Sample Page Title

See full bio

Abde Manaf

At HI Digital I test and write about different hardware configurations to show other PC users what they can expect from their build. My end goal is to educate the masses to make the right decision when they are looking for new PC parts to buy

See full bio

Previously, we put the RTX 4080 against the RTX 4070 to learn about the performance differences between the two. In this comparison, we will compare the previous generation namely, the RTX 3080 vs RTX 3090, highlighting the performance difference of these cards.

Key Takeaways

• We know that the RTX 3080 is a high-performing graphics card, but upon testing, the RTX 3090 took the lead by offering a significant FPS boost of 11.9%.
• We noticed that the RTX 3080 is more power efficient than the RTX 309 as it drew 15.4% less power than its rival.
• Upon our observation, we found that the RTX 3080 shows us that it is the RTX 3090, generating less heat by 8.2%.

Comparison Table

Architectural Difference

1. Process Node: Both these cards are based on Intel’s 8nm manufacturing process node. 
2. Clock Speed: The RTX 3080 has a base clock of 1440 MHz that can be boosted up to 1710 MHz. In contrast, the RTX 3090’s base clock starts from 2205 MHz which can be ramped up to a whopping 2505 MHz.
3. VRAM:  With regards to memory, the RTX 3080 comes with 10GB GDDR6X, while the RTX 3090 comes with a higher memory of 16GB GDDR6X.
4. Bus Width & Memory Bandwidth: The 320-bit bus-based RTX 3080 arrives with a memory bandwidth of 760.3 GB/s while the 384-bit bus-based RTX 3090 comes with 936.2 GB/s.
5. TDP: The RTX 3080 has a rating of 320W whereas the RTX 3090’s TDP is 350W. This makes a 700W PSU a recommendable option for both cards.
6. Supported Technologies: Both cards employ DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling) technology which improves the framerates especially when ray tracing is enabled. However, RTX 3090 performs slightly better when DLSS is enabled.

RTX 3080 Vs RTX 3090: Gaming Benchmarks

After analyzing the specifications of the RTX 3080 and RTX 3090, it is now time for us to proceed with the next phase of the comparison. Now, we’ll put the two cards side by side to see how well they perform in games on 4K.

Testing Rig

• CPU: AMD Ryzen 7700X
• Motherboard: Asus ROG Strix X670E-a
• Memory: Corsair Vengeance 32GB DDR5 6000 CL36
• Storage Drive: XPG Gammix S70 Blade 2TB NVMe
• Power Supply: be quiet! Dark Power Pro 13 1300W 
• CPU Cooler: Corsair H150i Elite

Note: It’s essential to note that various external factors, such as temperature, background software, and airflow may influence the benchmark tests, affecting the final results. Therefore, consider the findings as close estimations rather than accurate metrics.

Outriders

• According to our observation, the RTX 3090 outperforms the RTX 3080 in terms of average FPS, with a significant 12.9% improvement, achieving an impressive 74 FPS compared to 65 FPS.
• Additionally, the RTX 3090 showed us its capabilities in 1% lows as it outshines the RTX 3080, with a 20.6% lead and 64 FPS compared to 52 FPS.

Assassin’s Creed Valhalla

• With a decent 52 FPS compared to the RTX 3080’s 46 FPS, the RTX 3090 surpasses in terms of average FPS, giving us a 12.2% increase.
• Furthermore, the RTX 3090 outperforms the RTX 3080 in terms of 1% lows, with an 11.2% difference and 47 FPS versus 42 FPS.

Dirt 5

• The RTX 3090 is the superior graphics card when it comes to average FPS, with an impressive 87 FPS compared to the RTX 3080’s 78 FPS, showing us a 10.9% increase.
• When it comes to 1% lows, the RTX 3090 shows us its dominance over the RTX 3080, with a 10% difference and 73 FPS compared to 66 FPS.

