GeForce RTX 3080 12GB vs GeForce RTX 3050 8GB
GeForce RTX 3080 12GB
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GeForce RTX 3050 8GB
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Performance Spectrum - GPU
About G3D Mark
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (G3D Mark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar GeForce RTX 3080 12GB
Performance Per Dollar GeForce RTX 3050 8GB
Performance Comparison
About G3D Mark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
The GeForce RTX 3080 12GB is the superior choice for raw performance. It leads with a 112% higher G3D Mark score and 50% more VRAM (12 GB vs 8 GB). This advantage makes it significantly better for higher resolutions (1440p/4K) and graphic-intensive titles compared to the GeForce RTX 3050 8GB.
| Insight | GeForce RTX 3080 12GB | GeForce RTX 3050 8GB |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | ✅Leading raw performance (+112%) | ❌Lower raw frame rates (-112%) |
| Longevity | 🔮Strong Longevity (Ampere (2020−2025) / 8nm) | 🏆Elite Architecture (Ampere (2020−2025) / 8nm) |
| Ecosystem | ✨ DLSS 2 Upscaling | ✨ DLSS 3/4 + Frame Gen Support |
| VRAM | 🎮 High Capacity (12 GB) | 🎮 High Capacity (8 GB) |
| Efficiency | ⚡ Higher Power Consumption | 💡 Excellent Perf/Watt |
| Case Fit | Standard Size (285mm) | 📏 Compact / SFF Friendly |
💎 Value Proposition
The GeForce RTX 3050 8GB offers a compelling cost-to-performance ratio. Priced at $209 versus $500 for the GeForce RTX 3080 12GB, it costs 58% less. While it maintains significantly lower raw performance, this results in a 12.9% higher cost efficiency score.
| Insight | GeForce RTX 3080 12GB | GeForce RTX 3050 8GB |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌Lower cost efficiency | ✅Better overall value (+12.9%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️Higher upfront cost ($500) | ✅More affordable ($209) |
Performance Check
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 7800X3D 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.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of GeForce RTX 3080 12GB and GeForce RTX 3050 8GB
GeForce RTX 3080 12GB
The GeForce RTX 3080 12GB is manufactured by NVIDIA. It was released in January 11 2022. It features the Ampere architecture. The core clock ranges from 1260 MHz to 1710 MHz. It has 8960 shading units. The thermal design power (TDP) is 350W. Manufactured using 8 nm process technology. It features 70 dedicated ray tracing cores for enhanced lighting effects. G3D Mark benchmark score: 26,569 points. Launch price was $799.
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 3080 12GB scores 26,569 versus the GeForce RTX 3050 8GB's 12,535 — the GeForce RTX 3080 12GB leads by 112%. The GeForce RTX 3080 12GB is built on Ampere while the GeForce RTX 3050 8GB uses Ampere, both on a 8 nm process. Shader units: 8,960 (GeForce RTX 3080 12GB) vs 2,560 (GeForce RTX 3050 8GB). Raw compute: 30.64 TFLOPS (GeForce RTX 3080 12GB) vs 9.098 TFLOPS (GeForce RTX 3050 8GB). Boost clocks: 1710 MHz vs 1777 MHz. Ray tracing: 70 RT cores (GeForce RTX 3080 12GB) vs 20 (GeForce RTX 3050 8GB) with 280 Tensor cores vs 80.
| Feature | GeForce RTX 3080 12GB | GeForce RTX 3050 8GB |
|---|---|---|
| G3D Mark Score | 26,569+112% | 12,535 |
| Architecture | Ampere | Ampere |
| Process Node | 8 nm | 8 nm |
| Shading Units | 8960+250% | 2560 |
| Compute (TFLOPS) | 30.64 TFLOPS+237% | 9.098 TFLOPS |
| Boost Clock | 1710 MHz | 1777 MHz+4% |
| ROPs | 96+200% | 32 |
| TMUs | 280+250% | 80 |
| L1 Cache | 8.8 MB+252% | 2.5 MB |
| L2 Cache | 6 MB+200% | 2 MB |
| Ray Tracing Cores | 70+250% | 20 |
| Tensor Cores | 280+250% | 80 |
Advanced Features (DLSS/FSR)
| Feature | GeForce RTX 3080 12GB | GeForce RTX 3050 8GB |
|---|---|---|
| Upscaling Tech | DLSS 2.0 | DLSS 2.0 |
| Frame Generation | FSR 3 / AFMF (Compatible) | FSR 3 / AFMF (Compatible) |
| Ray Reconstruction | No | No |
| Low Latency | NVIDIA Reflex | NVIDIA Reflex |
Video Memory (VRAM)
The GeForce RTX 3080 12GB comes with 12 GB of VRAM, while the GeForce RTX 3050 8GB has 8 GB. The GeForce RTX 3080 12GB offers 50% more capacity, crucial for higher resolutions and texture-heavy games. Memory bandwidth: 912 GB/s (GeForce RTX 3080 12GB) vs 224 GB/s (GeForce RTX 3050 8GB) — a 307.1% advantage for the GeForce RTX 3080 12GB. Bus width: 384-bit vs 128-bit. L2 Cache: 6 MB (GeForce RTX 3080 12GB) vs 2 MB (GeForce RTX 3050 8GB) — the GeForce RTX 3080 12GB has significantly larger on-die cache to reduce VRAM reliance.
