GPU Comparison

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

Quick Verdict

On raw speed the GeForce RTX 3050 8GB comes out dramatically faster β€” about 44% ahead of the GeForce GTX 980 Ti. It also wins on performance-per-dollar, making it the cleaner choice when you can afford it.

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

VS
NVIDIA
GeForce RTX 3050 8GB
Price
Β£180
Perf Index
13%
Value Score
0.072
VRAM8GB GDDR6
Thermal TDP130W
Price
Β£700
Perf Index
9%
Value Score
0.013
VRAM6GB GDDR5
Thermal TDP250W

GeForce RTX 3050 8GB vs GeForce GTX 980 Ti: In-Depth Breakdown

Performance: GeForce RTX 3050 8GB vs GeForce GTX 980 Ti

The GeForce RTX 3050 8GB is dramatically faster, around 44% ahead of the GeForce GTX 980 Ti. Both cards sit in the same broad class, well suited to entry-level 1080p.

Price & Value

The GeForce RTX 3050 8GB currently lists from $180 GBP, $520 GBP less than the GeForce GTX 980 Ti at $700 GBP. Because it's both faster and competitively priced, the GeForce RTX 3050 8GB wins on performance-per-dollar by about 462%. The GeForce RTX 3050 8GB is trading below its $249 GBP MSRP β€” a genuine deal.

Power & Efficiency

At 130W against 250W, 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.

VRAM & Future-Proofing

The GeForce RTX 3050 8GB carries 8GB versus 6GB on the GeForce GTX 980 Ti. The extra 2GB helps at 4K, with high-resolution texture packs, and for content-creation or local-AI workloads that exhaust smaller buffers. The GeForce GTX 980 Ti's memory is also faster β€” 337 GB/s versus 224 GB/s (384-bit vs 128-bit bus) β€” which helps feed the GPU at 4K and with heavy textures.

Generation & Longevity

The GeForce RTX 3050 8GB is roughly 7 years newer than the GeForce GTX 980 Ti (Ampere vs Maxwell), so it generally benefits from a more modern architecture and longer driver-support runway.

Which should you buy: GeForce RTX 3050 8GB or GeForce GTX 980 Ti?

The GeForce RTX 3050 8GB is the all-round winner here β€” it's faster and the better value, so buy it if it fits your budget. Only consider the GeForce GTX 980 Ti if you find it at a steep discount.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the GeForce RTX 3050 8GB better than the GeForce GTX 980 Ti?

The GeForce RTX 3050 8GB is dramatically faster, roughly 44% ahead. If your budget allows, it's the stronger pick.

Which is better for 4K gaming, the GeForce RTX 3050 8GB or the GeForce GTX 980 Ti?

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 980 Ti worth the extra $520 GBP 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.

Does the GeForce RTX 3050 8GB have enough VRAM advantage to matter?

Its 8GB (vs 6GB) gives real headroom for 4K, heavy texture mods, and creative/AI work. At 1080p the gap matters less.