RTX 2080 vs RTX 3070 Ti
Two models from one lineup can look nearly identical in a product listing. The RTX 2080 and the RTX 3070 Ti are a case in point, which is why the numbers matter here. This one has a front-runner. The RTX 3070 Ti wins 2 of 3 compared areas, and gpu & performance is where the difference is hardest to miss.
At a glance
- GPU & Performance RTX 3070 Ti wins
- Memory RTX 3070 Ti wins
- Power & Thermals RTX 2080 wins
- Price RTX 3070 Ti wins
- GPU & Performance0.4
- Memory1.4
- Power & Thermals6.3
- GPU & Performance3.3
- Memory2.3
- Power & Thermals1.4
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 3070 Ti has 115% more theoretical FP32 compute
A clear win for the RTX 3070 Ti: 21.7 TFLOPS against 10.1 TFLOPS. Few specs in this matchup are as one-sided. The RTX 3070 Ti has more theoretical compute, which often, but not always, translates into higher frame rates.
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The RTX 3070 Ti has 109% more shader units
Here the RTX 3070 Ti pulls well ahead of the RTX 2080, with 6,144 compared to 2,944. 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 2080 has 75 W lower board power
The RTX 2080 doesn’t just edge this one; 215 W against 290 W is a lead you’ll feel. The RTX 2080 draws less power, which makes it easier to cool in compact cases.
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The RTX 3070 Ti has 36% more memory bandwidth
Big gap, real consequences. The RTX 3070 Ti’s 608 GB/s versus the RTX 2080’s 448 GB/s changes how the two compare in daily use. Bandwidth needs vary by architecture, so compare it alongside VRAM and cache rather than on its own.
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The RTX 2080 has a smaller 650 W PSU requirement
The RTX 3070 Ti is clearly behind on recommended psu (750 W against 650 W), and that’s one of its biggest weak spots in this matchup. With the RTX 2080, you’re more likely to keep your existing power supply, which can save real money.
Design & Size
- RTX 2080 10.51 in × 2 slots
- RTX 3070 Ti 10.63 in × 2 slots
Their dimensions are close enough that size should be one of the last things you weigh.
Size & Connectivity
| Spec | RTX 2080 | RTX 3070 Ti |
|---|---|---|
| Reference card length | 10.51 in | 10.63 in |
| Slot width | 2 slots | 2 slots |
| Display outputs | 3x DisplayPort 1.4a, 1x HDMI 2.0b, 1x USB-C (VirtualLink) | 3x DisplayPort 1.4a, 1x HDMI 2.1 |
GPU & Performance
RTX 3070 Ti leads
The RTX 3070 Ti wins the gpu & performance section decisively. The RTX 3070 Ti delivers 115% more theoretical FP32 compute. Architectures use their compute differently, so treat the gap as a guide and look at game benchmarks for the details. If this section decides it for you, choose the RTX 3070 Ti.
FP32 compute
RTX 2080: 10.1 TFLOPS RTX 3070 Ti: 21.7 TFLOPS FP32 compute is a theoretical peak that combines shader count and clock speed, a quick way to size up raw power.
Shader units
RTX 2080: 2,944 RTX 3070 Ti: 6,144 The RTX 3070 Ti’s extra shaders give it more raw muscle, although comparisons across different architectures aren’t one-to-one.
Memory
RTX 3070 Ti leads
Look at the memory table and one name keeps coming out on top: the RTX 3070 Ti. The RTX 3070 Ti brings 36% more memory bandwidth. Memory bandwidth decides how quickly the GPU can feed itself with data, which matters most at 1440p and 4K. So if memory tops your list, lean toward the RTX 3070 Ti.
Memory bandwidth
RTX 2080: 448 GB/s RTX 3070 Ti: 608 GB/s The RTX 3070 Ti has more bandwidth to work with, helping it hold up in memory-heavy games.
Features
Nothing to tally in the features section, but plenty to read. The table lists what the RTX 2080 and the RTX 3070 Ti each use.
Power & Thermals
RTX 2080 leads
Here the RTX 2080 opens up one of its biggest leads in the comparison. Point to the RTX 2080 for 75 W lower board power. Higher board power often comes with higher performance, so the RTX 3070 Ti’s appetite may be part of the price of its speed. Prioritize power & thermals, and the RTX 2080 is where you should land.
Total board power
RTX 2080: 215 W RTX 3070 Ti: 290 W Lower board power means less heat, quieter cooling and a smaller impact on your electricity bill.
Recommended PSU
RTX 2080: 650 W RTX 3070 Ti: 750 W Recommendations include a safety margin for the rest of the system, so they’re a guide rather than a hard limit.
