OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Graphics cards Methodology v3.0
Graphics cards Methodology v3.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Graphics cards Methodology v3.0: the technical score from the specifications is the base, and independent expert and video reviews (up to ±0.5 points), owner opinions (up to ±0.3) and best-of lists (up to +0.3) move it up or down.
Explore Graphics cards Methodology v3.0

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 review: 117 specs compared

Avg. price:~£1,050VRAM:10 GBMemory bus width:320 bitThermal Design Power (TDP):320 W

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 Review: Compare 117 technical specifications, 66 expert and video reviews and 1 best-of list to see how this product ranks in the Graphics cards category and whether it is worth buying.

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080
7.8/10

Overall score

Score
7.8/ 10
✕
What it is
Our main score for this model, 1–10. It combines specs, expert reviews, best-of lists and owners.
How we count it
Parts: Technical score 40%, Reviews score 25%, List score 25%, Sentiment score 10%
Marks: Each part gets a mark out of 10. For reviews, lists and owners, a typical model in this category gets about 8 and the best one gets 10.
No data yet: A part with no data shows "?". It counts as the mark of a weaker model in this category (4 in 5 models with data score higher). This way, models with reviews, lists and owners usually come out ahead.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 64% of models
Score components

40%

7.4

Technical score

25%

9.0

Reviews score

25%

7.4

List score

10%

7.4

Sentiment score

▲Better than 64% of graphics cards
7.0

Value for money

Value for money
7.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the graphics card's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a graphics card that offers a strong balance of performance, features, and price.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 75% of models
Score components

70%

7.8

Overall score

30%

5.0

Price

▼Worse than 75%
7.4

Technical score

Technical score
7.4/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 40% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 59% of models
Score components

44%

7.0

Performance

24%

6.9

Memory

12%

7.2

Power

11%

9.2

Features

5%

8.9

Design

4%

9.1

Connectivity

▲Better than 59%
9.0

Reviews score

Reviews score
9.0/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.6 for now.
Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 100% of models

80%

8.8

Average grade

20%

9.7

Popularity

Grades by review (66)
29 reviews: 20 with a printed score, 9 estimated from the review. 37 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
★Better than 100%
7.4

List score

List score
7.4/ 10
✕
What it is
How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
How we count it
Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 25% of the overall score.
Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
Lists with this model (1)
List score: in 1 of 93 lists (1%)
★Better than 94%
  • nvidia-geforce-rtx-3080
  • nvidia-geforce-rtx-3080
nvidia-geforce-rtx-3080
nvidia-geforce-rtx-3080
Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.

What reviewers say about the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080

Based on 27 · 38

Reviewers love its excellent gaming and ray tracing performance and value, but agree it draws a lot of power.
Praised
Mixed views
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what

What owners say about the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080

Based on 238 owners sharing their experience in online comments

68%positive13%mixed19%negative

Owners praise strong, lasting gaming performance, while limited VRAM, high power use, and heat cause the most frustration.

What owners dislike

  • Several owners say the card runs very hot and heats up small rooms, with some models hitting over 100 C in the VRM or hotspot without new pads or paste.7
  • Owners say 10GB of VRAM runs out in newer games at 1440p and 4K, causing stutters or forcing lower texture settings.4

Points mentioned by at least 3 owners, most mentioned first.

Loading category ranking...

Technical Specifications of graphics card NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080

Technical score
Technical score
7.4/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 40% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 59% of models
Score components:

44%

7.0

Performance

24%

6.9

Memory

12%

7.2

Power

11%

9.2

Features

5%

8.9

Design

4%

9.1

Connectivity

7.4
Reviews score
9.0
List score
7.4
Value for money
Value for money
7.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the graphics card's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a graphics card that offers a strong balance of performance, features, and price.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 75% of models
Score components:

