GTX 1080 vs GTX 1080 Ti
Picking between two members of one lineup is less about brand and more about the specs that differ. For the GTX 1080 and the GTX 1080 Ti, those differences are what this page maps out. This one has a front-runner. The GTX 1080 Ti wins 2 of 3 compared areas, and memory is where the difference is hardest to miss.
At a glance
- GPU & Performance GTX 1080 Ti wins
- Memory GTX 1080 Ti wins
- Power & Thermals GTX 1080 wins
- Price GTX 1080 wins
- GPU & Performance0.2
- Memory0.7
- Power & Thermals10.0
- GPU & Performance0.8
- Memory4.5
- Power & Thermals5.3
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
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The GTX 1080 Ti has 3 GB more VRAM
Big gap, real consequences. The GTX 1080 Ti’s 11 GB versus the GTX 1080’s 8 GB changes how the two compare in daily use. More VRAM lets the card hold higher-resolution textures and bigger scenes without stutter.
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The GTX 1080 Ti has 27% more theoretical FP32 compute
The GTX 1080 is clearly behind on fp32 compute (8.9 TFLOPS against 11.3 TFLOPS), and that’s one of its biggest weak spots in this matchup. Architectures use their compute differently, so treat the gap as a guide and look at game benchmarks for the details.
-
The GTX 1080 Ti has 40% more shader units
On this line of the spec sheet, the GTX 1080 Ti is in a different league: 3,584, next to 2,560 for the GTX 1080. The GTX 1080 Ti’s extra shaders give it more raw muscle, although comparisons across different architectures aren’t one-to-one.
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The GTX 1080 has 70 W lower board power
For total board power, the GTX 1080 leads by a wide margin: 180 W versus 250 W. The GTX 1080 draws less power, which makes it easier to cool in compact cases.
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The GTX 1080 Ti has 51% more memory bandwidth
This is a headline difference. With 484 GB/s to the GTX 1080’s 320 GB/s, the GTX 1080 Ti has a lead that’s easy to see on paper and in practice. The GTX 1080 Ti has more bandwidth to work with, helping it hold up in memory-heavy games.
Design & Size
- GTX 1080 10.51 in × 2 slots
- GTX 1080 Ti 10.51 in × 2 slots
Size won’t decide this one: the GTX 1080 and the GTX 1080 Ti have very similar dimensions.
Size & Connectivity
| Spec | GTX 1080 | GTX 1080 Ti |
|---|---|---|
| Reference card length | 10.51 in | 10.51 in |
| Slot width | 2 slots | 2 slots |
| Display outputs | 3x DisplayPort 1.4, 1x HDMI 2.0b, 1x DL-DVI | 3x DisplayPort 1.4, 1x HDMI 2.0b |
GPU & Performance
GTX 1080 Ti leads
In the gpu & performance category, the GTX 1080 Ti isn’t just ahead; it’s clearly ahead. The GTX 1080 Ti has the edge with 27% more theoretical FP32 compute. FP32 compute is a theoretical peak that combines shader count and clock speed, a quick way to size up raw power. The GTX 1080 gives you a 9.5% higher boost clock. On gpu & performance alone, the GTX 1080 Ti gets the nod.
FP32 compute
GTX 1080: 8.9 TFLOPS GTX 1080 Ti: 11.3 TFLOPS The GTX 1080 Ti has more theoretical compute, which often, but not always, translates into higher frame rates.
Shader units
GTX 1080: 2,560 GTX 1080 Ti: 3,584 Treat shader count as a strong hint about performance tier, then check benchmarks for the games you actually play.
Memory
GTX 1080 Ti leads
The GTX 1080 Ti is the clear pick if memory is what you care about most. The GTX 1080 Ti scores with 3 GB more VRAM. Newer games tend to ask for more video memory, so the GTX 1080 Ti’s extra VRAM helps the card age better. If memory is your priority, the GTX 1080 Ti is the card to pick.
VRAM
GTX 1080: 8 GB GTX 1080 Ti: 11 GB At high resolutions or with texture packs, running out of VRAM can hurt more than a small speed gap.
Memory bandwidth
GTX 1080: 320 GB/s GTX 1080 Ti: 484 GB/s Memory bandwidth decides how quickly the GPU can feed itself with data, which matters most at 1440p and 4K.
Features
The features data here comes as names and types, not scores. Check the table to see what each one uses.
Power & Thermals
GTX 1080 leads
No contest in power & thermals: the GTX 1080 is the stronger of the two. In its favor, the GTX 1080 has 70 W lower board power. Lower board power means less heat, quieter cooling and a smaller impact on your electricity bill. The power & thermals verdict goes to the GTX 1080.
Total board power
GTX 1080: 180 W GTX 1080 Ti: 250 W Higher board power often comes with higher performance, so the GTX 1080 Ti’s appetite may be part of the price of its speed.
