RTX 2070 vs RTX 2080
Picking between two members of one lineup is less about brand and more about the specs that differ. For the RTX 2070 and the RTX 2080, those differences are what this page maps out. If you only read one line, make it this: the RTX 2080 takes 1 of 3 compared areas, and the gpu & performance gap is the one to look at first. On top of that, the RTX 2080 asked $200 more at launch.
At a glance
- GPU & Performance RTX 2080 wins
- Memory Tie
- Power & Thermals RTX 2070 wins
- Price RTX 2070 wins
- GPU & Performance0.4
- Memory1.7
- Power & Thermals8.3
- GPU & Performance1.4
- Memory1.7
- Power & Thermals5.5
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 RTX 2080 has 35% more theoretical FP32 compute
Among all the differences on this page, 10.1 TFLOPS against 7.5 TFLOPS is one of the most meaningful, and it favors the RTX 2080. Architectures use their compute differently, so treat the gap as a guide and look at game benchmarks for the details.
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The RTX 2080 has 28% more shader units
The RTX 2070 gives up a lot on shader units: 2,304, compared with 2,944 on the RTX 2080. Treat shader count as a strong hint about performance tier, then check benchmarks for the games you actually play.
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The RTX 2070 has 40 W lower board power
Few buyers will miss this one. The RTX 2070 brings 175 W to the table; the RTX 2080 brings 215 W. The RTX 2070 draws less power, which makes it easier to cool in compact cases.
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The RTX 2080 has 28% more ray tracing units
When it comes to ray tracing units, the RTX 2080 wins comfortably with 46 against 36. Ray tracing units differ between generations and brands, so the count matters most within the same family.
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The RTX 2070 has a smaller 550 W PSU requirement
It’s a lopsided result (550 W for the RTX 2070, 650 W for the RTX 2080) and one of the main reasons to choose between them. With the RTX 2070, you’re more likely to keep your existing power supply, which can save real money.
Design & Size
- RTX 2070 9.02 in × 2 slots
- RTX 2080 10.51 in × 2 slots
The RTX 2080 has the bigger footprint. That can mean more room to work with, but also more to carry, park or pocket.
Size & Connectivity
| Spec | RTX 2070 | RTX 2080 |
|---|---|---|
| Reference card length | 9.02 in | 10.51 in |
| Slot width | 2 slots | 2 slots |
| Display outputs | N/A (not specified) | 3x DisplayPort 1.4a, 1x HDMI 2.0b, 1x USB-C (VirtualLink) |
GPU & Performance
RTX 2080 leads
Here the RTX 2080 opens up one of its biggest leads in the comparison. The RTX 2080 comes with 35% 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. Bottom line for gpu & performance: the RTX 2080 has the edge.
FP32 compute
RTX 2070: 7.5 TFLOPS RTX 2080: 10.1 TFLOPS The RTX 2080 has more theoretical compute, which often, but not always, translates into higher frame rates.
Shader units
RTX 2070: 2,304 RTX 2080: 2,944 The RTX 2080’s extra shaders give it more raw muscle, although comparisons across different architectures aren’t one-to-one.
Memory
Too close to call
This area ends level; whatever separates these two, it isn’t memory. On memory alone, you can’t go far wrong with either.
Features
Nothing to tally in the features section, but plenty to read. The table lists what the RTX 2070 and the RTX 2080 each use.
Power & Thermals
RTX 2070 leads
When it comes to power & thermals, the RTX 2070 is comfortably ahead. The RTX 2070 brings 40 W lower board power. Lower board power means less heat, quieter cooling and a smaller impact on your electricity bill. Net result: the RTX 2070 leads this part of the comparison.
Total board power
RTX 2070: 175 W RTX 2080: 215 W Higher board power often comes with higher performance, so the RTX 2080’s appetite may be part of the price of its speed.
Recommended PSU
RTX 2070: 550 W RTX 2080: 650 W The recommended power supply tells you whether your current PSU can handle the card without an upgrade.
