GPU Comparison

Select up to 2 GPUs to analyze their pricing, performance, and specifications side-by-side.

Quick Verdict

On raw speed the GeForce GTX 1080 comes out significantly faster — about 18% ahead of the GeForce RTX 3050 8GB. But the GeForce RTX 3050 8GB is the better value, undercutting it by $314 EUR for the performance you get.

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

VS
Price
€535
Performance
13%
VRAM
8 GB GDDR5X
Key Specs Advantage
+100% Memory Bus (256-bit vs 128-bit)
+43% Bandwidth (320 GB/s vs 224 GB/s)
NVIDIA
GeForce RTX 3050 8GB
Price
€221
Performance
11%
VRAM
8 GB GDDR6
Key Specs Advantage
+3% Boost Clock (1,777 MHz vs 1,733 MHz)

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 $221 EUR, $314 EUR less than the GeForce GTX 1080 at $535 EUR. Despite being slower, the GeForce RTX 3050 8GB offers the better performance-per-dollar (~105% better value), so budget-focused buyers should weigh it carefully. 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?

Choose the GeForce GTX 1080 if you want the most performance and can absorb the higher price. If you're optimizing for value, the GeForce RTX 3050 8GB stretches your money further for only slightly lower performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the GeForce GTX 1080 better than the GeForce RTX 3050 8GB?

The GeForce GTX 1080 is significantly faster, roughly 18% ahead. The GeForce RTX 3050 8GB is still worth it if value matters more than top-end frames.

Which is better for 4K gaming, the GeForce GTX 1080 or the GeForce RTX 3050 8GB?

Neither is a dedicated 4K card; both are best at entry-level 1080p. For 4K you'd want a faster GPU, or lean on upscaling.

Is the GeForce GTX 1080 worth the extra $314 EUR over the GeForce RTX 3050 8GB?

Only if you need the extra performance or features; on pure value the GeForce RTX 3050 8GB comes out ahead.

Technical Specifications Comparison

Architecture & Cores

SpecificationGeForce GTX 1080GeForce RTX 3050 8GB
ArchitecturePascalAmpere
Process NodeTSMC 16nmSamsung 8nm
CUDA Cores (CUDA Cores / CUDA Cores)2,5602,560
Ray Tracing Cores20
Tensor / AI Cores80

Clock Speeds

SpecificationGeForce GTX 1080GeForce RTX 3050 8GB
Base Clock1,607 MHz1,552 MHz
Boost Clock1,733 MHz1,777 MHz

Memory

SpecificationGeForce GTX 1080GeForce RTX 3050 8GB
VRAM Capacity8 GB8 GB
Memory TypeGDDR5XGDDR6
Memory Bus256-bit128-bit
Memory Speed10 Gbps14 Gbps
Bandwidth320 GB/s224 GB/s

Connectivity & Power

SpecificationGeForce GTX 1080GeForce RTX 3050 8GB
InterfacePCIe 3.0 x16PCIe 4.0 x8
TDP180 W130 W
Power Connectors1x 8-pin1x 8-pin
ReleasedMay 2016Jan 2022