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 $1,030 less on MSRP ($169 MSRP vs $1,199 MSRP).
✅Delivers 121.4% more G3D Mark for each dollar spent, at 63.6 vs 28.7 G3D/$ ($169 MSRP vs $1,199 MSRP).
✅Draws 70W instead of 320W, a 250W reduction.
✅Measures 160mm instead of 310mm, a 150mm shorter card that is more SFF-friendly.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark G3D performance (10,749 vs 34,445).
❌Less VRAM, with 6 GB vs 16 GB for high-resolution textures and newer games.
❌No equivalent frame-generation stack like DLSS 3.5 + Frame Generation (2023).
❌Weaker long-term outlook: GeForce RTX 4080 is the safer future-proof pick thanks to newer hardware and better gaming feature support.

GeForce RTX 4080

2022

Why buy it

✅+220.4% higher PassMark G3D performance.
✅Access to a newer frame-generation stack with DLSS 3.5 + Frame Generation (2023).
✅166.7% more VRAM for high-resolution textures and newer games (16 GB vs 6 GB).
✅More future proof: Ada Lovelace (2022−2024) on 5nm with a newer platform for upcoming games.

Trade-offs

❌
609.5% HIGHER MSRP
$1,199 MSRPvs$169 MSRP
❌Lower G3D Mark per dollar, at 28.7 vs 63.6 G3D/$ ($1,199 MSRP vs $169 MSRP).
❌357.1% higher power demand at 320W vs 70W.
❌93.8% longer card at 310mm vs 160mm.

GeForce RTX 3050 6GB

2024

GeForce RTX 4080

2022

Why buy it

✅Costs $1,030 less on MSRP ($169 MSRP vs $1,199 MSRP).
✅Delivers 121.4% more G3D Mark for each dollar spent, at 63.6 vs 28.7 G3D/$ ($169 MSRP vs $1,199 MSRP).
✅Draws 70W instead of 320W, a 250W reduction.
✅Measures 160mm instead of 310mm, a 150mm shorter card that is more SFF-friendly.

Why buy it

✅+220.4% higher PassMark G3D performance.
✅Access to a newer frame-generation stack with DLSS 3.5 + Frame Generation (2023).
✅166.7% more VRAM for high-resolution textures and newer games (16 GB vs 6 GB).
✅More future proof: Ada Lovelace (2022−2024) on 5nm with a newer platform for upcoming games.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark G3D performance (10,749 vs 34,445).
❌Less VRAM, with 6 GB vs 16 GB for high-resolution textures and newer games.
❌No equivalent frame-generation stack like DLSS 3.5 + Frame Generation (2023).
❌Weaker long-term outlook: GeForce RTX 4080 is the safer future-proof pick thanks to newer hardware and better gaming feature support.

Trade-offs

❌
609.5% HIGHER MSRP
$1,199 MSRPvs$169 MSRP
❌Lower G3D Mark per dollar, at 28.7 vs 63.6 G3D/$ ($1,199 MSRP vs $169 MSRP).
❌357.1% higher power demand at 320W vs 70W.
❌93.8% longer card at 310mm vs 160mm.

Quick Answers

So, is GeForce RTX 4080 better than GeForce RTX 3050 6GB?

Yes. GeForce RTX 4080 is clearly the better overall GPU here. You are also looking at 34,445 vs 10,749 in G3D Mark. On top of that, GeForce RTX 4080 is a 2022 card with DLSS 3.5 + Frame Generation, 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 4080 is the more future-proof choice for 2026 and beyond. You are getting 220.4% more raw performance headroom, more VRAM at 16 GB instead of 6 GB, better upscaling support with DLSS 3.5 Super Resolution (2023) instead of DLSS 2 Super Resolution (2020) and better frame-generation support with DLSS 3.5 + Frame Generation (2023) instead of DLSS Super Resolution, and a 5nm process instead of 8nm. 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 4080 is about 609.5% more expensive on MSRP at $1,199 MSRP versus $169 MSRP, and you are getting 220.4% 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 4080 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.

When does GeForce RTX 3050 6GB make more sense than GeForce RTX 4080?

