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.
Set to release on 16th November, the embargo period for the RTX 4080 is over, and we can finally tell you all about the different variants that the graphics card comes in. While the GPU was supposed to originally come in two specifications, 12GB and 16GB, NVIDIA decided to rename the 12GB variant under the RTX 4070 umbrella instead.
Nevertheless, 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.
So, if you’re after the RTX 4080, then you might have noticed that there are quite a few variants out there, each claiming to be the absolute best. Well, in this guide, we will help you pick the right variant by walking you through the best RTX 4080 graphics cards out in the market.
Best RTX 4080 Graphics Cards
Last update on 2023-03-31
These are our recommendations for the best RTX 4080 graphics cards:
- Gigabyte AORUS MASTER GeForce RTX 4080 16GB
- 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
Gigabyte AORUS MASTER GeForce RTX 4080 16GB
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
Cons
Gigabyte has established itself as one of the leading figures in the industry, responsible for manufacturing some of the most sophisticated and innovative pieces of hardware we have seen. They have amassed a solid reputation over the years, cementing themselves as an industry-leading manufacturer of PC hardware. From CPU Coolers to Graphic Cards, Gigabyte manages to deliver an extensive range of hardware, all the while maintaining a level of excellence in doing so.
Their AORUS Master lineup ranks among Gigabyte’s highest-end lineups, catering to enthusiasts that want the best-possible features in a product. The Gigabyte AORUS Master GeForce RTX 4080 16GB is part of their AORUS MASTER series of graphic cards, providing users with a fantastic blend of features. Before we proceed, it is worth emphasizing a bit on its overall design and look.
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.
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. Unsurprisingly, a 45MHz increase over the founder’s edition is not going to amount to much in terms of real-world performance. It is worth mentioning that a separate dual-bios switch is present on the GPU, allowing you to switch to a silent mode for quieter operation.
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.
In contrast to its robust cooling solution, NVIDIA has kept the PCB fairly compact. Despite the somewhat smaller size of the PCB, the complete suite of VRM phases is present. The VRMs are cooled down using high-quality thermal pads and a configuration of 12 copper heat pipes.
Being Gigabyte’s flagship variant of the GeForce RTX 4080, they have equipped it with an LCD screen on the side. While screens of such types are no novelty to enthusiasts, it still serves as a welcome addition to the card’s already well-received host of features. Naturally, the screen gives users the ability to customize it to their liking, allowing them to add custom GIFs, images, and text using Gigabyte’s Control Center software.
Efficient power delivery is guaranteed using the 12-pin connector that is present at the side of the card. Your standard selection of display outputs is also available, which includes a single HDMI 2.1 port along with three Display ports. Additionally, an anti-sag bracket has also been included in the box, which is always nice to see on hefty cards like this one.
What We Liked
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. Topping off all of its enthusiast-grade features is the LCD screen on the side, which gives users complete freedom to customize the card to their liking.
What We Disliked
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. Its 3.5-slot design might pose a problem to those working with small form factor builds; however, that kind of absurd dimensions were somewhat expected from a GeForce RTX 4080.
Verdict
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 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.
What We Liked
The ROG Strix RTX 4080 is undoubtedly a phenomenal card, and that’s why it is also the winner of our Best High-End RTX 4080 Graphics Card category. 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.
Another good thing about this graphics card is that it features a custom PCB, which is probably why ASUS has managed to achieve such impressive figures with it.
What We Disliked
Most likely, the only reason why you would skip this variant of the RTX 4080 is that it is too expensive. For about $1,550, 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.
Verdict
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.
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).
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.
For safety, the Gigabyte RTX 4080 XTREME WATERFORCE comes with a leak detection circuit that covers the complete water block. So, in case of any liquid leaks, the circuit will immediately flash warning lights to alert the user.
Similarly, there is also a power indicator that flashes rapidly whenever there is a power supply abnormality, which is great since the RTX 4090 GPUs are known for having issues with their power connectors.
