G3D Mark is a standard benchmark that measures graphics performance in real-world gaming scenarios. It simplifies comparing cards from different brands, where higher scores directly correlate with better fps and smoother gaming experiences.

Head-to-Head Verdict, Benchmarks, Value & Long-Term Outlook

This comparison brings together gaming FPS, raw graphics performance, VRAM, feature set, power efficiency, pricing context, and long-term value so you can see which GPU actually makes more sense.

GeForce RTX 2080

2018

Why buy it

✅43.7% more average FPS across 13 tracked games in our benchmark data.
✅360% more Tensor Cores for AI-powered features like DLSS and frame generation, which can increase overall FPS in supported games (368 vs 80).

Trade-offs

❌Weaker long-term outlook: GeForce RTX 3050 8GB is the safer future-proof pick thanks to newer hardware and better gaming feature support.
❌
180.7% HIGHER MSRP
$699 MSRPvs$249 MSRP
❌Lower G3D Mark per dollar, at 26.7 vs 50.3 G3D/$ ($699 MSRP vs $249 MSRP).
❌65.4% higher power demand at 215W vs 130W.
❌10.3% longer card at 267mm vs 242mm.

GeForce RTX 3050 8GB

2022

Why buy it

✅Costs $450 less on MSRP ($249 MSRP vs $699 MSRP).
✅Delivers 88.4% more G3D Mark for each dollar spent, at 50.3 vs 26.7 G3D/$ ($249 MSRP vs $699 MSRP).
✅More future proof: Ampere (2020−2025) on 8nm with a newer platform for upcoming games.
✅Draws 130W instead of 215W, a 85W reduction.
✅Measures 242mm instead of 267mm, a 25mm shorter card that is more SFF-friendly.

Trade-offs

❌Lower average FPS than GeForce RTX 2080 across 13 tracked games in our benchmark data.
❌Fewer Tensor Cores for AI-powered features like DLSS and frame generation (80 vs 368), which can reduce FPS gains in supported games.

GeForce RTX 2080

2018

GeForce RTX 3050 8GB

2022

Why buy it

✅43.7% more average FPS across 13 tracked games in our benchmark data.
✅360% more Tensor Cores for AI-powered features like DLSS and frame generation, which can increase overall FPS in supported games (368 vs 80).

Why buy it

✅Costs $450 less on MSRP ($249 MSRP vs $699 MSRP).
✅Delivers 88.4% more G3D Mark for each dollar spent, at 50.3 vs 26.7 G3D/$ ($249 MSRP vs $699 MSRP).
✅More future proof: Ampere (2020−2025) on 8nm with a newer platform for upcoming games.
✅Draws 130W instead of 215W, a 85W reduction.
✅Measures 242mm instead of 267mm, a 25mm shorter card that is more SFF-friendly.

Trade-offs

❌Weaker long-term outlook: GeForce RTX 3050 8GB is the safer future-proof pick thanks to newer hardware and better gaming feature support.
❌
180.7% HIGHER MSRP
$699 MSRPvs$249 MSRP
❌Lower G3D Mark per dollar, at 26.7 vs 50.3 G3D/$ ($699 MSRP vs $249 MSRP).
❌65.4% higher power demand at 215W vs 130W.
❌10.3% longer card at 267mm vs 242mm.

Trade-offs

❌Lower average FPS than GeForce RTX 2080 across 13 tracked games in our benchmark data.
❌Fewer Tensor Cores for AI-powered features like DLSS and frame generation (80 vs 368), which can reduce FPS gains in supported games.

Quick Answers

So, is GeForce RTX 2080 better than GeForce RTX 3050 8GB?

Yes. GeForce RTX 2080 is the better GPU overall here. You are getting 43.7% more average FPS across 13 tracked games in our benchmark data, 49% higher PassMark G3D performance, and 368 vs 80 Tensor cores. It also comes from 2018 instead of 2022, which helps its case as the more complete modern gaming card.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

GeForce RTX 3050 8GB is the more future-proof choice for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer 2022 generation instead of 2018, more VRAM at 8 GB instead of 8 GB, and a 8nm process instead of 12nm. That extra memory headroom makes it the safer pick for newer games, heavier textures, and higher settings over time.

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper card?

GeForce RTX 2080 is about 180.7% more expensive on MSRP at $699 MSRP versus $249 MSRP, and you are getting 43.7% more estimated average FPS across 13 tracked games in our benchmark data and 49.0% higher G3D Mark. GeForce RTX 3050 8GB still holds the G3D-per-dollar lead, so the performance win comes with a real value premium. If you are comfortable paying the premium for the stronger gaming result, GeForce RTX 2080 is the one to buy. If staying closer to budget matters more, GeForce RTX 3050 8GB still makes more sense on price alone and remains capable enough for modern gaming.

When does GeForce RTX 3050 8GB make more sense than GeForce RTX 2080?

