Nvidia’s announcement of the RTX 3000 series was an absolute hit, and while many call it a soft launch due to difficulties that came in the way of actually getting the GPUs, it is safe to say that Nvidia truly created a masterpiece with this series with the RTX 3070 and RTX 3080 being two of the most popular and highly sought-after GPUs in the market.
With that said, the debate around RTX 3070 vs 3080 is nothing new, to be honest, as it has been happening for as long as one can remember. Now that we’re nearing the release of the RTX 4000 series, it is time to have a look at how both of these GPUs compare after launching nearly 2 years ago.
I do understand that the comparison might not make sense to a lot of people, but it certainly is an important thing to look into if you want to buy a GPU.
Nvidia RTX 3070 vs 3080: The Specifications
The RTX 3070 and RTX 3080 are a lot more identical in terms of their overall specs. Still, it is my responsibility to make sure that I’m highlighting everything about both of these GPUs so the consumers do not have any issues picking the right one up.
| GPU Names | RTX 3070 | RTX 3080 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Check Price | Check Price |
| CUDA Cores | 5888 Units | 8704 Units |
| Base Clock | 1500 MHz | 1440 MHz |
| Boost Clock | 1725 MHz | 1710 MHz |
| V-RAM | 8GB GDDR6 | 12 GB GDDR6X / 10 GB GDDR6X |
| Memory Interface | 256-bit | 384-bit / 320-bit |
| Power Consumption | 220W | 350W / 320W |
| Required PSU | 650W | 750W |
| Dimensions | 9.5 x 4.4 x 2.2 Inch | 11.2 x 4.4 x 2.2 Inch |
Which GPU Is Best For 1440p gaming?
We are all aware of the fact that 1440p has mainly become the resolution that one should go for whenever you are looking at something mainstream. Sure, 1080p is still around, but most people are going around and gaming at 1440p for the best experience, and it is only fair to say that this resolution has come a long, long way.
With that said, if you are looking for the best GPU, I would highly advise that you choose the RTX 3070 as a good one for 1440p because the performance delivered here is excellent in almost every game, and you would not be regretting anything.
The RTX 3070 is even capable of going as high as 4K if you wish to take it that far; however, you might have to compromise on some settings. Overall, the RTX 3070 would serve you just fine whenever you are looking for a GPU to perform at 1440p, regardless of the games you want to play.
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Which GPU Is Best For 4K Gaming?
It would be more than safe to say that when you are talking about resolutions, 4K happens to be the most intensive one in almost every aspect, and while one would argue that such a high resolution is trivial at best, you will need to game at 4K to realize how good everything looks.
With that said, if you have been searching for a good GPU that will support 4K gaming in the best way possible, simply go ahead and invest in the RTX 3080, as that GPU absolutely rules in 4K.
I have been using it myself ever since it was released and had not run into any issues as far as the performance or overall experience is concerned. It really is the king of GPUs in terms of the relevant performance, especially when you are taking the pricing into the factor, as well. Something we will discuss later on.
RTX 3070 vs 3080: Architecture And API support
It is safe to say that whenever you are in the market looking for a new GPU, the architecture matters a lot. Sure, sometimes it is safe to run into offerings that look good on paper but, in reality, are not so good, and that is perfectly acceptable, as well. However, if you genuinely are looking for something that is solid and delivers the performance you want, it is not that hard to find.
With that said, the Nvidia RTX 3070 and 3080 are both using the same Ampere architecture that was made using Samsung’s foundry. It has a process size of 8nm and comes with 17,400 million transistors, with a die size of 392 mm². For the RTX 3080, however, we are looking at 28,300 million transistors and a die size of 628 mm².
With the RTX 3000 series, Nvidia went back to the drawing board and introduced a host of new APIs that are being used. One of the most common ones is the DirectX 12 Ultimate API as well as the completely reworked DLSS 2.0 API, which makes the actual process of gaming all the better.
I can already tell you that if you are worried about the performance or the experience with this GPU, things are not going to come in your way and create problems.
RTX 3070 vs 3080: Clock Speeds And VRAM
If you are spending a good chunk of money on a GPU, it would be safe to assume that performance is one thing that you definitely want, and getting something that is not good is not something anyone would suggest. The RTX 3070 and 3080 are decent in terms of the clock speeds they boast, and the GPU Boost is a technology that you can never really overlook.
