GeForce GTX 1080 vs GeForce RTX 3050 8GB
On raw speed the GeForce GTX 1080 comes out significantly faster — about 18% ahead of the GeForce RTX 3050 8GB. It also wins on performance-per-dollar, making it the cleaner choice when you can afford it.
Market Value Leader
GeForce GTX 1080 is the clear winner, offering 11.9% better value than GeForce RTX 3050 8GB.
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
The GeForce RTX 3050 8GB currently lists from $223 EUR, $13 EUR less than the GeForce GTX 1080 at $236 EUR. Because it's both faster and competitively priced, the GeForce GTX 1080 wins on performance-per-dollar by about 12%. The GeForce RTX 3050 8GB is trading below its $249 EUR MSRP — a genuine deal. The GeForce GTX 1080 is trading below its $599 EUR MSRP — a genuine deal.
Power & Efficiency
At 130W against 180W, the GeForce RTX 3050 8GB is both the lower-power and the more efficient card, making it the easier build to cool and power. 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?
The GeForce GTX 1080 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 RTX 3050 8GB if you find it at a steep discount.
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 $13 EUR 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 |