RTX 4080 vs RTX 4080 Super
When a maker splits one card into several versions, the job of picking falls to you. Here that means the RTX 4080 or the RTX 4080 Super. If you only read one line, make it this: the RTX 4080 Super takes 1 of 3 compared areas, and the gpu & performance gap is the one to look at first. Money matters here as well, since the RTX 4080 started out $200 above the RTX 4080 Super.
At a glance
- GPU & Performance RTX 4080 Super wins
- Memory Tie
- Power & Thermals Tie
- Price RTX 4080 Super wins
- GPU & Performance7.2
- Memory2.9
- Power & Thermals4.1
- GPU & Performance8.0
- Memory3.1
- 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 Super has 7.2% more theoretical FP32 compute
The RTX 4080 Super nudges ahead with 52.2 TFLOPS, while the RTX 4080 lists 48.7 TFLOPS. The RTX 4080 Super has more theoretical compute, which often, but not always, translates into higher frame rates.
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The RTX 4080 Super has 5.3% more shader units
This one is close enough that other factors could outweigh it, but on paper the RTX 4080 Super leads with 10,240 to 9,728. Shader units do most of the heavy lifting in games, so more of them usually means more frames per second within the same architecture.
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The RTX 4080 Super has 5.3% more ray tracing units
Only a little separates them: 80 on the RTX 4080 Super, 76 on the RTX 4080. If you enable ray tracing, the RTX 4080 Super’s extra RT hardware should take less of a hit.
-
The RTX 4080 Super has
It’s a fine margin, and it favors the RTX 4080 Super (2,295 MHz versus 2,205 MHz). The base clock is the guaranteed minimum speed; in games, cards usually run well above it.
Design & Size
- RTX 4080 11.97 in × 3 slots
- RTX 4080 Super 11.97 in × 3 slots
Size is a tie. Anywhere the RTX 4080 fits, the RTX 4080 Super should fit too, and vice versa.
Size & Connectivity
| Spec | RTX 4080 | RTX 4080 Super |
|---|---|---|
| Reference card length | 11.97 in | 11.97 in |
| Slot width | 3 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 Super leads
The RTX 4080 is outclassed on gpu & performance; the RTX 4080 Super leads by a clear margin. Here the RTX 4080 Super offers 7.2% 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. On gpu & performance alone, the RTX 4080 Super gets the nod.
FP32 compute
RTX 4080: 48.7 TFLOPS RTX 4080 Super: 52.2 TFLOPS Architectures use their compute differently, so treat the gap as a guide and look at game benchmarks for the details.
Shader units
RTX 4080: 9,728 RTX 4080 Super: 10,240 Treat shader count as a strong hint about performance tier, then check benchmarks for the games you actually play.
Memory
Too close to call
If memory matters most to you, this section won’t make the decision for you: they’re level. In short, memory is a draw; the decision lies elsewhere.
Features
This area doesn’t reduce to a single number. The table shows the features details for both, so you can judge what matters to you.
Power & Thermals
Too close to call
Neither pulls ahead on power & thermals; the numbers are close throughout. On power & thermals alone, you can’t go far wrong with either.
Full Specifications
GPU & Performance
| Spec | RTX 4080 | RTX 4080 Super |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Ada Lovelace | Ada Lovelace |
| GPU die | AD103 | AD103 |
| Process | TSMC 4N | TSMC 4N |
| Shader units | 9,728 | 10,240 (winner) |
| Ray tracing units | 76 | 80 (winner) |
| Base clock | 2,205 MHz | 2,295 MHz (winner) |
| Boost clock | 2,505 MHz | 2,550 MHz |
| FP32 computeTheoretical peak; AMD counts dual-issue, so compare within a brand only | 48.7 TFLOPS | 52.2 TFLOPS (winner) |
Memory
| Spec | RTX 4080 | RTX 4080 Super |
|---|---|---|
| VRAM | 16 GB | 16 GB |
| Memory type | GDDR6X | GDDR6X |
| Memory bus | 256-bit | 256-bit |
| Memory bandwidth | 717 GB/s | 736 GB/s |
Features
| Spec | RTX 4080 | RTX 4080 Super |
|---|---|---|
| Upscaling | DLSS Super Resolution | DLSS Super Resolution |
| Frame generation | DLSS Frame Generation (2x) | DLSS Frame Generation (2x) |
| PCIe interface | PCIe 4.0 x16 | PCIe 4.0 x16 |
Power & Thermals
| Spec | RTX 4080 | RTX 4080 Super |
|---|---|---|
| Total board power | 320 W | 320 W |
| Recommended PSU | 750 W | 750 W |
| Power connector | 1x 16-pin (12VHPWR) | 1x 16-pin (12VHPWR) |
Size & Connectivity
| Spec | RTX 4080 | RTX 4080 Super |
|---|---|---|
| Reference card length | 11.97 in | 11.97 in |
| Slot width | 3 slots | 3 slots |
| Display outputs | 3x DisplayPort 1.4a, 1x HDMI 2.1 | 3x DisplayPort 1.4a, 1x HDMI 2.1 |
Price
| Spec | RTX 4080 | RTX 4080 Super |
|---|---|---|
| Launch price (MSRP) | $1,199 | $999 (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
That’s $200 between the two launch prices, a spread of 20% that makes the RTX 4080 Super the value-minded choice. The RTX 4080 asks $200 more without winning more areas, which tilts value firmly toward the RTX 4080 Super.
Prices shown are US launch prices as of January 2024. Retail prices change often, so it’s worth checking current offers.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the RTX 4080 Super if…
- you want more theoretical compute (52.2 TFLOPS vs 48.7 TFLOPS)
- you want more shader units working on every frame (10,240 vs 9,728)
- you play with ray tracing switched on (80 vs 76 RT units)
- you want the higher guaranteed base clock (2,295 MHz vs 2,205 MHz)
- you want more value for your money ($200 less at launch)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the RTX 4080 or the RTX 4080 Super?
On the specs compared here, the RTX 4080 Super makes more sense for most buyers; the RTX 4080 doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Is the RTX 4080 bigger than the RTX 4080 Super?
Neither by much. The RTX 4080 and the RTX 4080 Super have nearly identical dimensions.
Does the RTX 4080 perform better than the RTX 4080 Super?
Going by the specs, the RTX 4080 Super comes out ahead: it offers 7.2% more theoretical FP32 compute and 5.3% more shader units.
Which costs less, the RTX 4080 or the RTX 4080 Super?
Going by launch prices, the RTX 4080 Super costs $200 less than the RTX 4080. Prices as of January 2024; current offers may differ.
Executive Summary
When a brand offers the RTX 4080 and the RTX 4080 Super side by side, I always ask what you give up by picking one over the other. Honestly, 7.2% more theoretical FP32 compute on the RTX 4080 Super does a lot of the persuading for me. Less flashy, but still real: the RTX 4080 Super brings 5.3% more ray tracing units.
A quick self-test: do you care more about the things a spec sheet can’t capture or gpu & performance? The first answer means the RTX 4080, the second means the RTX 4080 Super.
My pick: the RTX 4080 Super.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.