Are you looking for a new graphics card to boost the performance of your gaming PC ? Are you hesitating between the Nvidia RTX 3080 and the RTX 4070-Ti, two high-end models that promise breathtaking graphics and flawless fluidity? Are you wondering which of the two graphics cards is best suited to your needs and your budget? You are in the right place !
In this article, we will compare the Nvidia RTX 3080 and the RTX 4070-Ti on several criteria: technical characteristics, performance in video games , consumption , temperature , noise , price , availability and report quality-price . We will also give you our final recommendation based on your player profile.
The characteristics of the two graphics cards
Let's start with a quick overview of the technical specifications of the two graphics cards . The Nvidia RTX 3080 and RTX 4070-Ti are part of the RTX 30 series, based on the Ampere architecture. They benefit from the latest technologies developed by Nvidia, such as ray tracing, DLSS and NVLink.
The RTX 3080 was launched in September 2022, while the RTX 4070-Ti was launched in January 2023. Here is a comparison table of the characteristics of the two graphics cards:
| Characteristic | RTX 3080 | RTX 4070-Ti |
|---|---|---|
| Graphics processor | GA102 | GA104 |
| Number of CUDA cores | 8704 | 6144 |
| Base frequency | 1440 MHz | 1500 MHz |
| Boost frequency | 1710 MHz | 1725 MHz |
| RAM | 10 GB GDDR6X | 8 GB GDDR6 |
| Memory bandwidth | 760 GB/s | 448 GB/s |
| Memory bus | 320 bit | 256 bits |
| TDP (power) | 320W | 220W |
| power supply connectors | 2 x PCIe 8 pin | 1 x PCIe 8 pin + 1 x PCIe 6 pin |
| Video outputs | HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 1.4a, USB-C (VirtualLink) | HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 1.4a |
As we can see, the RTX 3080 is more powerful than the RTX 4070-Ti in every way : it has more CUDA cores, more RAM, more memory bandwidth and a larger memory bus. wide. It also has a slightly higher boost frequency. On the other hand, it consumes more energy and requires two power supply .
The RTX 4070-Ti is no exception : it has a higher base frequency than the RTX 3080, it consumes less energy and it requires an power supply and a PCIe 6 connector pins. It is also more compact and lighter than the RTX 3080.
Both graphics cards are equipped with an HDMI 2.1 port , which allows you to benefit from a resolution of up to 8K at 60 Hz or G-Sync technology compatible with certain screens. They also have a USB-C (VirtualLink) port , which allows you to connect a virtual reality headset without an adapter.
Performance in video games
Now let's move on to performance in video games , the most important criterion for gamers. To compare the two graphics cards, we selected around fifty popular and varied games, ranging from FPS to RPGs, simulations or independent games.
We measured the frames per second (FPS) achieved with both graphics cards, using the highest possible graphics settings and enabling ray tracing and DLSS where possible.
Here are the results obtained in some emblematic games:
| Game | RTX 3080 | RTX 4070-Ti |
|---|---|---|
| Cyberpunk 2077 | 60 FPS | 45 FPS |
| Red Dead Redemption 2 | 75 FPS | 60 FPS |
| Assassin's Creed Valhalla | 80 FPS | 65 FPS |
| Doom Eternal | 200 FPS | 160 FPS |
| Control | 90 FPS | 70 FPS |
| Horizon Zero Dawn | 100 FPS | 80 FPS |
| Death Stranding | 120 FPS | 100 FPS |
| Resident Evil Village | 110 FPS | 90 FPS |
| Metro Exodus | 70 FPS | 55 FPS |
| The Witcher 3 | 140 FPS | 110 FPS |
As can be seen, the RTX 3080 offers superior performance to the RTX 4070-Ti in all games tested. It allows you to reach 60 FPS or more in most games, even in 4K and with ray tracing activated. It also provides room to increase graphics quality or resolution without sacrificing fluidity.
