RTX 3080 and RTX 3090 are Nvidia’s most powerful video cards on the market. The products were unveiled in early September and promise to deliver the best in graphics performance. The first, for example, should run games at 4K with peace of mind, while the second promises to reach 8K at 60 fps. Also, both have support for DLSS 2.0 and Ray Tracing technologies natively, even bringing specific cores to process the functions.
The models, which together with the RTX 3070 form the second generation of GeForce RTX, already appear for sale in versions from manufacturers such as Asus, PNY, and MSI, among others, for prices, starting at $699 for the RTX 3080 and $1,499, the case of RTX 3090. Check below for more details about the two models and know which of them is more worthwhile for you.
RTX 3080 and RTX 3090 Datasheet
| RTX 3080 | RTX 3090 | |
|---|---|---|
| Launch | September 2020 | September 2020 |
| Price | from $699 | from $1,499 |
| CUDA Cores | 8,704 | 10,496 |
| Memory interface | 320-bit | 384-bit |
| VRAM | 10 GB GDDR6X | 24 GB GDDR6X |
| Base/boost clock | 1.4 / 1.7 GHz | 1.4 / 1.71 GHz |
| Maximum Resolution | 7680 x 4320 pixels | 7680 x 4320 pixels |
| Recommended Source | 750 Watts | 750 Watts |
Specifications
As you’d expect from high-performance GPUs, Nvidia’s new RTX 3000 boards come with robust specifications. The RTX 3080 features 8,704 CUDA cores and 10 GB of GDDR6 standard VRAM and a 320-bit interface. The RTX 3090 has 10,496 CUDA cores, 24 GB of GDDR6X VRAM, even faster, and comes with a 384-bit interface.
Both models have a clock between 1.4 and 1.7 GHz, have support for HDMI 2.1, and a maximum resolution of 7680 x 4320, which can serve as an indication of the potential of the cards. The components reach the market and also feature the second generation of Ray-Tracing Cores, which will offer a superior experience with lighting technology.
Performance
The products promise to deliver performance beyond 4K, or at least maintain good frame rates at 4K even with technologies such as active DLSS and Ray-Tracing. With more function-specific cores, the impact on overall GPU performance should be less than with other products supporting the technologies.
Nvidia indicates the RTX 3080 for high-performance gamers, as the board must meet the requirements to run all games with many frames and levels of detail at maximum settings.
The RTX 3090 has a high cost within the family, much due to the high volume of VRAM and high-performance memory interface. With these features, besides working well for games, the GPU should be very interesting for professionals who work with visual effects and the like.
Consumption
Both Nvidia boards require two eight-pin connectors for complementary power supply, and the manufacturer has developed a new standard for the founders, i.e. those with a design developed by the brand. Both GPUs also require a power supply of at least 750 Watts, which highlights the high power requirements.
While the RTX 3080 operates at 320 Watts, the RTX 3090 operates at 350 Watts, both with a maximum operating temperature of 93 Watts. It is worth remembering that the founder’s models presented to the market a new thermal solution from the manufacturer, with a design that prioritizes the airflow throughout the board.
Price and Availability
The models already appear in the market, but there are still a few options available to buy. It is worth to emphasize that the “original” model, by Nvidia itself, will likely not be seen in the market, but in partner versions.
Therefore, Nvidia’s top line arrives as a luxury article, designed to meet a very specific public.
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