GPU Comparison
Select up to 2 GPUs to analyze their pricing, performance, and specifications side-by-side.
Market Value Leader
Only verified data for GeForce RTX 3060 8GB is available. Benchmarks for other models are currently being processed.
On raw speed the GeForce RTX 3060 8GB comes out noticeably faster — about 14% ahead of the GeForce GTX 1080 Laptop.
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GeForce RTX 3060 8GB vs GeForce GTX 1080 Laptop: In-Depth Breakdown
Performance: GeForce RTX 3060 8GB vs GeForce GTX 1080 Laptop
The GeForce RTX 3060 8GB is noticeably faster, around 14% ahead of the GeForce GTX 1080 Laptop. Both cards sit in the same broad class, well suited to 1080p. The GeForce RTX 3060 8GB packs 3,584 CUDA cores versus 2,560 on the GeForce GTX 1080 Laptop.
Power & Efficiency
On power, the GeForce GTX 1080 Laptop is the gentler choice at 150W versus 170W. The GeForce RTX 3060 8GB is more efficient per watt because it's faster, but its higher 170W draw means more heat and a bigger PSU. 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 Laptop's memory is faster — 320 GB/s versus 240 GB/s (256-bit vs 128-bit bus) — which helps feed the GPU at 4K and with heavy textures.
Generation & Longevity
The GeForce RTX 3060 8GB is roughly 5 years newer than the GeForce GTX 1080 Laptop (Ampere vs Pascal), so it generally benefits from a more modern architecture and longer driver-support runway.
Which should you buy: GeForce GTX 1080 Laptop or GeForce RTX 3060 8GB?
The GeForce RTX 3060 8GB is the faster card by about 14%. With live pricing limited for this pair, base your decision on the spec differences above — particularly VRAM and power draw — and check current stock before buying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the GeForce RTX 3060 8GB better than the GeForce GTX 1080 Laptop?
Which is better for 4K gaming, the GeForce GTX 1080 Laptop or the GeForce RTX 3060 8GB?
Can the GeForce RTX 3060 8GB or GeForce GTX 1080 Laptop handle ray tracing?
Technical Specifications Comparison
Architecture & Cores
| Specification | GeForce GTX 1080 Laptop | GeForce RTX 3060 8GB |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Pascal | Ampere |
| Process Node | TSMC 16nm | Samsung 8nm |
| CUDA Cores (CUDA Cores / CUDA Cores) | 2,560 | 3,584✓ |
| Ray Tracing Cores | 0 | 28✓ |
| Tensor / AI Cores | 0 | 112✓ |
Clock Speeds
| Specification | GeForce GTX 1080 Laptop | GeForce RTX 3060 8GB |
|---|---|---|
| Base Clock | 1,556 MHz✓ | 1,320 MHz |
| Boost Clock | 1,733 MHz | 1,777 MHz✓ |
Memory
| Specification | GeForce GTX 1080 Laptop | GeForce RTX 3060 8GB |
|---|---|---|
| VRAM Capacity | 8 GB | 8 GB |
| Memory Type | GDDR5X | GDDR6 |
| Memory Bus | 256-bit✓ | 128-bit |
| Memory Speed | 10 Gbps | 15 Gbps✓ |
| Bandwidth | 320 GB/s✓ | 240 GB/s |
Connectivity & Power
| Specification | GeForce GTX 1080 Laptop | GeForce RTX 3060 8GB |
|---|---|---|
| Interface | PCIe 3.0 x16 | PCIe 4.0 x16 |
| TDP | 150 W✓ | 170 W |
| Power Connectors | None | 1x 8-pin |
| Released | Aug 2016 | Feb 2021 |