Yes. GeForce RTX 3050 6GB is still an excellent gaming GPU in 2026: it is still comfortable for 1080p and decent for 1440p, though 4K is more situational. It makes more sense if your priority is newer architecture, lower power draw (70W vs 320W), and staying closer to $169 MSRP more than squeezing out the extra headroom of GeForce RTX 4080. The trade-off is that GeForce RTX 4080 currently gives you 220.4% higher G3D Mark. GeForce RTX 3050 6GB 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 3050 6GB Benchmark Check

GeForce RTX 4080 Benchmark Check

Path of Exile 2

Preset	GeForce RTX 3050 6GB	GeForce RTX 4080
1080p
low	109 FPS	276 FPS
medium	92 FPS	265 FPS
high	77 FPS	229 FPS
ultra	45 FPS	189 FPS
1440p
low	95 FPS	252 FPS
medium	81 FPS	214 FPS
high	59 FPS	175 FPS
ultra	34 FPS	148 FPS
4K
low	30 FPS	147 FPS
medium	28 FPS	123 FPS
high	19 FPS	99 FPS
ultra	16 FPS	92 FPS

Open GeForce RTX 3050 6GB Open GeForce RTX 4080

Path of Exile 2

Path of Exile 2

Counter-Strike 2

Preset	GeForce RTX 3050 6GB	GeForce RTX 4080
1080p
low	174 FPS	818 FPS
medium	149 FPS	665 FPS
high	118 FPS	525 FPS
ultra	87 FPS	461 FPS
1440p
low	129 FPS	617 FPS
medium	106 FPS	512 FPS
high	83 FPS	420 FPS
ultra	62 FPS	344 FPS
4K
low	74 FPS	335 FPS
medium	62 FPS	287 FPS
high	48 FPS	259 FPS
ultra	34 FPS	221 FPS

Open GeForce RTX 3050 6GB Open GeForce RTX 4080

Counter-Strike 2

Counter-Strike 2

League of Legends

Preset	GeForce RTX 3050 6GB	GeForce RTX 4080
1080p
low	484 FPS	999 FPS
medium	387 FPS	999 FPS
high	322 FPS	999 FPS
ultra	242 FPS	775 FPS
1440p
low	363 FPS	988 FPS
medium	290 FPS	902 FPS
high	242 FPS	775 FPS
ultra	181 FPS	581 FPS
4K
low	242 FPS	580 FPS
medium	193 FPS	504 FPS
high	161 FPS	455 FPS
ultra	121 FPS	388 FPS

Open GeForce RTX 3050 6GB Open GeForce RTX 4080

League of Legends

League of Legends

Valorant

Preset	GeForce RTX 3050 6GB	GeForce RTX 4080
1080p
low	243 FPS	999 FPS
medium	210 FPS	963 FPS
high	171 FPS	830 FPS
ultra	144 FPS	737 FPS
1440p
low	185 FPS	793 FPS
medium	166 FPS	690 FPS
high	131 FPS	585 FPS
ultra	109 FPS	510 FPS
4K
low	104 FPS	567 FPS
medium	87 FPS	502 FPS
high	69 FPS	435 FPS
ultra	55 FPS	382 FPS

Open GeForce RTX 3050 6GB Open GeForce RTX 4080

Valorant

Valorant

Check FPS for your specific build

Technical Specifications

Side-by-side comparison of GeForce RTX 3050 6GB and GeForce RTX 4080

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 4080

The GeForce RTX 4080 is manufactured by NVIDIA. It was released in September 20 2022. It features the Ada Lovelace architecture. The core clock ranges from 2205 MHz to 2505 MHz. It has 9728 shading units. The thermal design power (TDP) is 320W. Manufactured using 5 nm process technology. It features 76 dedicated ray tracing cores for enhanced lighting effects. G3D Mark benchmark score: 34,445 points. Launch price was $1,199.

⚡

Graphics Performance

In G3D Mark, the GeForce RTX 3050 6GB scores 10,749 versus the GeForce RTX 4080's 34,445 — the GeForce RTX 4080 leads by 220.4%. The GeForce RTX 3050 6GB is built on Ampere while the GeForce RTX 4080 uses Ada Lovelace, both on 8 nm vs 5 nm. Shader units: 2,304 (GeForce RTX 3050 6GB) vs 9,728 (GeForce RTX 4080). Raw compute: 6.774 TFLOPS (GeForce RTX 3050 6GB) vs 48.74 TFLOPS (GeForce RTX 4080). Boost clocks: 1470 MHz vs 2505 MHz. Ray tracing: 18 RT cores (GeForce RTX 3050 6GB) vs 76 (GeForce RTX 4080) with 72 Tensor cores vs 304.

