Best RTX 3080 Cards
The RTX 3080 in December 2024 is the best graphics card on the market right now. It offers incredible performance and is capable of running any game at 4K resolution with ease. If you're looking for a new graphics card, the RTX 3080 should be at the top of your list.
In this blog post, we'll take a look at what factors you should consider before making your purchase. By the end, you'll know exactly which RTX 3080 card is right for you. So let's get started!
If you're short on time, here are our top two rtx 3080 cards.
Best RTX 3080 Card - Buyer’s Guide
Drawing from our experience GeForce RTX 3080 graphics cards deliver record-breaking performance for gamers with NVIDIA's second generation RTX architecture. They feature advanced RT cores, streaming multiprocessors, and high-speed G6X memory for a stunning gaming experience.
Cooling
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a new graphics card is the cooling system it comes with. Aftermarket GPUs usually come with different cooling systems, so this can be a deciding factor in your choice - especially if you're looking at larger cards that generate more heat.
The RTX 3080 is a pretty big card, and it is superior to the latest generation 2080Ti in some aspects. When heat builds up in the GPU, it starts to work less efficiently and can reduce the lifespan of the card. Cooling ensures that your GPU will run at optimal temperatures and have a longer lifespan.
The number of fans, heat pipes and thermal paste play an important role in cooling your GPU. In general, a dual-fan design may be sufficient to maintain the temperature, but a triple fan will completely eliminate high temperatures.
Some brands may also offer GeForce RTX 3080 with water cooling, such as ASUS ROG Strix LC NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 Ti.
VRAM
The games you play affect how much of your computer's memory, or VRAM, they use. Games with high quality graphics, especially newer ones, need the GPU to create millions of images. Another factor to consider is the resolution - the higher the resolution, the more VRAM you'll need.
Ports
Since each RTX card has different ports, it's crucial to guarantee that your equipment is compatible. If it turns out that it isn't, look into buying cable adapters. Also, if you find yourself needing multiple adapters, be aware that some of your other hardware might need to be updated as well.
Power Limit
Although graphics cards with the same chipset may utilize different amounts of power, settings, and cooling methods. Before selecting the best GeForce RTX 3080 graphics card for your needs, be sure that your PC has a powerful enough power supply to support it.
Size
The size of a GPU can be thought about in two ways: the height and length or the number of physical slots it takes up at the back of your PC case. If you don't take this into account when shopping, you could end up buying an expensive new card that won't even fit inside your case.
Best RTX 3080 Cards - TOP 7
As we delve deeper into the world of rtx 3080 graphics card we've compiled a list of the top 7models that offer the best features and performance.
- VRAM: 10GB GDDR6X
- Digital Max Resolution: 7680x4320
- Boost Clock: 1740 MHz
- Memory Interface: 320-bit
- VRAM: 12GD GDDR6X
- Digital Max Resolution: 7680 x 4320
- Boost Clock: 1800 MHz
- Memory Interface: 384-bit
- VRAM: 12GB GDDR6X
- Digital Max Resolution: 7680x4320
- Boost Clock: 1710 MHz
- Memory Interface: 384-bit
- VRAM: 12GB GDDR6X
- Digital Max Resolution: 7680x4320
- Boost Clock: 1725 MHz
- Memory Interface: 384-bit
- VRAM: 12GB GDDR6X
- Digital Max Resolution: 7680x4320
- Boost Clock: 1935 MHz
- Memory Interface: 384-bit
- VRAM: 12GB GDDR6X
- Digital Max Resolution: 7680x4320
- Boost Clock: 1815 MHz
- Memory Interface: 384-bit
- VRAM: 10GB GDDR6X
- Digital Max Resolution: 7680x4320
- Boost clock: 1935 MHz
- Memory Interface: 320-bit
Best RTX 3080 Graphics Card: Comparison
Each of these rtx 3080 card offers a unique combination of features and value that sets them apart from their competitors in the market.
