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GeForce RTX 2080 vs GeForce RTX 3070

Quick Verdict

On raw speed the GeForce RTX 3070 comes out dramatically faster — about 42% ahead of the GeForce RTX 2080. But the GeForce RTX 2080 is the better value, undercutting it by $403 EUR for the performance you get.

Market Value Leader

GeForce RTX 2080 is the clear winner, offering 1110.3% better value than GeForce RTX 3070.

Maximum Capacity Reached. Remove a model to add another. (2/2)

VS
NVIDIA
GeForce RTX 2080
Price
€25
Performance
19/100
VRAM
8 GB GDDR6
Key Specs Advantage
+100% Tensor Cores (368 vs 184)
Price
€428
Performance
27/100
VRAM
8 GB GDDR6
Key Specs Advantage
+100% CUDA Cores (5,888 vs 2,944)
+1% Boost Clock (1,725 MHz vs 1,710 MHz)

GeForce RTX 3070 vs GeForce RTX 2080: In-Depth Breakdown

Performance: GeForce RTX 3070 vs GeForce RTX 2080

The GeForce RTX 3070 is dramatically faster, around 42% ahead of the GeForce RTX 2080. That gap is enough to move it up a tier: the GeForce RTX 3070 is comfortable at 1440p, while the GeForce RTX 2080 is better matched to 1080p. The GeForce RTX 3070 packs 5,888 CUDA cores versus 2,944 on the GeForce RTX 2080.

Price & Value

The GeForce RTX 2080 currently lists from $25 EUR, $403 EUR less than the GeForce RTX 3070 at $428 EUR. Despite being slower, the GeForce RTX 2080 offers the better performance-per-dollar (~1110% better value), so budget-focused buyers should weigh it carefully. The GeForce RTX 2080 is trading below its $699 EUR MSRP — a genuine deal. The GeForce RTX 3070 is trading below its $499 EUR MSRP — a genuine deal.

Generation & Longevity

The GeForce RTX 3070 is roughly 2 years newer than the GeForce RTX 2080 (Ampere vs Turing), so it generally benefits from a more modern architecture and longer driver-support runway.

Which should you buy: GeForce RTX 2080 or GeForce RTX 3070?

Choose the GeForce RTX 3070 if you want the most performance and can absorb the higher price. If you're optimizing for value, the GeForce RTX 2080 stretches your money further for only slightly lower performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the GeForce RTX 3070 better than the GeForce RTX 2080?

The GeForce RTX 3070 is dramatically faster, roughly 42% ahead. The GeForce RTX 2080 is still worth it if value matters more than top-end frames.

Which is better for 4K gaming, the GeForce RTX 2080 or the GeForce RTX 3070?

Neither is a dedicated 4K card; both are best at 1440p. For 4K you'd want a faster GPU, or lean on upscaling.

Is the GeForce RTX 3070 worth the extra $403 EUR over the GeForce RTX 2080?

Only if you need the extra performance or features; on pure value the GeForce RTX 2080 comes out ahead.

Which should you buy: GeForce RTX 2080 or GeForce RTX 3070?

Choose the GeForce RTX 3070 if you want the most performance and can absorb the higher price. If you're optimizing for value, the GeForce RTX 2080 stretches your money further for only slightly lower performance.

Technical Specifications Comparison

Architecture & Cores

Architecture & Cores specifications comparison between GeForce RTX 2080 and GeForce RTX 3070
SpecificationGeForce RTX 2080GeForce RTX 3070
ArchitectureTuringAmpere
Process NodeTSMC 12nmSamsung 8nm
CUDA Cores (CUDA Cores / CUDA Cores)2,9445,888
Ray Tracing Cores4646
Tensor / AI Cores368184

Clock Speeds

Clock Speeds specifications comparison between GeForce RTX 2080 and GeForce RTX 3070
SpecificationGeForce RTX 2080GeForce RTX 3070
Base Clock1,515 MHz1,500 MHz
Boost Clock1,710 MHz1,725 MHz

Memory

Memory specifications comparison between GeForce RTX 2080 and GeForce RTX 3070
SpecificationGeForce RTX 2080GeForce RTX 3070
VRAM Capacity8 GB8 GB
Memory TypeGDDR6GDDR6
Memory Bus256-bit256-bit
Memory Speed14 Gbps14 Gbps
Bandwidth448 GB/s448 GB/s

Connectivity & Power

Connectivity & Power specifications comparison between GeForce RTX 2080 and GeForce RTX 3070
SpecificationGeForce RTX 2080GeForce RTX 3070
InterfacePCIe 3.0 x16PCIe 4.0 x16
TDP225 W220 W
Power Connectors1x 6-pin + 1x 8-pin1x 12-pin
ReleasedSep 2018Sep 2020