70%

7.8

Overall score

30%

5.0

Price

7.0
3DMark Time Spy benchmark score
15,000 points
Market range: <4.1k points – >30.1k points
This graphics card scores 15,000 points in 3DMark Time Spy, which is higher than 51.4% of graphics cards and equal to 0.5% of graphics cards.
3DMark Port Royal score
10,700 points
Market range: <0 points – >22.4k points
This graphics card scores 10,700 points in 3DMark Port Royal, which is higher than 58.1% of graphics cards.
PassMark (G3D) result
25,063 points
Market range: <7.7k points – >36k points
This graphics card scores 25,063 points in PassMark G3D, which is higher than 57.9% of graphics cards and equal to 0.3% of graphics cards.
PassMark (DirectCompute) result
14,233 points
Market range: <3.1k points – >26.3k points
This graphics card scores 14,233 points in PassMark DirectCompute, which is higher than 55% of graphics cards.
FP32 performance
29.77 TFLOPS
Market range: <3.94 TFLOPS – >56.3 TFLOPS
This graphics card delivers 29.77 TFLOPS FP32 performance, which is higher than that of 59.4% of graphics cards and equal to that of 0.4% of graphics cards.
Show more
What reviewers say
VRAM
10 GB
Market range: <4 GB – >16 GB
This graphics card has 10 GB of VRAM, which is less than 55.5% of graphics cards and equal to 1.3% of graphics cards.
Memory type
GDDR6X
This graphics card uses GDDR6X memory, which is newer than on 57.1% of graphics cards and equal to 22.4% of graphics cards.
Memory bus width
320 bit
Market range: <128 bit – >384 bit
This graphics card uses a 320 bit memory bus, which is wider than that of 86.2% of graphics cards and equal to that of 2% of graphics cards.
Maximum memory bandwidth
760 GB/s
Market range: <168 GB/s – >960 GB/s
This graphics card reaches 760 GB/s memory bandwidth, which is higher than that of 80.6% of graphics cards and equal to that of 0.8% of graphics cards.
Effective memory speed
19,000 MHz
Market range: <7k MHz – >28k MHz
This graphics card reaches an effective memory speed of 19,000 MHz, which is faster than that of 48.5% of graphics cards and equal to that of 3.2% of graphics cards.
Show more
What reviewers say
PCI Express (PCIe) version
4
This graphics card supports PCIe 4, which is newer than on 22.5% of graphics cards and equal to 50.5% of graphics cards.
PCIe lanes
x16
This graphics card uses x16 PCIe lanes, which is more than 24.1% of graphics cards and equal to 75.9% of graphics cards.
DirectX version
12 Ultimate
This graphics card supports DirectX 12 Ultimate, which is more advanced than on 22.8% of graphics cards and equal to 77.2% of graphics cards.
Vulkan version
1.4
This graphics card supports Vulkan 1.4, which is more advanced than on 20.8% of graphics cards and equal to 79.2% of graphics cards.
OpenGL version
4.6
This graphics card supports OpenGL 4.6, which is more advanced than on 2% of graphics cards and equal to 98% of graphics cards.
Show more
What reviewers say
Max displays supported
4
Market range: <4 – >4
This graphics card supports up to 4 displays, which is more than 9% of graphics cards and equal to 88.2% of graphics cards.
Max digital resolution
7680x4320
This graphics card supports a maximum digital resolution of 7680x4320, which is higher than that of 9.2% of graphics cards and equal to that of 90.9% of graphics cards.
DisplayPort outputs
3
Market range: <1 – >3
This graphics card offers 3 DisplayPort outputs, which is more than 21.7% of graphics cards and equal to 76% of graphics cards.
DisplayPort version
1.4a
This graphics card supports DisplayPort 1.4a, which is more advanced than on 19.3% of graphics cards and equal to 46.3% of graphics cards.
DisplayPort link rates
8.1 Gbps
Market range: <5.4 Gbps – >80 Gbps
This graphics card supports DisplayPort link rates up to 8.1 Gbps, which is slower than on 65.3% of graphics cards and equal to 22.5% of graphics cards.
Show more
Thermal Design Power (TDP)
320 W
Market range: <86 W – >360 W
This graphics card has a TDP of 320 W, which is higher than that of 79.8% of graphics cards and equal to that of 5.6% of graphics cards.
Power consumption while under peak load
320 W
Market range: <106 W – >365 W
This graphics card draws 320 W under peak load, which is higher than 76.9% of graphics cards and equal to 5% of graphics cards.
Recommended PSU wattage
750 W
Market range: <450 W – >850 W
This graphics card recommends a 750 W PSU, which is higher than that of 65.4% of graphics cards and equal to that of 16.8% of graphics cards.
Board power limit
400 W
Market range: <107 W – >400 W
This graphics card has a board power limit of 400 W, which is higher than that of 90.1% of graphics cards and equal to that of 1.2% of graphics cards.
PCIe power spec
320 W
Show more
What reviewers say
Size
285x 112x 40 mm
Length
285 mm
Market range: <200 mm – >337 mm
This graphics card is 285 mm long, which is longer than 50.3% of graphics cards and equal in length to 0.5% of graphics cards.
Height
112 mm
Market range: <109 mm – >146 mm
This graphics card is 112 mm tall, which is shorter than 76.6% of graphics cards and equal in height to 3.2% of graphics cards.
Slot width
2 slot/s
Market range: <2 slot/s – >3.25 slot/s
This graphics card occupies 2 slot/s, which is slimmer than 52.4% of graphics cards and equal in width to 43.4% of graphics cards.
Weight
1,355 g
Market range: <541 g – >2k g
This graphics card weighs 1,355 g, which is heavier than 67.8% of Graphics cards.
Show more
What reviewers say

