GuidesComparisonsRTX 2070 Vs RTX 3080: We Tested Both

RTX 2070 Vs RTX 3080: We Tested Both

In this article, we will compare the RTX 2070 and RTX 3080 in Gaming Benchmarks, discuss the technology difference between the two, analyze their runnig efficiency, and list their Pros & Cons.

Expert Verified By

Nvidia GeForce RTX 2070

Rated: 8.3/10

Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080

Rated: 8.8/10


Pros And Cons

GPUProsCons
GeForce RTX 3080✅ Good 1440p and 4K gaming peroformance
✅ Much better Ray Tracing
❌ High power consumption
❌ Can get loud under load
GeForce RTX 2070✅ Best 1080p performance in this price
✅ High power efficiency
❌ No SLI option
❌ Very low performance at 4K
Key Takeaways
  • In our evaluations of gaming performance, the RTX 3080 surpassed the RTX 2070, showcasing a remarkable advantage of approximately 86%.
  • Regarding power consumption, the TDP of the RTX 3080 is double that of the RTX 2070, and it consumed more power in our gaming tests.
  • In terms of today’s GPU prices as of February 2024, a refurbished RTX 3080 is priced at around $449, whereas a refurbished RTX 2070 is priced at about $169.
  • We advise you to go for the RTX 3080 for its top-notch gaming and overall performance, and the RTX 2070 for its performance per dollar and power efficiency.
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Comparison Table

Technical SpecsGeForce RTX 2070GeForce RTX 3080
Process Size12 nm8 nm
Base Clock1410 MHz1260 MHz
Boost Clock1620 MHz1710 MHz
CUDA Cores23048960
Tensor Cores288280
Memory Bandwidth448.0 GB/s912.4 GB/s
TDP175W350W
Best VariantsBest RTX 3080

Architectural Difference

  • Architecture and GPU Chip: The RTX 2070 uses the TU106 GPU based on the Turing architecture, whereas the RTX 3080 uses the GA102 based on the Ampere architecture.
  • Clock Speed: In terms of the base clock, the RTX 2070 beats the RTX 3080 by 11.9%, while the boost clock of the RTX 3080 is about 5.5% greater than the RTX 2070.
  • VRAM: The RTX 2070 features 256-bit 8GB GDDR6 memory, while the RTX 3080 offers a superior 384-bit GDDR6X memory with wop options, one 8GB and the other 12GB.
  • Advanced Technologies: While the DLSS performance between the two cards remains largely the same, the 2nd Gen RT cores on the 3080 allow it for actual use of Ray Tracing in games.

The RTX 20 series innovated Nvidia GPUs with intelligent solutions for tricky challenges, which you can see in our review of the ZOTAC RTX 2070. The RTX 30 series cemented that Nvidia’s strategy pushed gaming performance beyond its limits. In RTX 2070 vs RTX 3080, we will compare the two to highlight performance refinements.


Gaming Benchmarks

In this part of the RTX 2070 vs RTX 3080, we will discuss the performance of each card in real-world gaming scenarios. We conducted these tests in a controlled environment on a test bench, the specifications of which are listed below.

Test Bench

1440p Benchmarks

God Of War

God Of War Performance
God Of War 1440p (Image By Tech4Gamers)
  • In the first game of our testing at 1440p, the RTX 3080 dominated the RTX 2070 by 86% with an average of 108 FPS over 58 FPS.
  • The 1% lows were not any kinder to the RTX 2070. It achieved a low 1% framerate of 46 FPS compared to 86 FPS in God Of War.

Forza Horizon 5

Forza Horizon 5 Performance
Forza Horizon 5 1440p (Image By Tech4Gamers)
  • Utilizing ultra settings in Forza Horizon 5, the RTX 2070 got an average of 59 FPS, 91% better than the 110 FPS the RTX 3080 achieved.
  • Regarding 1% lows, the RTX 2070 performed about 46 FPS, whereas the RTX 3080 was less stuttery with 88 FPS.

Microsoft Flight Simulator

Microsoft Flight Simulator Performance
Microsoft Flight Simulator 1440p (Image By Tech4Gamers)
  • The RTX 3080 once again proved to have 84% greater capabilities during Microsoft Flight Simulator. It averaged about 59 FPS compared to 32 FPS on the RTX 2070.
  • 1% lows were, as expected, better on the RTX 3080. It had 1% lows of 25 FPS compared to 47 FPS on the RTX 2070.

Death Stranding

Death Stranding Performance
Death Stranding 1440p (Image By Tech4Gamers)
  • In Hideo Kojima’s Death Stranding, the RTX 3080 showed 82% greater performance by managing 159 FPS on average compared to the 87 FPS average of the RTX 2070.
  • 1% lows did not differ drastically in this game compared to the averages. The RTX 3080 had an average of 128 FPS, surpassing the RTX 2070’s 69 FPS.

