The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 gathered all the buzz around it upon its release, and rightly so, because the graphics card is truly one of a kind. When we put it against the last generation’s RTX 3080 Ti, we found out that it performed better with a whopping ~56.4% lead. However, not everyone is after the extreme performance that the RTX 4090 offers, and for such gamers, there is finally the RTX 4080.
The RTX 4080 16GB comes with huge performance gains over its predecessor, and that’s basically because the new Ada Lovelace architecture is a work of art. With features like 4th-gen Tensor Cores, DLSS 3.0, and Shader Execution Reordering (SER), NVIDIA has completely knocked it out of the park with its RTX 400 series.
Our RTX 4080 Picks, all compared to each other at a glance:
Last update on 2023-10-02
If you are buying an RTX 4080, then be sure to read the following:
Best RTX 4080 In 2023
These are our recommendations for the best RTX 4080 graphics cards:
- ZOTAC Gaming GeForce RTX 4080 16GB Trinity OC
- ASUS ROG Strix GeForce RTX 4080 16GB OC
- Gigabyte RTX 4080 XTREME WATERFORCE
- MSI GeForce RTX 4080 16GB SUPRIM X OC
- Gigabyte GeForce RTX 4080 16GB AERO OC
- ASUS TUF Gaming GeForce RTX 4080
ZOTAC Gaming GeForce RTX 4080 16GB Trinity OC
Best Overall GeForce RTX 4080
Dimensions: 356.1mm x 150.1mm x 71.4mm | Boost Clock: 2520 MHz | Power Connectors: 1 x 12VHPWR | RGB: Yes | Display Outputs: 3 x DisplayPort 1.4a, 1 x HDMI Connector | Recommended PSU: 750W
Pros
Cons
Design: Starting from the design, the ZOTAC RTX 4080 Trinity OC boasts an exceptional and distinctive design guaranteed to capture attention. Breaking away from the conventional rectangular form, ZOTAC has chosen a gently curved design with elegant sweeping edges. Moving on, the RTX 4080 Trinity OC prominently incorporates 5-zone RGB lighting that can be customized to fit your liking. Moreover, it has a holographic frame that lets lights underneath shine through.
Cooling: Coming to thermal management, the ZOTAC Gaming GeForce RTX 4080 16GB Trinity OC utilizes IceStorm 2.0 technology for effective cooling. Being an air-cooled variant, it has three fans. Moreover, it has improved 360-degree airflow, which allows air to cross in any direction to maximize the cooling effect. Additionally, a 3.5-slot wide aluminum fin stack facilitates quick heat transfer. It also has nine copper heat pipes that directly touch the GPU to take heat away as soon as it is generated. It also utilizes vibration dampers to cut down the noise level.
Performance: Starting with the clock speeds, the reference card has an impressive boost clock speed of 2510 MHz. Although ZOTAC still managed to add an extra 10 MHz to this already good boost clock speed. Moving on, the ZOTAC RTX 4080 Trinity OC has a memory bus width of 256 bit, which make it possible to achieve a memory speed of 22.4 Gbps. Looking at VRM phases, the ZOTAC RTX 4080 Trinity OC utilizes 24+3 power phases for robust and uninterrupted power delivery.
Power Consumption: Moving onto power consumption, the RTX 4080 has a TGP of 320W. From this power rating, it is evident that the 4080 carries NVIDIA’s legacy of power-hungry GPUs. ZOTAC suggests a PSU of 750W for the RTX 4080 Trinity OC. Just like the other high-end variants, the ZOTAC RTX 4080 Trinity OC also has dual BIOS mode. You can switch between amplify and quiet mode using the physical button on the card depending on your need and use.
Value For Money: If you are looking for a high-end graphics card with good money in your pocket, you can have the privilege of making the RTX 4080 part of your gaming rig. While it has a high initial price tag, it is still an affordable option compared to its older sibling, i.e., RTX 4090. Its price-to-performance ratio is admirable when you consider its unique position in the market when compared to alternative options from rival AMD.
Buy It If:
You want excellent thermals: With nine copper heat pipes, an aluminum fin stack, and 360-degree airflow, the ZOTAC RTX 4080 Trinity OC stands out in its thermal management.
You want a unique design: The unique, captivating looks of the Trinity OC series also rank it among the best.
Don’t Buy It If:
You want a high factory OC: Despite a good VRM design, the ZOTAC RTX 4080 Trinity OC does not have a good factory overclock.
What Makes It The Best Overall GeForce RTX 4080?