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 vs the average graphics card

246810TotalPerformanceMemoryFeaturesConnectivityPowerDesign
  • 128 bit wider memory bus
    This graphics card has a wider memory bus than the average graphics card (320 bit vs 192 bit). The average graphics card has a memory bus width of 192 bit.
    320 bit vs 192 bit
  • 69.6% higher memory bandwidth
    This graphics card has a higher memory bandwidth than the average graphics card (760 GB/s vs 448 GB/s). The average graphics card has a memory bandwidth of 448 GB/s.
    760 GB/s vs 448 GB/s
  • 28 more compute units
    This graphics card has more compute units than the average graphics card (68 vs 40). The average graphics card has 40 compute units.
    68 vs 40
  • 28 more ray tracing cores
    This graphics card has more ray tracing cores than the average graphics card (68 vs 40). The average graphics card has 40 ray tracing cores.
    68 vs 40
  • 32 more ROPs
    This graphics card has more ROPs than the average graphics card (96 vs 64). The average graphics card has 64 ROPs.
    96 vs 64
  • 88 more TMUs
    This graphics card has more TMUs than the average graphics card (272 vs 184). The average graphics card has 184 TMUs.
    272 vs 184
  • 25.0% higher review score
    Reviews score
    9.0/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.6 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    ▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    ★ Better than 100% of models

    80%

    8.8

    Average grade

    20%

    9.7

    Popularity

    Grades by review (66)
    29 reviews: 20 with a printed score, 9 estimated from the review. 37 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    9.0 vs 7.2
  • 128 more AI cores
    This graphics card has more AI cores than the average graphics card (272 vs 144). The average graphics card has 144 AI cores.
    272 vs 144
  • 25.0% higher review score
    Reviews score
    9.0/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.6 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    ▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    ★ Better than 100% of models

