GPU Comparison
Select up to 2 GPUs to analyze their pricing, performance, and specifications side-by-side.
On raw speed the GeForce GTX 1080 comes out significantly faster — about 23% ahead of the GeForce RTX 3050 8GB. It also wins on performance-per-dollar, making it the cleaner choice when you can afford it.
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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 23% ahead of the GeForce RTX 3050 8GB. That gap is enough to move it up a tier: the GeForce GTX 1080 is comfortable at 1080p, while the GeForce RTX 3050 8GB is better matched to entry-level 1080p.
Price & Value
The GeForce GTX 1080 currently lists from $160 GBP, $20 GBP less than the GeForce RTX 3050 8GB at $180 GBP. Because it's both faster and competitively priced, the GeForce GTX 1080 wins on performance-per-dollar by about 38%. The GeForce GTX 1080 is trading below its $599 GBP MSRP — a genuine deal. The GeForce RTX 3050 8GB is trading below its $249 GBP 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?
The GeForce GTX 1080 is the all-round winner here — it's faster and the better value, so buy it if it fits your budget. Only consider the GeForce RTX 3050 8GB if you find it at a steep discount.