GeForce RTX 2080 vs GeForce RTX 5060
Performance-wise the GeForce RTX 5060 is out front, significantly faster, roughly 37% up on the GeForce RTX 2080. Value tips toward the GeForce RTX 2080, though: $101 GBP cheaper for what you get.
Maximum Capacity Reached. Remove a model to add another. (2/2)
GeForce RTX 5060 vs GeForce RTX 2080: In-Depth Breakdown
Performance: GeForce RTX 5060 vs GeForce RTX 2080
The GeForce RTX 5060 is significantly faster, around 37% ahead of the GeForce RTX 2080. That gap is enough to move it up a tier: the GeForce RTX 5060 is comfortable at 1440p, while the GeForce RTX 2080 is better matched to 1080p. The GeForce RTX 5060 packs 3,840 CUDA cores versus 2,944 on the GeForce RTX 2080.
Price & Value
Right now the GeForce RTX 2080 starts at $265 GBP against $366 GBP for the GeForce RTX 5060. Despite being slower, the GeForce RTX 2080 offers the better performance-per-dollar, so budget-focused buyers should weigh it carefully. The GeForce RTX 2080 is trading below its $699 GBP MSRP — a genuine deal.
Power & Efficiency
The GeForce RTX 5060 sips power at 145W next to the GeForce RTX 2080's 225W, and still leads on performance-per-watt — quieter, cooler, and gentler on your PSU. Its more modern Blackwell architecture on a TSMC 4N process is part of why it does more with each watt.
Generation & Longevity
The GeForce RTX 5060 is roughly 7 years newer than the GeForce RTX 2080 (Blackwell 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 5060?
Choose the GeForce RTX 5060 if you want the most performance and can absorb the higher price. If you're optimizing for value, the GeForce RTX 2080 stretches your money further for only slightly lower performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the GeForce RTX 5060 better than the GeForce RTX 2080?
Which is better for 4K gaming, the GeForce RTX 2080 or the GeForce RTX 5060?
Is the GeForce RTX 5060 worth the extra $101 GBP over the GeForce RTX 2080?
Which should you buy: GeForce RTX 2080 or GeForce RTX 5060?
Technical Specifications Comparison
Architecture & Cores
| Specification | GeForce RTX 2080 | GeForce RTX 5060 |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Turing | Blackwell |
| Process Node | TSMC 12nm | TSMC 4N |
| CUDA Cores (CUDA Cores / CUDA Cores) | 2,944 | 3,840✓ |
| Ray Tracing Cores | 46✓ | 30 |
| Tensor / AI Cores | 368✓ | 120 |
Clock Speeds
| Specification | GeForce RTX 2080 | GeForce RTX 5060 |
|---|---|---|
| Base Clock | 1,515 MHz | 2,280 MHz✓ |
| Boost Clock | 1,710 MHz | 2,497 MHz✓ |
Memory
| Specification | GeForce RTX 2080 | GeForce RTX 5060 |
|---|---|---|
| VRAM Capacity | 8 GB | 8 GB |
| Memory Type | GDDR6 | GDDR7 |
| Memory Bus | 256-bit✓ | 128-bit |
| Memory Speed | 14 Gbps | 28 Gbps✓ |
| Bandwidth | 448 GB/s | 448 GB/s |
Connectivity & Power
| Specification | GeForce RTX 2080 | GeForce RTX 5060 |
|---|---|---|
| Interface | PCIe 3.0 x16 | PCIe 5.0 x16 |
| TDP | 225 W | 145 W✓ |
| Power Connectors | 1x 6-pin + 1x 8-pin | 1x 16-pin |
| Released | Sep 2018 | May 2025 |