    80%

    8.8

    Average grade

    20%

    9.7

    Popularity

    Grades by review (66)
    29 reviews: 20 with a printed score, 9 estimated from the review. 37 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    9.0 vs 7.2
  • 28 more compute units
    This graphics card has more compute units than the average graphics card (68 vs 40). The average graphics card has 40 compute units.
    68 vs 40
  • 28 more ray tracing cores
    This graphics card has more ray tracing cores than the average graphics card (68 vs 40). The average graphics card has 40 ray tracing cores.
    68 vs 40
  • 32 more ROPs
    This graphics card has more ROPs than the average graphics card (96 vs 64). The average graphics card has 64 ROPs.
    96 vs 64
  • 88 more TMUs
    This graphics card has more TMUs than the average graphics card (272 vs 184). The average graphics card has 184 TMUs.
    272 vs 184
  • 128 more AI cores
    This graphics card has more AI cores than the average graphics card (272 vs 144). The average graphics card has 144 AI cores.
    272 vs 144
  • 23% higher texture rate
    This graphics card has a higher texture rate than the average graphics card (465.1 GTexel/s vs 378 GTexel/s). The average graphics card has a texture rate of 378 GTexel/s.
    465.1 GTexel/s vs 378 GTexel/s
  • 31.7% higher FP32 performance
    This graphics card has a higher FP32 performance than the average graphics card (29.8 TFLOPS vs 22.6 TFLOPS). The average graphics card has FP32 performance of 22.6 TFLOPS.
    29.77 TFLOPS vs 22.6 TFLOPS
  • 128 bit wider memory bus
    This graphics card has a wider memory bus than the average graphics card (320 bit vs 192 bit). The average graphics card has a memory bus width of 192 bit.
    320 bit vs 192 bit
  • 69.6% higher memory bandwidth
    This graphics card has a higher memory bandwidth than the average graphics card (760 GB/s vs 448 GB/s). The average graphics card has a memory bandwidth of 448 GB/s.
    760 GB/s vs 448 GB/s
  • Supports LHR limiting
    This graphics card supports an LHR limiter, while the average graphics card does not. 7.5% of Graphics cards support one.
  • Uses hybrid cooling
    This graphics card uses hybrid cooling, the average graphics card does not.
  • 7 °C lower idle temperature
    This graphics card has a lower idle temperature than the average graphics card (30 °C vs 37 °C). The average graphics card has an idle temperature of 37 °C.
    30 °C vs 37 °C
  • 13 mm lower card height
    This graphics card is shorter than the average graphics card (112 mm vs 125 mm). The average graphics card has a height of 125 mm.
    112 mm vs 125 mm
  • 0.5 slot/s slimmer design
    This graphics card occupies fewer slots than the average graphics card (2 slot/s vs 2.5 slot/s). The average graphics card occupies 2.5 slot/s.
    2 slot/s vs 2.5 slot/s
  • 31.7% lower boost clock speed
    This graphics card has a lower boost GPU clock than the average graphics card (1,710 MHz vs 2,505 MHz). The average graphics card has a boost GPU clock of 2,505 MHz.
    1,710 MHz vs 2,505 MHz
  • Less advanced frame generation
    This graphics card has less advanced frame generation than the average graphics card (no vs multi frame generation).
  • 1 fewer fans
    This graphics card has fewer fans than the average graphics card (2 vs 3).
    2 vs 3
  • 60% larger process node
    This graphics card uses a larger manufacturing process than the average graphics card (8 nm vs 5 nm). The average graphics card uses a manufacturing process of 5 nm.
    8 nm vs 5 nm
  • 25% lower base clock speed
    This graphics card has a lower base GPU clock than the average graphics card (1,440 MHz vs 1920 MHz). The average graphics card has a base GPU clock of 1920 MHz.
    1,440 MHz vs 1,920 MHz
  • 48.8% higher TDP
    This graphics card has a higher TDP than the average graphics card (320 W vs 215 W). The average graphics card has a TDP of 215 W.
    320 W vs 215 W
  • No AV1 encoding
    This graphics card does not support AV1 encoding, the average graphics card does.
  • 32.1% slower VRAM clock
    This graphics card has a lower VRAM clock than the average graphics card (1,188 MHz vs 1,750 MHz). The average graphics card runs its VRAM at 1,750 MHz.
    1,188 MHz vs 1,750 MHz
  • 2.02x more expensive
    NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 is more expensive than the average graphics card (£1,050 vs £520).