Graphics Card | Boost Clock (MHz) | Memory Interface | Digital Max Resolution |
---|---|---|---|
MSI Gaming GeForce RTX 3080 LHR 10GB GDRR6X | 1740 | 320 bit | 7680 x 4320 |
EVGA GeForce RTX 3080 FTW3 Ultra Gaming | 1800 | 384 bit | 7680 x 4320 |
GIGABYTE GeForce RTX 3080 Ti Gaming OC 12G | 1710 | 384 bit | 7680 x 4320 |
ZOTAC Gaming GeForce RTX 3080 Trinity OC LHR 12GB | 1725 | 320 bit | 7680 x 4320 |
ASUS ROG Strix NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 OC Edition | 1935 | 320 bit | 7680 x 4320 |
MSI Gaming GeForce RTX 3080 LHR 12GB | 1815 | 384 bit | 7680 x 4320 |
ASUS ROG Strix NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 V2 OC Edition | 1935 | 320 bit | 7680 x 4320 |
MSI Gaming GeForce RTX 3080 LHR 10GB GDRR6X Graphics Card
Author's Choice
MSI Gaming GeForce RTX 3080 LHR is an excellent graphics card for game lovers. It has a memory speed of 19 Gbps, maximum digital resolution of 7680x4320. It is a high-end graphics card that is capable of providing decent gaming performance in the market. It has 10 GB of GDDR6X memory, 320-bit memory interface and a clock speed of 1740 MHz. In addition, it has three DisplayPort outputs and one HDMI 2.1 output, making it ideal for use with 4K displays.
A powerful three-fan cooling system built into a rugged industrial chassis allows this great graphics card to fit perfectly into any computer. The sturdy brushed aluminum backplate reinforces the entire length of the video card while providing passive cooling through the even distribution of thermal pads. This product is an excellent choice for those who want to upgrade their gaming computer or build a new one from scratch. With its superior specifications, it will provide a smooth and immersive gaming experience.
Specifications:
VRAM: | 10GB GDDR6X |
Digital Max Resolution: | 7680x4320 |
Boost Clock: | 1740 MHz |
Memory Interface: | 320-bit |
Memory Speed: | 19 Gbps |
Output: | DisplayPort x 3 (v1.4a) / HDMI 2.1 x 1 |
Pros:
- Excellent gaming performance
- Excellent build quality
- Good cooling
- Sleek design
Cons:
- Large and heavy
Summary: As indicated by our tests the MSI Gaming GeForce RTX 3080 LHR is a high-end graphics card with 10 GB of GDDR6X memory, a 320-bit memory interface, and a 1740 MHz clock speed, ideal for gaming at 4K resolution thanks to its high memory speed, multiple output ports, and maximum digital resolution of 7680x4320.
- VRAM: 10GB GDDR6X
- Digital Max Resolution: 7680x4320
- Boost Clock: 1740 MHz
- Memory Interface: 320-bit
EVGA GeForce RTX 3080 FTW3 Ultra Gaming Card
Best Overall
EVGA GeForce RTX 3080 FTW3 Ultra Gaming is a high-end graphics card that delivers excellent performance. It is equipped with 1800 MHz Real Boost Clock and 12 GB of GDDR6X memory. In addition, it has a durable all-metal back panel and adjustable ARGB backlighting. The card is also very quiet, thanks to the triple fans and 9 iCX3 thermal sensors.
The triple fan design and the RGB strip on top create an aesthetically pleasing look for the card. EVGA has done a great job on this product which has a lot of great features.If you have a bigger budget and want the best 4K gaming experience with ray tracing enabled, then this GPU is perfect for you.
