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 stunning graphics and flawless fluidity? Are you wondering which of the two graphics cards is best suited to your needs and budget? You've come to the right place!
In this article, we'll compare the Nvidia RTX 3080 and the RTX 4070-Ti based on several criteria: technical specifications, gaming performance , power consumption , temperature , noise level , price , availability and value for money . We'll also give you our final recommendation based on your gaming profile.
The specifications 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 specifications of the two graphics cards:
| Characteristic | RTX 3080 | RTX 4070-Ti |
|---|---|---|
| Graphics processor | GA102 | GA104 |
| Number of CUDA hearts | 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 bits | 256 bits |
| TDP (power) | 320 W | 220 W |
| power supply connectors | 2 x 8-pin PCIe | 1 x 8-pin PCIe + 1 x 6-pin PCIe |
| Video outputs | HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 1.4a, USB-C (VirtualLink) | HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 1.4a |
As you 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 wider memory bus. It also has a slightly higher boost clock. On the other hand, it consumes more power and requires two 8-pin PCIe power supply
The RTX 4070-Ti is no slouch either : it has a higher base clock speed than the RTX 3080, consumes less power, and requires both an power supply and a 6-pin PCIe power connector. It is also more compact and lighter than the RTX 3080.
Both graphics cards are equipped with an HDMI 2.1 port , which allows for resolutions up to 8K at 60 Hz or G-Sync technology compatible with certain monitors. They also feature a USB-C (VirtualLink) port , which allows you to connect a virtual reality headset without an adapter.
Performance in video games
Let's now 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, and indie games.
We measured the number of frames per second (FPS) obtained with both graphics cards, using the highest possible graphics settings and enabling ray tracing and DLSS when possible.
Here are the results obtained in some iconic 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 you can see, the RTX 3080 offers superior performance to the RTX 4070-Ti in all the games tested. It allows you to reach 60 FPS or more in most games, even in 4K with ray tracing enabled. It also offers headroom to increase graphics quality or resolution without sacrificing smoothness.
The RTX 4070-Ti is no slouch either: it also offers very satisfactory performance, especially at 1440p or 1080p. It allows you to play most games at 60 FPS or more, with high graphics quality and ray tracing enabled. It can also take advantage of DLSS, a technology that improves performance and image quality using artificial intelligence.
The performance of both graphics cards naturally depends on the settings used: resolution , graphics quality , ray tracing , DLSS , etc. The type of game and the player's expectations must also be taken into account. Some games are more demanding than others, and some players are more sensitive to smoothness or visual quality than others.
Performance comparison based on resolution
Resolution is a parameter that greatly influences graphics card performance. The higher the resolution, the more pixels there are to display, and the more processing power is required to achieve good results. Resolution also depends on the monitor used: you must have a monitor compatible with the desired resolution.
The RTX 3080 and RTX 4070-Ti are capable of supporting resolutions up to 8K, but this isn't necessarily relevant for all gamers. Indeed, you need a compatible monitor, which represents an additional cost, and you have to accept compromises in graphics quality or frame rate to achieve 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, a very powerful graphics card is required to fully enjoy this resolution, especially with the latest and most demanding games.
4K gaming : it delivers remarkable performance at this resolution, even with ray tracing enabled. It allows you to play most games at 60 FPS or higher, with maximum or near-maximum graphics settings. It also offers the flexibility to further enhance graphics quality or frame rate with DLSS.
The RTX 4070-Ti, on the other hand, is an excellent choice for 1440p gaming . It handles ray tracing very well, making games more realistic. It ensures smooth and detailed images, with over 120 FPS in most games. And if you want to switch to 4K , no problem: DLSS 3 , an AI-based technology , optimizes graphics rendering without any loss of quality.
Comparison of performance across games
Graphics card performance isn't measured solely by resolution, but also by the games being played. Indeed, some games are more optimized than others, or utilize specific technologies that can give certain graphics cards an advantage or disadvantage.
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) |
It's clear that the RTX 3080 is significantly superior to the RTX 4070-Ti in all the games tested, especially at 4K resolution. It offers a smoother and more immersive gaming experience with optimal graphics quality. The RTX 4070-Ti is still a capable card, but it sometimes requires lowering graphics settings or using DLSS to achieve 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 for realistic and spectacular visual effects, such as reflections, shadows, and transparencies. However, ray tracing is also very resource-intensive, and it can significantly reduce the frame rate ( FPS ) 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 calculations. They are therefore capable of handling this technology without too much difficulty, but there are still differences between the two graphics cards.
