RTX 3080 Ti vs RTX 3090
The RTX 3080 Ti and the RTX 3090 come from the same family, which makes choosing between them trickier than it looks. On paper, these two are close. Only a handful of specs separate them by a margin you’d actually notice. On top of that, the RTX 3090 asked $300 more at launch.
At a glance
- GPU & Performance Tie
- Memory RTX 3090 wins
- Power & Thermals Tie
- Price RTX 3080 Ti wins
- GPU & Performance2.3
- Memory1.9
- Power & Thermals7.0
- GPU & Performance2.4
- Memory4.8
- Power & Thermals7.0
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
-
The RTX 3090 has 12 GB more VRAM
At 24 GB versus 12 GB, this is a decisive lead for the RTX 3090, the kind of difference you notice without looking for it. Newer games tend to ask for more video memory, so the RTX 3090’s extra VRAM helps the card age better.
-
The RTX 3090 has
Differences like this cut both ways. The RTX 3090 lists 3 slots, the RTX 3080 Ti 2 slots. A thicker card takes up more expansion slots and can block neighboring PCIe slots.
Design & Size
- RTX 3080 Ti 11.22 in × 2 slots
- RTX 3090 12.32 in × 3 slots
The RTX 3090 is the larger card of the two, while the RTX 3080 Ti is the more compact choice.
Size & Connectivity
| Spec | RTX 3080 Ti | RTX 3090 |
|---|---|---|
| Reference card length | 11.22 in | 12.32 in |
| Slot width | 2 slots | 3 slots |
| Display outputs | 3x DisplayPort 1.4a, 1x HDMI 2.1 | 3x DisplayPort 1.4a, 1x HDMI 2.1 |
GPU & Performance
Too close to call
The RTX 3080 Ti and the RTX 3090 match each other closely in this area. Don’t let gpu & performance decide this one; look at the other sections instead.
Memory
RTX 3090 leads
This section belongs to the RTX 3090. In memory, it leads the RTX 3080 Ti by a margin that’s hard to ignore. The RTX 3090 takes this one with 12 GB more VRAM. At high resolutions or with texture packs, running out of VRAM can hurt more than a small speed gap. Net result: the RTX 3090 leads this part of the comparison.
VRAM
RTX 3080 Ti: 12 GB RTX 3090: 24 GB More VRAM lets the card hold higher-resolution textures and bigger scenes without stutter.
Features
For features, the spec sheet lists components and formats rather than figures we can rank. The table shows what the RTX 3080 Ti and the RTX 3090 each bring.
Power & Thermals
Too close to call
There’s little to choose between them when it comes to power & thermals. Neither card gives you a reason to choose it on power & thermals.
Full Specifications
GPU & Performance
| Spec | RTX 3080 Ti | RTX 3090 |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Ampere | Ampere |
| GPU die | GA102 | GA102 |
| Process | Samsung 8N | Samsung 8N |
| Shader units | 10,240 | 10,496 Fewest shader units |
| Ray tracing units | 80 | 82 Fewest ray tracing units |
| Base clock | 1,365 MHz | 1,395 MHz Lowest base clock |
| Boost clock | 1,665 MHz | 1,695 MHz Lowest boost clock |
| FP32 computeTheoretical peak; AMD counts dual-issue, so compare within a brand only | 34.1 TFLOPS | 35.6 TFLOPS Least compute in class |
Memory
| Spec | RTX 3080 Ti | RTX 3090 |
|---|---|---|
| VRAM | 12 GB | 24 GB (winner) |
| Memory type | GDDR6X | GDDR6X |
| Memory bus | 384-bit | 384-bit |
| Memory bandwidth | 912 GB/s | 936 GB/s Least memory bandwidth |
Features
| Spec | RTX 3080 Ti | RTX 3090 |
|---|---|---|
| Upscaling | DLSS Super Resolution | DLSS Super Resolution |
| Frame generation | No DLSS Frame Generation | No DLSS Frame Generation |
| PCIe interface | PCIe 4.0 x16 | PCIe 4.0 x16 |
Power & Thermals
| Spec | RTX 3080 Ti | RTX 3090 |
|---|---|---|
| Total board power | 350 W | 350 W Lowest power draw in class |
| Recommended PSU | 750 W | 750 W Smallest PSU requirement |
| Power connector | 1x 12-pin | 1x 12-pin |
Size & Connectivity
| Spec | RTX 3080 Ti | RTX 3090 |
|---|---|---|
| Reference card length | 11.22 in | 12.32 in |
| Slot width | 2 slots | 3 slots |
| Display outputs | 3x DisplayPort 1.4a, 1x HDMI 2.1 | 3x DisplayPort 1.4a, 1x HDMI 2.1 |
Price
| Spec | RTX 3080 Ti | RTX 3090 |
|---|---|---|
| Launch price (MSRP) | $1,199 (winner) | $1,499 Lowest price in class |
“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
You pay $300 extra for the RTX 3090 at launch prices, a difference of 25%. Is the RTX 3090 worth $300 extra? What you get for the money is 12 GB more VRAM.
All prices are official US launch prices, last checked June 2021. Actual prices at stores may differ.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the RTX 3080 Ti if…
- you want the lower price and can live with the trade-offs ($300 less)
- you prefer something easier to fit into tight spaces
Choose the RTX 3090 if…
- you play at high resolutions with high-quality textures (24 GB vs 12 GB VRAM)
- you prefer a larger card and have the room for it
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the RTX 3080 Ti or the RTX 3090?
We’d point most buyers to the RTX 3090. The main exception is if saving $300 matters more to you than the extras.
Is the RTX 3080 Ti bigger than the RTX 3090?
The RTX 3090 is the larger of the two. It measures 12.32 in, compared with 11.22 in for the RTX 3080 Ti.
Is the RTX 3080 Ti cheaper than the RTX 3090?
The RTX 3090 launched at $300 more than the RTX 3080 Ti, based on prices as of June 2021.
Executive Summary
Two siblings, one decision. Here’s how I’d think about the RTX 3080 Ti versus the RTX 3090. The biggest reason I lean toward the RTX 3090 is simple: it has 12 GB more VRAM.
In my head, the RTX 3080 Ti is the price pick and the RTX 3090 is the memory pick.
My pick: the RTX 3090 is the one I’d buy, unless your budget can’t stretch another $300.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.