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 3050 6GB

2024

Why buy it

✅Costs $830 less on MSRP ($169 MSRP vs $999 MSRP).
✅Delivers 76.9% more G3D Mark for each dollar spent, at 63.6 vs 36.0 G3D/$ ($169 MSRP vs $999 MSRP).
✅Draws 70W instead of 360W, a 290W reduction.
✅Measures 160mm instead of 304mm, a 144mm shorter card that is more SFF-friendly.

Trade-offs

❌Lower average FPS than GeForce RTX 5080 across 9 tracked games in our benchmark data.
❌Less VRAM, with 6 GB vs 16 GB for high-resolution textures and newer games.
❌No equivalent frame-generation stack like DLSS 4 Multi Frame Generation (2025).
❌Weaker long-term outlook: GeForce RTX 5080 is the safer future-proof pick thanks to newer hardware and better gaming feature support.

GeForce RTX 5080

2025

Why buy it

✅190.8% more average FPS across 9 tracked games in our benchmark data.
✅Access to a newer frame-generation stack with DLSS 4 Multi Frame Generation (2025).
✅166.7% more VRAM for high-resolution textures and newer games (16 GB vs 6 GB).
✅More future proof: Blackwell 2.0 (2025−2026) on 5nm with a newer platform for upcoming games.

Trade-offs

❌
491.1% HIGHER MSRP
$999 MSRPvs$169 MSRP
❌Lower G3D Mark per dollar, at 36.0 vs 63.6 G3D/$ ($999 MSRP vs $169 MSRP).
❌414.3% higher power demand at 360W vs 70W.
❌90% longer card at 304mm vs 160mm.

GeForce RTX 3050 6GB

2024

GeForce RTX 5080

2025

Why buy it

✅Costs $830 less on MSRP ($169 MSRP vs $999 MSRP).
✅Delivers 76.9% more G3D Mark for each dollar spent, at 63.6 vs 36.0 G3D/$ ($169 MSRP vs $999 MSRP).
✅Draws 70W instead of 360W, a 290W reduction.
✅Measures 160mm instead of 304mm, a 144mm shorter card that is more SFF-friendly.

Why buy it

✅190.8% more average FPS across 9 tracked games in our benchmark data.
✅Access to a newer frame-generation stack with DLSS 4 Multi Frame Generation (2025).
✅166.7% more VRAM for high-resolution textures and newer games (16 GB vs 6 GB).
✅More future proof: Blackwell 2.0 (2025−2026) on 5nm with a newer platform for upcoming games.

Trade-offs

❌Lower average FPS than GeForce RTX 5080 across 9 tracked games in our benchmark data.
❌Less VRAM, with 6 GB vs 16 GB for high-resolution textures and newer games.
❌No equivalent frame-generation stack like DLSS 4 Multi Frame Generation (2025).
❌Weaker long-term outlook: GeForce RTX 5080 is the safer future-proof pick thanks to newer hardware and better gaming feature support.

Trade-offs

❌
491.1% HIGHER MSRP
$999 MSRPvs$169 MSRP
❌Lower G3D Mark per dollar, at 36.0 vs 63.6 G3D/$ ($999 MSRP vs $169 MSRP).
❌414.3% higher power demand at 360W vs 70W.
❌90% longer card at 304mm vs 160mm.

Quick Answers

So, is GeForce RTX 5080 better than GeForce RTX 3050 6GB?

Yes. GeForce RTX 5080 is clearly the better overall GPU here. GeForce RTX 5080 averages 190.8% more FPS across 9 tracked games in our benchmark data. You are also looking at 35,924 vs 10,749 in G3D Mark. On top of that, GeForce RTX 5080 is a 2025 card with DLSS 4 + Multi Frame Gen, while GeForce RTX 3050 6GB is a 2024 model from an older generation with DLSS Super Resolution. So this is not really a tight same-tier comparison. It is more a modern card against an older, weaker alternative.

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

GeForce RTX 5080 is the more future-proof choice for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer 2025 generation instead of 2024, 234.2% more raw performance headroom, more VRAM at 16 GB instead of 6 GB, and better upscaling support with DLSS 4 Super Resolution (2025) instead of DLSS 2 Super Resolution (2020) and better frame-generation support with DLSS 4 Multi Frame Generation (2025) instead of DLSS Super Resolution. That leaves it with more room for heavier textures, tougher ray tracing loads, and higher-end 1440p or 4K gaming over the next few years.

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

GeForce RTX 5080 is about 491.1% more expensive on MSRP at $999 MSRP versus $169 MSRP, and you are getting 190.8% more estimated average FPS across 9 tracked games in our benchmark data and 234.2% higher G3D Mark. GeForce RTX 3050 6GB 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 5080 is the one to buy. If staying closer to budget matters more, GeForce RTX 3050 6GB still makes more sense on price alone and remains capable enough for modern gaming.

Is GeForce RTX 3050 6GB still worth buying for gaming in 2026?

Yes. GeForce RTX 3050 6GB is still a strong gaming GPU in 2026: it is still comfortable for 1080p and decent for 1440p, though 4K is more situational. This mostly comes down to price. If you want to stay closer to $169 MSRP, it remains a strong choice; if you are comfortable paying more, GeForce RTX 5080 earns that extra money with a clearly stronger gaming result and a more complete overall package.