Specifications:
VRAM: | 12GB GDDR6X |
Digital Max Resolution: | 7680 x 4320 |
Boost Clock: | 1800 MHz |
Memory Interface: | 384-bit |
Memory Speed: | 19 Gbps |
Output: | 1xHDMI 2.1, 3хDisplayPort 1.4a |
Pros:
- Real-Time RAY TRACING in games for cutting-edge, hyper-realistic graphics
- Triple Fans + 9 iCX3 thermal sensors offer higher performance cooling and much quieter acoustic noise
- All-Metal Backplate & Adjustable ARGB
- Appealing design
- Excellent headroom for overclocking
Cons:
- Large design
Summary: Our findings show that the EVGA GeForce RTX 3080 FTW3 Ultra Gaming is a high-end graphics card featuring a 1800 MHz Real Boost Clock, 12 GB of GDDR6X memory, and enhanced with a durable metal back panel, adjustable ARGB backlighting, and a quiet triple fan design with 9 iCX3 thermal sensors. Ideal for those with a larger budget seeking the best 4K gaming experience, especially with ray tracing, this card combines excellent performance with an aesthetically pleasing design.
- VRAM: 12GD GDDR6X
- Digital Max Resolution: 7680 x 4320
- Boost Clock: 1800 MHz
- Memory Interface: 384-bit
GIGABYTE GeForce RTX 3080 Ti Gaming OC 12G Graphics Card
People's Choice
The GIGABYTE GeForce RTX 3080 Ti OC is a high-performance graphics card that is powered by the GeForce RTX 3080 Ti GPU. It has a maximum digital resolution of 7680x4320 and ATX form factor. The card also features NVIDIA Ampere streaming multiprocessors, 2nd generation RT cores and 3rd generation tensor cores. It has a CUDA core count of 10240 and is equipped with 12GB of GDDR6X memory.
The card also has a powerful cooling system with alternating fan rotation, RGB Fusion 2.0 and is compatible with a number of different graphics cards. Get maximum gaming performance with the GIGABYTE RTX 3080Ti graphics card, delivering stunning graphics and high frame rates.
Specifications:
VRAM: | 12GB GDDR6X |
Digital Max Resolution: | 7680x4320 |
Boost Clock: | 1710 MHz |
Memory Interface: | 384-bit |
Memory Speed: | 19 Gbps |
Output: | 2x HDMI 2.1, 3x DP 1.4 |
Pros:
- Protection metal back plate
- 2nd Generation RT Cores
- 3rd Generation Tensor Cores
- Great 4K performance
- Good cooling
- Sleek design
Cons:
- Large design
Summary: Our research indicates that the GIGABYTE GeForce RTX 3080 Ti OC, powered by the GeForce RTX 3080 Ti GPU, is a high-performance graphics card featuring a CUDA core count of 10240, 12GB of GDDR6X memory, and a maximum digital resolution of 7680x4320. It incorporates NVIDIA's latest Ampere streaming multiprocessors, advanced RT and tensor cores, and a sophisticated cooling system with alternating fan rotation and RGB Fusion 2.0, making it ideal for delivering stunning graphics and high frame rates in gaming.
- VRAM: 12GB GDDR6X
- Digital Max Resolution: 7680x4320
- Boost Clock: 1710 MHz
- Memory Interface: 384-bit
ZOTAC Gaming GeForce RTX 3080 Trinity OC LHR 12GB Card
Best Budget
The ZOTAC GeForce RTX 3080 Trinity is a high-end graphics card that offers excellent performance for gaming and other demanding tasks. It is based on the NVIDIA Ampere architecture and features 2nd Gen Ray Tracing Cores, 3rd Gen Tensor Cores, and a boost clock of 1725 MHz. The card also has 12GB of GDDR6X memory, which offers high speeds for demanding applications.
Additionally, the ZOTAC GeForce RTX 3080 Trinity features Spectra 2.0 RGB lighting, IceStorm 2.0 advanced cooling, and FREEZE fan stop technology for quiet operation. It is also 4K and 8K ready, making it a great choice for gamers who want the best performance possible.
