In this article, we’ll compare two highly powerful graphics cards dominating the market: the Nvidia RTX 3080 and 3080-Ti.
These GPUs boast unparalleled performance, making them popular not just among gamers, but also crypto miners, video editors and 3D modelers. One of these GPUs is an ideal option if you require an immense graphics processing power.
But what sets the RTX 3080 apart from the 3080-Ti?
Let’s explore the differences between them, backed by comprehensive side-by-side comparisons.
Nvidia has gone all out with the RTX 3080-Ti, packing it with powerful hardware. But do the upgraded specifications truly make a significant difference over the RTX 3080?
Nvidia RTX 3080 vs 3080-Ti
The specifications of the two graphics cards are largely comparable, but the 3080-Ti has a few significant upgrades that increase performance even further.
| Specification | Nvidia RTX 3080 | Nvidia RTX 3080-Ti |
|---|---|---|
| Graphics Processor | GA102 | GA102 |
| Shader Cores | 8704 | 10240 |
| TMUs (Texture Mapping Units) | 272 | 320 |
| ROPs (Raster Operations Pipelines) | 96 | 112 |
| Tensor Cores | 272 | 320 |
| Ray Tracing Cores | 68 | 80 |
| VRAM Type | GDDR6 | GDDR6 |
| VRAM Capacity | 10 GB | 12 GB |
| Bus Width | 320-bit | 384-bit |
| GPU Clock | 1440 MHz | 1360 MHz |
| Boost Clock | 1710 MHz | 1665 MHz |
| Memory Clock | 1188 MHz | 1188 MHz |
| Texture Fill Rate | 465.1 GTexel/s | 532.8 GTexel/s |
| Pixel Rate | 164.2 GPixel/s | 186.5 GPixel/s |
| Double Floating-point Performance | 465.1 GFLOPS | 532.8 GFLOPS |
Difference between RTX 3080 and RTX 3080-Ti
When Nvidia introduced the RTX 3080, it instantly became one of the best graphics cards available, even surpassing the Ti variant of the 3070 series. The only other competitor challenging Nvidia’s RTX 3080 was AMD with the RX 6800 XT. However, even AMD had nothing to match the advanced media and ray-tracing capabilities of Nvidia’s latest cards.
Nvidia then outdid themselves by launching the RTX 3080-Ti, further enhancing the already incredibly powerful RTX 3080. The Ti variant offers an additional 2GB of DDR6 video memory and over 1,500 extra shader cores. These improvements come in handy when running games at maximum settings or rendering 4K videos quickly. While both cards perform excellently, the RTX 3080-Ti grants a slight edge in power for getting tasks done efficiently.
The RTX 3080-Ti also boasts more texture mapping units (TMUs) and Render Output Pipelines (ROPs), which play a pivotal role in delivering even higher graphical performance compared to the non-Ti version. Additionally, the RTX 3080-Ti includes more Tensor Cores and Ray Tracing Cores, solidifying its position as an upgraded version of the RTX 3080. These enhanced specifications result in modest improvements across various applications like gaming, video editing, and rendering.
In order to replace the 2080 series graphics cards from the previous generation, Nvidia carefully created the RTX 3080 and RTX 3080-Ti. Both GPUs offer a notable upgrade over their predecessors, with increased video memory, shader cores, and Ray Tracing cores.
Nvidia RTX 3080 vs 3080-Ti: How to Choose Your Graphics Card?
When selecting a graphics card, one of the key factors to consider is its power requirements, especially for high-performance GPUs like the RTX 3080 and RTX 3080-Ti. To power these graphics cards, you will need a robust power supply of at least 700 watts, regardless of which GPU you decide to go with.
The RTX 3080 consumes up to 320 watts when fully loaded, while the RTX 3080-Ti consumes up to 350 watts at its peak. Two 6-pin power connectors are used to supply power to both graphics cards.
Another important aspect to keep in mind is the physical size of these GPUs. Both the RTX 3080 and RTX 3080-Ti are quite large, measuring around 11 inches in length. Ensure that your PC case has sufficient space to accommodate these GPUs comfortably.
The RTX 3080-Ti has three DisplayPort 1.4 ports in addition to one HDMI 2.1 port for connectivity. This upgrade over the previous generation GPUs offers more bandwidth to support greater resolutions and refresh rates, making it perfect for multi-monitor setups or high-end gaming monitors.
Similarly, the RTX 3080 also offers the same ports – one HDMI 2.1 port and three DisplayPort 1.4 ports, providing excellent compatibility for various display configurations.
When making your choice, consider these factors to ensure that your selected graphics card meets your specific power needs, fits within your PC case, and offers the necessary connectivity for your desired setup, whether for gaming or other graphics-intensive tasks.
Nvidia RTX 3080 vs 3080-Ti: Which is better for Gaming?
Considering that both the RTX 3080 and the 3080-Ti surpass the recommended requirements for virtually every game available, it is safe to say that they are both exceptional choices for gamers. However, the question arises whether the Ti variant delivers a noticeable performance boost.
