If you were looking to buy a graphic card or a GPU but couldn’t do so, let me tell you, this is a brilliant time to buy one. We know cards have been out of reach for the past two years because of cryptocurrency and chip shortages which caused massive price hikes. But the good news is that exclusive top-notch graphic cards are coming in a range of avid gamers.
This is the right time to spotlight these two blockbuster GPUs NVidia RTX 3080 TI vs 3090. As it was out of the reach of most gamers since it got released publicly, the recent decline in the price column is a treat to the eyes.
If you are considering enhancing the gaming experience or looking for an upgrade for the performance of your gaming pc, you must wonder if RTX 3090 is better than RTX 3080 TI for gaming. Or is the 3090 worth the price tag?
We will provide you with much information needed to answer this problem: What is the difference between the RTX 3090 and RTX 3080 TI? so you can get yourself out of this dilemma. We will discuss all the pros and cons with parallel comparisons, hard facts, and one-on-one gaming benchmarks.
Let the Comparison Begin
The table below shows a side-by-side comparison to help you understand the differences, why they are, and why such a massive price gap exists between them.
| Specs | 3080 TI | 3090 |
| Graphics Processor | GA102 | GA102 |
| NVIDIA CUDA Cores | 10240 Units | 10496 Units |
| TMUs | 320 | 328 |
| ROPs | 112 | 112 |
| Tensor Core | 320 | 328 |
| Ray Tracing Core | 80 | 82 |
| Video-RAM Type | GDDR6X | GDDR6X |
| Video-RAM Capacity | 12 GB | 24GB |
| Memory Interface Width | 384 bit | 384 bit |
| Base Clock | 1360 MHz | 1395 MHz |
| Boost Clock | 1665 MHz | 1695 MHz |
| Maximum GPU Temperature (in C) | 92 | 93 |
| CUDA Capability | 8.6 | 8.6 |
| Maximum Digital Resolution | 7680×4320 | 7680×4320 |
| Graphics Card Power (W) | 350W | 350W |
| Required System Power (W) | 750W/850W | 750W/850W |
| Card Dimensions | 285 x 112 x 40 mm | 313 x 138 x 50 mm |
Now, when we compare both GPUs, we notice some significant contradictions between them.
As you can see, and it is understandable mainly by the general user, the NVidia RTX 3080 TI has half the Vram compared to another half of the equation. Why is that so? How could there be such a huge gap in memory between the two? Or is something missing there to notice? You will find out.
You can see that there is not much difference in the general specs of both cards. Then what is the catch here? Before it gets agonizingly complicated for you, let us simplify it for you. Be patient and read along.
Is the 3090 TI worth it for gaming?
To answer this question, first, we need to know the difference between the RTX 3090 and RTX 3080 TI. We will write a short set of information to better understand the strength and key points of both graphic cards.
When RTX 3090 was first launched on September 1st, 2020, it became the market king, dethroning its competitor rival chip maker AMD’s relatively less powerful Radeon 6900 XT.
NVidia trumped itself after creating this masterpiece RTX 3090, as there had not been anything this much power before. It reigns supreme even after two years since it came into invention.
Then why is there a need to create any other card by the same company? The answer to this logical question is ‘Price Tag.’ The starting price was more than the MSRP of $1,500, which hiked to more than double when certain events took place in 2020. The card got out of reach of the gamers due to being expensive and shortage in supply.
NVidia got the hint of this market demand and created a scaled-down version of the RTX 3090, the RTX 3080 TI, and released it in May of 2021.
It is designed to be identical (or as the company tried) in specs and performance with the RTX 3090 at a lower retail price. While its ancestor was RTX 2080-Ti, the RTX 3080 TI was powerful, fast, and reliable GPU with a significantly improved version of its previous generation.
Understanding Memory and Clock Speeds
Now, let’s dissect both cards to understand the difference between them by going through the major aspects.
As we saw in the specification table, the memory Vram section differences are not that much. Then what is all the hype for? Let me brief you about it.
The RTX 3080 TI is packed with a GPU clock of 1365 MHz and a boost clock of 1665 MHz; nevertheless, the user will get notably more significant because of the GPU booster clock boosts, and in some custom variants, the boost will be even greater. This underdog brings a 12GB GDDR6X memory.
Whereas RTX 3090 comes with a GPU clock of 1395 MHz and a boost clock of 1695 MHz. However, this beast has a Vram of 24GB GDDR6X. Hence, the debate is settled, you would think, but no more ram, or in this case, Vram isn’t always better.
Whether it’s a software you use that requires graphic card memory or the games you play, hurling it with more Vram doesn’t mean your GPU will perform better.
It mainly depends on the combination of the application you are using and the screen it’s being displayed. For example, for a game played on an 800×600 resolution monitor, 4GB of Vram is enough, but not for the 1440p resolution screen.
Ports and Dimensions
Most key features are almost the same in the RTX 3000 Series GPUs and RTX 2000 Series GPUs like Raytracing and DLSS. However, RGB lighting, coolers, and other minute features will differ. Then what is the difference between the RTX 3090 and RTX 3080 TI? Let us tell you about them.
