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Have a look at the in-depth comparison of RTX 4090 vs RTX 4080 in terms of pricing, performance, and specifications.
The RTX 4090 and the RTX 4080 serve as the notable graphics cards in Nvidia’s RTX 40 Series. The RTX 4090 is a top-tier GPU, however, the RTX 4080 16GB variant still delivers strong performance. These two cards demonstrate major dissimilarities regarding pricing together with performance metrics and technical specifications.
Both operate on the Ada Lovelace architecture and implement DLSS 3 functionality while sharing an identical bulky design. The GPUs share numerous similarities, yet their detailed characteristics become apparent when examined closely.
In this article, we will give you a detailed comparison of the RTX 4090 vs RTX 4080 by comparing their specifications, performance, and pricing.
A Brief Overview of RTX 4090 vs RTX 4080
Gaming enthusiasts who want peak performance together with elevated frame rates in extreme games should choose the GeForce RTX 4090. The GeForce RTX 4080 with 16GB VRAM strikes a balance between gaming capabilities and price that suits majority of players because it excels at managing heavy textures.
The graphic cards feature Nvidia’s Ada Lovelace architecture together with DLSS 3 technology which enables efficient cooling while delivering exceptional performance. Your budget together with your individual gaming or creative requirements will determine whether to choose the RTX 4090 or RTX 4080 while both provide exceptional gaming capabilities.
RTX 4090 vs RTX 4080 Specs Compared
Cores
The comparison of CUDA core numbers shows a major distinction because the RTX 4090 contains 68% additional CUDA cores than its counterpart. The performance gap between these GPUs in most gaming situations becomes significant because their clock speeds match and the 4090 breaks traditional generation specs.
The RT cores and Tensor cores exhibit substantial differences between their configurations. The 4090 outperforms the other GPUs because it implements third-generation RT cores and fourth-generation Tensor cores with increased capability. It demonstrates superior performance compared to other cards in ray-traced gaming and traditional rasterization games because it will surpass its competitors by a significant margin.
VRAM and Power
The memory capacity of the 4090 stands out as it provides users with 8GB more storage than the alternative model. The RTX 4080 possesses faster GDDR6X memory at 22.4 Gbps compared to the 21.2 Gbps memory of the RTX 4090 despite both using memory developed by Nvidia and Micron.
The RTX 4090 achieves greater bandwidth from its broad memory bus that gives it superior overall performance when compared to the RTX 4080. Reviews indicate that the RTX 4090 approaches its maximum power consumption level because it delivers enhanced performance, but this boost requires extensive electrical usage. The RTX 4080 consumes an average of 300W power during gameplay which offers better efficiency compared to the RTX 4090, yet it probably falls short in terms of performance capabilities.
| Specification | RTX 4090 | RTX 4080 |
| Architecture | Ada Lovelace | Ada Lovelace |
| Core Count | 16384 | 9728 |
| Tensor Cores (AI) | 4th Generation, 1321 AI TOPS | 4th Generation, 780 AI TOPS |
| Ray Tracing Cores | 3rd Generation, 113 TFLOPS | 3rd Generation, 113 TFLOPS |
| VRAM | 24 GB GDDR6X | 16 GB GDDR6X |
| Memory Interface Width | 384-bit | 256-bit |
| Base Clock Speed | 2.23 GHz | 2.21 GHz |
| Boost Clock Speed | 2.52 GHz | 2.51 GHz |
| PCIE Generation | PCI Express Gen 4 | PCI Express Gen 4 |
| Deep Learning Super Sampling | DLSS 3 | DLSS 3 |
| NVIDIA Reflex | Reflex | Reflex |
| TGP (W) | 450 Watts | 320 Watts |
RTX 4090 vs RTX 4080 Performance Comparison
The RTX 4090 and RTX 4080 function as exceptional graphics cards that eclipse all earlier-generation models across all display resolutions. What distinguishes these two cards from one another?
