RTX 3080 Ti vs RTX 4080
The RTX 3080 Ti and the RTX 4080 come from the same family, which makes choosing between them trickier than it looks. The RTX 4080 has the edge in 2 of the 3 areas we looked at, most visibly in the gpu & performance category.
At a glance
- GPU & Performance RTX 4080 wins
- Memory Trade-off
- Power & Thermals RTX 4080 wins
- Price Tie
- GPU & Performance5.2
- Memory4.9
- Power & Thermals2.3
- GPU & Performance7.2
- Memory2.9
- Power & Thermals4.1
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 4080 has 43% more theoretical FP32 compute
When it comes to fp32 compute, the RTX 4080 wins comfortably with 48.7 TFLOPS against 34.1 TFLOPS. Architectures use their compute differently, so treat the gap as a guide and look at game benchmarks for the details.
-
The RTX 4080 has 4 GB more VRAM
It’s a lopsided result (16 GB for the RTX 4080, 12 GB for the RTX 3080 Ti) and one of the main reasons to choose between them. At high resolutions or with texture packs, running out of VRAM can hurt more than a small speed gap.
-
The RTX 3080 Ti has 27% more memory bandwidth
The spread here is large: 912 GB/s on the RTX 3080 Ti versus 717 GB/s on the RTX 4080. Expect to notice it. Bandwidth needs vary by architecture, so compare it alongside VRAM and cache rather than on its own.
-
The RTX 4080 has 30 W lower board power
The RTX 4080 wins this narrowly, 320 W against 350 W, which makes it more of a bonus than a reason to buy. The RTX 4080 draws less power, which makes it easier to cool in compact cases.
-
The RTX 3080 Ti has 5.3% more shader units
The RTX 3080 Ti has a modest edge on shader units: 10,240 against 9,728 for the RTX 4080. The RTX 3080 Ti’s extra shaders give it more raw muscle, although comparisons across different architectures aren’t one-to-one.
Design & Size
- RTX 3080 Ti 11.22 in × 2 slots
- RTX 4080 11.97 in × 3 slots
Going by the official dimensions, the RTX 4080 is the larger of the two.
Size & Connectivity
| Spec | RTX 3080 Ti | RTX 4080 |
|---|---|---|
| Reference card length | 11.22 in | 11.97 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
RTX 4080 leads
This is one of the RTX 4080’s strongest areas. On gpu & performance, the RTX 3080 Ti falls well short. The RTX 4080 scores with 43% 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 RTX 3080 Ti brings 5.3% more shader units. Net result: the RTX 4080 leads this part of the comparison.
FP32 compute
RTX 3080 Ti: 34.1 TFLOPS RTX 4080: 48.7 TFLOPS The RTX 4080 has more theoretical compute, which often, but not always, translates into higher frame rates.
Shader units
RTX 3080 Ti: 10,240 RTX 4080: 9,728 Treat shader count as a strong hint about performance tier, then check benchmarks for the games you actually play.
Memory
Trade-off
The memory round is shared. The RTX 3080 Ti has 27% more memory bandwidth, and the RTX 4080 has 4 GB more VRAM. Weigh both advantages honestly; the one you’d miss more is your answer on memory.
VRAM
RTX 3080 Ti: 12 GB RTX 4080: 16 GB Newer games tend to ask for more video memory, so the RTX 4080’s extra VRAM helps the card age better.
Memory bandwidth
RTX 3080 Ti: 912 GB/s RTX 4080: 717 GB/s Memory bandwidth decides how quickly the GPU can feed itself with data, which matters most at 1440p and 4K.
Features
For features, the differences are in the specifics (component names and types), so the table is the place to look.
Power & Thermals
RTX 4080 leads
Slight edge to the RTX 4080 on power & thermals. Most buyers could live happily with either. On its side, the RTX 4080 has 30 W lower board power. Lower board power means less heat, quieter cooling and a smaller impact on your electricity bill. Anyone shopping mainly on power & thermals should start with the RTX 4080.
Total board power
RTX 3080 Ti: 350 W RTX 4080: 320 W Higher board power often comes with higher performance, so the RTX 3080 Ti’s appetite may be part of the price of its speed.