Remember how we mentioned that the GPU clocks at 2565MHz by default? Well, that is its OC mode which comes enabled out of the box. If you prefer an even quieter experience, then you can enable the silent mode, and the GPU will reduce further reduce its noise at the cost of lower performance.
Talking about durability, the VRM features an excellent power phase design which is configured to provide extremely stable voltage at lower temperatures.
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.
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.
What We Liked
Its sleek design, coupled with the fact that the GPU only covers 2-slots, is something that we love the most about it. 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.
What We Disliked
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 anyways. Overall, what we dislike the most about this card is that it could’ve performed even better, especially since it has a much better cooling system and a higher recommended PSU.
Verdict
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.
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.
Take its default clock speed for example, 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. On top of that, you can switch between GAMING Mode and SILENT Mode to prioritize full performance or low noise.
In terms of GPU voltage, MSI has integrated an 18-phase VRM design where each phase can deliver up to 50 A of current. Comparatively, the current output of each phase was rated for 70 A in ROG Strix GeForce RTX 4080. Nevertheless, the SUPRIM X’s VRM design is also quite durable and should be able to provide ample voltage in a smooth flow.
Similarly, the memory voltage uses a three-phase design with 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).
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. These Core Pipes then spread the transferred to the full surface area of the heatsink for the most optimal and efficient dissipation.
In terms of fan noise, at idle, the fans were completely halted, resulting in 0 dB, and at full load, the fan noise can go all the way up to 26.8 dB in default BIOS settings, which is quite impressive since the reference card can go as high as 34.3 dB. Similarly, with the GAMING Mode, the fan noise increased to 33.0 dB under load.
Focusing on aesthetics, 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.
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.
What We Liked
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. Additionally, the GPU also hosts a bunch of impressive cooling features which are better than the competitors.
What We Disliked
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.
Verdict
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.
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.
But that’s not it; the Gigabyte RTX 4080 AERO OC also packs a solid punch in terms of power. While it’s not up to the likes of SUPRIM X or ASUS ROG STRIX, it is still quite capable and, in fact, better than the reference card. The card, by default, comes with the OC mode enabled, giving it a clock speed of 2535MHz. However, if you are not after the sheer performance that it offers, and if you’re after a much quieter experience, you can also tone it down from the BIOS.
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.
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. Additionally, the alternate spinning technique also improves the overall airflow pressure.
Just like SUPRIM X, the fans of the RTX 4080 AERO OC also completely stop when the GPU is idling to completely eliminate the fan noise. As we mentioned earlier, Gigabyte proudly shows off the GPU’s heatsink, and that’s because it’s a work of art. 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.
Being part of the Gigabyte line-up, you can use the GIGABYTE CONTROL CENTER to display 16.7 million colors on the AERO logo. The GPU features subtle RGB lighting that can work in 5 different modes: Static, Cycle, Pulse, Flash, and Dflash.
Similarly, it also comes with a safety power indicator that flashes quickly whenever there is a power supply abnormality, which is a great feature seeing that the RTX 4000 series has been taking up a lot of criticism for its power connector.
On the topic of power, the RTX 4080 AERO OC has a recommended PSU of 850W; while it is the same as what we have seen in some of the other variants as well, it is still a 100W more than the reference card.
Like some other variants, there is also an anti-sag bracket included to improve the overall structure of the GPU.
What We Liked
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-watery for all the white-themed PC builders out there. Additionally, we also liked that the GPU uses 11 heat pipes, which is quite impressive.
What We Disliked
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.
Verdict
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.
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.
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.
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. Each fan has seven thick blades and uses dual ball bearings for higher durability. The 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. Additionally, the vents also let you peek into the inner cooling mechanism, which adds to its design philosophy. Both the TUF and the ROG Strix variants of the RTX 4080 uses new and improved heat pipes to take the heat away from the GPU, MOSFETs, and VRAM and send them to the massive heat sink.
