Nvidia RTX 2080 Ti vs 3080

Last Updated: April 21st, 2022

We take a look at the main differences between Nvidia’s RTX 2080 Ti vs 3080. How does the new generation top-end compare to the previous flagship with the fight over the best graphics card? With the generational differences, there are some interesting results to be seen. 

The RTX 2080 Ti was released in October 2018 as the new consumer flagship, As not many gamers would be willing to choose the Titan. While the RTX 3080 came out nearly two years later as the most popular choice for the 30 series lineup. With the power and performance at a more affordable price than the 3090. So we now look at how it compares to the older generation.

ASUS ROG Strix NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 OC Edition

Pros

The building blocks for the world’s fastest, most efficient GPU

ASUS ROG Strix GeForce RTX 2080TI – 11GB

Pros

Without doubt, the highest performing consumer-grade GPU

4k gaming at ultra settings

Cons

Limited amount of games with ray tracing

Architecture

With the generational difference, the main change is the architecture of the two GPUs. As the previous generation is based on the Turing architecture. Whilst the new 30 series uses the Ampere build.

Specifically, the 2080 Ti is made of the TU102-300A die. Which is made with TSMC’s 12nm process making it a large 754mm² chip with 18.6 billion transistors. Whilst the 3080 is based on the GA102-200 die. With the much more compact 628mm² made with Samsung’s 8nm process with 28.3 billion transistors.

Specifications

Comparing the specs of the two cards, we can see what likely differences there may be. Even with the change in build, the core setup is similar between the generations. Meaning it can be easier to spot the key factors between the 2080 Ti vs 3080.

TDP

One key difference is the thermal design power. It notes the maximum amount of energy the card can consume at full power. Although not an all-important note, it does give an idea of how much is converted to heat.

So as well as informing you how much you’ll be spending on electricity, it can tell you how much heat it will give off. Between these two cards, the RTX 3080 does largely increase the power consumption. With 70W more, it will be using up more energy and be a source of heating for your case.

Video memory

VRAM of a graphics card is frame buffer and storage means for pixels. Lowering latency shortens frame time for a smoother experience. Whilst also allowing higher resolutions to perform with the memory able to hold the higher pixel counts required. 

Between the 2080 Ti vs 3080, they have a similar setup. The 2080 Ti does have one gigabyte more with 11 but it is slower. As it only utilizes GDDR6 it can’t be clocked as high, so even with a 352-bit bus it only has a bandwidth of 616GB/s with a 14Gbps clock. Whereas, the 3080 with only a 320-bit bus is clocked at 19Gbps allowing for a 760.3 GB/s bandwidth.

Clock rate

Also known as the cycle rate, it is the count of the silicon crystals flipping. Through this speed, the die processes instructions sent to it. Meaning a higher rate processes graphics faster to send to your display. Although not the sole factor for performance it is a popular case for overclocking and extracting more out of it.

Between the two cards, the newer card takes the lead in the factory clock. At the base rate, it runs at 1440 MHz compared to 1350 of the 2080 Ti. Whilst also leading more significantly in the boost clock. Reaching a speed of 1710 MHz with the older generation only capable of 1545 MHz.

Cores

The GPU cores are what make up the die itself. Each of them specialized to work on particular mathematical problems to give out the graphical image. Specifically taking a look at the shaders, RT cores, and TMUs. Which focuses on the creation of shadows and shading, real-time ray tracing, and the creation of 3D images from bitmaps.

In the 2080 Ti vs 3080 comparison, they are very similar in their count. With the RT count for both being 68 and TMUs reaching 272. The difference comes in the shaders, with the 3080 leading with 8,704 compared to just 4,352 in the 2080 Ti.

2080 Ti vs 3080 performance

We take a look at the raw performance of the 2080 Ti vs 3080 in 3D Marks benchmarks. In which the 2080 Ti nets a score of 14,695, with a price to performance ratio of 14. Whilst the 3080 manages a score of 17,650, with a price to performance of 25. 

For in-game performance, the 3080 does take the lead. This isn’t surprising considering the 2080 Ti vs 3070, were close call and yet the new-gen card took it. Whilst the 3080 improves upon that lead with an average performance increase from 36-40%. 

2080 Ti vs 3080 price comparison

There is a significant difference in the launch price of the two graphic cards. The 2080 Ti launched at a much higher cost. With a $999/£899 price tag, it was an expensive choice. Whilst the 3080 was released at a cost of $699/£649.

Although in the current market it may be harder to find them both close to that cost. Even though prices are constantly falling they are not at the prices they should be even years after the GPU release. At the moment, a 3080 can be found for $1000/£820. Whilst the 2080 Ti is found second-hand for $700/£500.

MSI Gaming GeForce RTX 3080 Gaming X Trio 10G

Pros

Extremely attractive 3080

Very quiet thermal design

High out-the-box clock boost

Cons

Lies within the higher end of the 3080 price spectrum

EVGA GeForce RTX 2080 Ti FTW3 Ultra Gaming

Pros

The fastest gaming GPU on the market

4k Gaming at ultra settings

Cons

Not many games currently make use of ray tracing

Conclusion

When looking at the 2080 Ti vs 3080 there are many features parts that are similar. However, the generational differences between them offer much-improved performance. Whilst also coming in at a lower price to offer a much-improved option for cheaper. So that’s our option if available for a reasonable price.

However, if you’re waiting for a better selection and price they should come down to a reasonable price. Or even with the arrival of another competitor with the Intel ARC Alchemist lineup coming soon. Whilst the new generation of cards is meant later with the RTX 40 series.