    £1,050 vs £520
  • 6.4% worse value for money
    NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 has worse value for money than the average graphics card (6.97 vs 7.4).
    6.97 vs 7.41
  • 2.6% lower list score
    List score
    7.4/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
    How we count it
    Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 25% of the overall score.
    Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
    Lists with this model (1)
    List score: in 1 of 93 lists (1%)
    7.4 vs 7.6
  • 31.7% lower boost clock speed
    This graphics card has a lower boost GPU clock than the average graphics card (1,710 MHz vs 2,505 MHz). The average graphics card has a boost GPU clock of 2,505 MHz.
    1,710 MHz vs 2,505 MHz
  • 25% lower base clock speed
    This graphics card has a lower base GPU clock than the average graphics card (1,440 MHz vs 1920 MHz). The average graphics card has a base GPU clock of 1920 MHz.
    1,440 MHz vs 1,920 MHz
  • 3 years older
    This graphics card was released earlier than the average graphics card (2020 vs 2023).
    September 2020
    2020 vs 2023
  • 32.1% slower VRAM clock
    This graphics card has a lower VRAM clock than the average graphics card (1,188 MHz vs 1,750 MHz). The average graphics card runs its VRAM at 1,750 MHz.
    1,188 MHz vs 1,750 MHz
  • 2 GB less VRAM
    This graphics card has fewer VRAM than the average graphics card (10 GB vs 12 GB). The average graphics card has 12 GB VRAM.
    10 GB vs 12 GB
  • 79.2% smaller L2 cache
    This graphics card has fewer L2 cache than the average graphics card (5 MB vs 24 MB). The average graphics card has 24 MB L2 cache.
    5 MB vs 24 MB
  • Less advanced frame generation
    This graphics card has less advanced frame generation than the average graphics card (no vs multi frame generation).
  • 60% larger process node
    This graphics card uses a larger manufacturing process than the average graphics card (8 nm vs 5 nm). The average graphics card uses a manufacturing process of 5 nm.
    8 nm vs 5 nm
  • 2.14x larger GPU die
    This graphics card has a higher GPU die size than the average graphics card (628.4 mm² vs 294 mm²). The average graphics card has a GPU die size of 294 mm².
    628.4 mm² vs 294 mm²
  • No AV1 encoding
    This graphics card does not support AV1 encoding, the average graphics card does.
  • Older HDMI version
    This graphics card supports an older HDMI version than the average graphics card (2.1 vs 2.1a).
    2.1 vs 2.1a
  • More basic codec support
    This graphics card encodes more basic formats than the average graphics card (H.264/H.265 vs H.264/H.265/AV1/VP9).
    H.264/H.265 vs H.264/H.265/AV1/VP9
  • No 3D output
    This graphics card does not support 3D output, the average graphics card does.
  • Older NVDEC generation
    This graphics card has a lower NVDEC generation than the average graphics card (5 vs 6). The average graphics card offers NVDEC generation 6.
    5 vs 6
  • 62.5% lower DisplayPort bandwidth
    This graphics card has a lower DisplayPort bandwidth than the average graphics card (8.1 Gbps vs 21.6 Gbps). The average graphics card has DisplayPort bandwidth of 21.6 Gbps.
    8.1 Gbps vs 21.6 Gbps
  • 1 fewer fans
    This graphics card has fewer fans than the average graphics card (2 vs 3).
    2 vs 3
  • 48.8% higher TDP
    This graphics card has a higher TDP than the average graphics card (320 W vs 215 W). The average graphics card has a TDP of 215 W.
    320 W vs 215 W
  • 81.8% higher board power limit
    This graphics card has a higher board power limit than the average graphics card (400 W vs 220 W). The average graphics card has a board power limit of 220 W.
    400 W vs 220 W
  • 15.4% higher PSU requirement
    This graphics card has a higher PSU requirement than the average graphics card (750 W vs 650 W). The average graphics card has a PSU requirement of 650 W.
    750 W vs 650 W
  • 8 °C higher load temperature
    This graphics card has a higher load temperature than the average graphics card (75 °C vs 67 °C). The average graphics card has a load temperature of 67 °C.
    75 °C vs 67 °C
  • 45.5% higher peak power draw
    This graphics card has a higher peak power draw than the average graphics card (320 W vs 220 W). The average graphics card has a peak power draw of 220 W.
    320 W vs 220 W

