RTX 2080 vs RTX 3080: Is the Upgrade Worth It?
The RTX 3080 arrived as the successor to the RTX 2080, and generation-to-generation comparisons tend to be more nuanced than launch-day headlines suggest. The scorecard favors the RTX 3080, which leads in 2 of 3 areas. Its strongest showing is in the gpu & performance category.
At a glance
- GPU & Performance RTX 3080 wins
- Memory RTX 3080 wins
- Power & Thermals RTX 2080 wins
- Price Tie
- GPU & Performance0.4
- Memory1.4
- Power & Thermals6.3
- GPU & Performance6.4
- Memory5.1
- Power & Thermals0.0
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 3080 has 195% more theoretical FP32 compute
Here the RTX 3080 pulls well ahead of the RTX 2080, with 29.8 TFLOPS compared to 10.1 TFLOPS. FP32 compute is a theoretical peak that combines shader count and clock speed, a quick way to size up raw power.
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The RTX 3080 has 196% more shader units
The RTX 3080 doesn’t just edge this one; 8,704 against 2,944 is a lead you’ll feel. Treat shader count as a strong hint about performance tier, then check benchmarks for the games you actually play.
-
The RTX 2080 has 105 W lower board power
Big gap, real consequences. The RTX 2080’s 215 W versus the RTX 3080’s 320 W changes how the two compare in daily use. Higher board power often comes with higher performance, so the RTX 3080’s appetite may be part of the price of its speed.
-
The RTX 3080 has 70% more memory bandwidth
The RTX 2080 is clearly behind on memory bandwidth (448 GB/s against 760 GB/s), and that’s one of its biggest weak spots in this matchup. Bandwidth needs vary by architecture, so compare it alongside VRAM and cache rather than on its own.
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The RTX 3080 has 2 GB more VRAM
The RTX 2080 comes close with 8 GB; the RTX 3080 does slightly better with 10 GB. Newer games tend to ask for more video memory, so the RTX 3080’s extra VRAM helps the card age better.
Design & Size
- RTX 2080 10.51 in × 2 slots
- RTX 3080 11.22 in × 2 slots
In overall size, the RTX 3080 is ahead, which is good news only if a bigger card is what you want.
Size & Connectivity
| Spec | RTX 2080 | RTX 3080 |
|---|---|---|
| Reference card length | 10.51 in | 11.22 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 3080 leads
In the gpu & performance category, the RTX 3080 isn’t just ahead; it’s clearly ahead. The RTX 3080 wins here with 195% more theoretical FP32 compute. The RTX 3080 has more theoretical compute, which often, but not always, translates into higher frame rates. The RTX 2080 delivers. So if gpu & performance tops your list, lean toward the RTX 3080.
FP32 compute
RTX 2080: 10.1 TFLOPS RTX 3080: 29.8 TFLOPS Architectures use their compute differently, so treat the gap as a guide and look at game benchmarks for the details.
Shader units
RTX 2080: 2,944 RTX 3080: 8,704 The RTX 3080’s extra shaders give it more raw muscle, although comparisons across different architectures aren’t one-to-one.
Memory
RTX 3080 leads
In this area the RTX 3080 has a lead the RTX 2080 can’t close. The RTX 3080 scores with 70% more memory bandwidth. Memory bandwidth decides how quickly the GPU can feed itself with data, which matters most at 1440p and 4K. The takeaway: on memory, the RTX 3080 is the stronger card.
Memory bandwidth
RTX 2080: 448 GB/s RTX 3080: 760 GB/s The RTX 3080 has more bandwidth to work with, helping it hold up in memory-heavy games.
VRAM
RTX 2080: 8 GB RTX 3080: 10 GB At high resolutions or with texture packs, running out of VRAM can hurt more than a small speed gap.
Features
For features, the spec sheet lists components and formats rather than figures we can rank. The table shows what the RTX 2080 and the RTX 3080 each bring.
Power & Thermals
RTX 2080 leads
When it comes to power & thermals, the RTX 2080 is comfortably ahead. The RTX 2080 makes its case with 105 W lower board power. The RTX 2080 draws less power, which makes it easier to cool in compact cases. Weighing only power & thermals, the RTX 2080 comes out ahead.
