GeForce RTX 4080 SUPER vs GeForce RTX 3050 8GB
GeForce RTX 4080 SUPER
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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 4080 SUPER
Performance Per Dollar GeForce RTX 3050 8GB
Why is GeForce RTX 4080 SUPER better than GeForce RTX 3050 8GB?
Comparing the entry-level GeForce RTX 3050 8GB to the flagship-tier GeForce RTX 4080 SUPER reveals a massive gulf in performance and technology. The RTX 4080 SUPER is a 4K gaming beast that delivers roughly 400-500% more rendering speed than the budget-friendly Ampere card. This is the jump from a stable 1080p experience to a world-class cinematic environment with high refresh rates at the highest settings.
Technically, the RTX 4080 SUPER features 16GB of hyper-fast GDDR6X VRAM and specialized hardware for DLSS 3 Frame Generation, which can significantly boost smoothness in modern titles. The RTX 3050 8GB lacks the core count and memory bandwidth to handle high resolutions with any stability. Moving from a 3050 to a 4080 SUPER is a transformative upgrade, turning playable settings into silk-smooth cinematic visuals with advanced path-tracing and AI enhancements that define the modern era of gaming in 2026.
The GeForce RTX 4080 SUPER is the undisputed winner in every category except price. it represents the pinnacle of high-end performance and provides the level of immersion needed for today's most demanding AAA titles. The GeForce RTX 3050 8GB remains the winner for users on a strict budget who need a reliable entry point for 1080p. However, for anyone building or upgrading to a high-performance system, the jump to the 80-series SUPER is the clear and superior winner by an overwhelming margin.
Performance Comparison
About G3D Mark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
The GeForce RTX 4080 SUPER is the superior choice for raw performance. It leads with a 173% higher G3D Mark score and 100% more VRAM (16 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 4080 SUPER | GeForce RTX 3050 8GB |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | ✅Leading raw performance (+173%) | ❌Lower raw frame rates (-173%) |
| Longevity | 🏆Elite Architecture (Ada Lovelace (2022−2024) / 5nm) | 🏆Elite Architecture (Ampere (2020−2025) / 8nm) |
| Ecosystem | ✨ DLSS 3/4 + Frame Gen Support | ✨ DLSS 3/4 + Frame Gen Support |
| VRAM | 🎮 High Capacity (16 GB) | 🎮 High Capacity (8 GB) |
| Efficiency | Normal Efficiency | Normal Efficiency |
| Case Fit | Standard Size (304mm) | 📏 Compact / SFF Friendly |
💎 Value Proposition
The GeForce RTX 3050 8GB offers a compelling cost-to-performance ratio. Priced at $209 versus $999 for the GeForce RTX 4080 SUPER, it costs 79% less. While it maintains significantly lower raw performance, this results in a 75.1% higher cost efficiency score.
| Insight | GeForce RTX 4080 SUPER | GeForce RTX 3050 8GB |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌Lower cost efficiency | ✅Better overall value (+75.1%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️Higher upfront cost ($999) | ✅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 4080 SUPER and GeForce RTX 3050 8GB
GeForce RTX 4080 SUPER
The GeForce RTX 4080 SUPER is manufactured by NVIDIA. It was released in January 8 2024. It features the Ada Lovelace architecture. The core clock ranges from 2295 MHz to 2550 MHz. It has 10240 shading units. The thermal design power (TDP) is 320W. Manufactured using 5 nm process technology. It features 80 dedicated ray tracing cores for enhanced lighting effects. G3D Mark benchmark score: 34,215 points. Launch price was $999.
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 4080 SUPER scores 34,215 versus the GeForce RTX 3050 8GB's 12,535 — the GeForce RTX 4080 SUPER leads by 173%. The GeForce RTX 4080 SUPER is built on Ada Lovelace while the GeForce RTX 3050 8GB uses Ampere, both on 5 nm vs 8 nm. Shader units: 10,240 (GeForce RTX 4080 SUPER) vs 2,560 (GeForce RTX 3050 8GB). Raw compute: 52.22 TFLOPS (GeForce RTX 4080 SUPER) vs 9.098 TFLOPS (GeForce RTX 3050 8GB). Boost clocks: 2550 MHz vs 1777 MHz. Ray tracing: 80 RT cores (GeForce RTX 4080 SUPER) vs 20 (GeForce RTX 3050 8GB) with 320 Tensor cores vs 80.
| Feature | GeForce RTX 4080 SUPER | GeForce RTX 3050 8GB |
|---|---|---|
| G3D Mark Score | 34,215+173% | 12,535 |
| Architecture | Ada Lovelace | Ampere |
| Process Node | 5 nm | 8 nm |
| Shading Units | 10240+300% | 2560 |
| Compute (TFLOPS) | 52.22 TFLOPS+474% | 9.098 TFLOPS |
| Boost Clock | 2550 MHz+44% | 1777 MHz |
| ROPs | 112+250% | 32 |
| TMUs | 320+300% | 80 |
| L1 Cache | 10 MB+300% | 2.5 MB |
| L2 Cache | 64 MB+3100% | 2 MB |
| Ray Tracing Cores | 80+300% | 20 |
| Tensor Cores | 320+300% | 80 |
Advanced Features (DLSS/FSR)
A critical advantage for the GeForce RTX 4080 SUPER is support for DLSS 3 Frame Gen. 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 8GB lacks specific hardware/driver support for this native frame generation tier.The GeForce RTX 4080 SUPER supports the newer DLSS 3.5 (including Frame Gen/Ray Reconstruction), whereas the GeForce RTX 3050 8GB is capped at DLSS 2.0.
