RTX 3080 Ti vs RTX 4090
Picking between two members of one lineup is less about brand and more about the specs that differ. For the RTX 3080 Ti and the RTX 4090, those differences are what this page maps out. The spec sheets tilt toward the RTX 4090, which leads in 2 of 3 areas and opens its biggest gap on gpu & performance. The RTX 4090 also costs $400 more at launch, which raises the bar for what it needs to deliver.
At a glance
- GPU & Performance RTX 4090 wins
- Memory RTX 4090 wins
- Power & Thermals RTX 3080 Ti wins
- Price RTX 3080 Ti wins
- GPU & Performance2.3
- Memory1.9
- Power & Thermals7.0
- GPU & Performance7.4
- Memory5.0
- Power & Thermals4.0
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 4090 has 142% more theoretical FP32 compute
At 82.6 TFLOPS versus 34.1 TFLOPS, this is a decisive lead for the RTX 4090, the kind of difference you notice without looking for it. The RTX 4090 has more theoretical compute, which often, but not always, translates into higher frame rates.
-
The RTX 4090 has 12 GB more VRAM
If vram is one of your priorities, this settles it: the RTX 4090 leads clearly with 24 GB to the RTX 3080 Ti’s 12 GB. More VRAM lets the card hold higher-resolution textures and bigger scenes without stutter.
-
The RTX 4090 has 60% more shader units
The numbers aren’t close. The RTX 4090 lists 16,384 for shader units, while the RTX 3080 Ti lists 10,240. Shader units do most of the heavy lifting in games, so more of them usually means more frames per second within the same architecture.
-
The RTX 3080 Ti has 100 W lower board power
A clear win for the RTX 3080 Ti: 350 W against 450 W. Few specs in this matchup are as one-sided. Lower board power means less heat, quieter cooling and a smaller impact on your electricity bill.
-
The RTX 4090 has 60% more ray tracing units
Here the RTX 4090 pulls well ahead of the RTX 3080 Ti, with 128 compared to 80. More ray tracing units help keep frame rates up when ray-traced lighting, shadows and reflections are switched on.
Design & Size
- RTX 3080 Ti 11.22 in × 2 slots
- RTX 4090 11.97 in × 3 slots
Size is a trade-off, not a score: the RTX 4090 is larger, the RTX 3080 Ti more compact.
Size & Connectivity
| Spec | RTX 3080 Ti | RTX 4090 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 4090 leads
When it comes to gpu & performance, the RTX 4090 is comfortably ahead. The RTX 4090 scores with 142% more theoretical FP32 compute. Architectures use their compute differently, so treat the gap as a guide and look at game benchmarks for the details. That makes the RTX 4090 the natural choice for buyers focused on gpu & performance.
FP32 compute
RTX 3080 Ti: 34.1 TFLOPS RTX 4090: 82.6 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 3080 Ti: 10,240 RTX 4090: 16,384 Treat shader count as a strong hint about performance tier, then check benchmarks for the games you actually play.
Memory
RTX 4090 leads
The RTX 4090 clearly takes the memory round. The RTX 4090 has the edge with 12 GB more VRAM. At high resolutions or with texture packs, running out of VRAM can hurt more than a small speed gap. So if memory tops your list, lean toward the RTX 4090.
VRAM
RTX 3080 Ti: 12 GB RTX 4090: 24 GB Newer games tend to ask for more video memory, so the RTX 4090’s extra VRAM helps the card age better.
Memory bandwidth
RTX 3080 Ti: 912 GB/s RTX 4090: 1,008 GB/s Memory bandwidth decides how quickly the GPU can feed itself with data, which matters most at 1440p and 4K.
Features
The RTX 3080 Ti and the RTX 4090 differ on features in ways that are described rather than measured. The table has the details.
Power & Thermals
RTX 3080 Ti leads
Here the RTX 3080 Ti opens up one of its biggest leads in the comparison. The RTX 3080 Ti pulls ahead with 100 W lower board power. Higher board power often comes with higher performance, so the RTX 4090’s appetite may be part of the price of its speed. Bottom line for power & thermals: the RTX 3080 Ti has the edge.
Total board power
RTX 3080 Ti: 350 W RTX 4090: 450 W The RTX 3080 Ti draws less power, which makes it easier to cool in compact cases.
