GeForce RTX 3080 12GB vs GeForce RTX 4070
Neither the GeForce RTX 3080 12GB nor the GeForce RTX 4070 pulls ahead in performance; treat them as equals on speed.
Maximum Capacity Reached. Remove a model to add another. (2/2)
GeForce RTX 3080 12GB vs GeForce RTX 4070: In-Depth Breakdown
Performance: GeForce RTX 3080 12GB vs GeForce RTX 4070
The GeForce RTX 3080 12GB and GeForce RTX 4070 post nearly the same score in our performance index, so neither holds a meaningful raw-speed advantage. Both are best suited to 1440p gaming. The GeForce RTX 3080 12GB packs 8,960 CUDA cores versus 5,888 on the GeForce RTX 4070.
Power & Efficiency
The GeForce RTX 4070 draws just 200W versus 350W for the GeForce RTX 3080 12GB, and it also delivers more performance per watt — so it runs cooler and quieter and needs less PSU headroom. Its more modern Ada Lovelace architecture on a TSMC N4 process is part of why it does more with each watt.
Memory & Bandwidth
The GeForce RTX 3080 12GB's memory is faster — 912 GB/s versus 504 GB/s (384-bit vs 192-bit bus) — which helps feed the GPU at 4K and with heavy textures.
Which should you buy: GeForce RTX 3080 12GB or GeForce RTX 4070?
The GeForce RTX 3080 12GB 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 3080 12GB better than the GeForce RTX 4070?
Which is better for 4K gaming, the GeForce RTX 3080 12GB or the GeForce RTX 4070?
Which should you buy: GeForce RTX 3080 12GB or GeForce RTX 4070?
Technical Specifications Comparison
Architecture & Cores
| Specification | GeForce RTX 3080 12GB | GeForce RTX 4070 |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Ampere | Ada Lovelace |
| Process Node | Samsung 8nm | TSMC N4 |
| CUDA Cores (CUDA Cores / CUDA Cores) | 8,960✓ | 5,888 |
| Ray Tracing Cores | — | 46 |
| Tensor / AI Cores | — | 184 |
Clock Speeds
| Specification | GeForce RTX 3080 12GB | GeForce RTX 4070 |
|---|---|---|
| Base Clock | 1,440 MHz | 1,920 MHz✓ |
| Boost Clock | 1,710 MHz | 2,475 MHz✓ |
Memory
| Specification | GeForce RTX 3080 12GB | GeForce RTX 4070 |
|---|---|---|
| VRAM Capacity | 12 GB | 12 GB |
| Memory Type | GDDR6X | GDDR6X |
| Memory Bus | 384-bit✓ | 192-bit |
| Memory Speed | 19 Gbps | 21 Gbps✓ |
| Bandwidth | 912 GB/s✓ | 504 GB/s |
Connectivity & Power
| Specification | GeForce RTX 3080 12GB | GeForce RTX 4070 |
|---|---|---|
| Interface | PCIe 4.0 x16 | PCIe 4.0 x16 |
| TDP | 350 W | 200 W✓ |
| Power Connectors | 2x 8-pin | 1x 16-pin |
| Released | Jan 2022 | Apr 2023 |
