The RTX 4080 is Nvidia’s upcoming flagship consumer graphics card for 2023. As the successor to the popular RTX 3080, expectations are high for the 4080 to deliver a significant performance boost over the previous generation. But just how fast will the RTX 4080 be? Let’s take a look at what we know so far about the specs and expected performance of the RTX 4080.
RTX 4080 Specs
While full specifications for the RTX 4080 have not yet been officially confirmed by Nvidia, credible leaks have given us a good idea of what to expect. The 4080 is rumored to be built on Nvidia’s new Ada Lovelace architecture and utilize TSMC’s cutting edge 5nm manufacturing process. This alone should bring considerable efficiency improvements. But let’s break down the key specs that will determine performance:
- CUDA Cores: 16128 CUDA cores, up over 100% from the RTX 3080’s 8704 cores
- GPU Clock Speed: Up to 2.61 GHz boost clock, around 15% higher than the 3080
- Memory: 16GB of GDDR6X memory with a 256-bit bus and up to 23 Gbps speed, double the VRAM and bandwidth of the 3080
- TDP: 320W, 60W higher than the RTX 3080 TDP
These specs combine to deliver what should be a massive generational performance leap over the previous generation. In particular, the huge increase in CUDA cores and memory bandwidth will directly translate to better rasterization and ray tracing performance.
Expected Performance
Based on the rumored specifications, early benchmark leaks, and Nvidia’s own performance claims, we can make some educated guesses about how the RTX 4080 will perform in games and applications:
Ray Tracing Performance
With its Ada Lovelace architecture, 4th generation ray tracing cores, and significantly more CUDA cores, the 4080 should absolutely demolish the 3080 in ray tracing workloads. Nvidia themselves have claimed the 4080 will deliver up to 2X more ray tracing performance. Early leaks back this up with Time Spy Extreme scores over 2X higher than the 3080.
Rasterization Performance
Even in traditional rasterization, the 4080 should see massive gains over the previous generation. The combination of architectural improvements and greatly increased resources will likely lead to 50-70% higher frame rates in 1080p and 1440p gaming over the RTX 3080.
4K Performance
The doubled memory bandwidth and capacity also will provide significant gains in 4K gaming. Whereas the 3080 sometimes struggled to maintain 60 fps at max settings in 4K, the 4080 is expected to surpass 60 fps in virtually all titles. Some early leaks have shown up to 2X higher frame rates in demanding 4K games like Cyberpunk 2077.
8K Performance
While still mostly impractical, the 4080 will bring true playable 8K 60fps gaming within reach for the first time for many titles. Between the increased throughput and new DLSS 3 technology, average frame rates in the 30-60fps range should be achievable in 8K across top games.
Synthetic Benchmarks
In terms of commonly used synthetic benchmarks, here are some of the early leaked Time Spy scores versus the 3080 and expectations for the 4080:
| Benchmark | RTX 3080 Score | RTX 4080 Leaked Score | Expected Gain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Time Spy (4K) | 16000 | 25000 | 56% Faster |
| Time Spy Extreme (4K) | 8000 | 18000 | 125% Faster |
These benchmarks show how the 4080 could potentially double the performance of the 3080 in ray tracing workloads while also providing 50-60% gains in traditional graphics.
Performance Comparisons
To get a better idea of how the 4080 will compare to other GPUs, here are some expected performance matchups:
Versus RTX 3080
As shown above, the 4080 will be 50-125% faster than the RTX 3080 depending on workload and resolution. At 4K, this should allow the 4080 to hit well over 60 fps in any game where the 3080 can only manage 30-45 fps.
Versus RTX 3080 Ti/3090
The 4080 should also handily beat out the last generation 3080 Ti and 3090 cards. Look for around a 20-40% performance improvement over these GPUs thanks to Ada Lovelace’s architectural enhancements.
Versus RX 7900 XT
AMD’s next generation RDNA 3 flagship, the RX 7900 XT, looks to be the key competition for the 4080. Most leaks suggest the 7900 XT will slightly edge out the 4080 in traditional rasterization, but fall short in ray tracing. Overall performance should be very similar between these two cards.
