- you’re loyal to NVIDIA and happy with it
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the RX 7900 XTX or the RTX 3080 Ti?
The RX 7900 XTX wins more of the areas we compared, so it’s the safer pick unless you know that a smaller 750 W PSU requirement would make a real difference in your routine.
Is the RX 7900 XTX bigger than the RTX 3080 Ti?
Neither by much. The RX 7900 XTX and the RTX 3080 Ti have nearly identical dimensions.
Does the RX 7900 XTX perform better than the RTX 3080 Ti?
Performance is driven by RDNA 3 in the RX 7900 XTX and Ampere in the RTX 3080 Ti; the spec table below shows the rest of the hardware.
Which costs less, the RX 7900 XTX or the RTX 3080 Ti?
Going by launch prices, the RX 7900 XTX costs $200 less than the RTX 3080 Ti. Prices as of December 2022; current offers may differ.
Executive Summary
Here’s the short version of how I’d choose between the RX 7900 XTX and the RTX 3080 Ti. Here’s what matters most to me: the RX 7900 XTX offers 12 GB more VRAM. Still, if you care most about a smaller 750 W PSU requirement, the RTX 3080 Ti deserves a look.
I’d match them like this: memory to the RX 7900 XTX, power & thermals to the RTX 3080 Ti.
My pick: if it were my money, the RX 7900 XTX, unless you’d trade the rest for a smaller 750 W PSU requirement.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.