GeForce RTX 5080 vs L40
GeForce RTX 5080
Popular choices:
L40
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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 5080
Performance Per Dollar L40
Why is GeForce RTX 5080 better than L40?
The matchup between the data center NVIDIA L40 and the next-gen flagship GeForce RTX 5080 reveals the difference between industrial scale and consumer pinnacle gaming. The NVIDIA L40 is an industrial-strength accelerator designed for AI inference and professional visual computing, featuring a massive 48GB memory buffer. In contrast, the GeForce RTX 5080 is an enthusiast monster built on the Blackwell architecture for elite 4K and 8K gaming.
Technically, the NVIDIA L40 wins on memory capacity and industrial-grade stability, making it the definitive choice for server racks and enterprise AI training. The GeForce RTX 5080, however, utilizes the newest Blackwell features and higher clock speeds, providing a more responsive and fluid experience for interactive software. While the L40 is a world-class industrial engine, the 5080 is the superior choice for high-fidelity gaming and individual creative tasks in 2026.
The NVIDIA L40 is the undisputed winner for businesses, researchers, and professional studios who need uncompromised memory scale and 24/7 reliability. it is a world-class industrial powerhouse. The GeForce RTX 5080 is the winner for stationary enthusiasts who demand the absolute height of graphics technology and immersion for entertainment. For any project requiring massive data headroom, the L40 is the superior choice for overall compute density.
Performance Comparison
About G3D Mark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
The GeForce RTX 5080 is the superior choice for raw performance. It leads with a 10.2% higher G3D Mark score. However, the L40 offers more VRAM, which may be beneficial for texture-heavy scenarios at higher resolutions.
| Insight | GeForce RTX 5080 | L40 |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | ✅Leading raw performance (+10.2%) | ❌Lower raw frame rates (-10.2%) |
| Longevity | 🏆Elite Architecture (Blackwell 2.0 (2025−2026) / 5nm) | 🏆Elite Architecture (Ada Lovelace (2022−2024) / 4nm) |
| Ecosystem | ✨ DLSS 3/4 + Frame Gen Support | Supports FSR Upscaling |
| VRAM | 🎮 High Capacity (16 GB) | 🎮 High Capacity (48 GB) |
| Efficiency | Normal Efficiency | Normal Efficiency |
| Case Fit | Standard Size (304mm) | Standard Size (267mm) |
💎 Value Proposition
The GeForce RTX 5080 offers a compelling cost-to-performance ratio. Priced at $1,250 versus $8,174 for the L40, it costs 85% less. While it maintains competitive performance, this results in a 620.6% higher cost efficiency score.
| Insight | GeForce RTX 5080 | L40 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅Better overall value (+620.6%) | ❌Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅More affordable ($1,250) | ⚠️Higher upfront cost ($8,174) |
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 5080 and L40
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.
L40
The L40 is manufactured by NVIDIA. It was released in October 13 2022. It features the Ada Lovelace architecture. The core clock ranges from 735 MHz to 2490 MHz. It has 18176 shading units. The thermal design power (TDP) is 300W. Manufactured using 4 nm process technology. It features 142 dedicated ray tracing cores for enhanced lighting effects. G3D Mark benchmark score: 32,601 points.
Graphics Performance
In G3D Mark, the GeForce RTX 5080 scores 35,924 versus the L40's 32,601 — the GeForce RTX 5080 leads by 10.2%. The GeForce RTX 5080 is built on Blackwell 2.0 while the L40 uses Ada Lovelace, both on 5 nm vs 4 nm. Shader units: 10,752 (GeForce RTX 5080) vs 18,176 (L40). Raw compute: 56.28 TFLOPS (GeForce RTX 5080) vs 90.52 TFLOPS (L40). Boost clocks: 2617 MHz vs 2490 MHz. Ray tracing: 84 RT cores (GeForce RTX 5080) vs 142 (L40) with 336 Tensor cores vs 568.
