GeForce RTX 3080 12GB vs GeForce RTX 3090
On raw speed the GeForce RTX 3090 comes out ahead: edging it out narrowly, about 5% ahead of the GeForce RTX 3080 12GB.
Maximum Capacity Reached. Remove a model to add another. (2/2)
GeForce RTX 3090 vs GeForce RTX 3080 12GB: In-Depth Breakdown
Performance: GeForce RTX 3090 vs GeForce RTX 3080 12GB
The GeForce RTX 3090 is marginally faster, around 5% ahead of the GeForce RTX 3080 12GB. Both cards sit in the same broad class, well suited to 1440p. The GeForce RTX 3090 packs 10,496 CUDA cores versus 8,960 on the GeForce RTX 3080 12GB.
VRAM & Future-Proofing
VRAM favors the GeForce RTX 3090 at 24GB versus 12GB on the GeForce RTX 3080 12GB — that extra 12GB matters most at 4K, with high-res texture packs, and for content-creation/local-AI work.
Generation & Longevity
The GeForce RTX 3080 12GB is roughly 2 years newer than the GeForce RTX 3090, so it generally benefits from a more modern architecture and longer driver-support runway.
Which should you buy: GeForce RTX 3080 12GB or GeForce RTX 3090?
The GeForce RTX 3090 is the faster card. 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 3090 better than the GeForce RTX 3080 12GB?
Which is better for 4K gaming, the GeForce RTX 3080 12GB or the GeForce RTX 3090?
Does the GeForce RTX 3090 have enough VRAM advantage to matter?
Which should you buy: GeForce RTX 3080 12GB or GeForce RTX 3090?
Technical Specifications Comparison
Architecture & Cores
| Specification | GeForce RTX 3080 12GB | GeForce RTX 3090 |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Ampere | Ampere |
| Process Node | Samsung 8nm | Samsung 8nm |
| CUDA Cores (CUDA Cores / CUDA Cores) | 8,960 | 10,496✓ |
| Ray Tracing Cores | — | 82 |
| Tensor / AI Cores | — | 328 |
Clock Speeds
| Specification | GeForce RTX 3080 12GB | GeForce RTX 3090 |
|---|---|---|
| Base Clock | 1,440 MHz✓ | 1,395 MHz |
| Boost Clock | 1,710 MHz✓ | 1,695 MHz |
Memory
| Specification | GeForce RTX 3080 12GB | GeForce RTX 3090 |
|---|---|---|
| VRAM Capacity | 12 GB | 24 GB✓ |
| Memory Type | GDDR6X | GDDR6X |
| Memory Bus | 384-bit | 384-bit |
| Memory Speed | 19 Gbps | 19.5 Gbps✓ |
| Bandwidth | 912 GB/s | 936 GB/s✓ |
Connectivity & Power
| Specification | GeForce RTX 3080 12GB | GeForce RTX 3090 |
|---|---|---|
| Interface | PCIe 4.0 x16 | PCIe 4.0 x16 |
| TDP | 350 W | 350 W |
| Power Connectors | 2x 8-pin | 1x 12-pin |
| Released | Jan 2022 | Sep 2020 |
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