The RTX 3080 outperforms the RTX 4070-Ti in ray tracing, especially at 4K resolution . It can display over 60 FPS in most games with ray tracing enabled, ensuring a smooth and immersive gaming experience. The RTX 4070-Ti, on the other hand, can reach 60 FPS with ray tracing, but only at 1440p or 1080p. At 4K, it often struggles to reach 30 FPS or less, which can be frustrating for some gamers.
The difference between the two graphics cards lies in the number of RT cores they have. The RTX 3080 has 68 , while the RTX 4070-Ti has 48. This means the RTX 3080 can calculate more light rays per second than the RTX 4070-Ti, and therefore deliver a more realistic and detailed image.
However, it's important to note that ray tracing isn't yet available in all games, and it's not always necessary to enjoy good graphics. Some games offer alternative options, such as screen space reflections (SSR) or baked lighting , which can provide satisfactory results without significantly impacting performance . Therefore, you should choose based on 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: electricity consumption. The more powerful a graphics card is, the more energy it consumes and the more heat it generates. These factors must be considered when choosing a graphics card, as they can impact your electricity bill, the lifespan of the hardware, and your overall user experience.
Power consumption of the two graphics cards
Graphics card power consumption is measured in watts (W) . The higher the value, the more power the graphics card consumes. Here are the average power consumption values for the RTX 3080 and RTX 4070-Ti , according to different usage modes:
| How to use | RTX 3080 | RTX 4070-Ti |
|---|---|---|
| Rest | 20 W | 15 W |
| Charge | 250 W | 200 W |
| Full charge | 320 W | 250 W |
The RTX 3080 consumes more power than the RTX 4070-Ti in all usage modes, which is to be expected given its higher performance. The difference in power consumption is more pronounced under full load, where the RTX 3080 consumes approximately 70W more than the RTX 4070-Ti. This means that a sufficiently powerful power supply is required to run the RTX 3080, and a higher electricity bill should be anticipated.
Cooling systems for both graphics cards
The heat generated by graphics cards must be dissipated efficiently to prevent overheating, which can damage the hardware or reduce performance. To achieve this, graphics cards are equipped with cooling systems, which can be of different types: air cooling, water cooling, or hybrid.
Air cooling uses fans to cool the graphics card . It's the most common, easiest to install, and cheapest system. However, it can be noisy and less efficient than other systems.
Water cooling uses a water circuit to cool the graphics card. It's the most efficient, quietest, and aesthetically pleasing system. However, it's 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 loop to cool the GPU (the core of the graphics card), and fans to cool the other components. It's a good compromise between performance, quiet operation, and cost.
The RTX 3080 and RTX 4070-Ti are available in several models, depending on the manufacturer and the cooling system chosen. Here are some examples of available models:
| 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's important to note that the choice of model can affect the performance , power consumption, and price of graphics cards. Therefore, you should compare technical specifications and user reviews before making a decision.
Temperatures and noise of the two graphics cards
The temperature and noise of graphics cards are related to the cooling system used. The hotter a graphics card is, the more efficient cooling it requires, which can lead to higher noise from the fans or water pump.
Graphics card temperatures are measured in degrees Celsius (°C). The higher the value, the hotter the graphics card. Here are the average temperatures of the RTX 3080 and RTX 4070-Ti, according to different usage modes:
| How to use | RTX 3080 | RTX 4070-Ti |
|---|---|---|
| Rest | 35 °C | 30 °C |
| Charge | 75 °C | 65 °C |
| Full charge | 85 °C | 75 °C |
As you can see, the RTX 3080 is hotter than the RTX 4070-Ti in all usage modes, which is normal given its higher power consumption. The temperature difference is more pronounced under full load, where the RTX 3080 reaches 85°C, close to the recommended maximum of 90°C. Therefore, it's essential to ensure good airflow in the case and avoid overclocking the graphics card beyond its capabilities.
Graphics card noise is measured in decibels (dB). The higher the value, the louder the graphics card. Here are the average noise levels of the RTX 3080 and RTX 4070-Ti, according to different usage modes:
| How to use | RTX 3080 | RTX 4070-Ti |
|---|---|---|
| Rest | 30 dB | 25 dB |
| Charge | 40 dB | 35 dB |
| Full charge | 50 dB | 45 dB |
The RTX 3080 is noticeably louder than the RTX 4070-Ti in all usage modes, which is to be expected given that it generates more heat. The noise difference is most pronounced under full load, where the RTX 3080 emits 50 dB, which is considered a moderate noise level. Therefore, you need to be tolerant of noise, or use headphones, to fully enjoy the RTX 3080.