The RTX 4090 demonstrates superior performance to the RTX 4080 in every resolution and detail level and delivers particularly enhanced results when ray tracing effects are enabled. The complete performance assessment reveals more details than initially thought.
The RTX 4090 exceeds 31,000 points in 3DMark Time Spy benchmark at stock settings, while it will continue breaking records because overclockers keep expanding its performance potential.
The RTX 4080 can deliver about 25,000 points with a matching processor whereas its predecessor achieved results below 20,000. The 4080 demonstrates significant performance growth yet stands below the RTX 4090 in its own exclusive category.
3DMark Port Royal demonstrates the largest performance gap between these graphics cards because it includes ray tracing measurements. The RTX 4080 demonstrates excellent performance by reaching near 18,000 points during specific benchmark tests. The 4080 achieves a ray tracing rendering performance score of roughly 50% better than its predecessor models RTX 3090 and 3080 Ti.
The RTX 4090 stands as a superior model since reviewers have obtained results reaching nearly 26,000 points.
RTX 4090 vs RTX 4080 Price Compared
The high price range of Nvidia GPUs has become common knowledge since the company is known for using luxury components, which explains why both the RTX 4090 and RTX 4080 command premium costs.
The RTX 4080 16GB provides better value to customers despite being a high-priced graphics card choice.
The RTX 4090 launched first on October 12, 2022, with an initial price of $1,599. The add-in board (AIB) partners of Nvidia produced customized versions of the GPU that provided enhanced specifications and superior performance but at elevated prices. RTX 4090 FE models can be purchased starting at $1,599, but the third-party variants are costlier. The GPU experienced an immediate sell-out shortly after its release, while its current market availability remains unreliable.
Nvidia set November 16, 2022, as the public release date for the RTX 4080, with its starting price at $1,199. The additional cost for Nvidia’s AIB products exceeded the base price by $200 to $300, which became a big issue for Nvidia when the RTX 4080 Super launched at a lower MSRP.
Pros and Cons of RTX 4090 vs RTX 4080
Pros and Cons of RTX 4090
| Pros | Cons |
| 24 GB VRAM is a generous amount | Way too pricey |
| 384-bit memory bus width increases memory speed by a lot | Extremely power-hungry |
| Vast difference in CUDA Core Count |
Pros and Cons of RTX 4080
| Pros | Cons |
| Clock speeds are similar to RTX 4090 | Much more affordable than the RTX 4090 |
| Performs very well across 10800, 1440p, and 4K gaming | Value per cost is not as good as 4090 |
| Performs very well across 10800, 1440p and 4K gaming |
Final Verdict: Which Is Best Between RTX 4090 vs RTX 4080 for You?
The Nvidia RTX 4090 and RTX 4080 represented the pinnacle of graphics card technology until the release of the RTX 5090 and RTX 5080. The two cards show superior performance capabilities when compared to previous models while standing as top choices for running demanding games.
When selecting between these, the RTX 4090 stands as the top choice regarding performance value. Customers receive better frame delivery for their money when they purchase the RTX 4090 despite its higher price point when compared to the RTX 4080.
The purchase of an RTX 4090 makes sense only if performance demands it. It delivers power that only a few games can achieve its full potential while demanding a significant premium from buyers. A card of this power does not offer essential performance advantages in any existing game titles except when playing in 4K at max settings. The RTX 4080 should be considered by most users instead of the RTX 4090 even though the latter remains an easy buy for those with an unlimited budget. The reason for this is that the RTX 4080 is more than enough to meet the requirements to enjoy games at 4K and high settings.
FAQs about RTX 4090 vs RTX 4080
Is 4090 future-proof?
Yes, 4090 with its bleeding-edge specs and praiseworthy performance is incredibly future-proof.
Is RTX 4090 power-hungry?
The 4090 is very power-hungry as it needs an 850 W PSU to work properly.
Is 750 watts enough for 4080?
Yes, a 750 W PSU is enough to run an RTX 4080.
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