Yes. GeForce RTX 3050 8GB is still an excellent gaming GPU in 2026: it is very strong for 1080p, good for 1440p, and more limited at 4K. It makes more sense if your priority is newer architecture, lower power draw (130W vs 215W), future-proofing, and staying closer to $249 MSRP more than squeezing out the extra headroom of GeForce RTX 2080. The trade-off is that GeForce RTX 2080 currently gives you 49.0% higher G3D Mark and 43.7% more estimated average FPS across 13 tracked games in our benchmark data. GeForce RTX 3050 8GB still holds the G3D-per-dollar lead, so the performance win comes with a real value premium.

Games Benchmarks

Real-world benchmarks and performance projections based on comprehensive hardware analysis and comparative metrics. Values represent expected performance on High/Ultra settings at 1080p, 1440p, and 4K. Modeled using a Ryzen 7 9800X3D reference profile to minimize specific CPU bottlenecks.

Note: Performance behavior can vary per game. Specific architectures may perform better or worse depending on game engine optimizations and API implementation.

GeForce RTX 2080 Benchmark Check

GeForce RTX 3050 8GB Benchmark Check

Path of Exile 2

Preset	GeForce RTX 2080	GeForce RTX 3050 8GB
1080p
low	159 FPS	161 FPS
medium	141 FPS	140 FPS
high	123 FPS	122 FPS
ultra	104 FPS	92 FPS
1440p
low	135 FPS	146 FPS
medium	109 FPS	117 FPS
high	96 FPS	98 FPS
ultra	86 FPS	75 FPS
4K
low	80 FPS	69 FPS
medium	68 FPS	60 FPS
high	54 FPS	41 FPS
ultra	47 FPS	35 FPS

Open GeForce RTX 2080 Open GeForce RTX 3050 8GB

Path of Exile 2

Path of Exile 2

Counter-Strike 2

Preset	GeForce RTX 2080	GeForce RTX 3050 8GB
1080p
low	413 FPS	252 FPS
medium	347 FPS	215 FPS
high	282 FPS	168 FPS
ultra	242 FPS	132 FPS
1440p
low	262 FPS	164 FPS
medium	221 FPS	133 FPS
high	192 FPS	109 FPS
ultra	161 FPS	91 FPS
4K
low	126 FPS	88 FPS
medium	108 FPS	72 FPS
high	91 FPS	60 FPS
ultra	72 FPS	47 FPS

Open GeForce RTX 2080 Open GeForce RTX 3050 8GB

Counter-Strike 2

Counter-Strike 2

League of Legends

Preset	GeForce RTX 2080	GeForce RTX 3050 8GB
1080p
low	783 FPS	564 FPS
medium	634 FPS	451 FPS
high	560 FPS	376 FPS
ultra	420 FPS	282 FPS
1440p
low	606 FPS	423 FPS
medium	492 FPS	338 FPS
high	420 FPS	282 FPS
ultra	315 FPS	212 FPS
4K
low	409 FPS	282 FPS
medium	331 FPS	226 FPS
high	277 FPS	188 FPS
ultra	210 FPS	141 FPS

Open GeForce RTX 2080 Open GeForce RTX 3050 8GB

League of Legends

League of Legends

Valorant

Preset	GeForce RTX 2080	GeForce RTX 3050 8GB
1080p
low	529 FPS	499 FPS
medium	460 FPS	443 FPS
high	395 FPS	356 FPS
ultra	327 FPS	282 FPS
1440p
low	431 FPS	391 FPS
medium	376 FPS	338 FPS
high	307 FPS	247 FPS
ultra	253 FPS	204 FPS
4K
low	272 FPS	210 FPS
medium	257 FPS	185 FPS
high	224 FPS	159 FPS
ultra	185 FPS	131 FPS

Open GeForce RTX 2080 Open GeForce RTX 3050 8GB

Valorant

Valorant

Check FPS for your specific build

Technical Specifications

Side-by-side comparison of GeForce RTX 2080 and GeForce RTX 3050 8GB

GeForce RTX 2080

The GeForce RTX 2080 is manufactured by NVIDIA. It was released in September 20 2018. It features the Turing architecture. The core clock ranges from 1515 MHz to 1710 MHz. It has 2944 shading units. The thermal design power (TDP) is 215W. Manufactured using 12 nm process technology. It features 46 dedicated ray tracing cores for enhanced lighting effects. G3D Mark benchmark score: 18,676 points. Launch price was $699.

GeForce RTX 3050 8GB

The GeForce RTX 3050 8GB is manufactured by NVIDIA. It was released in January 4 2022. It features the Ampere architecture. The core clock ranges from 1552 MHz to 1777 MHz. It has 2560 shading units. The thermal design power (TDP) is 130W. Manufactured using 8 nm process technology. It features 20 dedicated ray tracing cores for enhanced lighting effects. G3D Mark benchmark score: 12,535 points. Launch price was $249.

⚡

Graphics Performance

In G3D Mark, the GeForce RTX 2080 scores 18,676 versus the GeForce RTX 3050 8GB's 12,535 — the GeForce RTX 2080 leads by 49%. The GeForce RTX 2080 is built on Turing while the GeForce RTX 3050 8GB uses Ampere, both on 12 nm vs 8 nm. Shader units: 2,944 (GeForce RTX 2080) vs 2,560 (GeForce RTX 3050 8GB). Raw compute: 10.07 TFLOPS (GeForce RTX 2080) vs 9.098 TFLOPS (GeForce RTX 3050 8GB). Boost clocks: 1710 MHz vs 1777 MHz. Ray tracing: 46 RT cores (GeForce RTX 2080) vs 20 (GeForce RTX 3050 8GB) with 368 Tensor cores vs 80.