Versus RTX 4090
Nvidia’s behemoth RTX 4090 will remain in a class of its own, with early benchmarks showing around a 30% performance gap between the 4090 and 4080. While both will offer incredible 4K gaming, only the 4090 will have a chance at 8K 120 fps gaming.
DLSS 3 and AI Performance
A major new feature that will help boost RTX 40 series performance is DLSS 3. This third generation of Nvidia’s Deep Learning Super Sampling technology utilizes AI frame generation to boost frame rates up to 4X in some cases. By generating entirely new frames, DLSS 3 can make 4080 performance far exceed its hardware specifications. Expect DLSS 3 to make 60 fps+ 8K gaming possible in supported titles.
The 4080’s upgraded Tensor Cores and optical flow accelerator will deliver significantly faster AI processing versus previous generations. This will greatly speed up DLSS and other AI effects like Nvidia Broadcast to provide real time graphics and productivity enhancements.
Power and Thermal Performance
The RTX 4080 sees a small 60W increase in rated TDP versus the 3080, up to 320W officially. Some custom 4080 models from board partners could go as high as 450W. While not quite as power hungry as the behemoth 600W+ RTX 4090, the 4080 will demand a high end PSU and excellent case cooling.
Thermally, the 4080 should be a bit easier to cool than the top end AD102 GPU powering the 4090. But a beefy triple fan cooler or liquid cooling is recommended to tame the 4080’s 320+ watt heat output. Proper case airflow will be essential.
What Type of Performance Improvements Will I See in Games?
For videogames, the RTX 4080 delivers several significant benefits over previous generation GPUs:
- Higher average and max FPS across the board, especially at higher resolutions like 4K.
- Able to enable/increase ray traced lighting, shadows, reflections for more realistic visuals.
- Higher graphics settings possible in demanding titles while maintaining 60+ fps.
- Smoother gameplay with fewer dips below 60 fps thanks to DLSS 3 frame generation.
- Reduce or eliminate stuttering from exceeding VRAM capacity at high resolutions.
Essentially, the RTX 4080 takes high fidelity 4K gaming and makes it a very smooth, consistent experience even in graphically demanding AAA titles. You can expect buttery smooth gameplay with all the visual bells and whistles enabled to their max settings when gaming on this GPU.
Ideal Monitor Resolution for RTX 4080
The RTX 4080 hits a sweet spot of being able to deliver an excellent 4K gaming experience, while also providing great performance at higher resolutions. Here are the ideal monitor specs to pair with the 4080:
- 4K 144Hz – The 4080 can reliably pump out 100+ fps in most titles at native 4K. A high refresh 4K monitor allows you to experience buttery smooth gameplay above 60 fps.
- 4K OLED – OLED monitors offer stunning image quality and perfect blacks. The 4080 has the power to fully take advantage of 4K OLED’s colors and contrast.
- Ultrawide 1440p – On a 3440×1440 ultrawide monitor, the 4080 can deliver well over 120 fps for high refresh rate gaming without being overkill.
- 4K & 8K 60Hz – With DLSS 3 Frame Generation enabled, the 4080 can drive 8K 60 fps gaming on this leading edge resolution.
A monitor in the 27 – 32 inch size range with at least 4K resolution and 120+ Hz refresh rate is recommended to provide enough pixels and framerate headroom to take full advantage of the 4080’s capabilities.
Nvidia Reflex and Broadcasting Performance
For competitive gamers, the 4080 also brings significantly improved Nvidia Reflex latency reduction performance versus previous generations. Reflex combines GPU rendering optimization with G-Sync monitors to achieve ultra low system latency for competitive titles like Apex Legends, Fortnite, and Overwatch 2.
Nvidia Broadcast also sees meaningful performance and quality upgrades thanks to the 4080’s Tensor Core upgrades. The RTX 4080 enables amazing real time green screen background replacement and video noise removal when live streaming thanks to dedicated AI and encoder hardware.