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

9.0
Sanford Gaming Experts
≈ estimated
01/04/2026
Hands-on review · CPU pairing and real gameplay tests
Verdict
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 handles demanding games well, though it needs a high-wattage power supply.
8.0
RA Tech
≈ estimated
09/08/2024
Used-card review · 1440p gaming and temperature tests
Verdict
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 used offers strong 1440p performance and value, so skip new GPUs.
9.0
ProYamYamPC
≈ estimated
01/10/2023
Hands-on review · daily use and 1080p to 4K tests
Verdict
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 is still a good used buy, though its heat, noise and 10GB of VRAM are drawbacks.
9.0
Javs Tech
≈ estimated
19/05/2023
Hands-on review · 1080p and 1440p game benchmarks
Verdict
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 runs well at 1080p, though demanding games need more tuning at 1440p.
8.0
DannyzReviews
≈ estimated
09/09/2021
Long-term use · one year of daily gaming
Verdict
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 is a fantastic 4K performer that has been stable for a year, but hard to recommend at current prices.
9.0
Hardware Unboxed
≈ estimated
16/09/2020
Hands-on review · benchmarks, power and thermal tests
Verdict
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 offers strong value for its price, though its power draw and limited ray tracing are weak points.
9.5
Digital Foundry
≈ estimated
16/09/2020
Hands-on review · performance, power draw and efficiency tests
Verdict
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 delivers fast 1440p and 4K performance at a good price, with power draw as its only real criticism.
9.5
Techtesters
≈ estimated
16/09/2020
Hands-on review · thermals, noise and case fit tests
Verdict
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 offers fast 4K and 1440p performance and good value, but it needs a 650 W power supply and good case airflow.
9.5
KitGuruTech
≈ estimated
16/09/2020
Hands-on review · benchmarks, ray tracing, overclocking and VRAM
Verdict
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 is a big generational leap, with overclocking and memory offset behavior as its main caveats.
9.0
Paul's Hardware
≈ estimated
16/09/2020
Hands-on review · benchmarks, temperatures and power draw
Verdict
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 is good value compared with the RTX 2080 Ti for its price, though it draws noticeably more power.
8.0
JayzTwoCents
≈ estimated
16/09/2020
Hands-on testing · temperatures, airflow and cooling
Verdict
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 runs cool with good airflow, but a monitor upgrade may offer more value than this card.
9.5
Bitwit
≈ estimated
16/09/2020
Benchmark review · 1080p, 1440p and 4K against RTX 2080 Ti
Verdict
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 offers big 4K and value gains over the RTX 2080 Ti and pairs well with a Ryzen 5 3600.
More graded video reviews (7)
creator’s own scoreestimated by us

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

10
techpowerup.com
✓ explicit
16/09/2020
Performance review · Founders Edition
Verdict
The GeForce RTX 3080 Founders Edition is built for 4K gaming above 60 FPS, with a dual-fan cooler, though it needs a new 12-pin power connector.
9.2
pcgamer.com
✓ explicit
16/09/2020
Launch review · Performance and power
Verdict
The GeForce RTX 3080 Founders Edition is the fastest card available, beating the RTX 2080 Ti, but it needs a high-wattage power supply.
9.0
tomshardware.com
✓ explicit
16/09/2020
Lab test · 4K gaming
Verdict
The Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 is the fastest card for 4K gaming, but it needs a 1440p or 4K monitor and a fast CPU to get the most from it.
8.4
pcgamer.com
✓ explicit
27/01/2021
Hands-on test · Triple-fan cooling
Verdict
The Colorful iGame Advanced OC has a strong triple-fan cooler, but it only matches the Founders Edition with its overclock mode switched on.
9.0
techspot.com
✓ explicit
16/09/2020
Lab test · 14-game benchmarks
Verdict
The Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 is about 70% faster than the RTX 2080 at 4K, but it needs a capable system to keep up.
8.0
theverge.com
✓ explicit
16/09/2020
Hands-on review · 4K gaming
Verdict
The Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 is a quiet, cool card that keeps most games above 60fps at 4K, though it needs a 750W power supply.
9.0
techradar.com
✓ explicit
31/07/2022
Lab test · 4K performance
Verdict
The Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 is a big step up from the RTX 2080 that makes 4K at 60fps practical, but its gains shrink at lower resolutions.
9.0
trustedreviews.com
✓ explicit
16/09/2020
Lab test · 4K ray tracing
Verdict
The Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 is the first card to handle 4K ray tracing at 60fps, but it draws far more power and leaves little room to overclock.
9.0
slashgear.com
✓ explicit
16/09/2020
Hands-on review · Installation and fit
Verdict
The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 is a big but well-built card with a quiet two-fan design, best suited to gamers with a roomy case.
9.0
digitalfoundry.net
≈ estimated
22/02/2021
Lab test · Power efficiency
Verdict
The Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 is the most efficient card tested per frame, but its 320W draw calls for a 750W power supply.
9.5
hothardware.com
✓ explicit
16/09/2020
Architecture deep dive · Ampere GPU
Verdict
The GeForce RTX 3080 is a fast Ampere card with quicker ray tracing and 760GB/s memory bandwidth, suited to demanding games, though its new power plug needs an adapter.
8.0
theverge.com
✓ explicit
16/09/2020
Hands-on test · 4K gaming
Verdict
The GeForce RTX 3080 is a quiet, cool card that hits 60fps or more in nearly every 4K game tested, but it needs a 750W power supply.
6.0
lesnumeriques.com
✓ explicit
17/09/2020
Lab test · Ray tracing and cooling
Verdict
The GeForce RTX 3080 is a strong 4K card with good ray tracing performance, but its hot exhaust warms tower CPU coolers and it needs a well-ventilated case.
9.0
clubic.com
✓ explicit
24/12/2020
Benchmark test · Overclocking
Verdict
The GeForce RTX 3080 is 73% faster than the RTX 2080 at 4K, with better performance per watt, but it lacks NVLink and its adapter looks untidy.
9.0
frandroid.com
✓ explicit
16/09/2020
Hands-on test · 4K benchmarks
Verdict
The GeForce RTX 3080 Founders Edition is a well-built, silent card that finished Blender's six tests in about 4 minutes, against over 7 on the RTX 2080 Ti.
9.0
jide.fr
≈ estimated
24/06/2022
Full review · Heat and noise
Verdict
The GeForce RTX 3080 is aimed at 4K gaming with ray tracing, staying quiet at idle but drawing high power and blowing warm air toward an air-cooled CPU.
9.6
profesionalreview.com
✓ explicit
16/09/2020
Unboxing review · Design and cooling
Verdict
The RTX 3080 Founders Edition is up to 80% faster than the RTX 2080 Super, with a solid build, but it weighs over 1.5 kg and drops NVLink.
9.0
elchapuzasinformatico.com
≈ estimated
16/09/2020
Hands-on review · Noise and heat
Verdict
The RTX 3080 Founders Edition has a sturdy metal design and stays silent at rest, but draws about 420W for the whole system and is hard to take apart.
9.8
geeknetic.es
✓ explicit
16/09/2020
Design review · Cooling and power
Verdict
The RTX 3080 Founders Edition pairs a long heatsink with fans that stay off at rest, but needs a 750W power supply and drops USB-C.
9.0
muycomputer.com
✓ explicit
20/09/2020
Lab test · 4K ray tracing
Verdict
The GeForce RTX 3080 keeps 4K max-settings gaming smooth and nearly triples RTX 2080 speed in ray-traced Control, but it draws heavy power.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080