The ZOTAC RTX 4080 Trinity OC comes with an exceptional cooling solution. It has nine copper heat pipes and 3.5-slot wide aluminum fin stacks for effective heat dissipation. Its 24+3 VRM phase design also makes it stand out among its competitors. Additionally, the unique curved design complemented with RGBs along with all these features makes it the Best Overall GeForce RTX 4080.
ASUS ROG Strix GeForce RTX 4080 16GB OC Edition
Best High-End RTX 4080
Dimensions: 357.6 x 149.3 x 70.1mm | Default Clock: 2625MHz (Boost Clock) | Power Connectors: 1 x 16-pin | RGB: Yes | Display Outputs: 2 x HDMI 2.1a, 3 x DisplayPort 1.4a Recommended PSU: 750W
Pros
- Great 18-Phase VRM design with 70A of current each.
- 2625MHz of clock speed by default.
- Solid Built Quality.
Cons
- Expensive.
When it comes to the best high-end RTX 4080, no variant comes close to the ROG Strix RTX 4080 16GB OC Edition. On top of that, there are many fundamental changes as well that make this particular variant the best overall for the RTX 4080, including but not limited to a very strong VRM.
Design: For the entire RTX 4000 series line-up, ROG has completely redesigned the way their Strix GPUs look. Covering about 3.5 slots, the shroud of the GPU is a perfect rectangle with a matte black/greyish finish. However, to add some color, there is a huge red ROG gaming brand logo which seamlessly turns blue as you move toward the left. Furthermore, at the bottom of the GPU, the outer edge is covered with RGB lightning that complements the illuminated “Republic of Gamers” logo on its side.
Cooling: To dissipate all the heat, the graphics card uses a huge aluminum heatsink that can be seen from basically every angle. There is a vapor chamber that takes up all the heat from different components, and then there are seven heat pipes that transfer the heat to the heat sink. Overall, the three fans combined with the massive heatsink do a great job at keeping the thermals down. All of these high numbers also mean that the Strix card is enormous in size.
Performance: The ROG Strix RTX 4080 OC Edition clocks at a whopping 2625MHz frequency by default, and you can shift to the OC mode to bump it further up to 2655MHz. It features an 18-phase VRM design where each phase is capable of providing up to 70 A of current. Such a high-quality VRM structure should be more than enough to reliably and smoothly flow enough voltage to manage the high clock speeds. Similarly, for memory, ASUS has gone with a 3-phase design where each phase is rated for 50 A of current.
Power Consumption: ASUS recommends a 750W power supply for the ROG Strix GeForce RTX 4080, making it one of the more reasonable variants of this particular GPU out there. Nevertheless, with a 750W power supply, you will have more than enough headroom for overclocking as well.
Value For Money: The RTX 4080 ROG Strix stands as a premium variant, showcasing exceptional features and thermal performance that justify its premium price tag. This GPU caters to enthusiasts and gamers seeking top-tier performance and reliability, making it a worthwhile investment for those who demand the best in their gaming and creative endeavors.
Buy It If:
You want an exceptional thermal solution: One particular thing that we liked about it is its high-end VRM design and its powerful cooling system to ensure that the GPU does not suffer from thermal throttling.
Don’t Buy It If:
You have a limited budget: Most likely, the only reason why you would skip this variant of the RTX 4080 is that it is too expensive. The ROG STRIX RTX 4080 OC Edition definitely costs more than any other variant out there, which can be quite disappointing, seeing that the other variants are not too bad either.
What Makes It The Best High-End RTX 4080?
All things considered, the ROG Strix RTX 4080 is a no-brainer if you can afford it. The graphics card promises to provide the ultimate performance, and it will not let you down in any way whatsoever. With its beautiful aesthetics, massive fans, high clock speeds, and top-tier VRM design, it is a clear winner of our Best High-End RTX 4080 Graphics Card category.
AORUS Gigabyte RTX 4080 XTREME WATERFORCE
Best Liquid-Cooled RTX 4080
Dimensions: 236 x 146 x 40mm | Default Clock: 2565MHz | Power Connectors: 1 x 16-pin | RGB: Yes | Display Outputs: 2 x HDMI 2.1a, 3 x DisplayPort 1.4a Recommended PSU: 850W
Pros
- Takes up just 2 slots.
- Exceptionally well-cooling capabilities and low noise.
- Good RGB.
Cons
- Clock speeds should be higher.
- The suggested PSU is 850W.
