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 3090 comes out dramatically faster — about 105% ahead of the GeForce RTX 2080.

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

VS
Price
Awaiting Data
Performance
19%
VRAM
8 GB GDDR6
Key Specs Advantage
+12% Tensor Cores (368 vs 328)
+1% Boost Clock (1,710 MHz vs 1,695 MHz)
NVIDIA
GeForce RTX 3090
Price
£1,282
Performance
39%
VRAM
24 GB GDDR6X
Key Specs Advantage
+257% CUDA Cores (10,496 vs 2,944)
+109% Bandwidth (936 GB/s vs 448 GB/s)
+78% RT Cores (82 vs 46)

GeForce RTX 3090 vs GeForce RTX 2080: In-Depth Breakdown

Performance: GeForce RTX 3090 vs GeForce RTX 2080

The GeForce RTX 3090 is dramatically faster, around 105% ahead of the GeForce RTX 2080. That gap is enough to move it up a tier: the GeForce RTX 3090 is comfortable at 1440p, while the GeForce RTX 2080 is better matched to 1080p. The GeForce RTX 3090 packs 10,496 CUDA cores versus 2,944 on the GeForce RTX 2080.

Power & Efficiency

On power, the GeForce RTX 2080 is the gentler choice at 225W versus 350W. The GeForce RTX 3090 is more efficient per watt because it's faster, but its higher 350W draw means more heat and a bigger PSU. 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 3090 carries 24GB versus 8GB on the GeForce RTX 2080. The extra 16GB helps at 4K, with high-resolution texture packs, and for content-creation or local-AI workloads that exhaust smaller buffers. The GeForce RTX 3090's memory is also faster — 936 GB/s versus 448 GB/s (384-bit vs 256-bit bus) — which helps feed the GPU at 4K and with heavy textures.

Generation & Longevity

The GeForce RTX 3090 is roughly 2 years newer than the GeForce RTX 2080 (Ampere vs Turing), so it generally benefits from a more modern architecture and longer driver-support runway.

Which should you buy: GeForce RTX 2080 or GeForce RTX 3090?

The GeForce RTX 3090 is the faster card by about 105%. With live pricing limited for this pair, base your decision on the spec differences above — particularly VRAM and power draw — and check current stock before buying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the GeForce RTX 3090 better than the GeForce RTX 2080?

The GeForce RTX 3090 is dramatically faster, roughly 105% ahead. If your budget allows, it's the stronger pick.

Which is better for 4K gaming, the GeForce RTX 2080 or the GeForce RTX 3090?

Neither is a dedicated 4K card; both are best at 1440p. For 4K you'd want a faster GPU, or lean on upscaling.

Does the GeForce RTX 3090 have enough VRAM advantage to matter?

Its 24GB (vs 8GB) gives real headroom for 4K, heavy texture mods, and creative/AI work. At 1080p the gap matters less.

Technical Specifications Comparison

Architecture & Cores

SpecificationGeForce RTX 2080GeForce RTX 3090
ArchitectureTuringAmpere
Process NodeTSMC 12nmSamsung 8nm
CUDA Cores (CUDA Cores / CUDA Cores)2,94410,496
Ray Tracing Cores4682
Tensor / AI Cores368328

Clock Speeds

SpecificationGeForce RTX 2080GeForce RTX 3090
Base Clock1,515 MHz1,395 MHz
Boost Clock1,710 MHz1,695 MHz

Memory

SpecificationGeForce RTX 2080GeForce RTX 3090
VRAM Capacity8 GB24 GB
Memory TypeGDDR6GDDR6X
Memory Bus256-bit384-bit
Memory Speed14 Gbps19.5 Gbps
Bandwidth448 GB/s936 GB/s

Connectivity & Power

SpecificationGeForce RTX 2080GeForce RTX 3090
InterfacePCIe 3.0 x16PCIe 4.0 x16
TDP225 W350 W
Power Connectors1x 6-pin + 1x 8-pin1x 12-pin
ReleasedSep 2018Sep 2020