Full Specifications
GPU & Performance
| Spec | RTX 2080 | RTX 3070 Ti |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Turing | Ampere |
| GPU die | TU104 | GA104 |
| Process | TSMC 12nm FFN | Samsung 8N |
| Shader units | 2,944 | 6,144 (winner) |
| Ray tracing units | 46 | 48 |
| Base clock | 1,515 MHz | 1,575 MHz (winner) |
| Boost clock | 1,710 MHz | 1,770 MHz (winner) |
| FP32 computeTheoretical peak; AMD counts dual-issue, so compare within a brand only | 10.1 TFLOPS | 21.7 TFLOPS (winner) |
Memory
| Spec | RTX 2080 | RTX 3070 Ti |
|---|---|---|
| VRAM | 8 GB | 8 GB |
| Memory type | GDDR6 | GDDR6X |
| Memory bus | 256-bit | 256-bit |
| Memory bandwidth | 448 GB/s | 608 GB/s (winner) |
Features
| Spec | RTX 2080 | RTX 3070 Ti |
|---|---|---|
| Upscaling | DLSS Super Resolution | DLSS Super Resolution |
| Frame generation | No DLSS Frame Generation | No DLSS Frame Generation |
| PCIe interface | PCIe 3.0 x16 | PCIe 4.0 x16 |
Power & Thermals
| Spec | RTX 2080 | RTX 3070 Ti |
|---|---|---|
| Total board power | 215 W (winner) | 290 W |
| Recommended PSU | 650 W (winner) | 750 W |
| Power connector | 1x 8-pin + 1x 6-pin | 1x 12-pin |
Size & Connectivity
| Spec | RTX 2080 | RTX 3070 Ti |
|---|---|---|
| Reference card length | 10.51 in | 10.63 in |
| Slot width | 2 slots | 2 slots |
| Display outputs | 3x DisplayPort 1.4a, 1x HDMI 2.0b, 1x USB-C (VirtualLink) | 3x DisplayPort 1.4a, 1x HDMI 2.1 |
Price
| Spec | RTX 2080 | RTX 3070 Ti |
|---|---|---|
| Launch price (MSRP) | $699 | $599 (winner) |
“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
At launch, the difference was a modest $100, with the RTX 3070 Ti slightly more affordable. Spending less doesn’t mean getting less here: the RTX 3070 Ti undercuts the RTX 2080 by $100 and still leads overall.
Prices shown are US launch prices as of June 2021. Retail prices change often, so it’s worth checking current offers.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the RTX 2080 if…
- you want lower power draw and less heat (215 W vs 290 W board power)
- you’re building on a modest power supply (650 W vs 750 W)
- you find the RTX 2080 already covers everything you need
Choose the RTX 3070 Ti if…
- you want more theoretical compute (21.7 TFLOPS vs 10.1 TFLOPS)
- you want more shader units working on every frame (6,144 vs 2,944)
- you want more memory bandwidth (608 GB/s vs 448 GB/s)
- you want the higher boost clock (1,770 MHz vs 1,710 MHz)
- you want more value for your money ($100 less at launch)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the RTX 2080 or the RTX 3070 Ti?
We’d point most buyers to the RTX 3070 Ti. The main exception is if you’d rather have 75 W lower board power on the RTX 2080.
Should I upgrade from the RTX 2080 to the RTX 3070 Ti?
For most owners, it’s a meaningful step. The RTX 3070 Ti brings 115% more theoretical FP32 compute, 109% more shader units and 36% more memory bandwidth over the RTX 2080.
Which is larger, the RTX 2080 or the RTX 3070 Ti?
Size is essentially a tie. The official dimensions of the RTX 2080 and the RTX 3070 Ti differ only marginally.
Which is faster, the RTX 2080 or the RTX 3070 Ti?
The RTX 3070 Ti should be the quicker of the two, with 115% more theoretical FP32 compute and 109% more shader units on its side.
Which costs less, the RTX 2080 or the RTX 3070 Ti?
The RTX 2080 launched at $100 more than the RTX 3070 Ti, based on prices as of June 2021.
Executive Summary
I’ll admit the RTX 2080 versus the RTX 3070 Ti is the kind of question I enjoy: same maker, same family, and still a real choice to make. Here’s what matters most to me: the RTX 3070 Ti offers 115% more theoretical FP32 compute. And the RTX 3070 Ti doesn’t stop there; it also offers 36% more memory bandwidth. Fairness check: the RTX 2080 does come with 75 W lower board power.
Fit matters more than scores here. The RTX 2080 suits buyers focused on power & thermals; the RTX 3070 Ti suits those focused on gpu & performance.
My pick: the RTX 3070 Ti, though the RTX 2080 makes sense if you know that 75 W lower board power would make a real difference in your routine.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.