Full Specifications
GPU & Performance
| Spec | RTX 2070 | RTX 2080 |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Turing | Turing |
| GPU die | TU106 | TU104 |
| Process | TSMC 12nm FFN | TSMC 12nm FFN |
| Shader units | 2,304 | 2,944 (winner) |
| Ray tracing units | 36 | 46 (winner) |
| Base clock | 1,410 MHz | 1,515 MHz (winner) |
| Boost clock | 1,620 MHz Lowest boost clock | 1,710 MHz (winner) |
| FP32 computeTheoretical peak; AMD counts dual-issue, so compare within a brand only | 7.5 TFLOPS Least compute in class | 10.1 TFLOPS (winner) |
Memory
| Spec | RTX 2070 | RTX 2080 |
|---|---|---|
| VRAM | 8 GB | 8 GB |
| Memory type | GDDR6 | GDDR6 |
| Memory bus | 256-bit | 256-bit |
| Memory bandwidth | 448 GB/s | 448 GB/s |
Features
| Spec | RTX 2070 | RTX 2080 |
|---|---|---|
| Upscaling | DLSS Super Resolution | DLSS Super Resolution |
| Frame generation | No DLSS Frame Generation | No DLSS Frame Generation |
| PCIe interface | PCIe 3.0 x16 | PCIe 3.0 x16 |
Power & Thermals
| Spec | RTX 2070 | RTX 2080 |
|---|---|---|
| Total board power | 175 W (winner) | 215 W |
| Recommended PSU | 550 W (winner) | 650 W |
| Power connector | 1x 8-pin | 1x 8-pin + 1x 6-pin |
Size & Connectivity
| Spec | RTX 2070 | RTX 2080 |
|---|---|---|
| Reference card length | 9.02 in | 10.51 in |
| Slot width | 2 slots | 2 slots |
| Display outputs | N/A (not specified) | 3x DisplayPort 1.4a, 1x HDMI 2.0b, 1x USB-C (VirtualLink) |
Price
| Spec | RTX 2070 | RTX 2080 |
|---|---|---|
| Launch price (MSRP) | $499 (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
Price alone could settle this for some buyers, with the RTX 2070 launching $200 lower, a gap of 40%. If $200 isn’t a stretch, the RTX 2080 gives you 35% more theoretical FP32 compute and 28% more shader units.
All prices are official US launch prices, last checked October 2018. Actual prices at stores may differ.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the RTX 2070 if…
- you care about your power bill and a quieter case (175 W vs 215 W)
- you want to keep your current power supply (550 W vs 650 W recommended PSU)
- you’d put the $200 saving toward something else
Choose the RTX 2080 if…
- you run compute-heavy work alongside gaming (10.1 TFLOPS vs 7.5 TFLOPS FP32)
- you want more raw GPU hardware (2,944 vs 2,304 shader units)
- you play with ray tracing switched on (46 vs 36 RT units)
- you care about peak clock speed (1,710 MHz vs 1,620 MHz boost)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the RTX 2070 or the RTX 2080?
The RTX 2070 offers better value, saving $200 compared with the RTX 2080.
Is the RTX 2070 bigger than the RTX 2080?
The RTX 2080 is the larger of the two. It measures 10.51 in, compared with 9.02 in for the RTX 2070.
Which is faster, the RTX 2070 or the RTX 2080?
The RTX 2080 has the edge in performance thanks to 35% more theoretical FP32 compute and 28% more shader units.
Is the RTX 2070 cheaper than the RTX 2080?
The RTX 2070 is the cheaper option, launching at $200 less than the RTX 2080 (launch prices as of October 2018).
Executive Summary
Choosing between siblings is my favorite kind of puzzle. The RTX 2070 and the RTX 2080 share a lot, so the details decide. I keep coming back to one thing: the RTX 2070 gets 40 W lower board power. Where the RTX 2080 fights back is 35% more theoretical FP32 compute.
I’d match them like this: power & thermals to the RTX 2070, gpu & performance to the RTX 2080.
My pick: the RTX 2070. It keeps $200 in your pocket, and I don’t think the RTX 2080 does enough to earn it back.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.