| Feature | GeForce RTX 5080 | L40 |
|---|---|---|
| G3D Mark Score | 35,924+10% | 32,601 |
| Architecture | Blackwell 2.0 | Ada Lovelace |
| Process Node | 5 nm | 4 nm |
| Shading Units | 10752 | 18176+69% |
| Compute (TFLOPS) | 56.28 TFLOPS | 90.52 TFLOPS+61% |
| Boost Clock | 2617 MHz+5% | 2490 MHz |
| ROPs | 112 | 192+71% |
| TMUs | 336 | 568+69% |
| L1 Cache | 10.5 MB | 17.8 MB+70% |
| L2 Cache | 64 MB | 96 MB+50% |
| Ray Tracing Cores | 84 | 142+69% |
| Tensor Cores | 336 | 568+69% |
Advanced Features (DLSS/FSR)
| Feature | GeForce RTX 5080 | L40 |
|---|---|---|
| Upscaling Tech | FSR 1.0 (Software) | FSR 1.0 (Software) |
| Frame Generation | Not Supported | Not Supported |
| Ray Reconstruction | No | No |
| Low Latency | NVIDIA Reflex | Standard |
Video Memory (VRAM)
The GeForce RTX 5080 comes with 16 GB of VRAM, while the L40 has 48 GB. The L40 offers 200% more capacity, crucial for higher resolutions and texture-heavy games. Memory bandwidth: 1024 GB/s (GeForce RTX 5080) vs 960 GB/s (L40) — a 6.7% advantage for the GeForce RTX 5080. Bus width: 256-bit vs 384-bit. L2 Cache: 64 MB (GeForce RTX 5080) vs 96 MB (L40) — the L40 has significantly larger on-die cache to reduce VRAM reliance.
| Feature | GeForce RTX 5080 | L40 |
|---|---|---|
| VRAM Capacity | 16 GB | 48 GB+200% |
| Memory Type | GDDR7 | GDDR6 |
| Memory Bandwidth | 1024 GB/s+7% | 960 GB/s |
| Bus Width | 256-bit | 384-bit+50% |
| L2 Cache | 64 MB | 96 MB+50% |
Display & API Support
DirectX support: 12.2 (GeForce RTX 5080) vs 12.2 (L40). Vulkan: 1.4 vs 1.3. OpenGL: 4.6 vs 4.6. Maximum simultaneous displays: 4 vs 4.
| Feature | GeForce RTX 5080 | L40 |
|---|---|---|
| DirectX | 12.2 | 12.2 |
| Vulkan | 1.4+8% | 1.3 |
| OpenGL | 4.6 | 4.6 |
| Max Displays | 4 | 4 |
Media & Encoding
Hardware encoder: 9th Gen NVENC (2x) (GeForce RTX 5080) vs NVENC 8th Gen (L40). Decoder: 6th Gen NVDEC vs NVDEC 5th Gen. Supported codecs: MPEG-2,H.264,HEVC,VP9,AV1 (GeForce RTX 5080) vs AV1,HEVC,H.264,VP9 (L40).
| Feature | GeForce RTX 5080 | L40 |
|---|---|---|
| Encoder | 9th Gen NVENC (2x) | NVENC 8th Gen |
| Decoder | 6th Gen NVDEC | NVDEC 5th Gen |
| Codecs | MPEG-2,H.264,HEVC,VP9,AV1 | AV1,HEVC,H.264,VP9 |
Power & Dimensions
The GeForce RTX 5080 draws 360W versus the L40's 300W — a 18.2% difference. The L40 is more power-efficient. Recommended PSU: 850W (GeForce RTX 5080) vs 750W (L40). Power connectors: 16-pin (12VHPWR) vs 16-pin. Card length: 304mm vs 267mm, occupying 2 vs 2 slots. Typical load temperature: 80°C vs 80°C.
| Feature | GeForce RTX 5080 | L40 |
|---|---|---|
| TDP | 360W | 300W-17% |
| Recommended PSU | 850W | 750W-12% |
| Power Connector | 16-pin (12VHPWR) | 16-pin |
| Length | 304mm | 267mm |
| Height | 137mm | 111mm |
| Slots | 2 | 2 |
| Temp (Load) | 80°C | 80°C |
| Perf/Watt | 99.8 | 108.7+9% |
Value Analysis
The GeForce RTX 5080 launched at $999 MSRP and currently averages $1250, while the L40 launched at $31000 and now averages $8174. The GeForce RTX 5080 costs 84.7% less ($6924 savings) at current market prices. Performance per dollar (G3D Mark / price): 28.7 (GeForce RTX 5080) vs 4.0 (L40) — the GeForce RTX 5080 offers 617.5% better value. The GeForce RTX 5080 is the newer GPU (2025 vs 2022).
| Feature | GeForce RTX 5080 | L40 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $999-97% | $31000 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $1250-85% | $8174 |
| Performance per Dollar | 28.7+618% | 4.0 |
| Codename | GB203 | AD102 |
| Release | January 30 2025 | October 13 2022 |
| Ranking | #5 | #61 |
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