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 3050 6GB Benchmark Check

GeForce RTX 5080 Benchmark Check

Path of Exile 2

Preset	GeForce RTX 3050 6GB	GeForce RTX 5080
1080p
low	109 FPS	350 FPS
medium	92 FPS	334 FPS
high	77 FPS	280 FPS
ultra	45 FPS	221 FPS
1440p
low	95 FPS	326 FPS
medium	81 FPS	274 FPS
high	59 FPS	215 FPS
ultra	34 FPS	173 FPS
4K
low	30 FPS	194 FPS
medium	28 FPS	160 FPS
high	19 FPS	121 FPS
ultra	16 FPS	108 FPS

Open GeForce RTX 3050 6GB Open GeForce RTX 5080

Path of Exile 2

Path of Exile 2

Counter-Strike 2

Preset	GeForce RTX 3050 6GB	GeForce RTX 5080
1080p
low	174 FPS	822 FPS
medium	149 FPS	651 FPS
high	118 FPS	511 FPS
ultra	87 FPS	447 FPS
1440p
low	129 FPS	651 FPS
medium	106 FPS	536 FPS
high	83 FPS	434 FPS
ultra	62 FPS	360 FPS
4K
low	74 FPS	360 FPS
medium	62 FPS	306 FPS
high	48 FPS	277 FPS
ultra	34 FPS	234 FPS

Open GeForce RTX 3050 6GB Open GeForce RTX 5080

Counter-Strike 2

Counter-Strike 2

League of Legends

Preset	GeForce RTX 3050 6GB	GeForce RTX 5080
1080p
low	484 FPS	944 FPS
medium	387 FPS	772 FPS
high	322 FPS	699 FPS
ultra	242 FPS	604 FPS
1440p
low	363 FPS	731 FPS
medium	290 FPS	598 FPS
high	242 FPS	529 FPS
ultra	181 FPS	452 FPS
4K
low	242 FPS	506 FPS
medium	193 FPS	419 FPS
high	161 FPS	377 FPS
ultra	121 FPS	317 FPS

Open GeForce RTX 3050 6GB Open GeForce RTX 5080

League of Legends

League of Legends

Valorant

Preset	GeForce RTX 3050 6GB	GeForce RTX 5080
1080p
low	243 FPS	999 FPS
medium	210 FPS	944 FPS
high	171 FPS	831 FPS
ultra	144 FPS	742 FPS
1440p
low	185 FPS	800 FPS
medium	166 FPS	698 FPS
high	131 FPS	614 FPS
ultra	109 FPS	537 FPS
4K
low	104 FPS	581 FPS
medium	87 FPS	513 FPS
high	69 FPS	457 FPS
ultra	55 FPS	400 FPS

Open GeForce RTX 3050 6GB Open GeForce RTX 5080

Valorant

Valorant

Check FPS for your specific build

Technical Specifications

Side-by-side comparison of GeForce RTX 3050 6GB and GeForce RTX 5080

GeForce RTX 3050 6GB

The GeForce RTX 3050 6GB is manufactured by NVIDIA. It was released in February 2 2024. It features the Ampere architecture. The core clock ranges from 1042 MHz to 1470 MHz. It has 2304 shading units. The thermal design power (TDP) is 70W. Manufactured using 8 nm process technology. It features 18 dedicated ray tracing cores for enhanced lighting effects. G3D Mark benchmark score: 10,749 points. Launch price was $179.

GeForce RTX 5080

The GeForce RTX 5080 is manufactured by NVIDIA. It was released in January 30 2025. It features the Blackwell 2.0 architecture. The core clock ranges from 2295 MHz to 2617 MHz. It has 10752 shading units. The thermal design power (TDP) is 360W. Manufactured using 5 nm process technology. It features 84 dedicated ray tracing cores for enhanced lighting effects. G3D Mark benchmark score: 35,924 points. Launch price was $999.

⚡

Graphics Performance

In G3D Mark, the GeForce RTX 3050 6GB scores 10,749 versus the GeForce RTX 5080's 35,924 — the GeForce RTX 5080 leads by 234.2%. The GeForce RTX 3050 6GB is built on Ampere while the GeForce RTX 5080 uses Blackwell 2.0, both on 8 nm vs 5 nm. Shader units: 2,304 (GeForce RTX 3050 6GB) vs 10,752 (GeForce RTX 5080). Raw compute: 6.774 TFLOPS (GeForce RTX 3050 6GB) vs 56.28 TFLOPS (GeForce RTX 5080). Boost clocks: 1470 MHz vs 2617 MHz. Ray tracing: 18 RT cores (GeForce RTX 3050 6GB) vs 84 (GeForce RTX 5080) with 72 Tensor cores vs 336.