As we saw in the Best RTX 4090 variants as well as the ROG Strix RTX 4080, these graphics cards are generally enormous in size with massive coolers to keep the temperatures low. So, for those gamers who prefer a much quieter gaming experience, we recommend the AORUS Gigabyte RTX 4080 XTREME WATERFORCE as the Best Liquid-Cooled Nvidia GeForce RTX 4080 Graphics Card.
Design: In terms of aesthetics, the GPU comes with beautiful RGB lighting that can be configured to display 16.7 million colors along with several lighting effects. Using GIGABYTE CONTROL CENTER, you can sync the RGB with your other devices as well. Its compact size is a distinct advantage that separates it from the other RTX 4090 variants on the market. However, you will have to check compatibility for its radiator before purchasing.
Cooling: Where the XTREME WATERFORCE graphics card really shines is its beautiful and effective cooling system. Combined with 3x 120mm double ball bearing fans and a huge 360mm AIO radiator, the dual-slot GPU packs enough cooling power to keep the GPU itself along with the VRAM and other important components like VRMs/MOSFETs at a lower temperature. The liquid cooling component is one of the primary advantages of this variant.
Performance: The liquid-cooled graphics card comes with a core clock speed of 2565MHz, which, while less than the ROG Strix RTX 4080 as that clocks at 2625 by default, is still more than what the reference card comes with (2505MHz). However, you have the ability to manually overclock this variant without worrying much about the additional thermal output.
Power Consumption: Focusing on the power, the Gigabyte RTX 4080 XTREME WATERFORCE definitely consumes more power than the reference card. That’s because it’s suggested PSU is rated for 850W, whereas for the reference card, it is 750W. Just like other RTX 4080 variants, you need the controversial 1x 16-pin connector, which must be inserted very carefully to power up this GPU.
Value For Money: The Gigabyte RTX 4080 XTREME WATERFORCE is a premium liquid cooling variant, offering a unique selling point that sets it apart in the market. Its exceptional cooling solution not only keeps temperatures in check but also justifies its premium market position, making it a top choice for gamers and content creators seeking high performance and reliability in a unique package.
Buy It If:
You want a compact design: Its sleek design, coupled with the fact that the GPU only covers 2-slots, is something that we love the most about it.
You want extraordinary cooling: Additionally, the graphics card also has a high emphasis on cooling as well, which makes sense because its main selling point is the fact that it is liquid-cooled.
Don’t Buy It If:
Your budget is limited: There isn’t much to dislike about this GPU. Sure, it costs more than the reference card, but you can’t get a durable liquid-cooled card on a budget anyway.
What Makes It The Best Liquid-Cooled RTX 4080?
Nevertheless, if you can afford it, and if you’re after a liquid-cooled RTX 4080, then the AORUS Gigabyte RTX 4080 XTREME WATERFORCE should be your choice. It comes with a really impressive cooling system featuring a 360mm AIO radiator and a durable water block that covers all the crucial components like the GPU, VRAM, and VRM and dissipates heat generated from them efficiently and silently, making it the Best Liquid-Cooled RTX 4080 Graphics Card.
MSI GeForce RTX 4080 16GB SUPRIM X OC
Best Air-Cooled RTX 4080
Dimensions: 336 x 142 x 78mm | Default Clock: 2625MHz | Power Connectors: 1 x 16-pin | RGB: Yes | Display Outputs: 2 x HDMI 2.1a, 3 x DisplayPort 1.4a Recommended PSU: 850W
Pros
- 2625MHz clock speed.
- A really solid cooling system with 10 heat pipes.
- Makes less noise.
Cons
- Each VRM phase can only deliver up to 50 A of current.
- The suggested PSU is 850W.
Design: Focusing on aesthetics to start, the GPU has a distinct look with a metal shroud that showcases sharp edges. The fan cutouts are shaped like an octagon with RGB chevrons around them. The metal shroud has a mirror finish, which, combined with its sharp lines, takes your attention toward its metal construction.
Cooling: As expected, the GPU features a plethora of cooling features to maintain healthy temperatures. For starters, it comes with TORX FAN 5.0, which provides about 23% better airflow than traditional axial fans. On top of that, MSI has used the Tri Frozr 3S cooling system for this variant. Along with 10 heat pipes, everything is connected to a Vapor Chamber, which covers the GPU itself and the VRAM to send the heat to Core Pipes.