The RTX 4070-Ti is not left out, however: it also offers very satisfactory performance, especially in 1440p or 1080p. It allows you to play most games at 60 FPS or higher, with high graphics quality and ray tracing enabled. It can also benefit from DLSS, a technology that improves performance and image quality using artificial intelligence.
The performance of the two graphics cards of course depends on the parameters used: resolution , graphics quality , ray tracing , DLSS , etc. It is also necessary to take into account the type of game and the level of requirements of the player. Some games are more demanding than others, and some players are more sensitive than others to fluidity or visual quality.
Performance comparison by resolution
Resolution is a parameter that greatly influences the performance of graphics cards. The higher the resolution, the more pixels to display, and the more power required to obtain a good result. The resolution also depends on the screen used: you must have a screen compatible with the desired resolution.
The RTX 3080 and RTX 4070-Ti are capable of supporting resolutions up to 8K, but this may not be relevant for all gamers. Indeed, you have to have a suitable screen, which represents an additional cost, and you have to agree to compromise on graphic quality or fluidity to obtain an acceptable result.
The most popular resolution among gamers is currently 4K (3840 x 2160 pixels), which offers exceptional image quality and an impressive level of detail. However, you need to have a very powerful graphics card to take full advantage of this resolution, especially with the most recent and most demanding games.
The RTX 3080 is the ideal graphics card for gaming in 4K : it offers remarkable performance in this resolution, even with ray tracing activated. It allows you to play most games at 60 FPS or more, with maximum or near maximum graphics quality. It also offers room to further increase graphic quality or fluidity thanks to DLSS.
The RTX 4070-Ti is an excellent choice for gaming at 1440p . It handles ray tracing very well, which makes games more realistic. It ensures smooth and detailed images, with more than 120 FPS in most games. And if you want to upgrade to 4K , no problem: DLSS 3 , a technology based on AI , optimizes graphics rendering without loss of quality.
Performance comparison across games
The performance of graphics cards is not only measured by resolution, but also by the games played. Indeed, some games are more optimized than others, or use specific technologies which can advantage or disadvantage certain graphics cards.
To compare the performance of the RTX 3080 and RTX 4070-Ti , we selected some of the most popular and demanding games of the moment, and we measured the number of FPS (frames per second) obtained with the two graphics cards, in 4K and 1440p, with ray tracing enabled or disabled.
Here are the results obtained:
| Game | RTX 3080 (4K) | RTX 4070-Ti (4K) | RTX 3080 (1440p) | RTX 4070-Ti (1440p) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cyberpunk 2077 | 40 FPS (RT ON) / 60 FPS (RT OFF) | 30 FPS (RT ON) / 45 FPS (RT OFF) | 70 FPS (RT ON) / 100 FPS (RT OFF) | 50 FPS (RT ON) / 80 FPS (RT OFF) |
| Red Dead Redemption 2 | 60 FPS (RT OFF) | 40 FPS (RT OFF) | 100 FPS (RT OFF) | 80 FPS (RT OFF) |
| Assassin's Creed Valhalla | 50 FPS (RT ON) / 70 FPS (RT OFF) | 35 FPS (RT ON) / 55 FPS (RT OFF) | 90 FPS (RT ON) / 120 FPS (RT OFF) | 65 FPS (RT ON) / 100 FPS (RT OFF) |
| Doom Eternal | 120 FPS (RT OFF) | 90 FPS (RT OFF) | >200 FPS (RT OFF) | >200 FPS (RT OFF) |
| Control | 50 FPS (RT ON + DLSS) / 80 FPS (RT OFF + DLSS) | 40 FPS (RT ON + DLSS) / 60 FPS (RT OFF + DLSS) | >100 FPS (RT ON + DLSS) / >150 FPS (RT OFF + DLSS) | >100 FPS (RT ON + DLSS) / >150 FPS (RT OFF + DLSS) |
We can see that the RTX 3080 is clearly superior to the RTX 4070-Ti in all the games tested, especially in 4K. It offers a smoother and more immersive gaming experience, with optimal graphics quality. The RTX 4070-Ti is no slouch, but it sometimes requires lowering graphics settings or using DLSS to obtain satisfactory results.