Feature	GeForce RTX 3050 6GB	GeForce RTX 5080
G3D Mark Score	10,749	35,924+234%
Architecture	Ampere	Blackwell 2.0
Process Node	8 nm	5 nm
Shading Units	2304	10752+367%
Compute (TFLOPS)	6.774 TFLOPS	56.28 TFLOPS+731%
Boost Clock	1470 MHz	2617 MHz+78%
ROPs	32	112+250%
TMUs	72	336+367%
L1 Cache	2.3 MB	10.5 MB+357%
L2 Cache	2 MB	64 MB+3100%
Ray Tracing Cores	18	84+367%
Tensor Cores	72	336+367%

✨

Advanced Features (DLSS/FSR)

A critical advantage for the GeForce RTX 5080 is support for DLSS 4 Multi Frame Generation. This allows it to generate entire frames using AI/Algorithms, essentially doubling the frame rate in CPU-bound scenarios or heavy ray-tracing titles. The GeForce RTX 3050 6GB lacks specific hardware/driver support for this native frame generation tier.The GeForce RTX 5080 supports the newer DLSS 4 Super Resolution, whereas the GeForce RTX 3050 6GB is capped at DLSS 2 Super Resolution.

Feature	GeForce RTX 3050 6GB	GeForce RTX 5080
Upscaling Tech	DLSS 2 Super Resolution	DLSS 4 Super Resolution
Frame Generation	Not Supported	DLSS 4 Multi Frame Generation
Ray Reconstruction	No	Yes (DLSS 4)
Low Latency	NVIDIA Reflex	NVIDIA Reflex

💾

Video Memory (VRAM)

The GeForce RTX 3050 6GB comes with 6 GB of VRAM, while the GeForce RTX 5080 has 16 GB. The GeForce RTX 5080 offers 166.7% more capacity, crucial for higher resolutions and texture-heavy games. Memory bandwidth: 168 GB/s (GeForce RTX 3050 6GB) vs 1024 GB/s (GeForce RTX 5080) — a 509.5% advantage for the GeForce RTX 5080. Bus width: 96-bit vs 256-bit. L2 Cache: 2 MB (GeForce RTX 3050 6GB) vs 64 MB (GeForce RTX 5080) — the GeForce RTX 5080 has significantly larger on-die cache to reduce VRAM reliance.

Feature	GeForce RTX 3050 6GB	GeForce RTX 5080
VRAM Capacity	6 GB	16 GB+167%
Memory Type	GDDR6	GDDR7
Memory Bandwidth	168 GB/s	1024 GB/s+510%
Bus Width	96-bit	256-bit+167%
L2 Cache	2 MB	64 MB+3100%

🖥️

Display & API Support

DirectX support: 12 Ultimate (GeForce RTX 3050 6GB) vs 12.2 (GeForce RTX 5080). Vulkan: 1.3 vs 1.4. OpenGL: 4.6 vs 4.6. Maximum simultaneous displays: 4 vs 4.

Feature	GeForce RTX 3050 6GB	GeForce RTX 5080
DirectX	12 Ultimate	12.2+2%
Vulkan	1.3	1.4+8%
OpenGL	4.6	4.6
Max Displays	4	4

🎬

Media & Encoding

Hardware encoder: NVENC (5th Gen) (GeForce RTX 3050 6GB) vs 9th Gen NVENC (2x) (GeForce RTX 5080). Decoder: NVDEC (7th Gen) vs 6th Gen NVDEC. Supported codecs: H.264,HEVC,AV1 (Decode Only) (GeForce RTX 3050 6GB) vs MPEG-2,H.264,HEVC,VP9,AV1 (GeForce RTX 5080).

Feature	GeForce RTX 3050 6GB	GeForce RTX 5080
Encoder	NVENC (5th Gen)	9th Gen NVENC (2x)
Decoder	NVDEC (7th Gen)	6th Gen NVDEC
Codecs	H.264,HEVC,AV1 (Decode Only)	MPEG-2,H.264,HEVC,VP9,AV1

🔌

Power & Dimensions

The GeForce RTX 3050 6GB draws 70W versus the GeForce RTX 5080's 360W — a 134.9% difference. The GeForce RTX 3050 6GB is more power-efficient. Recommended PSU: 300W (GeForce RTX 3050 6GB) vs 850W (GeForce RTX 5080). Power connectors: None vs 16-pin (12VHPWR). Card length: 160mm vs 304mm, occupying 2 vs 2 slots. Typical load temperature: 75°C vs 80°C.

Feature	GeForce RTX 3050 6GB	GeForce RTX 5080
TDP	70W-81%	360W
Recommended PSU	300W-65%	850W
Power Connector	None	16-pin (12VHPWR)
Length	160mm	304mm
Height	—	137mm
Slots	2	2
Temp (Load)	75°C-6%	80°C
Perf/Watt	153.6+54%	99.8

💰

Value Analysis

The GeForce RTX 3050 6GB launched at $169 MSRP, while the GeForce RTX 5080 launched at $999. The GeForce RTX 3050 6GB costs 83.1% less ($830 savings) on MSRP. Performance per dollar on MSRP (G3D Mark / MSRP): 63.6 (GeForce RTX 3050 6GB) vs 36.0 (GeForce RTX 5080) — the GeForce RTX 3050 6GB offers 76.7% better value. The GeForce RTX 5080 is the newer GPU (2025 vs 2024).