Feature	GeForce RTX 3050 6GB	GeForce RTX 4080
G3D Mark Score	10,749	34,445+220%
Architecture	Ampere	Ada Lovelace
Process Node	8 nm	5 nm
Shading Units	2304	9728+322%
Compute (TFLOPS)	6.774 TFLOPS	48.74 TFLOPS+620%
Boost Clock	1470 MHz	2505 MHz+70%
ROPs	32	112+250%
TMUs	72	304+322%
L1 Cache	2.3 MB	9.5 MB+313%
L2 Cache	2 MB	64 MB+3100%
Ray Tracing Cores	18	76+322%
Tensor Cores	72	304+322%

✨

Advanced Features (DLSS/FSR)

A critical advantage for the GeForce RTX 4080 is support for DLSS 3.5 + 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 4080 supports the newer DLSS 3.5 Super Resolution, whereas the GeForce RTX 3050 6GB is capped at DLSS 2 Super Resolution.

Feature	GeForce RTX 3050 6GB	GeForce RTX 4080
Upscaling Tech	DLSS 2 Super Resolution	DLSS 3.5 Super Resolution
Frame Generation	Not Supported	DLSS 3.5 + Frame Generation
Ray Reconstruction	No	Yes (DLSS 3.5)
Low Latency	NVIDIA Reflex	NVIDIA Reflex

💾

Video Memory (VRAM)

The GeForce RTX 3050 6GB comes with 6 GB of VRAM, while the GeForce RTX 4080 has 16 GB. The GeForce RTX 4080 offers 166.7% more capacity, crucial for higher resolutions and texture-heavy games. Memory bandwidth: 168 GB/s (GeForce RTX 3050 6GB) vs 736 GB/s (GeForce RTX 4080) — a 338.1% advantage for the GeForce RTX 4080. Bus width: 96-bit vs 256-bit. L2 Cache: 2 MB (GeForce RTX 3050 6GB) vs 64 MB (GeForce RTX 4080) — the GeForce RTX 4080 has significantly larger on-die cache to reduce VRAM reliance.

Feature	GeForce RTX 3050 6GB	GeForce RTX 4080
VRAM Capacity	6 GB	16 GB+167%
Memory Type	GDDR6	GDDR6X
Memory Bandwidth	168 GB/s	736 GB/s+338%
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 Ultimate (GeForce RTX 4080). Vulkan: 1.3 vs 1.3. OpenGL: 4.6 vs 4.6. Maximum simultaneous displays: 4 vs 4.

Feature	GeForce RTX 3050 6GB	GeForce RTX 4080
DirectX	12 Ultimate	12 Ultimate
Vulkan	1.3	1.3
OpenGL	4.6	4.6
Max Displays	4	4

🎬

Media & Encoding

Hardware encoder: NVENC (5th Gen) (GeForce RTX 3050 6GB) vs NVENC 8th gen (GeForce RTX 4080). Decoder: NVDEC (7th Gen) vs NVDEC 5th gen. Supported codecs: H.264,HEVC,AV1 (Decode Only) (GeForce RTX 3050 6GB) vs H.264,H.265/HEVC,AV1,VP9 (GeForce RTX 4080).

Feature	GeForce RTX 3050 6GB	GeForce RTX 4080
Encoder	NVENC (5th Gen)	NVENC 8th gen
Decoder	NVDEC (7th Gen)	NVDEC 5th gen
Codecs	H.264,HEVC,AV1 (Decode Only)	H.264,H.265/HEVC,AV1,VP9

🔌

Power & Dimensions

The GeForce RTX 3050 6GB draws 70W versus the GeForce RTX 4080's 320W — a 128.2% difference. The GeForce RTX 3050 6GB is more power-efficient. Recommended PSU: 300W (GeForce RTX 3050 6GB) vs 750W (GeForce RTX 4080). Power connectors: None vs 16-pin. Card length: 160mm vs 310mm, occupying 2 vs 3 slots. Typical load temperature: 75°C vs 70°C.

Feature	GeForce RTX 3050 6GB	GeForce RTX 4080
TDP	70W-78%	320W
Recommended PSU	300W-60%	750W
Power Connector	None	16-pin
Length	160mm	310mm
Height	—	140mm
Slots	2-33%	3
Temp (Load)	75°C	70°C-7%
Perf/Watt	153.6+43%	107.6

💰

Value Analysis

The GeForce RTX 3050 6GB launched at $169 MSRP, while the GeForce RTX 4080 launched at $1199. The GeForce RTX 3050 6GB costs 85.9% less ($1030 savings) on MSRP. Performance per dollar on MSRP (G3D Mark / MSRP): 63.6 (GeForce RTX 3050 6GB) vs 28.7 (GeForce RTX 4080) — the GeForce RTX 3050 6GB offers 121.6% better value. The GeForce RTX 3050 6GB is the newer GPU (2024 vs 2022).