Generations always bring improvements to performance, so how does the RTX 4080 Super vs RTX 3090 Ti & 3090 do
Updated: Jan 26, 2024 2:41 pm
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If you’re on the lookout for a which graphics card to choose or wondering what differences there are between them you’ve come to the right place. We compare the RTX 4080 Super vs 3090 Ti & 3090 to find out if it can match up to the top selection of the previous generation.
The tech world works to quite a quick schedule. The 3090 headed up the previous generation when it came out in September 2020, bringing plenty of power and price to it. The 3090 Ti certainly took its time as Nvidia finalized the new controversial power connector in the 12VHPWR, and the card came out in March 2022. That’s not too long before the Ada range, but now the 4080 Super release is in January 2024, bringing a boost to the newer generation. So let’s see how they compare against each other and which comes as the best GPU choice.
ASUS TUF Gaming Nvidia GeForce RTX 3090 OC
Pros
2nd Gen Ray Tracing Cores
Extremely efficient cooling solution
One of the quieter 3090 AIBs
Cons
Not the most attractive RTX 3090
MSI NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3090 Ti SUPRIM X
Pros
Plenty of thermal capacity
Today’s best GPU deals
RTX 4080 Super vs 3090 Ti vs 3090 specs
| RTX 4080 Super | RTX 3090 Ti | RTX 3090 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| GPU | AD103-400 | GA102-350 | GA102-300 |
| CUDA cores | 10,240 | 10,752 | 10,496 |
| Base clock speed | 2,295MHz | 1,560MHz | 1,395MHz |
| Boost clock speed | 2,550MHz | 1,860MHz | 1,695MHz |
| VRAM | 16GB GDDR6X | 24GB GDDR6X | 24GB GDDR6X |
| Memory bandwidth | 736GB/s | 1,008GB/s | 936GB/s |
| Memory bus | 256-bit | 384-bit | 384-bit |
| Memory clock | 23Gbps | 21Gbps | 19.5 Gbps |
| TGP | 320W | 450W | 350W |
Comparing the three Nvidia GPUs on the specs of what’s on offer we can see the changes throughout. A big change between them is the generation and architecture provided by it. The process changed from Samsung to Ampere and cutting down the size from 8 to 5nm brings the density up and allows the CUDA count to be so close. The 4080 Super brings as it comes close to the 3090s core amount, and there are just a few hundred between them.
The frequency of these is also getting faster over the generation with improved processes, where the base clock of the new gen is higher than the boost of the previous, even more than an overclocked model can achieve. On the other hand, the memory of the 80 model doesn’t come too close to the 90 models. It still opts for GDDR6X even clocks it higher, but has 16GB instead of 24 and the bus is narrower at 256-bit which lowers the bandwidth to around 700 instead of over 900GB/s like the 3090s. Even with the improving core sound and frequencies, the 4080 Super doesn’t overhaul the TGP too much, as it falls behind the 3090 just by 30W.
How much better is the 4080 Super than 3090 Ti and 3090? – Expectation
Looking at the RTX 4080 Super vs 3090 Ti vs 3090 on performance we get to see the improvements from the newer generation. However, the RTX 4080 Super is not yet released so we don’t have direct comparisons between them yet. But we just have to look at what is already out there. Looking at the RTX 4080 vs 3090 Ti we can see if the 4080 Super will gain over the 90 cards.
If we look at Techspot’s RTX 4080 review we can see how it performs across the board. There we see the 4080 outperform both the 3090 Ti and 3090. Since it’s likely that the 4080 Super is going to be better than the 4080, we expect to have it jump even further ahead of the two older picks.
How much cheaper is the 4080 Super than the 3090 Ti and 3090?
One of the big improvements that the 4080 Super brings is that Nvidia announced it to be coming with a lower launch price than the non-Super option. It sets a price of $999 and that is much lower compared to the 3090 Ti and 3090 since they have an MSRP of $1,999 and $1,499 respectively. That makes the 4080 Super 100% and 50% cheaper than the 3090 Ti and 3090.
EVGA RTX 3090 Ti FTW3 Black
Pros
Plenty of thermal capacity
12 heat pipes and vapor chamber for good heat transfer
Cons
Cheaper design not suitable for everyone
ZOTAC Gaming GeForce RTX 3090 Trinity
Pros
New 11-blade fan for increased airflow
Freeze fan stop technology
Is the 4080 Super worth it over the 3090 Ti and 3090?
When comparing the 4080 Super vs 3090 Ti vs 3090, we can easily see that the newer option choice is certainly worth it over the 30 series GPUs. It brings a lower price point, along with plenty of improvements in general. Especially as we expect it to run even better. Plus with the addition of DLSS 3 in the generation, it provides a good upgrade and feature to aim for. The only drawback is if you need all that extra VRAM, but in that case, the RTX 4090 is a good alternative.