Performance: The GPU has a frequency of 2625MHz, which is on par with the ASUS ROG Strix GeForce RTX 4080 OC at a much lower price tag. MSI has integrated an 18-phase VRM design where each phase can deliver up to 50 A of current. Similarly, the memory voltage uses a three-phase design with a current delivery of 50 A for each as well. In terms of memory clock speeds, the 16GB GDDR6X can achieve up to 1400MHz (22.5 Gbps effective).
Power Consumption: To power up this beast, you will need an 850W PSU, which is 100W more than what’s recommended for the reference card. Similarly, you also need the 1x 16-pin connector. The additional wattage capacity should allow for a better overclocking experience thanks to additional headroom in the power limit.
Value For Money: For our best air-cooled RTX 4080 category, the winner is MSI’s GeForce RTX 4080 16GB SUPRIM X. The graphics card offers all the performance figures along with the bells and whistles of a high-end RTX 4080 variant while being priced relatively better. This factor makes it an exceptional choice when it comes to value since it maximizes the price-to-performance ratio.
Buy It If:
You want high-end performance: What we liked the most about the MSI GeForce RTX 4080 16GB SUPRIM X is that it offers a lot of performance while costing a lot better than the rest of the variants.
You want superior cooling: Additionally, the GPU also hosts a bunch of impressive cooling features that are better than the competitors.
Don’t Buy It If:
You want the ultimate VRM design: While its VRM is no doubt a good one, and will not let you down in any way. We believe that it would be even better if each phase could deliver up to 70 A of current each.
What Makes It The Best Air-Cooled RTX 4080?
Overall, if you are not after a liquid-cooled RTX 4080, nor do you want to spend way too much money, then you should go for the MSI GeForce RTX 4080 16GB SUPRIM X. It is not the cheapest variant out there, nor does it provide the most value. But, for the performance that it delivers, it is definitely the Best Air-Cooled GeForce RTX 4080 in the market.
Gigabyte GeForce RTX 4080 16GB AERO OC
Best White RTX 4080
Dimensions: 342 x 150 x 75mm | Default Clock: 2535MHz | Power Connectors: 1 x 16-pin | RGB: Yes | Display Outputs: 2 x HDMI 2.1a, 3 x DisplayPort 1.4a Recommended PSU: 850W
Pros
- Very beautiful.
- Powerful 18+3 VRM Design.
- The cooling system uses 11 heat pipes.
- Good RGB.
Cons
- Clock speeds should be higher because its suggested PSU is 850W.
Design: If you are going after a white PC build, the best RTX 4080 graphics card for you is the Gigabyte GeForce RTX 4080 16GB AERO OC. The AERO AC looks absolutely drop-dead gorgeous. Its white and silver contrast makes it one of the best white graphics cards out there. On top of that, the card proudly showcases its huge heatsink by not hiding a lot of it behind the shroud. The card’s white theme separates itself from the crowd of plain, boring cards on the market.
Cooling: To cool down this beast, Gigabyte has used the WINDFORCE cooling system. There are three 110mm blade fans that spin in alternate directions, with two fans spinning outwards and one fan spinning inwards. This way, the turbulence created by adjacent fans is reduced a lot. In the heatsink, there are 11 composite heat pipes made of copper, which takes the heat away from the large vapor chamber and into the beautiful heatsink for effective dissipation.
Performance: The Gigabyte RTX 4080 AERO OC, by default, comes with the OC mode enabled, giving it a clock speed of 2535MHz. Keeping up with the high-performance numbers, the Geforce RTX 4080 Aero OC uses an 18+3 VRM design for its GPU voltage from an AOZ5311NQI DrMOS. In total, the VRM design has 21 phases; such a well-built VRM configuration is a true testimony to the GPU’s high performance because it’s good enough to provide smooth voltage under different loads.
Power Consumption: Nvidia’s power supply recommendation of 850W makes a lot of sense for this particular variant, as it provides more than enough room for your other components as well as future upgrades. The added power limit also allows the card to be overclocked smoothly, without running into power limitations.
Value For Money: The Gigabyte RTX 4080 AERO OC, with its unique white theme, is not only a standout in aesthetics but also ranks among the best performers in its class. Its impressive performance-to-price ratio makes it a compelling choice, offering great value for money for those seeking top-tier gaming and creative capabilities in a stylish package.
Buy It If:
You want an all-white design: The looks and overall aesthetics have the be the best thing about the Gigabyte GeForce RTX 4080 16GB AERO OC. Combined with a white motherboard, the rig will be mouth-watering for all the white-themed PC builders out there.
You want great thermal performance: Additionally, we also liked that the GPU uses 11 heat pipes, which is quite impressive.