Feature	GeForce RTX 2080	GeForce RTX 3050 8GB
G3D Mark Score	18,676+49%	12,535
Architecture	Turing	Ampere
Process Node	12 nm	8 nm
Shading Units	2944+15%	2560
Compute (TFLOPS)	10.07 TFLOPS+11%	9.098 TFLOPS
Boost Clock	1710 MHz	1777 MHz+4%
ROPs	64+100%	32
TMUs	184+130%	80
L1 Cache	2.9 MB+16%	2.5 MB
L2 Cache	4 MB+100%	2 MB
Ray Tracing Cores	46+130%	20
Tensor Cores	368+360%	80

✨

Advanced Features (DLSS/FSR)

Feature	GeForce RTX 2080	GeForce RTX 3050 8GB
Upscaling Tech	DLSS 2 Super Resolution	DLSS 2 Super Resolution
Frame Generation	Not Supported	Not Supported
Ray Reconstruction	No	No
Low Latency	NVIDIA Reflex	NVIDIA Reflex

💾

Video Memory (VRAM)

The GeForce RTX 2080 comes with 8 GB of VRAM, while the GeForce RTX 3050 8GB has 8 GB. The GeForce RTX 3050 8GB offers 1.2% more capacity, crucial for higher resolutions and texture-heavy games. Memory bandwidth: 448 GB/s (GeForce RTX 2080) vs 224 GB/s (GeForce RTX 3050 8GB) — a 100% advantage for the GeForce RTX 2080. Bus width: 256-bit vs 128-bit. L2 Cache: 4 MB (GeForce RTX 2080) vs 2 MB (GeForce RTX 3050 8GB) — the GeForce RTX 2080 has significantly larger on-die cache to reduce VRAM reliance.

Feature	GeForce RTX 2080	GeForce RTX 3050 8GB
VRAM Capacity	7.906 GB	8 GB+1%
Memory Type	GDDR6	GDDR6
Memory Bandwidth	448 GB/s+100%	224 GB/s
Bus Width	256-bit+100%	128-bit
L2 Cache	4 MB+100%	2 MB

🖥️

Display & API Support

DirectX support: 12.1 (GeForce RTX 2080) vs 12 Ultimate (GeForce RTX 3050 8GB). Vulkan: 1.2 vs 1.4. OpenGL: 4.6 vs 4.6. Maximum simultaneous displays: 4 vs 4.

Feature	GeForce RTX 2080	GeForce RTX 3050 8GB
DirectX	12.1	12 Ultimate
Vulkan	1.2	1.4+17%
OpenGL	4.6	4.6
Max Displays	4	4

🎬

Media & Encoding

Hardware encoder: 6th Gen NVENC (GeForce RTX 2080) vs NVENC 7th gen (GeForce RTX 3050 8GB). Decoder: 4th Gen NVDEC vs NVDEC 5th gen. Supported codecs: MPEG-2,H.264,HEVC (GeForce RTX 2080) vs H.264,H.265/HEVC,AV1,VP9 (GeForce RTX 3050 8GB).

Feature	GeForce RTX 2080	GeForce RTX 3050 8GB
Encoder	6th Gen NVENC	NVENC 7th gen
Decoder	4th Gen NVDEC	NVDEC 5th gen
Codecs	MPEG-2,H.264,HEVC	H.264,H.265/HEVC,AV1,VP9

🔌

Power & Dimensions

The GeForce RTX 2080 draws 215W versus the GeForce RTX 3050 8GB's 130W — a 49.3% difference. The GeForce RTX 3050 8GB is more power-efficient. Recommended PSU: 650W (GeForce RTX 2080) vs 450W (GeForce RTX 3050 8GB). Power connectors: 6-pin + 8-pin vs 8-pin. Card length: 267mm vs 242mm, occupying 2 vs 2 slots. Typical load temperature: 80°C vs 66°C.

Feature	GeForce RTX 2080	GeForce RTX 3050 8GB
TDP	215W	130W-40%
Recommended PSU	650W	450W-31%
Power Connector	6-pin + 8-pin	8-pin
Length	267mm	242mm
Height	116mm	112mm
Slots	2	2
Temp (Load)	80°C	66°C-18%
Perf/Watt	86.9	96.4+11%

💰

Value Analysis

The GeForce RTX 2080 launched at $699 MSRP, while the GeForce RTX 3050 8GB launched at $249. The GeForce RTX 3050 8GB costs 64.4% less ($450 savings) on MSRP. Performance per dollar on MSRP (G3D Mark / MSRP): 26.7 (GeForce RTX 2080) vs 50.3 (GeForce RTX 3050 8GB) — the GeForce RTX 3050 8GB offers 88.4% better value. The GeForce RTX 3050 8GB is the newer GPU (2022 vs 2018).