Red Dead Redemption 2

• The RTX 3090’s remarkable performance is evident with its 83 FPS average FPS, which is 10.1% higher than the RTX 3080’s 75 FPS.
• Our observation reveals that the RTX 3090 exhibits superior 1% lows compared to the RTX 3080, with a 6.1% lead and 67 FPS versus 63 FPS.

Cyberpunk 2077

• When looking at the average FPS, the RTX 3090 demonstrates its superiority over the RTX 3080, achieving 51 FPS compared to 44 FPS, displaying a 14.7% improvement.
• Moving on to 1% lows, the RTX 3090 proves us that it is the better performer, surpassing the RTX 3080 with a 12% difference and 44 FPS compared to 39 FPS. 

Days Gone

• While the RTX 3080 manages an average FPS of 90, the RTX 3090 surpasses it with a remarkable 108 FPS, presenting yet another improvement this time of 18.1%.
• In terms of 1% lows, the RTX 3090 outperforms the RTX 3080 with a significant 8.3% difference, producing 75 FPS versus the latter’s 69 FPS. 

RTX 3090 Vs RTX 3080: Overall Gaming Performance 

Based on our analysis, it’s clear that the RTX 3090 outperforms the RTX 3080 in all tested games, by achieving an average FPS of 71 FPS versus 63 FPS respectively. This equates to a significant increase of 11.9% FPS on average.

Power Consumption

According to our calculations, the RTX 3080 is more power-efficient compared to the RTX 3090, consuming an average of 345W versus 402.6W respectively, giving the RTX 3080 a 15.4% better power efficiency.

Thermal Statistics 

We observed that the RTX 3090 tends to run hotter with an average temperature of 71.3°C, while the RTX 3080 maintained a significantly cooler temperature of 65.6°C, indicating a difference of 8.2%.

Pricing And Availability

Nowadays, the RTX 3080 costs around $699-799, whereas the RTX 3090 arrives at a much higher price range of $1599-1699, depending on the model and variations. Despite this, the RTX 3080 is still around 50% cheaper than the RTX 3090, making it an extremely budget-friendly option.

RTX 3080 Vs RTX 3090: Which One Do We Recommend?

RTX 3080: The RTX 3080 holds its ground as a more affordable option all the while performing almost just as well as the RTX 3090, with only a difference of a few FPS which won’t interfere while playing any game while being more energy-efficient and producing less heat.

Ultimately, the choice you make between either of the card should align with your requirements and budget so you have a satisfactory experience.

Pros And Cons

GPU	Pros	Cons
RTX 3080	Affordable. Supports latest gen RayTracing. improved DLSS.	Noisy when under load. VRAM may not suffice. for long-term 4K usage.
RTX 3090	Impressive gaming performance. Enhanced content creation.	Offers comparable performance. High price point.

FAQs

How big of a price difference is between RTX 3080 and RTX 3090

According to the MSRP, the 3080 is priced at $699, while the RTX 3090 comes with a price tag of $1199, leading to a difference of 52.6%.

Which is better, the RTX 3080 or the RTX 3090?

The RTX 3090 offers more FPS at a higher price point, while the RTX 3080 is more energy-efficient and produces less heat.

Which card is better at 4K gaming between the RTX 3080 and RTX 3090?

According to our benchmarking, the RTX 3090 offers an 11.9% boost in FPS performance at 4K compared to the RTX 3080.

---

More From RTX 3080

• RTX 3080 Vs RX 6800 XT
• RTX 3080 10GB Vs RTX 3080 12GB
• RTX 3080 Vs 3080 Ti

More From RTX 3090

• RX 7800 XT Vs RTX 3090
• RTX 4090 vs RTX 3090
• RTX 4070 Ti Vs RTX 3090

Abde Manaf

[How-To Guides Expert]

Laiba, our tech guru at HI Digital, simplifies and crafts How-To Guides with a Google IT Support Certificate. Beyond tech, she captures the city’s aesthetics through her lens. Join her journey where tech meets creativity!

Get In Touch: Laiba@hidgt.com