Don’t Buy It If:
You want a higher factory overclock: Considering its high-end cooling system and 850W recommended PSU, the GPU should have a clock speed of 2600+ MHz. That’s especially because we have seen that other variants can easily achieve such a figure with even a 750W recommended PSU.
What Makes It The Best White RTX 4080?
All things considered, the Gigabyte GeForce RTX 4080 16GB AERO OC is a powerful GPU with a higher clock speed than the reference card. On top of that, if you are into white PC builds, then nothing comes close to being as beautiful as this GPU. From its fans to the white shroud, everything is just gorgeous, and that’s why it is the Best White GeForce RTX 4080. Be sure to check out our guides on the Best White CPU Coolers and White PC Cases to get in 2023.
ASUS TUF Gaming GeForce RTX 4080
Best Value RTX 4080
Dimensions: 348.2 x 150 x 72.6mm | Default Clock: 2505MHz | Power Connectors: 1 x 16-pin | RGB: Yes | Display Outputs: 2 x HDMI 2.1a, 3 x DisplayPort 1.4a Recommended PSU: 750W
Pros
- Priced Close To MSRP.
- Smart ARGB features.
- Good Value.
Cons
- Huge in size.
Design: The TUF lineup of graphics cards has a distinct industrial design language that is representative of their target audience. Betraying a sense of ruggedness and reliability, the TUF RTX 4080 features a metal exoskeleton with lots of cooling vents. Additionally, the vents also let you peek into the inner cooling mechanism, which adds to its design philosophy.
Cooling: For cooling, the GPU uses the same fans as the ASUS ROG Strix variant. There are a total of three fans that spin in an alternate direction to reduce turbulence. The dual ball bearing fans are improved to deliver 23.8% more airflow and 19.3% more pressure than their predecessor. There are lots of ventilation areas throughout the metal exoskeleton to dissipate the heat from the heat sink, which further adds to its cooling capabilities.
Performance: Focusing on the clock speeds, the ASUS TAG Gaming GeForce RTX 4080 has a default clock speed of 2505MHz, which is the same as the reference card. The card’s minimal factory overclock is indicative of its mid-range pricing, but it also presents an opportunity for manual overclocking. Thanks to its robust VRM, you can achieve excellent overclocking results with minimal effort.
Power Consumption: The power consumption of the ASUS TUF RTX 4080 falls on the better side as the GPU has a suggested PSU of 750W, which is exactly what the reference card recommends as well. On the other hand, we have noticed that many other variants come with a recommended PSU of 850W, which may be a bit more than required.
Value For Money: For those gamers who are not after the absolute top-tier performance that the OC cards offer and also want to save a few bucks to spend on other components, then they should go with the ASUS TUF Gaming GeForce RTX 4080. For basically the same price as the reference card, the TUF RTX 4080 provides the most value for money.
Buy It If:
You want exceptional value: The best thing about the ASUS TUF Gaming GeForce RTX 4080 is its price. For the performance it provides, this particular variant is for sure the best bang for the buck. You can save a couple of hundred dollars easily by going with the ASUS TUF RTX 4080.
Don’t Buy It If:
You want a compact GPU: There isn’t much to dislike about this graphics card. However, its size is definitely a big negative. While this can be said for basically every other RTX 4000 series card because all of them are massive GPUs, the ASUS TUF RTX 4080 is no better either.
Going for the RTX 4070? Read our guide on the Best RTX 4070 and the Best RTX 4070 Ti Graphics Cards.
What Makes It The Best Value RTX 4080?
With that said, if you are on a budget and you want the best value for money, then you should definitely go with the ASUS TUF Gaming GeForce RTX 4080. The fact that it costs the same as the reference card, but provides better clock speeds, improved cooling, and more features, are some of the reasons why we have named it the Best Value GeForce RTX 4080.
If you’re looking for more value-oriented options, then check out:
- Best RTX 4060 Ti
- Best RTX 4060
- Best RTX 3070 Ti
- Best RTX 3070
- Best RTX 3060 Ti
- Best RTX 3060
- Best RTX 3050
Competition
Gigabyte AORUS MASTER GeForce RTX 4080 16GB
Runner-Up For Best Overall GeForce RTX 4080
Dimensions: 357 x 163 x 75mm | Boost Clock: 2550MHz | Power Connectors: 1 x 12-pin | RGB: Yes | Display Outputs: 1 x HDMI 2.1, 3 x DisplayPort 1.4a | Recommended PSU: 850W
Pros
- Solid overclocking performance
- Exceptional Power Delivery
Cons
- Quad-Slot design
Design: The card itself presents itself with a black and gray finish, with the two colors blending together seamlessly at the center. A noticeable amount of sharp cuts can be found on the front shroud, giving it a refined look. Moreover, an AORUS logo has been placed right on top of the middle fan; the logo is encased within diagonal RGB strips that traverse through its center. Speaking of RGB, its triple fan setup has also received a fair share of RGB lighting, with circular strips surrounding each fan.