Taking up about 3.5 slots, the ASUS TUF Gaming GeForce RTX 4080 is a bulky GPU with quite a mature design. There is subtle ARGB lighting at the top which can be customized to display 10 different effects. One good thing about its ARGB setup is that you can set it to Smart mode, which will display the color depending on the GPU’s temperature. So, if the graphics card is between 0°C and 40°C, the color will light up green. Similarly, from 40°C to 60°C it’s yellow, and from 60°C to 100°C it displays red.
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 can be quite extreme.
What We Liked
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.
What We Disliked
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.
Verdict
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.
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.
One of the things that both these GPUs have in common is their architecture; the GPUs feature the Ada Lovelace architecture. The Ada Lovelace is a microarchitecture for GPUs and is a successor to the Ampere architecture, which Nvidia also developed; this architecture provides unparalleled performance and features beneficial to gamers and professional users. Both GPUs, RTX 4090 and RTX 4080 are based on 4 nm process technology.
Coming to the CUDA cores, the RTX 4090 features 16,384 cores, whereas the RTX 4080 has 9,728 cores.CUDA cores perform complex graphic calculations and process the data in and out of the GPU; more CUDA cores mean more data traveling parallelly, resulting in better output results for gamers.
Speaking of cores, both the GPUs also have Ray Tracing cores, the RTX 4080 has 76 RT cores, and the RTX 4089 has 144 RT cores allowing you to utilize its Ray Tracing features to the fullest without sacrificing too much performance. Ray Tracing is a graphic rendering process that improves the light reflection of the output graphics displayed visually, resulting in more realistic graphics in video games.
RTX 4090 also dominates in Tensor cores by providing 576 tensor cores, whereas the RTX 4080 only has 304 tensor cores. These tensor cores perform matrix multiplication and mixed precision computing in a GPU, another plus point as it boosts the GPU’s overall performance.
The RTX 4090 surpasses the RTX 4080 in the VRAM department; the RTX 4090 comes equipped with a 24GB GDDR6X VRAM, leaving behind the RTX 4080, which only offers a 16GB GDDR6X VRAM. GDDR6X is the latest VRAM with high bandwidth, designed for graphics cards and video game consoles.
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.
Boost clocks in GPUs help boost their frequency by a little margin to handle heavy loads; the difference may not be much, but even a slightly higher boost clock can help the GPU perform better for heavy-load tasks. The bandwidth for the RTX 4080 is 716.8GB/s; the RTX 4090 dominates in this department, too, as it gives a bandwidth of 1018GB/s; this is a factor that attracts most gamers as high bandwidth can provide higher frame rates in a video game.
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.
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.
The GeForce RTX 4080 also proves to be a phenomenal card for content creators thanks to its dual 8th Gen Nvidia Encoders, allowing it to encode video at a much faster rate than its predecessor. Not only that, but all of the key features from the RTX 3000 series also retain their presence, including the AV1 decoder, which now performs significantly better than its predecessor.
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.
Furthermore, you also need to make sure you have a processor capable of handling the GeForce RTX 4080 without bottlenecking it. Given its incredible performance, the GeForce RTX 4080 should only be paired with high-end processors if you want to take complete advantage of its capabilities.
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 so the RTX 4080 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 game 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.
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.
For instance, consider that the RTX 4080’s GPU core and memory need 1.1 volts at the moment. However, the 750W connected PSU is sending 12 volts. So, VRM needs to come in between and regulate the voltage to send just the right amount of volts because anything below or above can damage the components.
Nowadays, GPU VRMs have several phases which work together for improved reliability. These VRMs are also called multi-phase VRMs. A good RTX 4080 variant should have an 18+3 phase VRM structure, where the 3 phases are for the memory, and the 18 are for the GPU itself.
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 its 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.
For best performance, the GPU should have optimal temperatures, which can only be achieved from a really well-thought-out cooling system. Without proper airflow or effective heat dissipation, the card will begin to thermal throttle, which will ultimately cause poor performance and can also decrease its lifespan.
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.
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