AMD’s midrange RX 7000 series cards raised new questions, particularly concerning their comparison to the old-age rival Nvidia. Today, I’ll compare the RX 7800 XT vs RTX 3080 to find the better GPU.
Also Check: RX 7800 XT Vs RX 6950 XT
Key Takeaways
- First off, the RTX 3080 uses Samsung’s 8nm manufacturing process. On the other hand, the RX 7800 XT uses TSMC’s 5nm and 6nm nodes for the MCD and GCD, respectively.
- Talking performance, the RX 7800 XT proved 4.4% faster in 1440P gaming and 2.9% in 4K gaming.
- The RX 7800 XT system consumed 22.3% less power than the RTX 3080 in the 1440P gaming stress test.
- Value-wise, the RX 7800 XT is much better than the RTX 3080 in both 1440P and 4K gaming.
Comparison Table
Let’s take a look at how the two GPUs compare in specifications.
| GPU Model | RX 7800 XT | RTX 3080 |
|---|---|---|
| GPU Name | Navi 32 | GA102 |
| Architecture | RDNA 3 | Ampere |
| Transistors | 28,100 million | 28,300 million |
| CUDA Cores / SMs | 8704 | |
| Tensor Cores | – | 272 |
| RT Cores | 60 | 68 |
| TMUs | 240 | 272 |
| ROPs | 96 | 96 |
| L1 Cache | 128KB per Array | 128KB per SM |
| Memory Bus Width | 256-bit | 320-bit |
| Memory Bandwidth | 624.1 GB/s | 760.3 GB/s |
| Suggested PSU Wattage | 600W | 700W |
| Release Date | Aug 25th, 2023 | Sept 17th, 2020 |
| MSRP | $499 | $699 |
| Best Variants | Best 7800 XT Cards | Best RTX 3080 Cards |
RX 7800 XT vs RTX 3080
Architectural Differences
- Process Node: The RX 7800 XT uses the “multi-node design” like the rest of the RDNA 3 lineup, using a TSMC’s 5nm node for the GCD and 6nm for the MCD. In contrast, the RTX 3080 uses Samsung’s 8nm node.
- Frequencies: The RX 7800 XT clocks 1295MHz (core) at base setting while the RTX 3080 runs faster at 1440MHz. As for boost frequencies, the RX 7800 XT pushes to 2430MHz compared to the RTX 3080’s speed of 1710MHz. As for memory frequency, the RX 7800 XT clocks 2430 MHz, more than double the RTX 3080 (1188MHz).
- Cache: The RX 7800 XT has 4MB of L2 cache and 64MB of L3 cache. In contrast, the GeForce RTX 3080 has 5MB of L2 cache and no L3 cache.
- VRAM: As has been the case so often, AMD takes the win in terms of memory capacity with 16GB over 10GB of Nvidia’s Ampere card. Concerning memory type, though, the RTX 3080 uses superior GDDR6X memory chips over GDDR6.
- TDP: The RX 7800 XT has a TDP of 263 watts, about 21% lower than the RTX 3080 (320 watts).
- Supported Technologies: The RX 7800 XT supports FSR 3, while the RTX 3080 supports all DLSS versions older than DLSS 3. Furthermore, both cards use second-generation ray tracing accelerators/cores from their respective manufacturers.
RX 7800 XT Vs RTX 3080: Gaming Benchmarks
Let’s look at the performance benchmarks. The two GPUs will be tested in five titles at 1440P and 4K resolutions. All games were tested at ultra or equivalent preset.
Note:
- The recorded figures may vary slightly from actual figures due to shortcomings of monitoring software.
- The thermal performance of the cards varies from variant to variant. Thus, the recorded temperatures should not be considered as the generalized thermal performance of the card.
The test bench consists of the AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D and 32GB (2×16) of DDR5 memory at 6000 MT/s.