With that said, the RTX 3070 runs on the base clock of 1500 MHz and can boost up to 1725 MHz, which is an impressive number, to be honest. In comparison, the RTX 3080 runs at a base of 1440 MHz and can go as high as 1710 MHz.
However, the one thing that I would let everyone know is that these numbers are of the reference cards. This means that 3rd party variants can have significantly higher boost and base clock. One more thing you should note is that the advertised boost clock is always lower than the actual, sustained boost clock.
As far as the VRAM is concerned, the RTX 3070 comes with 8 gigs of VRAM, whereas the RTX 3080 is available in either 10 gigs or 12 gigs of VRAM. It is safe to say that both GPUs are more than adequate when performance is talked about and will not let anyone down.
RTX 3070 vs 3080: Video Outputs And ports
Over the past couple of years, the concept of having video outputs on GPUs have changed significantly. Gone are the days when we were limited to a number of outputs, as modern-day offerings have a lot of them, and honestly, they work really well, too.
The point that I am making here is that if you have been looking for something that works really well and has all the modern outputs, it would be highly advisable that you are looking at something proper and something that works.
With that said, the RTX 3070 brings a single HDMI 2.1 and three DisplayPort 1.4a. Whereas the same configuration can be found on the RTX 3080. The best part, however, is the HDMI 2.1 because it allows you to use up to 8K at 60Hz, or 4K at 120Hz. So, if you do own one of the fancier OLED TVs/monitors, this is the way to go.
Remember that custom variants might have slightly different output as this information is about the reference variants that you can also get your hands on.
RTX 3070 vs 3080: Memory And Price Comparison
Moving further, it is very important to shed light on the memory as well as the prices of the RTX 3070 and RTX 3080. While looking at these in hindsight, one might assume that they are not at all identical; that is not at all the case as these graphic cards are a lot more different than one would imagine, but that does not mean that they are not good enough.
For memory, the RTX 3070 uses GDDR6 memory, whereas the RTX 3080 uses a faster GDDR6X. You are already aware of the VRAM difference that I have explained before.
For the price, you are looking to pay $499 for the RTX 3070 and $699 for the RTX 3080. However, it is very important to know that these are retail prices for reference models. AIB variants will likely cost you more money; therefore, it is important to know that.
Sadly, finding the RTX 3070 and RTX 3080, or any other modern GPU on retail, has become a bit of a challenge, but with some luck and the fact that the market is improving, you will find the right GPUs in no time and at great prices.
Testing Setup:
It should not come as a surprise that having the right test setup is something important to everyone because you can easily get the results that you want to get out of your system. A good test setup will allow us to properly determine just how good the GPUs are, and that’s why we are going to start paying more attention.
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 5800X
- GPU: MSI RTX 3070 Gaming X Trio | MSI RTX 3080 SUPRIM X
- RAM: 4x8GB (16GB) Patriot Viper Steel
- Motherboard: TUF GAMING X570-PLUS
Nvidia RTX 3070 vs RTX 3080: Game benchmarks
#1- Cyberpunk 2077 (1080p)
It is safe to say that Cyberpunk 2077 is easily one of the most demanding games, and while it has received numerous optimizations over the past couple of months, it still requires a hefty GPU. With that said, the testing was done with DLSS and Raytracing off.
The RTX 3070 managed an average of 99 frames per second, whereas you are getting 116 frames per second on the RTX 3080. We are clearly off to a good start, as the scores are a lot better than one would imagine.
- GeForce RTX 3080: 116 Average FPS
- Geforce RTX 3070: 99 Average FPS
#1.1- Cyberpunk 2077 (1440p)
Things start to change when you move over to 1440p as the RTX 3080 starts performing better and better. Again, I have kept both Raytracing as well as DLSS off to ensure that the performance is good across the board.
The RTX 3070 manages an average of 61 frames per second, while the RTX 3080 leads with an impressive average of 85 frames per second. A definitive difference between both GPUs can be seen through this comparison.
- GeForce RTX 3080: 85 Average FPS
- Geforce RTX 3070: 61 Average FPS
#1.2- Cyberpunk 2077 (4k)
4K is undoubtedly one of the most demanding resolutions out there, and while not all games create a problem for such a resolution, Cyberpunk 2077 is very GPU intensive and takes a toll on the GPU, as well.