Recommended PSU
GTX 1080: 500 W GTX 1080 Ti: 600 W With the GTX 1080, you’re more likely to keep your existing power supply, which can save real money.
Full Specifications
GPU & Performance
| Spec | GTX 1080 | GTX 1080 Ti |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Pascal | Pascal |
| GPU die | GP104 | GP102 |
| Process | TSMC 16nm FinFET | TSMC 16nm FinFET |
| Shader units | 2,560 Fewest shader units | 3,584 (winner) |
| Base clock | 1,607 MHz (winner) | 1,480 MHz |
| Boost clock | 1,733 MHz (winner) | 1,582 MHz Lowest boost clock |
| FP32 computeTheoretical peak; AMD counts dual-issue, so compare within a brand only | 8.9 TFLOPS Least compute in class | 11.3 TFLOPS (winner) |
Memory
| Spec | GTX 1080 | GTX 1080 Ti |
|---|---|---|
| VRAM | 8 GB | 11 GB (winner) |
| Memory type | GDDR5X | GDDR5X |
| Memory bus | 256-bit | 352-bit (winner) Widest memory bus |
| Memory bandwidth | 320 GB/s Least memory bandwidth | 484 GB/s (winner) |
Features
| Spec | GTX 1080 | GTX 1080 Ti |
|---|---|---|
| Upscaling | None (no DLSS) | None (no DLSS) |
| Frame generation | None | None |
| PCIe interface | PCIe 3.0 x16 | PCIe 3.0 x16 |
Power & Thermals
| Spec | GTX 1080 | GTX 1080 Ti |
|---|---|---|
| Total board power | 180 W (winner) Lowest power draw in class | 250 W |
| Recommended PSU | 500 W (winner) Smallest PSU requirement | 600 W |
| Power connector | 1x 8-pin | 1x 8-pin + 1x 6-pin |
Size & Connectivity
| Spec | GTX 1080 | GTX 1080 Ti |
|---|---|---|
| Reference card length | 10.51 in | 10.51 in |
| Slot width | 2 slots | 2 slots |
| Display outputs | 3x DisplayPort 1.4, 1x HDMI 2.0b, 1x DL-DVI | 3x DisplayPort 1.4, 1x HDMI 2.0b |
Price
| Spec | GTX 1080 | GTX 1080 Ti |
|---|---|---|
| Launch price (MSRP) | $599 (winner) | $699 |
“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
The GTX 1080 Ti carried a slight premium of $100 at launch. The value question is simple: are 3 GB more VRAM and 27% more theoretical FP32 compute worth $100 to you? If so, the GTX 1080 Ti makes sense.
All prices are official US launch prices, last checked March 2017. Actual prices at stores may differ.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the GTX 1080 if…
- you care about your power bill and a quieter case (180 W vs 250 W)
- you want to keep your current power supply (500 W vs 600 W recommended PSU)
- you care about peak clock speed (1,733 MHz vs 1,582 MHz boost)
- you care about clock speed under sustained load (1,607 MHz vs 1,480 MHz base)
- you want the lower price and can live with the trade-offs ($100 less)
Choose the GTX 1080 Ti if…
- you want more video memory for the years ahead (11 GB vs 8 GB)
- you run compute-heavy work alongside gaming (11.3 TFLOPS vs 8.9 TFLOPS FP32)
- you want more shader units working on every frame (3,584 vs 2,560)
- you want more memory bandwidth (484 GB/s vs 320 GB/s)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the GTX 1080 or the GTX 1080 Ti?
For most people, the GTX 1080 Ti is the stronger choice, unless your top priority is 70 W lower board power.
Is the GTX 1080 bigger than the GTX 1080 Ti?
They’re practically the same size. The difference between the GTX 1080 and the GTX 1080 Ti is too small to matter.
Which is faster, the GTX 1080 or the GTX 1080 Ti?
The GTX 1080 Ti should be the quicker of the two, with 27% more theoretical FP32 compute and 40% more shader units on its side.
Which costs less, the GTX 1080 or the GTX 1080 Ti?
The GTX 1080 is the cheaper option, launching at $100 less than the GTX 1080 Ti (launch prices as of March 2017).
Executive Summary
I get why people hesitate between the GTX 1080 and the GTX 1080 Ti. On the surface, they look like two versions of the same idea. I keep coming back to one thing: the GTX 1080 Ti gets 3 GB more VRAM. The GTX 1080 Ti also scores with 27% more theoretical FP32 compute. Credit where it’s due: the GTX 1080 offers 70 W lower board power.
I’d match them like this: power & thermals to the GTX 1080, gpu & performance to the GTX 1080 Ti.
My pick: I think most people will be happier with the GTX 1080 Ti, unless you care more about 70 W lower board power than anything else.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.