Specifications:
VRAM: | 12GB GDDR6X |
Digital Max Resolution: | 7680x4320 |
Boost Clock: | 1725 MHz |
Memory Interface: | 384-bit |
Memory Speed: | 19 Gbps |
Output: | 3 x DisplayPort 1.4a, 1 x HDMI 2.1 |
Pros:
- Metal Frontplate, Lighted Backplate
- 2nd Gen Ray Tracing Cores, 3rd Gen Tensor Cores
- SPECTRA 2.0 RGB Lighting, IceStorm 2.0 Advanced Cooling, FREEZE Fan Stop
Cons:
- Low clock speed
Summary: Based on our observations the ZOTAC GeForce RTX 3080 Trinity is a high-end graphics card based on NVIDIA's Ampere architecture, featuring 2nd Gen Ray Tracing Cores, 3rd Gen Tensor Cores, a 1725 MHz boost clock, and 12GB of GDDR6X memory, making it well-suited for gaming and demanding applications. It also boasts advanced features like Spectra 2.0 RGB lighting, IceStorm 2.0 cooling, FREEZE fan stop for quiet operation, and is ready for 4K and 8K gaming, appealing to gamers seeking top-tier performance.
- VRAM: 12GB GDDR6X
- Digital Max Resolution: 7680x4320
- Boost Clock: 1725 MHz
- Memory Interface: 384-bit
ASUS ROG Strix NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 OC Edition Graphics Card
Great Cooling
The ASUS ROG Strix OC is a high performance graphics card that is built for gaming. It comes with NVIDIA's Ampere streaming multiprocessors, 2nd generation RT cores, and 3rd generation tensor cores. The Axial-tech fan design has been tuned up with more fan blades and a reversed rotational direction for the center fan. The 2.9-slot design expands cooling surface area compared to last gen for more thermal headroom than ever before. This card also has a memory speed of 19 Gbps and a digital max resolution of 7680 x 4320.
Specifications:
VRAM: | 12GB GDDR6X |
Digital Max Resolution: | 7680x4320 |
Boost Clock: | 1935 MHz |
Memory Interface: | 384-bit |
Power Inputs: | 3 x 8-pin |
Memory Speed: | 19 Gbps |
Output: | 2 HDMI 2.1, 3 DisplayPort 1.4a |
Pros:
- Superb performance
- Lots of room for overclocking
- Great cooling solution
Cons:
- Fan noise at 4K
Summary: The ASUS ROG Strix OC, a high-performance graphics card designed for gaming, features NVIDIA's Ampere streaming multiprocessors, 2nd generation RT cores, and 3rd generation tensor cores, along with a memory speed of 19 Gbps and a maximum digital resolution of 7680 x 4320.
- VRAM: 12GB GDDR6X
- Digital Max Resolution: 7680x4320
- Boost Clock: 1935 MHz
- Memory Interface: 384-bit
MSI Gaming GeForce RTX 3080 LHR 12GB Card
Performance that Gamers Crave
The MSI GeForce RTX 3080 Gaming Z Trio is a high-end graphics card that offers excellent gaming performance. It gives the ultra performance that you desire, fueled by Ampere. NVIDIA's second-generation RTX architecture is designed with reinforced RT Cores and Tensor Cores, next-gen streaming multiprocessors, and superfast 12GB of GDDR6X memory for unrivaled gaming. The card has a boost clock of 1815 MHz and a memory interface of 384-bits. It also has a digital max resolution of 7680x4320. The card is ideal for gamers who want the best gaming performance.
Specifications:
VRAM: | 12GB GDDR6X |
Digital Max Resolution: | 7680x4320 |
Boost Clock: | 1815 MHz |
Memory Interface: | 384-bit |
Memory Speed: | 19 Gbps |
Output: | DisplayPort x 3 (v1.4) / HDMI x 1 |
Pros:
- High out-the-box clock boost
- Excellent build quality
- Bright RGB strip if you like the bling
- Appealing design
Cons:
- Large and heavy
Summary: The MSI GeForce RTX 3080 Gaming Z Trio is a high-end graphics card optimized for top-tier gaming performance, powered by NVIDIA's second-generation RTX architecture with enhanced RT and Tensor Cores, next-gen streaming multiprocessors, and 12GB of GDDR6X memory. It features a boost clock of 1815 MHz, a 384-bit memory interface, and supports a maximum digital resolution of 7680x4320, making it an ideal choice for gamers seeking the ultimate gaming experience.
