GeForce RTX 3090 vs GeForce RTX 3080 12GB
GeForce RTX 3090
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GeForce RTX 3080 12GB
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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 3090
Performance Per Dollar GeForce RTX 3080 12GB
Performance Comparison
About G3D Mark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
The GeForce RTX 3090 is the superior choice for raw performance. It leads with a 0.1% higher G3D Mark score and 100% more VRAM (24 GB vs 12 GB). This advantage makes it significantly better for higher resolutions (1440p/4K) and graphic-intensive titles compared to the GeForce RTX 3080 12GB.
| Insight | GeForce RTX 3090 | GeForce RTX 3080 12GB |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | ✅Leading raw performance (+0.1%) | ❌Lower raw frame rates (-0.1%) |
| Longevity | 🔮Strong Longevity (Ampere (2020−2025) / 8nm) | 🔮Strong Longevity (Ampere (2020−2025) / 8nm) |
| Ecosystem | ✨ DLSS 2 Upscaling | ✨ DLSS 2 Upscaling |
| VRAM | 🎮 High Capacity (24 GB) | 🎮 High Capacity (12 GB) |
| Efficiency | Normal Efficiency | Normal Efficiency |
| Case Fit | Standard Size (312mm) | Standard Size (285mm) |
💎 Value Proposition
The GeForce RTX 3080 12GB offers a compelling cost-to-performance ratio. Priced at $500 versus $900 for the GeForce RTX 3090, it costs 44% less. While it maintains competitive performance, this results in a 79.8% higher cost efficiency score.
| Insight | GeForce RTX 3090 | GeForce RTX 3080 12GB |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌Lower cost efficiency | ✅Better overall value (+79.8%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️Higher upfront cost ($900) | ✅More affordable ($500) |
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 3090 and GeForce RTX 3080 12GB
GeForce RTX 3090
The GeForce RTX 3090 is manufactured by NVIDIA. It was released in September 1 2020. It features the Ampere architecture. The core clock ranges from 1395 MHz to 1695 MHz. It has 10496 shading units. The thermal design power (TDP) is 350W. Manufactured using 8 nm process technology. It features 82 dedicated ray tracing cores for enhanced lighting effects. G3D Mark benchmark score: 26,594 points. Launch price was $1,499.
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.
Graphics Performance
The GeForce RTX 3090 scores 26,594 and the GeForce RTX 3080 12GB reaches 26,569 in the G3D Mark benchmark — just a 0.1% difference, making them near-identical in rasterization performance. The GeForce RTX 3090 is built on Ampere while the GeForce RTX 3080 12GB uses Ampere, both on a 8 nm process. Shader units: 10,496 (GeForce RTX 3090) vs 8,960 (GeForce RTX 3080 12GB). Raw compute: 35.58 TFLOPS (GeForce RTX 3090) vs 30.64 TFLOPS (GeForce RTX 3080 12GB). Boost clocks: 1695 MHz vs 1710 MHz. Ray tracing: 82 RT cores (GeForce RTX 3090) vs 70 (GeForce RTX 3080 12GB) with 328 Tensor cores vs 280.
| Feature | GeForce RTX 3090 | GeForce RTX 3080 12GB |
|---|---|---|
| G3D Mark Score | 26,594 | 26,569 |
| Architecture | Ampere | Ampere |
| Process Node | 8 nm | 8 nm |
| Shading Units | 10496+17% | 8960 |
| Compute (TFLOPS) | 35.58 TFLOPS+16% | 30.64 TFLOPS |
| Boost Clock | 1695 MHz | 1710 MHz |
| ROPs | 112+17% | 96 |
| TMUs | 328+17% | 280 |
| L1 Cache | 10.3 MB+17% | 8.8 MB |
| L2 Cache | 6 MB | 6 MB |
| Ray Tracing Cores | 82+17% | 70 |
| Tensor Cores | 328+17% | 280 |
Advanced Features (DLSS/FSR)
| Feature | GeForce RTX 3090 | GeForce RTX 3080 12GB |
|---|---|---|
| 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 3090 comes with 24 GB of VRAM, while the GeForce RTX 3080 12GB has 12 GB. The GeForce RTX 3090 offers 100% more capacity, crucial for higher resolutions and texture-heavy games. Memory bandwidth: 936 GB/s (GeForce RTX 3090) vs 912 GB/s (GeForce RTX 3080 12GB) — a 2.6% advantage for the GeForce RTX 3090. Bus width: 384-bit vs 384-bit.
| Feature | GeForce RTX 3090 | GeForce RTX 3080 12GB |
|---|---|---|
| VRAM Capacity | 24 GB+100% | 12 GB |
| Memory Type | GDDR6X | GDDR6X |
| Memory Bandwidth | 936 GB/s+3% | 912 GB/s |
| Bus Width | 384-bit | 384-bit |
| L2 Cache | 6 MB | 6 MB |
Display & API Support
DirectX support: 12 Ultimate (GeForce RTX 3090) vs 12 Ultimate (GeForce RTX 3080 12GB). Vulkan: 1.4 vs 1.4. OpenGL: 4.6 vs 4.6. Maximum simultaneous displays: 4 vs 4.
| Feature | GeForce RTX 3090 | GeForce RTX 3080 12GB |
|---|---|---|
| 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 3090) vs NVENC 7th gen (GeForce RTX 3080 12GB). Decoder: NVDEC 5th gen vs NVDEC 5th gen. Supported codecs: H.264,H.265/HEVC,AV1 (GeForce RTX 3090) vs H.264,H.265/HEVC,AV1 (GeForce RTX 3080 12GB).
| Feature | GeForce RTX 3090 | GeForce RTX 3080 12GB |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Power & Dimensions
The GeForce RTX 3090 draws 350W versus the GeForce RTX 3080 12GB's 350W — a 0% difference. The GeForce RTX 3080 12GB is more power-efficient. Recommended PSU: 750W (GeForce RTX 3090) vs 750W (GeForce RTX 3080 12GB). Power connectors: 2x 8-pin vs 2x 8-pin. Card length: 312mm vs 285mm, occupying 3 vs 2 slots. Typical load temperature: 85°C vs 80°C.
| Feature | GeForce RTX 3090 | GeForce RTX 3080 12GB |
|---|---|---|
| TDP | 350W | 350W |
| Recommended PSU | 750W | 750W |
| Power Connector | 2x 8-pin | 2x 8-pin |
| Length | 312mm | 285mm |
| Height | 140mm | 112mm |
| Slots | 3 | 2-33% |
| Temp (Load) | 85°C | 80°C-6% |
| Perf/Watt | 76.0 | 75.9 |
Value Analysis
The GeForce RTX 3090 launched at $1499 MSRP and currently averages $900, while the GeForce RTX 3080 12GB launched at $1250 and now averages $500. The GeForce RTX 3080 12GB costs 44.4% less ($400 savings) at current market prices. Performance per dollar (G3D Mark / price): 29.5 (GeForce RTX 3090) vs 53.1 (GeForce RTX 3080 12GB) — the GeForce RTX 3080 12GB offers 80% better value. The GeForce RTX 3080 12GB is the newer GPU (2022 vs 2020).
| Feature | GeForce RTX 3090 | GeForce RTX 3080 12GB |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $1499 | $1250-17% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $900 | $500-44% |
| Performance per Dollar | 29.5 | 53.1+80% |
| Codename | GA102 | GA102 |
| Release | September 1 2020 | January 11 2022 |
| Ranking | #37 | #38 |
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