With that said, the RTX 3070 manages to get only 32 frames per second on average, and the RTX 3080 manages only 43. Both of the scores are well below 60.
Our advice is that if you do want to play at 4K on either of the GPUs, using DLSS is the right way to go, as that would give you the performance overhead that you are looking for.
- GeForce RTX 3080: 43 Average FPS
- Geforce RTX 3070: 32 Average FPS
#2- Doom Eternal (1080p)
If you have been looking for quality first-person shooters that allow you to have mindless fun, then it should not come as a surprise that Doom Eternal is the way to go. The game might not seem like a lot, but it has easily become one of the most popular games in the franchise and much better than the first installment in the reboot.
Both the RTX 3070 and 3080 have absolutely no problem running the game at appropriate settings. With the RTX 3070 getting an impressive 141 frames per second with raytraced reflections and no DLSS. The RTX 3080 pushes the limit with 182 frames per second, allowing you for super-fast, head-spinning gameplay.
- GeForce RTX 3080: 182 Average FPS
- Geforce RTX 3070: 141 Average FPS
#2.1- Doom Eternal (1440p)
For those who want to go all the way to 1440p, the good news is that things are not different in terms of the performance you are going to get because both GPUs are absolutely nailing it as far as the scores are concerned.
The RTX 3070 manages to score an impressive 112 frames per second on average, with the RTX 3080 going as high as 136 frames per second on average. If you have been wondering about some good scores, this is the way to go as it will not disappoint you at all.
- GeForce RTX 3080: 136 Average FPS
- Geforce RTX 3070: 112 Average FPS
#2.2- Doom Eternal (4k)
Things do start to change a bit when you go over to 4K as the performance difference is clearly there between both GPUs, with the RTX 3080 clearly leading the pack with impressive overall scores. The RTX 3080 manages to deliver 82 frames per second on average, whereas the RTX 3070 delivers around 52 frames on average.
However, for those who are looking to get even more frames here, you can always go ahead and turn on DLSS for a better overall experience.
- GeForce RTX 3080: 82 Average FPS
- Geforce RTX 3070: 52 Average FPS
#3- Call of Duty Warzone (1080p)
Call of Duty Warzone is another impressive first-person shooter; however, this time around, it is for those who are looking for an amazing battle royale experience. Sure, PUBG and Fortnite may have created this whole genre, but it is safe to say that Warzone more or less perfected everything one could want with immersive gameplay and more.
With that said, the RTX 3070 manages 163 frames on average, with the RTX 3080 going as high as 172. These scores are with maxed-out settings, and DLSS turned off. Therefore, giving you a better overall idea.
- GeForce RTX 3080: 172 Average FPS
- Geforce RTX 3070: 163 Average FPS
#3.1- Call of Duty Warzone (1440p)
Moving onto 1440p, things do not really change all that much. For those wondering, you are still getting an impressive score with both of the GPUs that you are looking to test out.
Still, the RTX 3070 manages to score 128 frames on average, with the RTX 3080 going as high as 155 frames on average. Both GPUs deliver scores that are more than appropriate for such a fast-paced shooting game, so you really will not run into issues.
- GeForce RTX 3080: 155 Average FPS
- Geforce RTX 3070: 128 Average FPS
#3.2- Call of Duty Warzone (4k)
Going over to 4K is where you really start seeing the difference between the two cards. Simply because the game finally becomes more GPU dependent here and well, the results are not surprising, to be honest.
For those wondering, the RTX 3070 scores an average of 78 frames per second, and if you are looking at the RTX 3080, you are getting an average of 101 frames per second.
Remember, these benchmarks are with DLSS turned off; therefore, if you are looking for added performance, you can always turn DLSS on for that.
- GeForce RTX 3080: 101 Average FPS
- Geforce RTX 3070: 78 Average FPS
#4- Fortnite (1080p)
While many might not agree with it anymore, Fortnite more or less redefined the concept of battle royale games. Sure, it is one of a kind, but it also happens to be one of the most popular games around, and if you have been looking for a solid experience, this is the way to go.