Recommended PSU
RTX 3080 Ti: 750 W RTX 4090: 850 W The recommended power supply tells you whether your current PSU can handle the card without an upgrade.
Full Specifications
GPU & Performance
| Spec | RTX 3080 Ti | RTX 4090 |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Ampere | Ada Lovelace |
| GPU die | GA102 | AD102 |
| Process | Samsung 8N | TSMC 4N |
| Shader units | 10,240 | 16,384 (winner) |
| Ray tracing units | 80 | 128 (winner) |
| Base clock | 1,365 MHz | 2,235 MHz (winner) Highest base clock |
| Boost clock | 1,665 MHz | 2,520 MHz (winner) Highest boost clock |
| FP32 computeTheoretical peak; AMD counts dual-issue, so compare within a brand only | 34.1 TFLOPS | 82.6 TFLOPS (winner) |
Memory
| Spec | RTX 3080 Ti | RTX 4090 |
|---|---|---|
| VRAM | 12 GB | 24 GB (winner) |
| Memory type | GDDR6X | GDDR6X |
| Memory bus | 384-bit | 384-bit |
| Memory bandwidth | 912 GB/s | 1,008 GB/s (winner) |
Features
| Spec | RTX 3080 Ti | RTX 4090 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 4090 |
|---|---|---|
| Total board power | 350 W (winner) | 450 W |
| Recommended PSU | 750 W (winner) | 850 W |
| Power connector | 1x 12-pin | 1x 16-pin (12VHPWR) |
Size & Connectivity
| Spec | RTX 3080 Ti | RTX 4090 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 4090 |
|---|---|---|
| Launch price (MSRP) | $1,199 (winner) | $1,599 |
“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
The RTX 3080 Ti undercut the RTX 4090 by $400 at launch, which works out to 33%. What does the RTX 4090’s extra $400 actually get you? Mainly 142% more theoretical FP32 compute and 12 GB more VRAM.
Prices shown are US launch prices as of October 2022. Retail prices change often, so it’s worth checking current offers.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the RTX 3080 Ti if…
- you care about your power bill and a quieter case (350 W vs 450 W)
- you want to keep your current power supply (750 W vs 850 W recommended PSU)
- you’d rather keep $400 in your pocket
Choose the RTX 4090 if…
- you want more theoretical compute (82.6 TFLOPS vs 34.1 TFLOPS)
- you play at high resolutions with high-quality textures (24 GB vs 12 GB VRAM)
- you want more raw GPU hardware (16,384 vs 10,240 shader units)
- you play with ray tracing switched on (128 vs 80 RT units)
- you plan to keep it for a long time and want to start from the newer generation
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the RTX 3080 Ti or the RTX 4090?
For most people, the RTX 4090 is the stronger choice, unless what you want most is 100 W lower board power.
Should I upgrade from the RTX 3080 Ti to the RTX 4090?
The RTX 4090 makes a solid case for upgrading, with 142% more theoretical FP32 compute, 12 GB more VRAM and 60% more shader units over the RTX 3080 Ti.
Is the RTX 3080 Ti bigger than the RTX 4090?
The RTX 4090 is the larger of the two. It measures 11.97 in, compared with 11.22 in for the RTX 3080 Ti.
Which is faster, the RTX 3080 Ti or the RTX 4090?
Going by the specs, the RTX 4090 comes out ahead: it offers 142% more theoretical FP32 compute and 60% more shader units.
Which costs less, the RTX 3080 Ti or the RTX 4090?
The RTX 3080 Ti is the cheaper option, launching at $400 less than the RTX 4090 (launch prices as of October 2022).
Executive Summary
Same family, different trade-offs: that’s how I read the RTX 3080 Ti and the RTX 4090. It’s hard to argue with 142% more theoretical FP32 compute, which is exactly what the RTX 4090 brings. A second point goes to the RTX 4090 for 12 GB more VRAM. The RTX 3080 Ti does have a strong card to play: 100 W lower board power.
I’d steer power & thermals fans toward the RTX 3080 Ti and gpu & performance fans toward the RTX 4090.
My pick: the RTX 4090 is the one I’d buy, unless you’d rather have 100 W lower board power on the RTX 3080 Ti.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.