GeForce GTX 1080 vs GeForce RTX 2080
On raw speed the GeForce RTX 2080 comes out dramatically faster — about 46% ahead of the GeForce GTX 1080. It also wins on performance-per-dollar, making it the cleaner choice when you can afford it.
Market Value Leader
GeForce RTX 2080 is the clear winner, offering 1285.2% better value than GeForce GTX 1080.
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GeForce RTX 2080 vs GeForce GTX 1080: In-Depth Breakdown
Performance: GeForce RTX 2080 vs GeForce GTX 1080
The GeForce RTX 2080 is dramatically faster, around 46% ahead of the GeForce GTX 1080. That gap is enough to move it up a tier: the GeForce RTX 2080 is comfortable at 1080p, while the GeForce GTX 1080 is better matched to entry-level 1080p. The GeForce RTX 2080 packs 2,944 CUDA cores versus 2,560 on the GeForce GTX 1080.
Price & Value
The GeForce RTX 2080 currently lists from $25 EUR, $211 EUR less than the GeForce GTX 1080 at $236 EUR. Because it's both faster and competitively priced, the GeForce RTX 2080 wins on performance-per-dollar by about 1285%. The GeForce RTX 2080 is trading below its $699 EUR MSRP — a genuine deal. The GeForce GTX 1080 is trading below its $599 EUR MSRP — a genuine deal.
Power & Efficiency
On power, the GeForce GTX 1080 is the gentler choice at 180W versus 225W. The GeForce RTX 2080 is more efficient per watt because it's faster, but its higher 225W draw means more heat and a bigger PSU. Its more modern Turing architecture on a TSMC 12nm process is part of why it does more with each watt.
Memory & Bandwidth
The GeForce RTX 2080's memory is faster — 448 GB/s versus 320 GB/s — which helps feed the GPU at 4K and with heavy textures.
Generation & Longevity
The GeForce RTX 2080 is roughly 2 years newer than the GeForce GTX 1080 (Turing 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 2080?
The GeForce RTX 2080 is the all-round winner here — it's faster and the better value, so buy it if it fits your budget. Only consider the GeForce GTX 1080 if you find it at a steep discount.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the GeForce RTX 2080 better than the GeForce GTX 1080?
Which is better for 4K gaming, the GeForce GTX 1080 or the GeForce RTX 2080?
Is the GeForce GTX 1080 worth the extra $211 EUR over the GeForce RTX 2080?
Which should you buy: GeForce GTX 1080 or GeForce RTX 2080?
Technical Specifications Comparison
Architecture & Cores
| Specification | GeForce GTX 1080 | GeForce RTX 2080 |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Pascal | Turing |
| Process Node | TSMC 16nm | TSMC 12nm |
| CUDA Cores (CUDA Cores / CUDA Cores) | 2,560 | 2,944✓ |
| Ray Tracing Cores | — | 46 |
| Tensor / AI Cores | — | 368 |
Clock Speeds
| Specification | GeForce GTX 1080 | GeForce RTX 2080 |
|---|---|---|
| Base Clock | 1,607 MHz✓ | 1,515 MHz |
| Boost Clock | 1,733 MHz✓ | 1,710 MHz |
Memory
| Specification | GeForce GTX 1080 | GeForce RTX 2080 |
|---|---|---|
| VRAM Capacity | 8 GB | 8 GB |
| Memory Type | GDDR5X | GDDR6 |
| Memory Bus | 256-bit | 256-bit |
| Memory Speed | 10 Gbps | 14 Gbps✓ |
| Bandwidth | 320 GB/s | 448 GB/s✓ |
Connectivity & Power
| Specification | GeForce GTX 1080 | GeForce RTX 2080 |
|---|---|---|
| Interface | PCIe 3.0 x16 | PCIe 3.0 x16 |
| TDP | 180 W✓ | 225 W |
| Power Connectors | 1x 8-pin | 1x 6-pin + 1x 8-pin |
| Released | May 2016 | Sep 2018 |