Battlefield 2042

Battlefield 2042 Performance
Battlefield 2042 1440p (Image By Tech4Gamers)
  • In the notoriously hard-to-run Battlefield 2042, the RTX 2070 managed about 64 FPS on average, whereas the RTX 3080 had an 87% greater average of about 120 FPS.
  • This game had the RTX 2070 outputting a 1% low of 50 FPS, whereas the RTX 3080 had a 1% low of 95 FPS.

4K Benchmarks

God Of War

God Of War 4k Performance
God Of War 4k (Image By Tech4Gamers)
  • Testing God Of War at 4k Ultra, the RTX 3080 outperformed the RTX 2070 by 86%, maintaining an average of 84 FPS compared to 45 FPS.
  • The RTX 2070 didn’t fare better in terms of 1% lows. It achieved 1% lows of 31 FPS, while the RTX 3080 achieved 59 FPS in God Of War.

Forza Horizon 5

Forza Horizon 5 4k Performance
Forza Horizon 5 4k (Image By Tech4Gamers)
  • While playing Forza Horizon 5 at 4K, the RTX 2070 obtained an average of 45 FPS compared to the 85 FPS, an 88.9% better performance achieved by the RTX 3080.
  • Regarding 1% lows, the performance of the RTX 2070 was around 31 FPS, whereas the RTX 3080 came closer to 58 FPS.

Microsoft Flight Simulator

Microsoft Flight Simulator 4k Performance
Microsoft Flight Simulator 4k (Image By Tech4Gamers)
  • In our Microsoft Flight Simulator gameplay at 4k, the RTX 2070 averaged a cinematic 25 FPS. In contrast, the RTX 3080 delivered a great average frame rate of 47 FPS.
  • Both these graphics cards disappointed in this title, with 1% lows of 32 FPS for the RTX 3080 and 17 FPS for the RTX 2070.

Death Stranding

Death Stranding 4k Performance
Death Stranding 4k (Image By Tech4Gamers)
  • In our Death Stranding session at 4K, the RTX 2070 averaged about 52 FPS, whereas the RTX 3080 was 84.6% more playable, with an average of 96 FPS.
  • Switching gears to 1% lows, the RTX 3080 had 67 FPS, while the RTX 2070 lagged with 36 FPS.

Battlefield 2042

Battlefield 2042 4k Performance
Battlefield 2042 4k (Image By Tech4Gamers)
  • Turning up the resolution in Battlefield 2042, we saw that the 2070 averaged 41 FPS, whereas the RTX 3070 averaged 87% better, about 77 FPS.
  • This game had the RTX 2070 outputting 1% lows of 28 FPS, whereas the RTX 3080 had 1% lows of 53 FPS.

Overall Gaming Performance

StatsGeForce RTX 2070GeForce RTX 3080
Overall Average FPS50.8 📈94.5 📈
Overall Low 1% FPS37.9 📉71.3 📉
Winner: Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080

In our testing, the RTX 3080 demolished the RTX 2070 in all games at both resolutions. The RTX 3080 showed a significant performance increase, with an average frame rate of about 86% higher and a low 1% frame rate of about 88% better than the RTX 2070.


Price And Availability

GPULaunch MSRPCurrent Price
GeForce RTX 3080💲699💲449 (Refurbished)
GeForce RTX 2070💲499💲169 (Refurbished)
Price Difference40%165%

The RTX 3080 was launched at about 40% higher price tag considering the launch prices. However, regarding current prices for the refurbished GPUs, the RTX 3080 is nearly 165% more expensive than the RTX 2070. So, the RTX 2070 offers more excellent value because it delivers better performance per dollar.


Final Verdict – What Do We Recommend?

GeForce RTX 3080: The RTX 3080 stands out as a high-end GPU, efficiently handling 1440p and 4K games. Its ray-tracing capabilities have been significantly enhanced, and the 384-bit memory bus contributes to faster processing speeds.

GeForce RTX 2070: The RTX 2070 caters to budget-conscious gamers seeking competitive gameplay at 1080p and good visual quality at 1440p. Known for its energy efficiency, this GPU offers good performance at a very affordable price.

For better performance in high-resolution gaming and demanding tasks, we recommend the RTX 3080. For a budget-friendly gaming experience with lower running costs, the RTX 2070 is a good option.


FAQs

What are the connectivity options on the RTX 3080?

The RTX 3080 offers three DisplayPort 1.4a outputs and one HDMI 2.1 output.

Does the RTX 3080 come in only one spec?

No, the RTX 3080 comes in two specifications, a strong 12 GB model and a weaker 8 GB model.

Do the RTX 2070 and 3080 cards support DLSS 3?

No, DLSS 3 and the accompanying frame generation is locked to the RTX 40 series of cards.


More From RTX 3080

More From RTX 2070:

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