RTX 4080 vs RTX 4090
If the RTX 4080 and the RTX 4090 look alike to you, that’s by design: they belong to the same family. The details below are where they part ways. Of the 3 areas we compared, the RTX 4090 wins 2. If one area explains the result, it’s gpu & performance. Then there’s the $400 question: that’s how much more the RTX 4090 launched at compared with the RTX 4080.
At a glance
- GPU & Performance RTX 4090 wins
- Memory RTX 4090 wins
- Power & Thermals RTX 4080 wins
- Price RTX 4080 wins
- GPU & Performance3.9
- Memory1.5
- Power & Thermals7.6
- 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
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The RTX 4090 has 70% more theoretical FP32 compute
Few buyers will miss this one. The RTX 4090 brings 82.6 TFLOPS to the table; the RTX 4080 brings 48.7 TFLOPS. The RTX 4090 has more theoretical compute, which often, but not always, translates into higher frame rates.
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The RTX 4090 has 8 GB more VRAM
When it comes to vram, the RTX 4090 wins comfortably with 24 GB against 16 GB. More VRAM lets the card hold higher-resolution textures and bigger scenes without stutter.
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The RTX 4090 has 68% more shader units
It’s a lopsided result (16,384 for the RTX 4090, 9,728 for the RTX 4080) and one of the main reasons to choose between them. Treat shader count as a strong hint about performance tier, then check benchmarks for the games you actually play.
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The RTX 4080 has 130 W lower board power
The spread here is large: 320 W on the RTX 4080 versus 450 W on the RTX 4090. Expect to notice it. Higher board power often comes with higher performance, so the RTX 4090’s appetite may be part of the price of its speed.
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The RTX 4090 has 41% more memory bandwidth
Of all the specs we compared, this is one where the RTX 4090 makes its strongest case: 1,008 GB/s against 717 GB/s. Bandwidth needs vary by architecture, so compare it alongside VRAM and cache rather than on its own.
Design & Size
- RTX 4080 11.97 in × 3 slots
- RTX 4090 11.97 in × 3 slots
On overall dimensions, the RTX 4080 and the RTX 4090 are separated by very little.
Size & Connectivity
| Spec | RTX 4080 | RTX 4090 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 4090 leads
The gpu & performance numbers point firmly in one direction: toward the RTX 4090. The RTX 4090 comes with 70% more theoretical FP32 compute. Architectures use their compute differently, so treat the gap as a guide and look at game benchmarks for the details. On gpu & performance alone, the RTX 4090 gets the nod.
FP32 compute
RTX 4080: 48.7 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 4080: 9,728 RTX 4090: 16,384 Shader units do most of the heavy lifting in games, so more of them usually means more frames per second within the same architecture.
Memory
RTX 4090 leads
The memory comparison is one-sided. The RTX 4090 leads where it counts. Here the RTX 4090 offers 8 GB more VRAM. Newer games tend to ask for more video memory, so the RTX 4090’s extra VRAM helps the card age better. Net result: the RTX 4090 leads this part of the comparison.
VRAM
RTX 4080: 16 GB RTX 4090: 24 GB At high resolutions or with texture packs, running out of VRAM can hurt more than a small speed gap.
Memory bandwidth
RTX 4080: 717 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
This section is descriptive. The RTX 4080 and the RTX 4090 list different components for features, and the table spells them out.
Power & Thermals
RTX 4080 leads
The RTX 4090 is outclassed on power & thermals; the RTX 4080 leads by a clear margin. The RTX 4080 has the edge with 130 W lower board power. Lower board power means less heat, quieter cooling and a smaller impact on your electricity bill. So if power & thermals tops your list, lean toward the RTX 4080.
Total board power
RTX 4080: 320 W RTX 4090: 450 W The RTX 4080 draws less power, which makes it easier to cool in compact cases.
Recommended PSU
RTX 4080: 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 4080 | RTX 4090 |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Ada Lovelace | Ada Lovelace |
| GPU die | AD103 | AD102 |
| Process | TSMC 4N | TSMC 4N |
| Shader units | 9,728 | 16,384 (winner) |
| Ray tracing units | 76 | 128 (winner) |
| Base clock | 2,205 MHz | 2,235 MHz Highest base clock |
| Boost clock | 2,505 MHz | 2,520 MHz Highest boost clock |
| FP32 computeTheoretical peak; AMD counts dual-issue, so compare within a brand only | 48.7 TFLOPS | 82.6 TFLOPS (winner) |
Memory
| Spec | RTX 4080 | RTX 4090 |
|---|---|---|
| VRAM | 16 GB | 24 GB (winner) |
| Memory type | GDDR6X | GDDR6X |
| Memory bus | 256-bit | 384-bit (winner) |
| Memory bandwidth | 717 GB/s | 1,008 GB/s (winner) |
Features
| Spec | RTX 4080 | RTX 4090 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 4090 |
|---|---|---|
| Total board power | 320 W (winner) | 450 W |
| Recommended PSU | 750 W (winner) | 850 W |
| Power connector | 1x 16-pin (12VHPWR) | 1x 16-pin (12VHPWR) |
Size & Connectivity
| Spec | RTX 4080 | RTX 4090 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 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 4080 came in $400 lower than the RTX 4090, a sizable gap of 33%. Step up by $400 to the RTX 4090 and you gain 70% more theoretical FP32 compute and 8 GB more VRAM.
These are US launch prices, recorded November 2022; what you pay today may be higher or lower.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the RTX 4080 if…
- you care about your power bill and a quieter case (320 W vs 450 W)
- you want to keep your current power supply (750 W vs 850 W recommended PSU)
- you’re working to a firm budget and $400 matters
Choose the RTX 4090 if…
- you want more theoretical compute (82.6 TFLOPS vs 48.7 TFLOPS)
- you play at high resolutions with high-quality textures (24 GB vs 16 GB VRAM)
- you want more shader units working on every frame (16,384 vs 9,728)
- you want more memory bandwidth (1,008 GB/s vs 717 GB/s)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the RTX 4080 or the RTX 4090?
The RTX 4090 wins more of the areas we compared, so it’s the safer pick unless your top priority is 130 W lower board power.
Which is larger, the RTX 4080 or the RTX 4090?
Neither by much. The RTX 4080 and the RTX 4090 have nearly identical dimensions.
Does the RTX 4080 perform better than the RTX 4090?
On paper, the RTX 4090 is the stronger performer, with 70% more theoretical FP32 compute and 68% more shader units.
Is the RTX 4080 cheaper than the RTX 4090?
Going by launch prices, the RTX 4080 costs $400 less than the RTX 4090. Prices as of November 2022; current offers may differ.
Executive Summary
Here’s my take on the RTX 4080 versus the RTX 4090, two models from one lineup. In daily life, I think the first difference you’d notice is 70% more theoretical FP32 compute, and that goes to the RTX 4090. On top of that, the RTX 4090 adds 8 GB more VRAM. Don’t write off the RTX 4080 entirely: it has 130 W lower board power.
Your priorities do the choosing here: power & thermals points to the RTX 4080, gpu & performance to the RTX 4090.
My pick: the RTX 4090 gets my vote, but the RTX 4080 is the right call if you know that 130 W lower board power would make a real difference in your routine.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.