Cyberpunk 2077 – 1440P
- The RX 7800 XT started strong in my first benchmark of Cyberpunk 2077 at 1440P, averaging 96 FPS, slightly ahead of the RTX 3080’s 93 FPS.
- Regarding the %1 lows, the RX 7800 XT maintained 85 FPS, while the RTX 3080 achieved 82 FPS, indicating a relatively close performance in this aspect.
Cyberpunk 2077 – 4K
- At 4K resolution, the RTX 3080 took a slight lead in average FPS with 46 FPS in my 4K benchmark, edging out the RX 7800 XT by 1 FPS.
- When considering the %1 low FPS, the RX 7800 XT maintained 39 FPS, leading by just 1 FPS again in this aspect.
Similar Read: RTX 3080 Vs RTX 4080
Hogwarts Legacy – 1440P
- Moving on to Hogwarts Legacy, at 1440P resolution, the Radeon RX 7800 XT achieved an average FPS of 89 in my test, trailing by just 2 FPS.
- In terms of the %1 low FPS, the RX 7800 XT took a significant lead, outperforming its competitor by 26.4%.
Hogwarts Legacy – 4K
- In my testing, I noticed that the RTX 3080 extended its lead by 4 FPS in terms of average FPS when running the game at 4K resolution. When examining the %1 lows, I observed that the RX 7800 XT achieved 41 FPS, surpassing the GeForce RTX 3080, which scored 39 FPS.
Forza Horizon 5 – 1440P
- In my Forza Horizon 5 test, I observed the RX 7800 XT scoring 142 FPS at 1440P resolution. In response, the RTX 3080 managed 121 FPS.
- Regarding the %1 lows, the RX 7800 XT secured another victory with 113 FPS, establishing a 7.6% lead in this aspect.
Also Check: RX 7900 XT Vs RTX 3080
Forza Horizon 5 – 4K
- Meanwhile, in my 4K gaming benchmark, I observed the RX 7800 XT achieving an average FPS of 102, which was still ahead of the Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080’s 89 FPS by a decent margin. When looking at the %1 low FPS figures, there was a contrast of 5 FPS between the two GPUs, with the RX 7800 XT taking the lead in this case.
Resident Evil 4 -1440P
- In my next benchmark, Resident Evil 4 at 1440P, the RTX 3080 managed to outperform the AMD Radeon RX 7800 XT by 3.1%.
- Examining the %1 lows, the RX 7800 XT marginally trailed the RTX 3080 in this aspect.
Resident Evil 4 – 4K
- When I switched over to 4K resolution, the AMD RX 7800 XT averaged 74 FPS, closely followed by the RTX 3080, which scored 73 FPS.
- Regarding the %1 lows, the RTX 3080 achieved 63 FPS, while the RX 7800 XT scored slightly higher at 65 FPS.
Similar Comparison: RX 6900 XT Vs RTX 3080
The Last Of Us Part 1
- My final gaming benchmark is The Last of Us Part 1. At 1440P resolution, the RX 7800 XT’s average tally was 82 FPS, while Nvidia’s RTX 3080 averaged 77 FPS.
- The RX 7800 XT achieved 69 FPS, which was only 1 FPS higher than the RTX 3080 in terms of %1 lows.
The Last of Us Part 1 – 4K
- Finally, both the graphics cards achieved an average of 45 FPS at 4K resolution. Additionally, I only saw a 1 FPS difference between the two GPUs in terms of the %1 low FPS score.
Overall Gaming Performance
Let’s summarize the 1440P and 4K performance tests for this comparison.
1440P Performance
- Across my 1440P gaming tests, the RX 7800 XT recorded an average of 107.4 FPS, whereas the RTX 3080 averaged 102.8 FPS, indicating that the RX 7800 XT is approximately 4.4% faster than the RTX 3080 in 1440P gaming.
- Regarding the %1 low FPS, the RX 7800 XT scored 90.4 FPS, while the RTX 3080 scored 85.6 FPS, signifying a 5.6% difference between them.