Other Creative Workstation Performance
Beyond gaming, the 4080 delivers excellent performance in creative and productivity applications that can take advantage of its CUDA cores, RT cores, and Tensor cores:
- 3D modeling and rendering – Significant boost to viewport and final render speeds in Blender, Maya, Cinema 4D
- Video editing and color grading – Faster 8K video timeline scrubbing and render export speeds in DaVinci Resolve.
- CAD/CAM design – Larger, more complex assemblies and quicker simulation previews in SolidWorks, AutoCAD
- AI upscaling – Near instant upscaling of images and videos with apps like Topaz Video Enhance AI
The combination of new rendering technologies and huge horsepower makes the RTX 4080 a very capable creator workstation GPU for accelerating productivity in these apps.
Overclocking Potential
With rumors of the RTX 4080 Founders Edition shipping way below its potential 320W power limit, there is likely decent overclocking headroom to push the 4080 past its out of the box speeds. Here are a few things to expect when overclocking the 4080:
- 10-15% higher GPU clock speeds – Most 4080s should hit 2.5 – 2.6 GHz peak clocks
- 20+ GBps memory bandwidth – Micron 24 Gbps GDDR6X offers memory OC potential
- 15%+ performance gains – Depending on workload, smart OC can provide solid gains
While overclocking results will vary based on your specific graphics card and cooling, a blend of increased clocks, memory speed, and power limit tuning should result in measurable FPS improvements in many titles.
Power Consumption and Cooling
The RTX 4080 has a 320W board power rating from Nvidia. However, most custom AIB partner models are expected have uprated power limits in the 450-500W range. This means the card can draw up to 500 watts of total system power in demanding scenarios. You’ll want at least an 850W PSU to account for power spikes.
In terms of cooling, the 4080 will require a high quality triple fan or liquid cooler to maintain boost clocks and low noise levels. Expect GPU temperatures in the 60-80C range under load depending on your case airflow. VRAM temperatures may approach 100C for GDDR6X so solid thermal pad contact is key.
| Cooling | Expected Temperatures |
|---|---|
| Air Cooler (3 Fan) | 60-75C |
| 240mm AIO | 50-65C |
| Custom Loop | 40-55C |
While the 4080 won’t hit the triple digit temperatures of the flagship RTX 4090, it still dumps over 300W of heat into your case so adequate cooling is a must.
Price and Availability
Official pricing has not yet been confirmed by Nvidia, but leaks point to a $1099 starting price for RTX 4080 Founders Edition models. Custom AIB partner cards will likely range from $1150 to $1400 depending on their cooling solutions and out of the box overclocks.
In terms of availability, the RTX 4080 launch date is set for November 16, 2022. However, early supply may be constrained by low yields of the AD104 GPUs. Nvidia is likely prioritizing the higher margin RTX 4090 production, so 4080 stock could be limited until 2023.
Is the RTX 4080 Worth Upgrading To?
If you’re currently gaming on an RTX 3080 or lower GPU, the 4080 should provide a very noticeable jump in frame rates and graphics fidelity. Upgrading will enable you turn up visual settings while still exceeding 60 fps in 1440p and 4K.
For 3080 Ti/3090 owners, the upgrade is less clear cut. You’ll still see gains, but the 4080 is more of a sidegrade unless you really want maxed out ray tracing settings. I’d only upgrade from the 3080 Ti/3090 if you game on a 4K 120+ Hz monitor to take advantage of the extra performance headroom.
Coming from any 20 series or earlier GPU, the 4080 will blow you away with 2-3X the performance in many titles. This will finally let you play virtually any game at max fidelity 4K resolution with high frame rates.
Conclusion
With its combination of raw horsepower and advanced technologies like DLSS 3, the RTX 4080 looks ready to deliver a new tier of high framerate 4K and ray traced gaming. If the rumored specifications prove true, you can expect between 50-125% higher performance versus the previous generation RTX 3080 across gaming and creative workloads.
While availability may be limited at launch, the 4080 goes on sale starting at $1099 on November 16, 2022. For high resolution 4K gaming with all the bells and whistles maxed out, the RTX 4080 could become the new gold standard GPU upon release.