Confused between RTX 4070 Super vs. RTX 3080? We’ve got you covered!
In the world of gaming and content creation, having the right graphics card can make all the difference. The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 Super and the RTX 3080 are two of the most talked-about options today.
While both cards offer impressive performance, they cater to different needs and preferences. In this article, we will break down their specifications, gaming performance, power consumption, pricing, benchmarks, thermal performance, and future-proofing capabilities. At the end of each section, we’ll highlight the clear winner to help you decide between RTX 4070 Super vs. RTX 3080.
| Feature | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 Super | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 |
| Architecture | Ada Lovelace | Ampere |
| CUDA Cores | 7,680 | 8,704 |
| Base Clock Speed | 2,205 MHz | 1,440 MHz |
| Boost Clock Speed | 2,610 MHz | 1,740 MHz |
| Memory | 12 GB GDDR6X | 10 GB GDDR6X |
| Memory Bus Width | 192-bit | 320-bit |
| Power Consumption | 250W | 320W |
| DLSS Technology | DLSS 3 | DLSS 2 |
| Price | $599 | $804 |
Gaming Performance
When it comes to gaming, performance is key. Let’s explore how each card holds up in real-world scenarios.
- RTX 4070 Super: This card shines at 1440p, making it a favorite for gamers looking for a smooth experience. It can also handle many 4K titles with respectable frame rates, thanks to its efficient architecture and DLSS 3 technology, which boosts frame rates without sacrificing graphics quality.
- RTX 3080: With a higher number of CUDA cores, the 3080 offers outstanding raw performance, especially at 4K. It tends to excel in demanding games that require heavy processing, making it the go-to choice for gamers wanting the best possible visuals at high resolutions.
| Gaming Performance | RTX 4070 Super | RTX 3080 | Winner |
| 1440p Gaming | Excellent | Very Good | Draw |
| 4K Gaming | Good | Excellent | RTX 3080 |
Ray Tracing and DLSS Technology
Ray tracing adds a layer of realism to gaming, and DLSS can significantly improve performance. Here’s how each card performs in this area.
- RTX 4070 Super: The third-generation ray tracing cores provide a noticeable performance boost when playing games with ray tracing enabled. Coupled with DLSS 3, it allows for smooth gameplay even in graphically demanding titles, making it ideal for gamers who want the latest in visual fidelity.
- RTX 3080: While it has second-generation ray tracing cores and DLSS 2 support, the 3080 still performs admirably with ray tracing enabled. Many gamers appreciate the performance it delivers, though it may not be as efficient as the 4070 Super in heavy ray-traced environments.
| Ray Tracing & DLSS | RTX 4070 Super | RTX 3080 | Winner |
| Ray Tracing Performance | Excellent | Very Good | RTX 4070 Super |
| DLSS Technology | DLSS 3 | DLSS 2 | RTX 4070 Super |
Power Consumption and Cooling
How much power a GPU consumes can affect system stability and cooling requirements. Let’s break this down:
- RTX 4070 Super: With a TDP of 250W, this card is more efficient, generating less heat and noise. This makes it a great choice for gamers who want a quieter and cooler system.
- RTX 3080: This card has a higher power draw of 320W, which may require better cooling solutions. While it does provide excellent performance, the additional power consumption can lead to higher electricity bills and more heat in your system.
| Power Consumption | RTX 4070 Super | RTX 3080 | Winner |
| TDP | 250W | 320W | RTX 4070 Super |
| Cooling Requirements | Moderate | High | RTX 4070 Super |
Price and Availability
Pricing can often sway your decision, especially with fluctuating market conditions. Here’s how both GPUs stack up:
- RTX 4070 Super: Generally priced competitively, making it an attractive option for those who want strong performance without overspending. As new graphics cards are released, it may also hold its value better over time.
- RTX 3080: While it might be available at lower prices due to being on the market longer, it can also be harder to find in stock, especially at retail prices. However, many gamers feel that the performance justifies the price.
| Price & Availability | RTX 4070 Super | RTX 3080 | Winner |
| Average Price | Competitive | Varies | RTX 4070 Super |
| Availability | Good | Varies | RTX 4070 Super |
Benchmarking Performance
Benchmarks can provide a clearer picture of how each GPU performs in various scenarios. Here’s a breakdown of how both cards compare in popular benchmarks and real-world applications.
Gaming Benchmarks:
- In titles like Cyberpunk 2077, the RTX 4070 Super often achieves around 60-70 FPS at 1440p with ray tracing enabled and DLSS on, while the RTX 3080 can hit 80-90 FPS at the same settings.
- For games like Call of Duty: Warzone, the RTX 4070 Super typically scores around 100 FPS at 1440p, whereas the RTX 3080 can exceed 120 FPS.
Cinebench R23:
- In this CPU benchmark, both cards perform similarly when paired with a capable CPU. However, users note that rendering tasks in this application benefit slightly more from the RTX 3080 due to its higher CUDA core count.
Blender Benchmark:
- In Blender, the RTX 4070 Super shows improved performance thanks to its efficient architecture, completing scenes in less time than the RTX 3080 in many cases.
| Benchmarking Performance | RTX 4070 Super | RTX 3080 | Winner |
| Cyberpunk 2077 (1440p) | 60-70 FPS | 80-90 FPS | RTX 3080 |
| Call of Duty: Warzone (1440p) | 100 FPS | 120 FPS | RTX 3080 |
| Cinebench R23 | Comparable | Slightly better | RTX 3080 |
| Blender | Faster in many cases | Slower in comparison | RTX 4070 Super |
Thermal Performance
Keeping your GPU cool is crucial for maintaining performance and longevity. Here’s how the two cards compare in thermal performance:
- RTX 4070 Super: This card typically runs cooler under load, with temperatures averaging around 65-75°C during gaming sessions. Its efficient design allows for lower fan speeds, contributing to a quieter operation.
- RTX 3080: While the 3080 performs admirably, it can run hotter, often reaching temperatures between 75-85°C during intense gaming. This may require more robust cooling solutions, particularly if you’re planning on overclocking.
| Thermal Performance | RTX 4070 Super | RTX 3080 | Winner |
| Average Temperature | 65-75°C | 75-85°C | RTX 4070 Super |
| Cooling Efficiency | Excellent | Good | RTX 4070 Super |
Future-Proofing Capabilities
When investing in a GPU, consider how well it will perform with future titles.
- RTX 4070 Super: With its advanced architecture and support for DLSS 3, this card is poised to handle upcoming titles with ease. Its efficiency also makes it a strong candidate for future-proofing.
- RTX 3080: Although slightly older, the 3080 remains a powerhouse. However, it may struggle with future ray-traced titles as efficiently as the 4070 Super due to its older architecture.
| Future-Proofing | RTX 4070 Super | RTX 3080 | Winner |
| Longevity | High | Moderate | RTX 4070 Super |
| Support for Future Titles | Excellent | Good | RTX 4070 Super |
Final Verdict
Choosing between the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 Super and RTX 3080 ultimately depends on your specific needs and gaming preferences.
- Choose the RTX 4070 Super if you prioritize:
- Efficiency and cooler operation
- Advanced DLSS and ray tracing capabilities
- A balanced performance for both gaming and content creation
- Choose the RTX 3080 if you:
- Prefer slightly higher raw gaming performance at 4K
- Don’t mind higher power consumption and heat output
- Seek a proven performer for demanding titles
In conclusion, both cards offer exceptional performance, but the RTX 4070 Super edges out the competition in several key areas, making it a worthwhile choice for both gamers and creators looking for longevity in their investment. This concludes our RTX 4070 Super vs. RTX 3080 comparison.
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