4K Performance
- Across the five tests, my results show that the achieved an average of 63.6 FPS, whereas the RTX 3080 accumulated 61.8 FPS. Consequently, the RX 7800 XT demonstrated itself to be 2.9% faster than the RTX 3080 in 4K gaming.
- Regarding the %1 low FPS, the RX 7800 XT averaged 52.4 FPS, while the RTX 3080 averaged 50.6 FPS, showing a difference of 1.8 FPS between them.
Read: How To Benchmark Your Gaming PC
System Power Consumption
Next up, we take a look at the system power consumption numbers.
Reminder:
- RX 7800 XT TDP: 263W
- RTX 3080 TDP: 320W (26.3% higher)
- During my Hitman 3 stress test, I saw that the RX 7800 XT system consumed 390 watts, while the RTX 3080 bench used up 477 watts of power. As a result, the RTX 3080 consumes about 22.3% more power in 1440P gaming.
- At idle, the RX 7800 XT system consumed 93 watts, while the RTX 3080 system used 91 watts of power.
Related: How Many Watts Does A Gaming PC Use?
Prices And Electricity Costs
While there has been no official news of a drop in production, Nvidia’s RTX 3080 has been in short supply for a while. Thus, prices have been quite high, and the cheapest RTX 3080 is available for $869 while writing this. On the other hand, at least one RX 7800 XT variant can be found for its launch price of $499. That totals to a 74.1% difference in the lowest prices of the two cards.
Also, the RTX 3080, with its higher power consumption, can also deliver a bigger hit on electricity bills.
Which GPU Has Better Value?
To cap things off, let’s determine the better value graphics card. The RX 7800 XT outperformed the RTX 3080 by 4.4% and 2.9% in my 1440P and 4K benchmarks, respectively. And, at the moment, it’s about 74.1% cheaper as of October 2023.
So, the AMD Radeon RX 7800 XT has 78.5% and 77% better value regarding 1440P and 4K gaming, respectively. Of course, we also must remember that the RX 7800 XT is less power-consuming.
Similar Guide: RTX 3080 12GB Vs 10GB
RTX 3080 Vs RX 7800 XT: Which GPU Would I Recommend?
After thoroughly comparing the two graphics cards in specifications, performances, and prices, I found the RX 7800 XT to be the better overall card. Not only does it have much better value, but it also has an impressive 16GB of VRAM, which is plenty for your 1440P and 4K gaming needs. So, I would recommend it over the GeForce RTX 3080
As for the GeForce RTX 3080, age isn’t by its side. Not only is it over three years old (while writing this), it’s not even available for its launch price tag. If you really want an Nvidia card, the RTX 4000 series (particularly the RTX 4070) is a better option, as its performance is about the same at a fraction of the price.
| GPU | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| RX 7800 XT |
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| RTX 3080 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
My benchmarks showed that the RX 7800 XT is 4.4% faster in 1440P gaming on top of being significantly cheaper.
The RX 7800 XT has 16GB of VRAM compared to 10GB of the RTX 3080. However, the RTX 3080 uses faster GDDR6X memory chips.
The RX 7800 XT consumed 22.3% less power.
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- RX 6800 XT Vs RTX 3080
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[Comparisons Expert]
Abdemanaf is a skilled creative writer who has been honing his craft since 2011. While initially working in different fields, he found a passion for technology and has been exploring the tech world since early 2015. Over the years, he has developed an in-depth knowledge of the latest tech trends and product offerings by various companies.
Abdemanaf’s writing reflects his analytical mindset and ability to think critically. He has a knack for breaking down complex technical information into easily digestible pieces, making his articles engaging and accessible to readers from all backgrounds. In February 2022, he joined Tech4Gamers as a blog and product comparison writer, where he has been able to hone his skills further.
As a writer, Abdemanaf is dedicated to staying up-to-date with the latest technological advancements and trends, enabling him to provide readers with the most relevant and accurate information. He is always eager to learn more and is constantly seeking new challenges to improve his skills.
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