GeForce GTX 1080 vs GeForce RTX 3050 8GB
The GeForce GTX 1080 pulls ahead here — substantially quicker, about 18% ahead of the GeForce RTX 3050 8GB. But the GeForce RTX 3050 8GB is the better value, undercutting it by $2,213 BRL for the performance you get.
Maximum Capacity Reached. Remove a model to add another. (2/2)
GeForce GTX 1080 vs GeForce RTX 3050 8GB: In-Depth Breakdown
Performance: GeForce GTX 1080 vs GeForce RTX 3050 8GB
The GeForce GTX 1080 is significantly faster, around 18% ahead of the GeForce RTX 3050 8GB. Both cards sit in the same broad class, well suited to entry-level 1080p.
Price & Value
Pricing has the GeForce RTX 3050 8GB at $1,478 BRL, $2,213 BRL under the GeForce GTX 1080's $3,691 BRL. Despite being slower, the GeForce RTX 3050 8GB offers the better performance-per-dollar (~111% better value), so budget-focused buyers should weigh it carefully. The GeForce RTX 3050 8GB still sits about $1,229 BRL above its $249 BRL MSRP. The GeForce GTX 1080 still sits about $3,092 BRL above its $599 BRL MSRP.
Power & Efficiency
Power draw favors the GeForce RTX 3050 8GB (130W vs 180W), and it's the more efficient card too, so it's the easy pick if thermals or a smaller PSU matter. Its more modern Ampere architecture on a Samsung 8nm process is part of why it does more with each watt.
Memory & Bandwidth
The GeForce GTX 1080's memory is faster — 320 GB/s versus 224 GB/s (256-bit vs 128-bit bus) — which helps feed the GPU at 4K and with heavy textures.
Generation & Longevity
The GeForce RTX 3050 8GB is roughly 6 years newer than the GeForce GTX 1080 (Ampere vs Pascal), so it generally benefits from a more modern architecture and longer driver-support runway.
Which should you buy: GeForce GTX 1080 or GeForce RTX 3050 8GB?
Choose the GeForce GTX 1080 if you want the most performance and can absorb the higher price. If you're optimizing for value, the GeForce RTX 3050 8GB stretches your money further for only slightly lower performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the GeForce GTX 1080 better than the GeForce RTX 3050 8GB?
Which is better for 4K gaming, the GeForce GTX 1080 or the GeForce RTX 3050 8GB?
Is the GeForce GTX 1080 worth the extra $2,213 BRL over the GeForce RTX 3050 8GB?
Which should you buy: GeForce GTX 1080 or GeForce RTX 3050 8GB?
Technical Specifications Comparison
Architecture & Cores
| Specification | GeForce GTX 1080 | GeForce RTX 3050 8GB |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Pascal | Ampere |
| Process Node | TSMC 16nm | Samsung 8nm |
| CUDA Cores (CUDA Cores / CUDA Cores) | 2,560 | 2,560 |
| Ray Tracing Cores | — | 20 |
| Tensor / AI Cores | — | 80 |
Clock Speeds
| Specification | GeForce GTX 1080 | GeForce RTX 3050 8GB |
|---|---|---|
| Base Clock | 1,607 MHz✓ | 1,552 MHz |
| Boost Clock | 1,733 MHz | 1,777 MHz✓ |
Memory
| Specification | GeForce GTX 1080 | GeForce RTX 3050 8GB |
|---|---|---|
| VRAM Capacity | 8 GB | 8 GB |
| Memory Type | GDDR5X | GDDR6 |
| Memory Bus | 256-bit✓ | 128-bit |
| Memory Speed | 10 Gbps | 14 Gbps✓ |
| Bandwidth | 320 GB/s✓ | 224 GB/s |
Connectivity & Power
| Specification | GeForce GTX 1080 | GeForce RTX 3050 8GB |
|---|---|---|
| Interface | PCIe 3.0 x16 | PCIe 4.0 x8 |
| TDP | 180 W | 130 W✓ |
| Power Connectors | 1x 8-pin | 1x 8-pin |
| Released | May 2016 | Jan 2022 |