  • Stellar 4K gaming performance, consistently hitting 60+ FPS in AAA titles
  • Massive generational leap in performance compared to the RTX 2080 and GTX 1080 Ti
  • Excellent value for money when purchased at the original $699 MSRP
  • Highly effective and quiet cooling solution on the Founders Edition model
  • Supports advanced features like DLSS for frame rate boosts and real-time Ray Tracing
  • Sleek, industrial design with high build quality and no visible screws
  • Great for 1440p high-refresh rate gaming with significant headroom

What customers don't like about NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080

  • High power consumption, often requiring a 750W power supply or higher
  • VRAM capacity (10GB) may become a bottleneck for future games at 4K resolution
  • Noticeable coil whine and fan noise reported by some users under heavy load
  • Unattractive and bulky 12-pin power adapter cable included with the card
  • Lack of USB-C / VirtualLink port which was present on previous generation cards
  • Limited overclocking headroom on the Founders Edition model
  • Availability issues and high secondhand pricing during initial launch years

Verdict

The Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 is a high-performance graphics card built on the Ampere architecture (GA102), featuring 8,704 CUDA cores, a base clock of 1.44 GHz, and a boost clock of 1.71 GHz. It comes equipped with 10GB of ultra-fast GDDR6X VRAM on a 320-bit interface, delivering 760 GB/s of bandwidth and 29.7 TFLOPS of processing power. Its main pros include exceptional 4K gaming performance at 60+ FPS, significant improvements in second-generation Ray Tracing and third-generation Tensor Cores (DLSS), and a quiet, efficient cooling system in the Founders Edition. However, its main cons are a high power consumption rated at 320W TGP (requiring at least a 750W PSU), the 10GB of VRAM occasionally being a limitation for heavy 4K textures in modern titles, and the bothersome nature of the required 12-pin power adapter.

Compare NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 with other products in the Graphics cards category

1Product to compare no. 1
VS
2Product to compare no. 2
VS
3Product to compare no. 3 (optional)

Graphic comparison of NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 and other products in the Graphics cards category

No results found