The GPU wars are heating up again! If you’re thinking of upgrading or building a new PC, you’ve probably come across the RTX 4070 Super and the RTX 3080. Both are powerful cards, but which one gives you more bang for your buck? We’re diving into performance numbers, value, features, and more to help you decide which GPU deserves a spot in your rig.
TLDR
The RTX 4070 Super has newer tech, better efficiency, and DLSS 3 support. It offers performance close to the RTX 3080, but with lower power draw and a smaller footprint. If you’re building new, the 4070 Super is the smarter buy. If you can grab a 3080 used at a good price, that’s still a solid choice.
Introduction to the Cards
Let’s start with a quick rundown of the two contenders.
- RTX 3080: Released in 2020, based on the Ampere architecture.
- RTX 4070 Super: Released in 2024, using the newer Ada Lovelace architecture.
The 3080 was a big deal when it dropped and still holds up today. But the 4070 Super is more recent and comes with all the latest bells and whistles.
Specs Side by Side
| RTX 4070 Super | RTX 3080 | |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Ada Lovelace | Ampere |
| CUDA Cores | 7168 | 8704 |
| VRAM | 12GB GDDR6X | 10GB GDDR6X |
| Power Draw | 220W | 320W |
| Ray Tracing Cores | 3rd Gen | 2nd Gen |
| DLSS Support | DLSS 3 (Frame Generation) | DLSS 2 |
Gaming Performance
Let’s get to the good stuff: how these GPUs perform in real games.
1080p Gaming
Both cards blow 1080p out of the water. If you’re gaming at this resolution, either GPU will crush it. You’ll see frame rates well beyond 144 FPS in many titles. But if this is your only resolution, you’re probably overspending.
1440p Gaming
This is the sweet spot for both cards.
- The RTX 3080 averages around 110-140 FPS on ultra settings.
- The RTX 4070 Super is right there with it, hitting between 115-145 FPS thanks to architecture improvements.
Not a massive difference, but the 4070 Super does it with less power and temps.
4K Gaming
Now it gets interesting.
- The RTX 3080 pulls ahead slightly in some 4K titles, thanks to its wider memory bandwidth.
- But the RTX 4070 Super catches up fast with DLSS 3 and frame generation—especially in supported titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Flight Simulator.
Ray Tracing + DLSS Performance
Ray tracing is where RTX cards shine. But not all ray tracing is created equal.
- RTX 3080: Does great with DLSS 2 and solid ray tracing performance.
- RTX 4070 Super: Introduces DLSS 3 with frame generation, dramatically boosting frame rates in supported games.
If you plan to play the latest games with ray tracing on, the 4070 Super gives you a smoother experience, thanks to more advanced RT and Tensor cores.
Power Efficiency
One of the 4070 Super’s biggest wins is efficiency.
- Uses about 100 watts less than the RTX 3080 on average.
- Runs cooler and often quieter, especially in small or airflow-limited cases.
This not only saves power but helps your whole system produce less heat.
Future-Proof Features
The 4070 Super is built for the future. It brings:
- AV1 video encoding for streamers and content creators.
- Better support for future DLSS upgrades.
- More optimized drivers for upcoming games.
Even if raw performance is similar today, the 4070 Super might age better.
Price and Value
Let’s talk about your wallet. The money side is where things start to diverge.
MSRP at Launch
- RTX 3080: $699
- RTX 4070 Super: $599
Today, however, actual prices depend on availability.
- RTX 3080 is often found used for <$500 on the secondhand market.
- RTX 4070 Super sells new and regularly priced around $599–$649.
If you’re okay with used gear, you can save serious cash with a 3080. But if you want the latest tech and coverage, the 4070 Super wins on value-per-watt, features, and long-term support.
Size and Case Compatibility
The size difference may impact your choice more than you’d think.
- The RTX 3080 is a chunky card—some versions are massive!
- The RTX 4070 Super tends to be more compact and fits easier into smaller cases.
If you’re going for a small form-factor build, the 4070 Super has a clear edge.
Which Should You Buy?
Still stuck on the fence? Let’s make it simple:
Buy the RTX 4070 Super if:
- You want the latest features like DLSS 3.
- You care about power efficiency and temps.
- You prefer a smaller, quieter system.
- You want new warranty coverage and long-term driver support.
Buy the RTX 3080 if:
- You can find it for a great price used.
- You don’t care much about DLSS 3 or power draw.
- You’re focused on raw 4K performance today.
Final Thoughts
Both GPUs are excellent. The RTX 3080 was a beast in its prime and still delivers killer performance. But the RTX 4070 Super brings smarter design, better features, and more value for new builders.
If you care about future-ready tech, the extra efficiency, and a quieter system, go with the 4070 Super. If budget is your top concern and you find a good deal, the RTX 3080 won’t disappoint either.
Image not found in postmeta
gpu benchmarks, performance charts, gamer’s desk[/ai-img>
No matter which you pick, your PC will be flying. Game on!