While both the cards have similar output and connectivity options, i.e., one HDMI 2.1 port and three Display-Port 1.4a ports, enabling you to connect the monitor of your choice like 4K, OLED, or curved gaming monitors, they all work seamlessly.
When it comes to size, there is a noticeable difference between them. Firstly, they are both humongous! Which is essential to make their performance supreme.
The RTX 3080 TI is 11 inches long, and the RTX 3090 is considerably bigger measuring up to 13 inches in length.
You will need a bigger case to hold these mammoths. Moreover, in terms of features, both GPUs support Raytracing, DLSS, Machine Learning, and other features introduced with Ampere by NVidia.
Understanding Memory and Clock Speeds
Now, let’s dissect both cards to understand the difference between them by going through the major aspects.
As we saw in the specification table, the memory Vram section differences are not that much. Then what is all the hype for? Let me brief you about it.
The RTX 3080 TI is packed with a GPU clock of 1365 MHz and a boost clock of 1665 MHz; nevertheless, the user will get notably more significant because of the GPU booster clock boosts, and in some custom variants, the boost will be even greater. This underdog brings a 12GB GDDR6X memory.
Whereas RTX 3090 comes with a GPU clock of 1395 MHz and a boost clock of 1695 MHz. However, this beast has a Vram of 24GB GDDR6X. Hence, the debate is settled, you would think, but no more ram, or in this case, Vram isn’t always better.
Whether it’s a software you use that requires graphic card memory or the games you play, hurling it with more Vram doesn’t mean your GPU will perform better.
It mainly depends on the combination of the application you are using and the screen it’s being displayed. For example, for a game played on an 800×600 resolution monitor, 4GB of Vram is enough, but not for the 1440p resolution screen.
Power and Overheating Concerns
With the introduction of NVidia’s Ampere architecture, efficiency was propelled to another level. Though these two eat up the same amount of energy as their predecessors, these are far better in the performance sector. NVidia hasn’t compromised on power consumption at all.
This should not be considered bad at all. In terms of delivering high-level performance, they need gas which is power. We recommend using a 750+ Watts power supply to balance the equation. This can seem much, but to make the card worth the money, one has to supply the power it demands.
With that much power consumption comes overheating concerns. Both the cards were tested and did not show any overheating or temperature problems. The coolers they provide work just fine at what they are supposed to do.
Key Features
- The RTX 3080-Ti and RTX 3090 of them are compatible with PCI-E 4.0.
- Both of them support Direct-X 12 Ultimate for ultimate gaming performance.
- The RTX 3080-Ti and RTX 3090, the former and later, use the latest GDDR6X graphics memory.
- Both GPUs fully support the Raytracing and DLSS.
- The RTX 3080-Ti and RTX 3090 require the GA102 graphics processor to run.
Price, Performance, and Availability, Which One to go for?
Though an average gamer might consider buying any of these cards, thinking, is the 3090 worth the price tag? Or a gaming enthusiast might think, is the 3090 worth it for gaming?
Because of several factors, including high price, high power consumption, and large size, but if you don’t want to compromise the gaming performance, then these are petty problems to handle.
Now let’s contemplate some logical keynotes to decide which one to go for. If you already have an RTX 3080 TI, then it is not a wise decision to upgrade to RTX 3090 because it already starts at an MSRP of $1500. With almost impossible to get it at this price and too easily. Not to mention again the slight differences in specs and hence performance.
Conversely, if you have an older version like RTX 2080 or 2080-Ti, then it is definitely the time to upgrade, or you are missing out on key features. If you want to have almost a sublime gaming experience at the most reasonable price, then RTX 3080 TI is the ultimate choice with an MSRP of $1100.
Is RTX 3090 better than RTX 3080 TI for Gaming?
Both cards are fantastic in everything, so now the decision stands on which games you want to play. We will try to provide you with some data on the most played and graphically intense and acclaimed games.
| Apex Legends | 176+ FPS | 186+ FPS |
| Far Cry New Dawn | 166+ FPS | 175+ FPS |
| Metro Exodus | 95+ FPS | 101+ FPS |
| Gears of War 5 | 128+ FPS | 136+ FPS |
| Red Dead Redemption 2 | 86+ FPS | 91+ FPS |
| Battlefield V | 175+ FPS | 185+ FPS |
| Assassin’s Creed Origins | 134+ FPS | 143+ FPS |
| Overwatch | 231+ FPS | 245+ FPS |
| GTA V | 143+ FPS | 152+ FPS |
These results are acquired by running the games on the highest settings of 4K resolution. Both have outperformed every other graphic card. Logically and evidently, the RTX 3090 has a minimal edge, but it is negligible.
Let’s Sweep the Conclusion of Facts
You have been informed of all the key features, facts, and specifications through one discussion and a side-by-side comparison. If it were to be presented in a nutshell, then;
- RTX 3080 TI = MSRP $1100 (Budget friendly with complete performance)
- RTX 3090 = MSRP $1500 (Supreme performance and unearthly experience)
- Performance differences = Minimal
- Power Consumption = Same
- RTX 3080 TI Length = 11 inches
- RTX 3090 Length = 13 inches
We hope it helps you make a decision.
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