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. That said, the GeForce RTX 3080 12GB is the smarter buy on value — $97,130 JPY less for the performance on offer.
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.
Price & Value
The GeForce RTX 3080 12GB currently lists from $264,603 JPY, $97,130 JPY less than the GeForce RTX 3090 at $361,733 JPY. Despite being slower, the GeForce RTX 3080 12GB offers the better performance-per-dollar (~30% better value), so budget-focused buyers should weigh it carefully. The GeForce RTX 3080 12GB still sits about $263,804 JPY above its $799 JPY MSRP. The GeForce RTX 3090 still sits about $360,234 JPY above its $1,499 JPY MSRP.
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?
Choose the GeForce RTX 3090 if you want the most performance and can absorb the higher price. If you're optimizing for value, the GeForce RTX 3080 12GB stretches your money further for only slightly lower performance.
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?
Is the GeForce RTX 3090 worth the extra $97,130 JPY over the GeForce RTX 3080 12GB?
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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