| Feature | GeForce RTX 3080 12GB | GeForce RTX 3050 8GB |
|---|---|---|
| VRAM Capacity | 12 GB+50% | 8 GB |
| Memory Type | GDDR6X | GDDR6 |
| Memory Bandwidth | 912 GB/s+307% | 224 GB/s |
| Bus Width | 384-bit+200% | 128-bit |
| L2 Cache | 6 MB+200% | 2 MB |
Display & API Support
DirectX support: 12 Ultimate (GeForce RTX 3080 12GB) vs 12 Ultimate (GeForce RTX 3050 8GB). Vulkan: 1.4 vs 1.4. OpenGL: 4.6 vs 4.6. Maximum simultaneous displays: 4 vs 4.
| Feature | GeForce RTX 3080 12GB | GeForce RTX 3050 8GB |
|---|---|---|
| DirectX | 12 Ultimate | 12 Ultimate |
| Vulkan | 1.4 | 1.4 |
| OpenGL | 4.6 | 4.6 |
| Max Displays | 4 | 4 |
Media & Encoding
Hardware encoder: NVENC 7th gen (GeForce RTX 3080 12GB) vs NVENC 7th gen (GeForce RTX 3050 8GB). Decoder: NVDEC 5th gen vs NVDEC 5th gen. Supported codecs: H.264,H.265/HEVC,AV1 (GeForce RTX 3080 12GB) vs H.264,H.265/HEVC,AV1,VP9 (GeForce RTX 3050 8GB).
| Feature | GeForce RTX 3080 12GB | GeForce RTX 3050 8GB |
|---|---|---|
| Encoder | NVENC 7th gen | NVENC 7th gen |
| Decoder | NVDEC 5th gen | NVDEC 5th gen |
| Codecs | H.264,H.265/HEVC,AV1 | H.264,H.265/HEVC,AV1,VP9 |
Power & Dimensions
The GeForce RTX 3080 12GB draws 350W versus the GeForce RTX 3050 8GB's 130W — a 91.7% difference. The GeForce RTX 3050 8GB is more power-efficient. Recommended PSU: 750W (GeForce RTX 3080 12GB) vs 450W (GeForce RTX 3050 8GB). Power connectors: 2x 8-pin vs 8-pin. Card length: 285mm vs 242mm, occupying 2 vs 2 slots. Typical load temperature: 80°C vs 66°C.
| Feature | GeForce RTX 3080 12GB | GeForce RTX 3050 8GB |
|---|---|---|
| TDP | 350W | 130W-63% |
| Recommended PSU | 750W | 450W-40% |
| Power Connector | 2x 8-pin | 8-pin |
| Length | 285mm | 242mm |
| Height | 112mm | 112mm |
| Slots | 2 | 2 |
| Temp (Load) | 80°C | 66°C-18% |
| Perf/Watt | 75.9 | 96.4+27% |
Value Analysis
The GeForce RTX 3080 12GB launched at $1250 MSRP and currently averages $500, while the GeForce RTX 3050 8GB launched at $249 and now averages $209. The GeForce RTX 3050 8GB costs 58.2% less ($291 savings) at current market prices. Performance per dollar (G3D Mark / price): 53.1 (GeForce RTX 3080 12GB) vs 60.0 (GeForce RTX 3050 8GB) — the GeForce RTX 3050 8GB offers 13% better value.
| Feature | GeForce RTX 3080 12GB | GeForce RTX 3050 8GB |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $1250 | $249-80% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $500 | $209-58% |
| Performance per Dollar | 53.1 | 60.0+13% |
| Codename | GA102 | GA106 |
| Release | January 11 2022 | January 4 2022 |
| Ranking | #38 | #211 |
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