Cooling: Its monstrous VRM solution and increased clock speeds are cooled down using Gigabyte’s Advanced WindForce Cooling Solution, which features 3x 110mm fans, a vapor chamber in direct contact with the GPU, and increased airflow for the fans. The rugged structure is reinforced by the metal backplate that ensures extra heat dissipation thanks to the large vent present at its side. Furthermore, the VRMs are cooled down using high-quality thermal pads and a configuration of 12 copper heat pipes.
Performance: As far as its performance is concerned, Gigabyte has taken the boost clock speeds up a notch with the Aorus Master GeForce RTX 4080, allowing it to boost up to a staggering 2550MHz. The AORUS Master lineup ranks among Gigabyte’s highest-end lineups, catering to enthusiasts who want the best possible features in a product. Continuing the trend of premium products, the RTX 4080 AORUS Master also features an excellent VRM design for better overclocking.
Power Consumption: Gigabyte recommends an 850W power supply for this particular variant, which is a very reasonable estimate. One can expect decent overclocking headroom with this configuration as well, allowing you to maximize the performance of the RTX 4080 AORUS Master without worrying about power limitations.
Value For Money: The Gigabyte AORUS Master GeForce RTX 4080 16GB is part of the AORUS MASTER series of graphic cards, providing users with a fantastic blend of features at a premium price. Being Gigabyte’s flagship variant of the GeForce RTX 4080, it also features unique elements such as an LCD screen on the side. Even though the price is steep, the AORUS Master RTX 4080 is a worthwhile purchase thanks to its excellent features and performance.
Buy It If:
You want a balanced variant: The Gigabyte AORUS Master GeForce RTX 4080 does a splendid job of offering a balanced set of features. From its thermal solution to the design, Gigabyte’s latest entry would make for a solid addition to any high-end build.
Don’t Buy It If:
You want a compact GPU: While Gigabyte has managed to deliver on a lot of the card’s aspects, one thing that remains prevalent is its monstrous size. Occupying four slots in your system for installation, the Gigabyte AORUS Master GeForce RTX 4080 is by no means a small card.
What Makes It The Runner-Up For The Best Overall RTX 4080?
In conclusion, The Gigabyte AORUS Master GeForce RTX 4080 is a well-rounded card that does not miss the mark in any aspect. Despite its insane dimension, it has managed to fascinate us with an astounding amount of features that are backed up with an immaculate cooling solution. Its plethora of note-worthy features combined with its dignified aesthetic and solid performance make it the Runner-Up For The Best Overall GeForce RTX 4080.
RTX 4080 Benchmarks
To illustrate how different RTX 4080 variants perform against each other, we tested a few of them along with other graphics cards at 1080p resolution. Our tests were conducted using the Core i7-13700K, and here are our results:
RTX 4090 vs RTX 4080
| Specifications | RTX 4090 | RTX 4080 |
| Architecture | Ada Lovelace | Ada Lovelace |
| CUDA cores | 16,384 | 9,728 |
| Thermal design power(TDP) | 450W | 320W |
| Base clock speed | 2,235 MHz | 2,205 MHz |
| Boost clock speed | 2,520 MHz | 2,505 MHz |
| Memory capacity | 24GB GDDR6X | 16GB GDDR6X |
| Memory speed | 21 Gbps | 21 Gbps |
| Bandwidth | 1018GB/s | 716.8GB/s |
| Tensor cores | 576 | 304 |
| Ray tracing cores | 144 | 76 |
The Nvidia RTX 4090 and RTX 4080 live up to delivering mesmerizing performances; both these GPUs are powerful enough to fulfill the needs of gamers and provide an amazing gaming experience. We have compared RTX 4090 with the RTX 4080; the results prove RTX 4090 is better than the RTX 4080 and many other top GPUs in the market.
One of the reasons is that RTX 4090 is RTX 4080’s bigger brother, the superlative version, in all honesty. With its overall performance being quite upscale, the RTX 4080 can still give a decent performance as it can easily run games on 4K with a decent FPS close to the RTX 4090.