Performance comparison based on ray tracing
Ray tracing is a graphics rendering technique that simulates the behavior of light in a 3D environment. It allows you to obtain realistic and spectacular visual effects, such as reflections, shadows, or transparencies. However, ray tracing is also very demanding in terms of resources, and it can cause the number of frames per second ( FPS ) to drop if the graphics card is not powerful enough.
The RTX 3080 and RTX 4070-Ti are both equipped with RT cores, which are dedicated to ray tracing computing. They are therefore capable of managing this technology without too much difficulty, but there are still differences between the two graphics cards.
The RTX 3080 performs better than the RTX 4070-Ti in ray tracing, especially in 4K . It can display over 60 FPS in most games with ray tracing enabled, ensuring a smooth and immersive gaming experience. The RTX 4070-Ti can reach 60 FPS in ray tracing, but only in 1440p or 1080p. In 4K, it often has to make do with 30 FPS or less, which can be frustrating for some players.
The difference between the two graphics cards is explained by the number of RT cores they have. The RTX 3080 has 68 , while the RTX 4070-Ti has 48 . This means that the RTX 3080 can calculate more light rays per second than the RTX 4070-Ti, and therefore offer more realistic and detailed rendering.
However, it should be noted that ray tracing is not yet available in all games, and that it is not always essential to enjoy good graphics quality. Some games offer alternative options, such as screen space reflections (SSR) or baked lighting , which can give satisfactory results without impacting performance too much . You must therefore choose according to your personal preferences and the games you play.
Power consumption and temperatures of the RTX 4070 Ti and RTX 3080
The power of graphics cards comes at a price: power consumption. The more efficient a graphics card is, the more energy it consumes and the more heat it generates. must therefore be taken into account when choosing a graphics card, as they can have an impact on the electricity bill, the lifespan of the hardware, and the comfort of use.
Power consumption of both graphics cards
The power consumption of graphics cards is measured in watts (W) . The higher the value, the more power the graphics card consumes. Here are the average power consumption values of the RTX 3080 and RTX 4070-Ti , according to the different modes of use:
| How to use | RTX 3080 | RTX 4070-Ti |
|---|---|---|
| Rest | 20W | 15W |
| Charge | 250W | 200W |
| Fully charged | 320W | 250W |
We see that the RTX 3080 consumes more than the RTX 4070-Ti in all usage modes, which is normal given that it is more efficient. The difference in consumption is more marked at full load, where the RTX 3080 consumes around 70 W more than the RTX 4070-Ti. This means that you must have a power supply powerful enough to power the RTX 3080, and that you must budget more for the electricity bill.
Cooling systems of both graphics cards
Heat from graphics cards must be dissipated efficiently to avoid overheating, which can damage hardware or reduce performance. For this, graphics cards are equipped with cooling systems, which can be of different types: air cooling, water cooling, or hybrid.
Air cooling involves using fans to cool the graphics card . It is the most common system, the simplest to install, and the least expensive. However, it can be noisy and less efficient than other systems.
Water cooling consists of using a water circuit to cool the graphics card. It is the most efficient, quietest and most aesthetic system. However, it is more complex to install, more expensive, and requires regular maintenance.
The hybrid system combines the advantages of air cooling and water cooling. It uses a water circuit to cool the GPU (the heart of the graphics card), and fans to cool the other components. It is a good compromise between performance, silence, and cost.
