Nvidia GeForce RTX 4080 vs Nvidia GeForce RTX 3090
Verdict
Our overall take, at a glance
Key takeaways
Nvidia GeForce RTX 4080 leads Nvidia GeForce RTX 3090 overall by 6 points (87 vs 81 out of 100).
Nvidia GeForce RTX 4080 stands out on Core Specifications Base Frequency: 2.505 GHz, Core Specifications Maximum Frequency: 2.505 GHz, Core Specifications Maximum Power: 470 W.
Nvidia GeForce RTX 4080 leads overall
$1,199 at launch
Nvidia GeForce RTX 4080
87
Nvidia GeForce RTX 3090
81
Why it stands out
Core Specifications Base Frequency: 2.505 GHz
Core Specifications Maximum Frequency: 2.505 GHz
Core Specifications Maximum Power: 470 W
In-depth analysisAI
AI-generated from the cited sources — may be incomplete or inaccurate; verify important details before deciding · generated Jun 2026.
Nvidia GeForce RTX 4080
The GeForce RTX 40 series is a family of consumer GPUs from Nvidia's GeForce line, succeeding the RTX 30 series. The cards are based on the Ada Lovelace architecture and include third-generation RT cores for ray tracing and fourth-generation Tensor Cores.
Best for High-end computingBest for Graphics processing
Pros
Features native support for DirectX Direct3D 12.0 Ultimate (feature level 12_2)
Includes a new generation of Optical Flow Accelerator to aid DLSS 3.0 frame generation
Supports DisplayPort 1.4a and HDMI 2.1 display connections
Cons
The RTX 4080 12GB was noted for potential failures related to the 12VHPWR connector.
Video — reviews used (3)
Provides detailed specs and history of the RTX 40 series cards.
Generated Jun 28, 2026
Nvidia GeForce RTX 3090
This is a high-end GPU utilizing the Ampere architecture, built for intensive visual computing tasks. Its advanced design caters to professionals in fields requiring extreme graphical fidelity, including rendering, scientific visualization, and complex model design.
Best for 3D Content CreationBest for Architectural VisualizationBest for Professional Rendering Workstations
Pros
Utilizes Ampere-based hardware, placing it among Nvidia's powerful lines of GPUs.
Supports features vital for modern computer graphics, such as ray tracing acceleration.
General support for multiple graphics APIs (e.g., OptiX and DXR) enables use in varied professional software suites.
Cons
Targeting high-end institutional or workstation needs suggests a focus away from typical mainstream consumer gaming
Its high-end nature implies significant power consumption requirements.
Benchmark score — a measured indicator of raw performance, not a guarantee of real-world speed.
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Detailed Specifications
The full spec sheet, side by side
Core Specifications
Feature
Nvidia GeForce RTX 4080
Nvidia GeForce RTX 3090
Base Frequency
2.505 GHz
1.395 GHz
Base Power
320 W
320 W
Maximum Frequency
2.505 GHz
1.86 GHz
Maximum Power
470 W
420 W
Lithography Process
5 nm
8 nm
Memory
Feature
Nvidia GeForce RTX 4080
Nvidia GeForce RTX 3090
Capacity
16 GB
24 GB
Technology
Bus Width
256 bit
384 bit
Bandwidth
576 GB/s
960 GB/s
Is Shared
No
No
API Support
Feature
Nvidia GeForce RTX 4080
Nvidia GeForce RTX 3090
DirectX Version
12
12
OpenGL Version
4.6
4.6
Vulkan Version
1.3
1.3
OpenCL Version
3
3
Theoretical Performance
Feature
Nvidia GeForce RTX 4080
Nvidia GeForce RTX 3090
Pixel Rate
281.2 GP/s
163.5 GP/s
Texture Rate
761.5 GT/s
489.6 GT/s
Performance (FP16)
97.6 TFLOPS
71 TFLOPS
Performance (FP32)
48.7 TFLOPS
35.6 TFLOPS
Performance (FP64)
761.5 GFLOPS
556 GFLOPS
Benchmark
Feature
Nvidia GeForce RTX 4080
Nvidia GeForce RTX 3090
G3D Mark
35,129
26,564
Miscellaneous
Feature
Nvidia GeForce RTX 4080
Nvidia GeForce RTX 3090
Release Date
November 16, 2022
September 24, 2020
Platform
Specification Note
Specifications are compiled from official manufacturer data and other reliable internet sources. Some features may vary by region or model configuration.