Total board power
RTX 2080: 215 W RTX 3080: 320 W Lower board power means less heat, quieter cooling and a smaller impact on your electricity bill.
Recommended PSU
RTX 2080: 650 W RTX 3080: 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 3080 |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Turing | Ampere |
| GPU die | TU104 | GA102 |
| Process | TSMC 12nm FFN | Samsung 8N |
| Shader units | 2,944 | 8,704 (winner) |
| Ray tracing units | 46 | 68 (winner) |
| Base clock | 1,515 MHz (winner) | 1,440 MHz Lowest base clock |
| Boost clock | 1,710 MHz | 1,710 MHz |
| FP32 computeTheoretical peak; AMD counts dual-issue, so compare within a brand only | 10.1 TFLOPS | 29.8 TFLOPS (winner) |
Memory
| Spec | RTX 2080 | RTX 3080 |
|---|---|---|
| VRAM | 8 GB | 10 GB (winner) |
| Memory type | GDDR6 | GDDR6X |
| Memory bus | 256-bit | 320-bit (winner) |
| Memory bandwidth | 448 GB/s | 760 GB/s (winner) |
Features
| Spec | RTX 2080 | RTX 3080 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 3080 |
|---|---|---|
| Total board power | 215 W (winner) | 320 W Most power-hungry in class |
| Recommended PSU | 650 W (winner) | 750 W |
| Power connector | 1x 8-pin + 1x 6-pin | 1x 12-pin |
Size & Connectivity
| Spec | RTX 2080 | RTX 3080 |
|---|---|---|
| Reference card length | 10.51 in | 11.22 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 3080 |
|---|---|---|
| Launch price (MSRP) | $699 | $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
Money won’t decide this one: the RTX 2080 and the RTX 3080 launched at identical prices.
Prices shown are US launch prices as of September 2020. Retail prices change often, so it’s worth checking current offers.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the RTX 2080 if…
- you care about your power bill and a quieter case (215 W vs 320 W)
- you want to keep your current power supply (650 W vs 750 W recommended PSU)
- you care about clock speed under sustained load (1,515 MHz vs 1,440 MHz base)
Choose the RTX 3080 if…
- you run compute-heavy work alongside gaming (29.8 TFLOPS vs 10.1 TFLOPS FP32)
- you want more raw GPU hardware (8,704 vs 2,944 shader units)
- you want more memory bandwidth (760 GB/s vs 448 GB/s)
- you want more video memory for the years ahead (10 GB vs 8 GB)
- you want the newer generation
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the RTX 2080 or the RTX 3080?
The RTX 3080 wins more of the areas we compared, so it’s the safer pick unless you’re on the RTX 2080 and nothing about it bothers you.
Should I upgrade from the RTX 2080 to the RTX 3080?
It’s one of the more worthwhile generational jumps: the RTX 3080 offers 195% more theoretical FP32 compute, 196% more shader units and 70% more memory bandwidth compared with the RTX 2080.
Is the RTX 2080 bigger than the RTX 3080?
The RTX 3080 is the larger of the two. It measures 11.22 in, compared with 10.51 in for the RTX 2080.
Does the RTX 2080 perform better than the RTX 3080?
On paper, the RTX 3080 is the stronger performer, with 195% more theoretical FP32 compute and 196% more shader units.
Executive Summary
Upgrading from the RTX 2080 to the RTX 3080 sounds like a no-brainer. I’m not sure it always is. The RTX 3080 has 195% more theoretical FP32 compute, and for most people that’s not a small thing. There’s more, too: the RTX 3080 offers 70% more memory bandwidth. To be fair, the RTX 2080 has 105 W lower board power, and that’s not nothing.
Fit matters more than scores here. The RTX 2080 suits buyers focused on power & thermals; the RTX 3080 suits those focused on gpu & performance.
My pick: the RTX 3080 if you’re buying fresh, but I wouldn’t rush to replace a working RTX 2080.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.