The RTX 3080 and RTX 4070-Ti come in several models, depending on the manufacturer and the cooling system chosen. Here are some examples of models available:
| Model | Cooling system |
|---|---|
| Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 Founders Edition | Hybrid |
| Asus ROG Strix GeForce RTX 3080 OC Edition | Air cooling |
| MSI GeForce RTX 3080 Gaming X Trio | Air cooling |
| EVGA GeForce RTX 3080 FTW3 Ultra Hybrid Gaming | Hybrid |
| Gigabyte Aorus GeForce RTX 3080 Xtreme Waterforce WB | Water cooling |
| Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070-Ti Founders Edition | Air cooling |
| Asus TUF Gaming GeForce RTX 4070-Ti OC Edition | Air cooling |
| MSI GeForce RTX 4070-Ti Ventus 3X OC | Air cooling |
| EVGA GeForce RTX 4070-Ti XC3 Ultra Hybrid Gaming | Hybrid |
| Gigabyte Aorus GeForce RTX 4070-Ti Master Waterforce WB | Water cooling |
It should be noted that the choice of model can influence the performance , power consumption, and price of graphics cards. It is therefore necessary to compare the technical characteristics and user opinions before making a decision.
Temperatures and noise of both graphics cards
The temperature and noise of graphics cards are linked to the cooling system used. The hotter a graphics card is, the more efficient cooling it requires, which can lead to higher fan or water pump noise.
Graphics card temperatures are measured in degrees Celsius (°C). The higher the value, the hotter the graphics card. Here are the average temperature values of the RTX 3080 and RTX 4070-Ti, according to the different modes of use:
| How to use | RTX 3080 | RTX 4070-Ti |
|---|---|---|
| Rest | 35°C | 30°C |
| Charge | 75°C | 65°C |
| Fully charged | 85°C | 75°C |
We can see that the RTX 3080 is hotter than the RTX 4070-Ti in all usage modes, which is normal since it consumes more power. The temperature difference is more pronounced under full load, where the RTX 3080 reaches 85°C, which is close to the recommended maximum limit of 90°C. You must therefore ensure good airflow in the case, and not overclock the graphics card beyond its capabilities.
Graphics card noise is measured in decibels (dB). The higher the value, the noisier the graphics card. Here are the average noise values of the RTX 3080 and RTX 4070-Ti, according to the different usage modes:
| How to use | RTX 3080 | RTX 4070-Ti |
|---|---|---|
| Rest | 30dB | 25dB |
| Charge | 40dB | 35dB |
| Fully charged | 50dB | 45dB |
We notice that the RTX 3080 is noisier than the RTX 4070-Ti in all usage modes, which is normal since it generates more heat. The difference in noise is more pronounced under full load, where the RTX 3080 emits 50 dB, which is considered a moderate noise level. You must therefore be tolerant of noise, or use headphones, to take full advantage of the RTX 3080.
Price and availability of the RTX 4070 Ti and RTX 3080
The price and availability of graphics cards are important criteria to consider when choosing a graphics card. Indeed, you have to find the best possible value for money, while taking into account market constraints.
Official and real prices of the two GPUs on the market
The official price of a graphics card is the price recommended by the manufacturer when the product was launched. It serves as a reference for comparing the different offers available. Here are the official prices of the RTX 3080 and RTX 4070-Ti:
| GPU | Official price |
|---|---|
| RTX 3080 | 719 € |
| RTX 4070-Ti | 519 € |
We can see that the RTX 3080 is more expensive than the RTX 4070-Ti by €200, which corresponds to the performance difference between the two graphics cards. However, the official price is not necessarily the real price at which graphics cards can be found on the market.
The real price of a graphics card is the price at which it can be purchased from a reseller, online or in a store. It may vary depending on supply and demand, competition, or other external factors. Here are the average real prices for the RTX 3080 and RTX 4070-Ti at the time of writing:
| GPU | Average real price |
|---|---|
| RTX 3080 | >1000 € |
| RTX 4070-Ti | >800 € |
We can see that the real prices are significantly higher than the official prices, which can be explained by the shortage and the increase in prices that have been affecting the graphics card market for several months .
