RTX 4070 vs RTX 3080: Which GPU Should You Choose?
Introduction
Choosing between the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 and RTX 3080 can be challenging, as both GPUs offer high performance for gaming and creative work. The RTX 3080, launched in 2020, was a top-tier choice for 4K gaming, while the RTX 4070, released in 2023, features DLSS 3.0, better efficiency, and improved ray tracing performance.
This article compares the RTX 4070 vs RTX 3080 in terms of specifications, gaming benchmarks, synthetic performance, power efficiency, and pricing, helping you choose the right GPU for your needs.
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | RTX 3080 | RTX 4070 |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Ampere (8nm) | Ada Lovelace (4nm) |
| CUDA Cores | 8,704 | 5,888 |
| Base Clock | 1.44 GHz | 1.92 GHz |
| Boost Clock | 1.71 GHz | 2.48 GHz |
| Memory | 10GB GDDR6X | 12GB GDDR6X |
| Memory Bus | 320-bit | 192-bit |
| Memory Bandwidth | 760.3 GB/s | 504.2 GB/s |
| TDP (Power Draw) | 320W | 200W |
| DLSS Version | DLSS 2.0 | DLSS 3.0 |
| Ray Tracing | 2nd Gen RT | 3rd Gen RT |
The RTX 3080 has more CUDA cores and a wider memory bus, making it more powerful for raw performance at 4K. The RTX 4070 offers higher clock speeds, more VRAM, DLSS 3, and superior efficiency, making it a great choice for 1440p gaming and newer technologies.
Learn more about NVIDIA's DLSS 3 technology.
2. Gaming Performance Benchmarks
1440p Gaming FPS Comparison
According to tests from Tom’s Hardware and TechSpot, here’s how both GPUs perform at 1440p resolution:
| Game | RTX 3080 (FPS) | RTX 4070 (FPS) |
|---|---|---|
| Cyberpunk 2077 (Ultra) | 83 FPS | 86 FPS |
| Red Dead Redemption 2 (Ultra) | 110 FPS | 112 FPS |
| Assassin’s Creed Valhalla (Ultra) | 98 FPS | 105 FPS |
| Call of Duty: MW2 (Ultra) | 145 FPS | 153 FPS |
At 1440p, the RTX 4070 outperforms the RTX 3080 in some games, especially those optimized for DLSS 3.0.
Check out full benchmarks from TechSpot.
4K Gaming FPS Comparison
At 4K resolution, the RTX 3080 pulls ahead due to its higher memory bandwidth.
| Game | RTX 3080 (FPS) | RTX 4070 (FPS) |
|---|---|---|
| Cyberpunk 2077 (Ultra) | 52 FPS | 47 FPS |
| Red Dead Redemption 2 (Ultra) | 74 FPS | 66 FPS |
| Assassin’s Creed Valhalla (Ultra) | 68 FPS | 63 FPS |
| Call of Duty: MW2 (Ultra) | 103 FPS | 95 FPS |
The RTX 3080 leads at 4K gaming due to its 320-bit memory bus and higher bandwidth. If you game at 1440p, the RTX 4070 is a better, more efficient choice.
3. Synthetic Benchmarks: 3DMark Performance
Synthetic tests provide insight into the raw performance of each GPU. Here are 3DMark scores from UserBenchmark:
| Benchmark | RTX 3080 | RTX 4070 |
|---|---|---|
| 3DMark Time Spy (DX12) | 17,500 | 18,300 |
| 3DMark Fire Strike (DX11) | 33,400 | 31,800 |
The RTX 4070 performs better in DirectX 12 benchmarks due to Ada Lovelace's optimizations. The RTX 3080 still holds strong in older DirectX 11 tests.
4. Power Efficiency and Cooling
A significant improvement with the RTX 4070 is its power efficiency.
| Feature | RTX 3080 | RTX 4070 |
|---|---|---|
| TDP | 320W | 200W |
| Cooling | Requires 3 fans | More efficient with 2 fans |
If you prefer a power-efficient GPU that runs cooler and quieter, the RTX 4070 is the better choice.
5. DLSS 3 and Ray Tracing Performance
- RTX 3080 supports DLSS 2, which enhances FPS using AI upscaling.
- RTX 4070 introduces DLSS 3, which generates additional frames using AI, increasing performance by up to 50 percent in supported games.
DLSS 3 makes a huge difference in demanding games like Cyberpunk 2077 and Microsoft Flight Simulator. The RTX 4070 also has 3rd-gen RT cores, improving ray tracing performance over the RTX 3080.
Learn more about DLSS 3 and its advantages from NVIDIA.
6. Pricing and Value
- RTX 3080 (Used Market): $500 - $600
- RTX 4070 (MSRP): $599
Since the RTX 3080 is no longer in production, you’ll find used options only. Meanwhile, the RTX 4070 offers newer features, better efficiency, and a warranty.
Find the best RTX 4070 deals on Amazon.
Compare RTX 3080 pricing on Newegg.
7. Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
Buy the RTX 4070 if:
- You game at 1440p and want DLSS 3.
- You need a cooler, more efficient GPU (200W vs. 320W).
- You prefer buying a new GPU with a warranty.
Buy the RTX 3080 if:
- You game at 4K and need higher memory bandwidth.
- You find a great deal on a used RTX 3080.
The RTX 4070 is the smarter choice due to DLSS 3, better efficiency, and newer architecture. However, a cheap RTX 3080 remains a great pick for 4K gaming