A huge difference between the capabilities of RTX 4090 and RTX 4080 makes it obvious that RTX 4090 is the uncrowned king in terms of VRAM. For instance, while the difference between the video memory capacities is visible, the memory speed for both of these GPUs is the same, 21 Gbps. RTX 4090 also takes a clear lead in the clock speed compared to RTX 4080, however by a small margin on paper but in terms of performance, a huge one. By offering a base clock speed of 2235MHz and a max clock speed of 2520MHz, the RTX 4090 can render graphics much faster than the RTX 4080. The RTX 4080 is also not a bad choice, as it provides a base clock speed of 2205MHz and a max clock speed of 2505MHz.
One of the things where the RTX 4080 takes the lead is power efficiency; RTX 4080 draws less power to run compared to RTX 4090. The TDP for RTX 4080 is 320W, much less than the RTX 4090, which has a TDP of 450W. So if you want to save power, the RTX 4080 is a clear winner.
In the final verdict, it is obvious that RTX 4090 is a better GPU in terms of performance. Being dominant in most departments, like memory capacity, CUDA cores, and bandwidth, it delivers much better performance than its predecessor. However, if you require a kickass performance with less power consumption, RTX 4080 can be more considerable and is the way to go. Having better TDP and the same memory speed as the RTX 4090, it is still worth buying as its price is also less than the RTX 4090.
Read the full comparison between RTX 4080 Vs RTX 4090. While you’re at it, also check Best RTX 3090, Best RTX 3090 Ti, Best RTX 3080 Ti, and Best RTX 3080.
How We Se
Why Get An RTX 4080?
The GeForce RTX 4080 is an absolute powerhouse of a graphics card that excels at providing users with exceptional performance in both productivity and gaming tasks. It guarantees a visually-impressive and immersive gaming experience, allowing you to crank the graphics settings to the highest. Additionally, competitive gamers are bound to be pleased with the card’s ability to push frames higher to get the most out of your high-refresh-rate monitor.
Nvidia’s latest ADA Lovelace architecture brings forth massive improvements in terms of ray tracing performance as well. Its third-gen RT cores help achieve incredible frames even with ray tracing enabled, which makes it a solid option for anyone interested in making use of the breathtaking ray-traced visuals.
Further adding to its great host of features is DLSS 3.0, which revolutionizes the upscaling industry as a whole with its reinvigorated frame-generation technology that essentially doubles your frame rate. Being exclusive to 4000 series cards, Nvidia’s DLSS 3 plays a huge role in bringing the card’s performance to an entirely different level. It takes the tried and tested DLSS 2.0 and scales it up a notch, allowing users to experience incredibly high frame rates.
To sum up, the GeForce RTX 4080 showcases a vast array of features that make it suitable for both content creators and gamers. It demonstrates an incredible leap in performance compared to last-gen, making it one of the only graphics cards capable of handling fully-ray traced games.
Why You Should Not Get A RTX 4080
The GeForce RTX 4090 ranks among one of the best graphic cards that you can currently get your hands on. Naturally, its gains over the last gen make the GeForce RTX 4080 an extremely expensive option, fit for the highest-end PC builds. Despite the adverse reaction from consumers over the higher price, Nvidia has decided not to scale back at all in terms of pricing, making it completely out of the question for budget gamers.
Price aside, the GeForce RTX 4080 only makes for a viable option as long as you intend on utilizing all of its high-end features. If your workloads include graphically-intensive tasks such as 4K gaming and 3D rendering, then the GeForce RTX 4080 is a great pick. On the other hand, for 1080p gaming or light rendering, a mid-range GPU should suffice. Another thing that can be a deal breaker for some people is its incredibly huge size. In a similar fashion to the GeForce RTX 4090, we have observed a considerable increase in the size of the GeForce RTX 4080 in order to accommodate the much beefier cooler. The increase in size does cause issues when it comes to PC case compatibility; however, it should still fit inside most mid-tower cases.
One of the major issues that have come to the forefront is its power draw, which has been reported to be higher than previous models. With a TDP of 320W, you will need a powerful power supply to support the card.
In conclusion, while the RTX 4080 is a powerful and impressive graphics card, it may not be the best choice for everyone. Its high price, potential compatibility issues, and increased power draw make suggest that the GeForce RTX 4080 might not be for everyone.
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080: What’s New?