The performance analysis reveals that both GPUs handle demanding games flawlessly. However, upon closer examination, the RTX 3080-Ti exhibits a slight increase in average frame rates. Will this increase be readily noticeable?
Perhaps, but in most cases, only dedicated gaming enthusiasts are likely to notice the difference.
RTX 3080 vs 3080-Ti for Crypto Mining
If you’re considering using the RTX 3080 or 3080-Ti for cryptocurrency mining, it’s important to note that these graphics cards may not be the most profitable choice. Nvidia has implemented measures to detect and reduce the hash rate in half when attempting certain crypto-mining algorithms using the official drivers for both GPUs.
While it’s still possible to mine with these cards by experimenting with different mining algorithms and drivers, the expected profits are relatively low, around $2 per day.
This means it could take nearly two years of continuous mining to break even on your investment. If you’re serious about mining, it’s better to opt for GPUs that are not locked with anti-mining software. Nvidia and AMD offer cards specifically designed for crypto mining, which would be more suitable for this purpose than the RTX 3080 or 3080-Ti.
RTX 3080 vs 3080-Ti: Which One Should You Choose?
For the average gamer, the slight difference in performance between the RTX 3080 and 3080-Ti may not be noticeable. If you have a limited budget, the RTX 3080 could be a better value option.
The slight performance increase offered by the RTX 3080-Ti may not be worth the extra cost, especially considering both cards can handle games at 4K resolution with maximum settings.
On the other hand, if you’re a dedicated gaming enthusiast seeking the best frame rates possible, the RTX 3080-Ti might be worth the additional investment. Currently, there’s no card that matches the RTX 3080-Ti’s performance, except Nvidia’s own 3090-Ti, which comes at a much higher price. If you want top-notch performance without breaking the bank, the RTX 3080-Ti is the graphics card for you.
Overall, either GPU is a reliable choice and should last for several years before requiring an upgrade. With the RTX 3080-Ti, you can enjoy playing the latest games on Ultra settings without any issues for years to come.
RTX 3080 vs 3080-Ti: Similarities
- Compatibility: Both the RTX 3080 and 3080-Ti are fully compatible with PCI-E 4.0, ensuring seamless integration with modern motherboards that support this advanced interface.
- Advanced Features: The RTX 3080 and 3080-Ti boast full support for Nvidia DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling) and Ray Tracing technologies, delivering realistic and immersive visuals in games that utilize these cutting-edge features.
- Video Memory: The RTX 3080 and RTX 3080-Ti utilize the latest GDDR6X video memory, offering high-speed data access for improved gaming and graphics performance.
- Software Support: Both graphics cards are equipped with support for DirectX-12 and the latest OpenGL software, enabling enhanced graphics rendering and optimal performance in modern games and applications.
What is Future of NVIDIA GPUs?
As a leading GPU manufacturer, NVIDIA has a promising and profitable future for several reasons:
- AI and Machine Learning: GPUs are essential for powering AI and machine learning technologies. As these technologies become more integrated into everyday life, NVIDIA is expected to continue growing and profiting with their exceptional products.
- GPU Architectures: NVIDIA continuously develops new architecture systems for their GPUs, positioning them as one of the industry leaders as games become more technologically demanding.
- Cloud Gaming: With the rise of cloud gaming, where players can remotely access games through streaming hosts without downloading or storing physical copies, NVIDIA is well-positioned to benefit since they produce technology capable of running cloud gaming services.
RTX 3080 vs 3080-Ti: FAQs
What does “Ti” mean in GPU?
In the context of Nvidia GPUs, “Ti” stands for Titanium, which signifies that the card is a premium version of the standard model. Typically, Ti versions of GPUs boast more potent hardware, resulting in increased speed and performance, but they also come at a higher cost.
What are the prices of Nvidia RTX 3080 and 3080-Ti?
The Nvidia RTX 3080 was initially released in September 2020 with a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $699. However, due to shortages, it has been challenging to find this card for less than $900 until recently.
On the other hand, the RTX 3080-Ti was launched over six months later with an MSRP of $1119. Presently, the RTX 3080-Ti is still available at or around its MSRP.
Which one should I choose, the RTX 3080-Ti or 3080?
The choice between the RTX 3080-Ti and 3080 depends on whether you prioritize squeezing every bit of performance from your PC. While the 3080-Ti can deliver higher frame rates and better benchmarks, the additional cost of a few hundred dollars may not be worth it for everyone.
If you prefer the best value for your money and are content with slightly higher average frame rates, then the RTX 3080 would be the suitable option.
What sets apart the Nvidia RTX 3080 from the 3080-Ti?
The Nvidia RTX 3080 is indeed a powerful GPU, but the 3080-Ti surpasses it in performance. The Ti variant comes with more video RAM (VRAM), a higher shader core count, and overall more powerful hardware, making it a slightly better GPU.