The game has received several updates in the past, including Raytracing and DLSS support, but for the sake of proper assessment, I have decided to turn these off. With that said, the RTX 3070 scores an average of 165 frames per second, and the RTX 3080 delivers around 187 frames per second on average. An impressive result from both GPUs.
- GeForce RTX 3080: 187 Average FPS
- Geforce RTX 3070: 165 Average FPS
#4.1- Fortnite (1440p)
If you decide to bump the resolution to 1440p, things are not going to change all that much, considering how the game is not GPU intensive as much as one would assume.
Still, the differences are there, and for those wondering, the RTX 3070 is going to deliver 120 frames per second on average, with the RTX 3080 managing an impressive 148 frames on average, which is an excellent result.
- GeForce RTX 3080: 148 Average FPS
- Geforce RTX 3070: 120 Average FPS
#4.2- Fortnite (4k)
It should not come as a surprise, but Fortnite truly shines at 4K and delivers exceptional visuals with great fidelity at the same time. Both GPUs finally come down to double digits, but that is not really a bad thing because they are still hovering in a more than playable area.
Fortnite is going to deliver 63 frames on average on 4K for the RTX 3070 and the 83 frames per second for the RTX 3080. Again, an impressive score that you should not be overlooked in any case. However, if you want the game to go back to 100+ frames, you can always go ahead and turn DLSS on for that extra performance boost.
- GeForce RTX 3080: 83 Average FPS
- Geforce RTX 3070: 63 Average FPS
#5- Resident Evil Village (1080p)
I will be honest, Resident Evil Village was a surprise for almost every Resident Evil fan, and simply put, the game was more than surprising in almost every case. It combined the slow, dripping atmosphere of Resident Evil 7 with the fantastic action of Resident Evil 4, and it easily became one of the best games of the franchise.
The game is also very nicely optimized, so I’ve decided to keep Raytracing turned on. The performance has been impressive so far, as the RTX 3070 managed to get 115 frames per second and the RTX 3080 managed to have 152 frames per second.
Remember that I’ve decided to turn the FSR off.
- GeForce RTX 3080: 152 Average FPS
- Geforce RTX 3070: 115 Average FPS
#5.1- Resident Evil Village (1440p)
Even when I shifted to 1440p, things remained just as impressive as the game managed to deliver exceptionally well-balanced performance across the board.
The RTX 3070 scored an average of 96 frames per second, with the RTX 3080 delivering 128 frames per second. Still a lot more impressive than one might assume.
- GeForce RTX 3080: 128 Average FPS
- Geforce RTX 3070: 96 Average FPS
#5.2- Resident Evil Village (4k)
One might be concerned about playing modern games at 4K due to the obvious issues that normally come in the way, but Resident Evil Village handles everything expertly as it delivers fantastic all-around performance without any issues that might come in the way otherwise.
The RTX 3070 delivers an average of 66 frames per second, with the RTX 3080 going as high as 89 frames per second. However, if you do want to get more frames out of the game, you can turn on FSR, and that would give you an additional boost.
- GeForce RTX 3080: 89 Average FPS
- Geforce RTX 3070: 66 Average FPS
Nvidia RTX 3070 Vs RTX 3080: Which One Should You Buy?
Now that we are done looking at the scores, the picture has become a lot clearer than it was in other situations.
However, you have to understand that whenever you are in the market looking for a good GPU, finding the one that is good in almost every regard is very, very important.
With that said, the purpose of this whole post is to make sure that you are getting the right GPU with everything that you want in one. The RTX 3080 is a clear winner in almost every case, to the point that you are not going to run into any major issues at all.
Whether you are gaming at 1080p, 1440p, or 4K, for that matter, the GPU is going to deliver the absolute best performance you can hope for, and that too, without any compromises.
I have been using the RTX 3080 since launch, and I cannot remember running into any issues so far as every game I play ran without any issues and delivered top of the line performance across the board. There simply is no argument that one should go for the RTX 3070 at this point, especially when they are being compared straight away.
My Final Thoughts On It!
As someone who has been gaming and building computers for as long as they can remember, I completely understand that getting the right GPU can oftentimes be confusing for a lot of people. In such situations, the best thing one can do is make sure that they are picking up the right GPU without any complications.
However, people often run into issues when selecting what they want, which creates even more confusion. The purpose of this guide is to let all the readers know which GPU they should be picking up if push comes to shove and a decision needs to be made.
