GeForce GTX 1080 vs GeForce RTX 3060 8GB
Performance-wise the GeForce RTX 3060 8GB is out front, significantly faster, roughly 23% up on the GeForce GTX 1080. Value tips toward the GeForce GTX 1080, though: $99 GBP cheaper for what you get.
Maximum Capacity Reached. Remove a model to add another. (2/2)
GeForce RTX 3060 8GB vs GeForce GTX 1080: In-Depth Breakdown
Performance: GeForce RTX 3060 8GB vs GeForce GTX 1080
The GeForce RTX 3060 8GB is significantly faster, around 23% ahead of the GeForce GTX 1080. That gap is enough to move it up a tier: the GeForce RTX 3060 8GB is comfortable at 1080p, while the GeForce GTX 1080 is better matched to entry-level 1080p. The GeForce RTX 3060 8GB packs 3,584 CUDA cores versus 2,560 on the GeForce GTX 1080.
Price & Value
Right now the GeForce GTX 1080 starts at $150 GBP against $249 GBP for the GeForce RTX 3060 8GB. Despite being slower, the GeForce GTX 1080 offers the better performance-per-dollar (~35% better value), so budget-focused buyers should weigh it carefully. The GeForce GTX 1080 is trading below its $599 GBP MSRP — a genuine deal. The GeForce RTX 3060 8GB is trading below its $329 GBP MSRP — a genuine deal.
Power & Efficiency
The GeForce RTX 3060 8GB sips power at 170W next to the GeForce GTX 1080's 180W, and still leads on performance-per-watt — quieter, cooler, and gentler on your PSU. 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 240 GB/s (256-bit vs 128-bit bus) — which helps feed the GPU at 4K and with heavy textures.
Generation & Longevity
The GeForce RTX 3060 8GB is roughly 5 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 3060 8GB?
Choose the GeForce RTX 3060 8GB if you want the most performance and can absorb the higher price. If you're optimizing for value, the GeForce GTX 1080 stretches your money further for only slightly lower performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the GeForce RTX 3060 8GB better than the GeForce GTX 1080?
Which is better for 4K gaming, the GeForce GTX 1080 or the GeForce RTX 3060 8GB?
Is the GeForce RTX 3060 8GB worth the extra $99 GBP over the GeForce GTX 1080?
Which should you buy: GeForce GTX 1080 or GeForce RTX 3060 8GB?
Technical Specifications Comparison
Architecture & Cores
| Specification | GeForce GTX 1080 | GeForce RTX 3060 8GB |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Pascal | Ampere |
| Process Node | TSMC 16nm | Samsung 8nm |
| CUDA Cores (CUDA Cores / CUDA Cores) | 2,560 | 3,584✓ |
| Ray Tracing Cores | — | 28 |
| Tensor / AI Cores | — | 112 |
Clock Speeds
| Specification | GeForce GTX 1080 | GeForce RTX 3060 8GB |
|---|---|---|
| Base Clock | 1,607 MHz✓ | 1,320 MHz |
| Boost Clock | 1,733 MHz | 1,777 MHz✓ |
Memory
| Specification | GeForce GTX 1080 | GeForce RTX 3060 8GB |
|---|---|---|
| VRAM Capacity | 8 GB | 8 GB |
| Memory Type | GDDR5X | GDDR6 |
| Memory Bus | 256-bit✓ | 128-bit |
| Memory Speed | 10 Gbps | 15 Gbps✓ |
| Bandwidth | 320 GB/s✓ | 240 GB/s |
Connectivity & Power
| Specification | GeForce GTX 1080 | GeForce RTX 3060 8GB |
|---|---|---|
| Interface | PCIe 3.0 x16 | PCIe 4.0 x16 |
| TDP | 180 W | 170 W✓ |
| Power Connectors | 1x 8-pin | 1x 8-pin |
| Released | May 2016 | Feb 2021 |