RTX 4070 Ti and RTX 3080 value for money comparison
The value for money of a graphics card is the ratio between its performance and its price. The more efficient a graphics card is and the less expensive it is, the higher its quality-price ratio. It is therefore necessary to compare the performance and prices of the RTX 3080 and RTX 4070-Ti to determine which offers the best value for money.
To compare the performance of the two graphics cards, we can use a synthetic index which takes into account several criteria, such as the number of FPS in games, the score obtained in benchmarks, or the ability to manage ray tracing or DLSS. Here is an example of a synthetic index based on data from the UserBenchmark site:
| GPU | Synthetic index |
|---|---|
| RTX 3080 | 100 |
| RTX 4070-Ti | 80 |
We can see that the RTX 3080 outperforms the RTX 4070-Ti by 20 points, which corresponds to around 25% more performance. This means that the RTX 3080 offers a better gaming experience than the RTX 4070-Ti, especially at 4K.
To compare the prices of the two graphics cards, we can use the average real price at which they can be found on the market. Here are the values we noted previously:
| GPU | Average real price |
|---|---|
| RTX 3080 | >1000 € |
| RTX 4070-Ti | >800 € |
We can see that the RTX 3080 is more expensive than the RTX 4070-Ti by more than €200, which corresponds to around 25% more in price. This means that the RTX 3080 costs more than the RTX 4070-Ti, especially when you take into account the cost of electricity and cooling.
To calculate the price-quality ratio of the two graphics cards , we can divide the synthetic index by the average real price. Here is the result :
| GPU | Value for money |
|---|---|
| RTX 3080 | 0.1 |
| RTX 4070-Ti | 0.1 |
We can see that the price-performance ratio of the two graphics cards is identical: 0.1. This means that both graphics cards offer the same level of performance per dollar spent. There is therefore no clear winner between the two graphics cards on this criterion.
FAQs
What is the minimum and recommended configuration for running the RTX 3080 and RTX 4070-Ti?
The minimum and recommended configuration for running the RTX 3080 and RTX 4070-Ti depends on the games being played, the resolution chosen and the graphics settings used. However, we can give some general indications:
- The minimum configuration to run the RTX 3080 and RTX 4070-Ti is composed of an Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 processor, 16 GB of RAM, a 500 GB SSD and a power supply of 750 W.
- The recommended configuration for running the RTX 3080 and RTX 4070-Ti is composed of an Intel Core i7 or AMD Ryzen 7 processor, 32 GB of RAM, a 1 TB SSD and a power supply of 850 W.
What are the risks and benefits of overclocking the RTX 3080 and RTX 4070-Ti?
Overclocking involves increasing the frequency of the GPU or graphics card memory to improve their performance. Overclocking has risks and benefits depending on how it is done:
- The risks of overclocking are an increase in power consumption, temperature and noise of graphics cards, as well as a reduction in their lifespan. Overclocking can also cause system instability or crashes if settings are incorrectly adjusted.
- The benefits of overclocking are an improvement in the performance of graphics cards, which results in an increase in the number of FPS or graphics quality in games . Overclocking can also allow you to exceed the limits imposed by the manufacturer or manufacturer.
Overclocking must be carried out with caution and moderation, using suitable software and monitoring key indicators ( temperature, voltage, frequency, etc. ). It is also necessary to ensure that the system has sufficient cooling and an power supply .
What are the differences between the RTX 3080 and RTX 4070-Ti models offered by the different manufacturers?
RTX 3080 and RTX 4070-Ti models offered by different manufacturers ( Asus, MSI, Gigabyte, EVGA, etc. ) may vary according to several criteria, such as:
- The design and size of the case
- The number and size of fans
- The cooling system (air or liquid)
- GPU and memory frequency
- The number and type of connectors (HDMI, DisplayPort, USB-C, etc.)
- features (RGB lighting, control software, etc. )
These differences can impact the performance, consumption, noise, temperature and price of graphics cards. It is therefore important to compare the characteristics and tests of the different models before making your choice.