| Feature | GeForce RTX 4080 SUPER | GeForce RTX 3050 8GB |
|---|---|---|
| Upscaling Tech | DLSS 3.5 | DLSS 2.0 |
| Frame Generation | DLSS 3.0 (Native) | FSR 3 / AFMF (Compatible) |
| Ray Reconstruction | Yes (DLSS 3.5) | No |
| Low Latency | NVIDIA Reflex | NVIDIA Reflex |
Video Memory (VRAM)
The GeForce RTX 4080 SUPER comes with 16 GB of VRAM, while the GeForce RTX 3050 8GB has 8 GB. The GeForce RTX 4080 SUPER offers 100% more capacity, crucial for higher resolutions and texture-heavy games. Memory bandwidth: 736 GB/s (GeForce RTX 4080 SUPER) vs 224 GB/s (GeForce RTX 3050 8GB) — a 228.6% advantage for the GeForce RTX 4080 SUPER. Bus width: 256-bit vs 128-bit. L2 Cache: 64 MB (GeForce RTX 4080 SUPER) vs 2 MB (GeForce RTX 3050 8GB) — the GeForce RTX 4080 SUPER has significantly larger on-die cache to reduce VRAM reliance.
| Feature | GeForce RTX 4080 SUPER | GeForce RTX 3050 8GB |
|---|---|---|
| VRAM Capacity | 16 GB+100% | 8 GB |
| Memory Type | GDDR6X | GDDR6 |
| Memory Bandwidth | 736 GB/s+229% | 224 GB/s |
| Bus Width | 256-bit+100% | 128-bit |
| L2 Cache | 64 MB+3100% | 2 MB |
Display & API Support
DirectX support: 12 Ultimate (GeForce RTX 4080 SUPER) vs 12 Ultimate (GeForce RTX 3050 8GB). Vulkan: 1.3 vs 1.4. OpenGL: 4.6 vs 4.6. Maximum simultaneous displays: 4 vs 4.
| Feature | GeForce RTX 4080 SUPER | GeForce RTX 3050 8GB |
|---|---|---|
| DirectX | 12 Ultimate | 12 Ultimate |
| Vulkan | 1.3 | 1.4+8% |
| OpenGL | 4.6 | 4.6 |
| Max Displays | 4 | 4 |
Media & Encoding
Hardware encoder: NVENC 8th Gen (GeForce RTX 4080 SUPER) vs NVENC 7th gen (GeForce RTX 3050 8GB). Decoder: NVDEC 5th Gen vs NVDEC 5th gen. Supported codecs: AV1,H.265,H.264,VP9 (GeForce RTX 4080 SUPER) vs H.264,H.265/HEVC,AV1,VP9 (GeForce RTX 3050 8GB).
| Feature | GeForce RTX 4080 SUPER | GeForce RTX 3050 8GB |
|---|---|---|
| Encoder | NVENC 8th Gen | NVENC 7th gen |
| Decoder | NVDEC 5th Gen | NVDEC 5th gen |
| Codecs | AV1,H.265,H.264,VP9 | H.264,H.265/HEVC,AV1,VP9 |
Power & Dimensions
The GeForce RTX 4080 SUPER draws 320W versus the GeForce RTX 3050 8GB's 130W — a 84.4% difference. The GeForce RTX 3050 8GB is more power-efficient. Recommended PSU: 850W (GeForce RTX 4080 SUPER) vs 450W (GeForce RTX 3050 8GB). Power connectors: 16-pin (12VHPWR) vs 8-pin. Card length: 304mm vs 242mm, occupying 3 vs 2 slots. Typical load temperature: 70 vs 66°C.
| Feature | GeForce RTX 4080 SUPER | GeForce RTX 3050 8GB |
|---|---|---|
| TDP | 320W | 130W-59% |
| Recommended PSU | 850W | 450W-47% |
| Power Connector | 16-pin (12VHPWR) | 8-pin |
| Length | 304mm | 242mm |
| Height | 137mm | 112mm |
| Slots | 3 | 2-33% |
| Temp (Load) | 70 | 66°C-6% |
| Perf/Watt | 106.9+11% | 96.4 |
Value Analysis
The GeForce RTX 4080 SUPER launched at $999 MSRP and currently averages $999, while the GeForce RTX 3050 8GB launched at $249 and now averages $209. The GeForce RTX 3050 8GB costs 79.1% less ($790 savings) at current market prices. Performance per dollar (G3D Mark / price): 34.2 (GeForce RTX 4080 SUPER) vs 60.0 (GeForce RTX 3050 8GB) — the GeForce RTX 3050 8GB offers 75.4% better value. The GeForce RTX 4080 SUPER is the newer GPU (2024 vs 2022).
| Feature | GeForce RTX 4080 SUPER | GeForce RTX 3050 8GB |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $999 | $249-75% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $999 | $209-79% |
| Performance per Dollar | 34.2 | 60.0+75% |
| Codename | AD103 | GA106 |
| Release | January 8 2024 | January 4 2022 |
| Ranking | #8 | #211 |
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