- VRAM: 12GB GDDR6X
- Digital Max Resolution: 7680x4320
- Boost Clock: 1815 MHz
- Memory Interface: 384-bit
ASUS ROG Strix NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 V2 OC Edition Card
Best for Overclocking
The ASUS ROG Strix GeForce RTX 3080 V2 OC Edition is a high-performance graphics card that is built for gaming and other demanding tasks. It is based on the NVIDIA Ampere architecture and features 2nd generation RT cores and 3rd generation Tensor cores for incredible performance. The OC edition of this card also has a boost clock of up to 1935 MHz in OC mode for even more power.
Additionally, it comes with 10GB of GDDR6X memory for high-resolution gaming and other demanding applications. Power is supplied through three 8-pin connectors. GeForce RTX 3080 is designed for those PC gaming enthusiasts who plan to play at 4K resolution. Whether you're looking to game at the highest settings or need a powerful card for content creation, the ASUS ROG Strix GeForce RTX 3080 V2 OC Edition is a great option.
Specifications:
VRAM: | 10GB GDDR6X |
Digital Max Resolution: | 7680x4320 |
Boost clock: | 1935 MHz (OC mode)/1905 MHz (Gaming mode) |
Memory Interface: | 320-bit |
Power Inputs: | 3 x 8-pin |
Output: | 2 x HDMI.1, 3 x DisplayPort 1.4a |
Pros:
- 3rd Generation Tensor Cores and 2nd Generation RT Cores
- Excellent build quality
Cons:
- Large and heavy
Summary: The ASUS ROG Strix GeForce RTX 3080 V2 OC Edition is a high-performance graphics card designed for gaming and demanding tasks, featuring NVIDIA's Ampere architecture with 2nd generation RT cores, 3rd generation Tensor cores, and a boost clock of up to 1935 MHz in OC mode. It is equipped with 10GB of GDDR6X memory, three 8-pin power connectors, and is ideal for 4K gaming or content creation, making it a top choice for PC gaming enthusiasts and professional content creators.
- VRAM: 10GB GDDR6X
- Digital Max Resolution: 7680x4320
- Boost clock: 1935 MHz
- Memory Interface: 320-bit
FAQ about Best RTX 3080 Card
Answering your most pressing questions about finding the right rtx 3080 card.
What power supply do you need for an RTX 3080?
The higher the graphics performance, the higher the power requirements. So, if you want to use an RTX 3080 card, you will need a power supply of at least 750W. To be on the safe side, calculate the power requirements for all the components of your PC to find out how much power you will need in total.
Make sure to check if your future power supply has all the necessary cables; for example, the MSI RTX 3080 Gaming Z Trio uses three 8-pin connectors, which is almost unique.
Which is better? - RTX 3080 vs 3070
The GeForce RTX 3080 outperforms the GeForce RTX 3070 in almost every aspect except power consumption.
- The RTX 3080 can consume up to 320 watts of power - as much as 100 watts more than its counterpart. So, those who want to use this product should invest in a 750W PSU.
- GeForce RTX 3070 models start at $500, which is significantly cheaper than GeForce RTX 3080.
- If your goal is 4K gaming, don't settle for anything less than the GeForce RTX 3080. But if you only have a 1440p monitor, then the GeForce RTX 3070 will prove itself quite worthy.
If you are interested in details, read our Best RTX 3070 Cards.
Which is better? - RTX 3080 12GB vs RTX 3080Ti
GeForce RTX 3080 Ti usually performs slightly better than GeForce RTX 3080 12GB, if you want to save money in the long run, we recommend buying the former.
Best RTX 3080 Graphics Card: Conclusion
So, which of the best RTX 3080 graphics cards should you buy? We have outlined some important factors to consider when making your decision, but ultimately only you can decide what will best suit your specific needs and requirements.
Whether you're looking at the MSI Gaming GeForce RTX 3080 LHR 10GB, EVGA GeForce RTX 3080 FTW3 Ultra, or GIGABYTE GeForce RTX 3080 Ti, you'll be satisfied. However, all of the cards on this list will provide you with a great gaming experience that you will definitely enjoy. It all depends on you and your capabilities and preferences. Thank you for reading!