Full Specifications
GPU & Performance
| Spec | RTX 3080 Ti | RTX 4080 |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Ampere | Ada Lovelace |
| GPU die | GA102 | AD103 |
| Process | Samsung 8N | TSMC 4N |
| Shader units | 10,240 (winner) | 9,728 |
| Ray tracing units | 80 (winner) | 76 |
| Base clock | 1,365 MHz | 2,205 MHz (winner) |
| Boost clock | 1,665 MHz | 2,505 MHz (winner) |
| FP32 computeTheoretical peak; AMD counts dual-issue, so compare within a brand only | 34.1 TFLOPS | 48.7 TFLOPS (winner) |
Memory
| Spec | RTX 3080 Ti | RTX 4080 |
|---|---|---|
| VRAM | 12 GB | 16 GB (winner) |
| Memory type | GDDR6X | GDDR6X |
| Memory bus | 384-bit (winner) | 256-bit |
| Memory bandwidth | 912 GB/s (winner) | 717 GB/s |
Features
| Spec | RTX 3080 Ti | RTX 4080 |
|---|---|---|
| Upscaling | DLSS Super Resolution | DLSS Super Resolution |
| Frame generation | No DLSS Frame Generation | DLSS Frame Generation (2x) |
| PCIe interface | PCIe 4.0 x16 | PCIe 4.0 x16 |
Power & Thermals
| Spec | RTX 3080 Ti | RTX 4080 |
|---|---|---|
| Total board power | 350 W | 320 W (winner) |
| Recommended PSU | 750 W | 750 W |
| Power connector | 1x 12-pin | 1x 16-pin (12VHPWR) |
Size & Connectivity
| Spec | RTX 3080 Ti | RTX 4080 |
|---|---|---|
| Reference card length | 11.22 in | 11.97 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 4080 |
|---|---|---|
| Launch price (MSRP) | $1,199 | $1,199 |
“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 3080 Ti and the RTX 4080 launched at identical prices.
Prices shown are US launch prices as of November 2022. Retail prices change often, so it’s worth checking current offers.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the RTX 3080 Ti if…
- you game at high resolutions where bandwidth matters (912 GB/s vs 717 GB/s)
- you want more shader units working on every frame (10,240 vs 9,728)
- you push high resolutions where memory width helps (384-bit vs 256-bit bus)
- you play with ray tracing switched on (80 vs 76 RT units)
Choose the RTX 4080 if…
- you want more theoretical compute (48.7 TFLOPS vs 34.1 TFLOPS)
- you want more video memory for the years ahead (16 GB vs 12 GB)
- you want lower power draw and less heat (320 W vs 350 W board power)
- you want the higher boost clock (2,505 MHz vs 1,665 MHz)
- you want the changes the RTX 4080 brings over its predecessor
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the RTX 3080 Ti or the RTX 4080?
We’d point most buyers to the RTX 4080. The main exception is if you value 27% more memory bandwidth above everything else.
Is the RTX 4080 worth it over the RTX 3080 Ti?
For most owners, it’s a meaningful step. The RTX 4080 brings 43% more theoretical FP32 compute, 4 GB more VRAM and 30 W lower board power over the RTX 3080 Ti.
Which is larger, the RTX 3080 Ti or the RTX 4080?
The RTX 4080 takes that one. With dimensions of 11.97 in, it is larger than the RTX 3080 Ti (11.22 in).
Which is faster, the RTX 3080 Ti or the RTX 4080?
On paper, the RTX 4080 is the stronger performer, with 43% more theoretical FP32 compute and a 50% higher boost clock.
Executive Summary
The RTX 3080 Ti and the RTX 4080 come from the same family, and honestly, that makes this one harder than a cross-brand fight. It’s hard to argue with 43% more theoretical FP32 compute, which is exactly what the RTX 4080 brings. A second point goes to the RTX 4080 for 4 GB more VRAM. I’ll admit the RTX 3080 Ti has a point with 27% more memory bandwidth.
The RTX 3080 Ti makes sense for anyone who values memory bandwidth; the RTX 4080 for anyone who values gpu & performance.
My pick: the RTX 4080 for most people, with the RTX 3080 Ti as the smarter choice if having 27% more memory bandwidth matters more to you than the rest.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.