With the Ada Lovelace architecture, NVIDIA moved to a much more efficient and smaller fabrication process of 4 nm. Packing 45,900 million transistors on its 379mm² die, the RTX 4080 has a memory capacity of 16GB GDDR6X with a bandwidth of 716.8GB/s.
No matter how you look at it, the RTX 4080 packs a powerful punch in every department. The graphics card comes with 9,728 CUDA Cores and has a base clock speed of 2205MHz which can go all the way up to 2505MHz. Not only that, but it also has 304 Texture Mapping Units (TMUs), 76 RT Cores (Third-Gen), and 112 ROPs. To help with DLSS and other AI optimization, there are 304 Tensor Cores (Fourth-Gen). On the topic of DLSS, there are many improvements that DLSS 3.0 brings over its predecessor, and most important is its ability to now predict the next frame instead of just the next pixel to upscale the resolution.
To help optimize ray tracing, NVIDIA introduced Shader Execution Reordering (SER). What SER does is that it basically reorders the ray tracing shaders based on their similarity to the RTX 4080 and can work on all the similar shaders in a batch, which results in massive ray tracing performance gains. Being such a huge powerhouse, the RTX 4080 will not go easy on your electric bill. The dual-slot card is rated to draw 320W of power from a 1x 16-pin connector, which also means that you’ll need a hefty PSU to go along with it.
All in all, if you’re planning to build a gaming rig with the RTX 4080, then you should definitely go for it, as this GPU will not let you down. No matter which games you play at it, whether it is at 1080p, 1440p, or even 4K, the RTX 4080 can run it all. You may read more in-depth about the RTX 4080 article, where we discussed its pre-launch news and everything we have come to know so far.
How We Selected These RTX 4080 Graphics Cards
There are certain crucial factors that must always be considered when selecting a graphics card. You must always consider these factors whenever you’re buying a GPU.
VRM
First and foremost, a good RTX 4080 variant should come with a durable VRM design. VRM is responsible for sending voltage to the GPU, and the more reliable and high-end the VRM is, the smoother the voltage will be.
The more phases the VRM has, the less each phase has to work in regulating the voltage, which ultimately means that the VRM will not overheat and reduce its lifespan. So, the number of phases in a VRM is directly proportional to how reliable the VRM is. However, just the sheer number of phases is not alone; a VRM should be built with high-quality components as well to ensure excellent durability, especially if the GPU is designed to support overclocking.
Power Limit
As the name suggests, a GPU’s power limit is a cap that is set by the manufacturer. The power limit defines how much power the GPU will consume at maximum load. So, as the RTX 4080 is rated to draw 320W of power, a 100% power limit means that it will consume 320W at full load.
The higher the power limit of a GPU is, the more power it will consume, and hence it will perform equally better. However, it also means that the GPU will be generating lots of heat, so it must have a really good cooling system to stay at healthy temperatures.
Temperature and Cooler
On the topic of cooling, a GPU must have a really solid cooling system, especially if it features the above two factors we have talked about. A high-end VRM needs to be effectively cooled down quickly, and the same is the case with the power limit as well. All in all, a large copper base and a vapor chamber to soak up all the heat from the different GPU components, and then several heat pipes to quickly transfer that heat from the vapor chamber to the huge heat sink where multiple fans spin effectively to dissipate all the heat is a must-have.
Performance
This goes without saying that the selected GPU should provide top-of-the-line performance, which includes high clock speeds, overclocking modes, and much more. For instance, the ROG STRIX variant of the RTX 4080 has a default clock speed of 2625MHz, which is quite a lot seeing that the reference card clocks at 2505MHz.
The point is, if a particular variant costs more than the rest, then it should offer more performance than the rest as well, and that’s why we picked the ROG STRIX RTX 4080 as the Best Overall RTX 4080 Graphics Card. It should be noted that, ultimately, performance depends heavily on the other factors we have discussed.
Because if the GPU has a durable VRM that can provide smooth voltage without any hiccups and a high power limit along with an effective cooling system, only then can it perform better than the rest.
FAQs
The GeForce RTX 4080 is rated to consume 320W of power. So, depending on the variant, you need a PSU that can provide somewhere between 750W and 850W.
No, the RTX 4080, despite its fewer CUDA Cores, can outperform the last gen’s RTX 3090 Ti in terms of gaming benchmarks.
Yes, the RTX 4080 16GB pack enough paper to game at 4K. Just pair the GPU with an equally capable processor, and you should be good to go.
- August 31, 2023: The Best Overall RTX 4080 was out of stock, so we have replaced it with a better option.
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