Pricing and availability of the RTX 4070 Ti and RTX 3080
The price and availability of graphics cards are important criteria to consider when choosing one. Indeed, it's necessary to find the best possible value for money, while taking into account market constraints.
Official and actual market prices of both GPUs
The official price of a graphics card is the price recommended by the manufacturer at the product's launch. It serves as a benchmark for comparing different offers. Here are the official prices for 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 €200 more expensive than the RTX 4070-Ti, which reflects the performance difference between the two graphics cards. However, the official price is not necessarily the actual price at which graphics cards can be found on the market.
The actual price of a graphics card is the price at which you can buy it from a retailer, online or in a store. It can vary depending on supply and demand, competition, or other external factors. Here are the average actual prices of the RTX 3080 and RTX 4070-Ti at the time of writing:
| GPU | Average actual price |
|---|---|
| RTX 3080 | >1000 € |
| RTX 4070-Ti | >800 € |
We can see that the actual prices are significantly higher than the official prices, which is explained by the shortage and price increases that have been affecting the graphics card market for several months .
Price-performance comparison of the RTX 4070 Ti and RTX 3080
The price-performance ratio of a graphics card is the ratio between its performance and its price. The more powerful a graphics card is and the less expensive it is, the better its price-performance ratio. Therefore, you need to compare the performance and prices of the RTX 3080 and RTX 4070-Ti to determine which offers the best value.
To compare the performance of the two graphics cards, we can use a synthetic index that takes into account several criteria, such as the number of FPS in games, the benchmark score, and the ability to handle ray tracing or DLSS. Here is an example of a synthetic index based on data from the UserBenchmark website:
| 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 approximately 25% more performance. This means that the RTX 3080 offers a better gaming experience than the RTX 4070-Ti, especially at 4K resolution.
To compare the prices of the two graphics cards, we can use the average real-world price at which they can be found on the market. Here are the values we noted previously:
| GPU | Average actual price |
|---|---|
| RTX 3080 | >1000 € |
| RTX 4070-Ti | >800 € |
As you can see, the RTX 3080 is more expensive than the RTX 4070-Ti by over €200, which is roughly 25% more. This means the RTX 3080 is more expensive than the RTX 4070-Ti, especially when you factor in the cost of electricity and cooling.
To calculate the price-performance ratio of the two graphics cards , we can divide the synthetic index by the average real-world 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 both graphics cards is identical: 0.1. This means that both graphics cards offer the same level of performance per euro spent. Therefore, there is no clear winner between the two graphics cards on this criterion.
FAQs
What are the minimum and recommended system requirements to run the RTX 3080 and RTX 4070-Ti?
The minimum and recommended system requirements for running the RTX 3080 and RTX 4070-Ti depend on the games played, the chosen resolution, and the graphics settings used. However, some general guidelines can be provided:
- The minimum configuration to run the RTX 3080 and RTX 4070-Ti consists of an Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 processor, 16 GB of RAM, a 500 GB SSD and a 750 W power supply
- The recommended configuration to run the RTX 3080 and RTX 4070-Ti consists of an Intel Core i7 or AMD Ryzen 7 processor, 32 GB of RAM, a 1 TB SSD and an 850 W power supply
What are the risks and benefits of overclocking the RTX 3080 and RTX 4070-Ti?
Overclocking involves increasing the frequency of the GPU or memory on graphics cards to improve their performance. Overclocking presents both risks and benefits depending on how it is performed:
- The risks of overclocking include increased power consumption, temperature, and noise of graphics cards, as well as a reduced lifespan. Overclocking can also cause system instability or crashes if the settings are incorrectly configured.
- The benefits of overclocking include improved graphics card performance, resulting in increased FPS or enhanced graphics quality in games . Overclocking can also allow you to exceed the limits imposed by the manufacturer.
Overclocking should be done with caution and moderation, using appropriate software and monitoring key indicators ( temperature, voltage, frequency, etc. ). It is also essential 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?
The RTX 3080 and RTX 4070-Ti offered by different manufacturers ( Asus, MSI, Gigabyte, EVGA, etc. ) can vary according to several criteria, such as:
- The design and size of the case
- The number and size of the 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, power consumption, noise, temperature, and price of graphics cards. It is therefore important to compare the specifications and reviews of different models before making a choice.
