Best Nvidia RTX 4080 Super graphics card – our top picks

If you’re looking for a GPU built to deliver as much power as possible but can’t quite stretch to the RTX 4090, the RTX 4080 Super is probably your next best bet. So, given that you can be pretty confident that this card is going to perform highly, which specific models should you be considering? There are many nuances between the different variants of a graphics card, and it can be a bit overwhelming to start your search with so many compelling options available. In this article, the hard work has been done for you as we’ve cherry-picked a lineup of the best RTX 4080 Super cards for you to choose from.

We’ve explored some of the RTX 4080 Super cards curated by your favorite brands such as ASUS, MSI, and PNY, weighing in on their strengths and weaknesses to provide a well-rounded overview of each one. With the 4080 Super undercutting the original 4080 in price while having superior specs, it’s certainly a card to consider if you’re looking to upgrade to the latest and greatest Ada card from Nvidia.

How we picked the best RTX 4080 Super model

To select our lineup of variants of this GPU, we first take into consideration our very own RTX 4080 Super review, in which we went all in on key specs, performance benchmarks, and pricing of this impressive GPU. Confidently replacing the original RTX 4080, the lower price and slightly boosted performance of the RTX 4080 Super saw us rewarding the card with a 4/5 overall rating. As with the original, this new refresh is built on the AD103 GPU with 16GB GDDR6X VRAM on a 256-bit memory bus, but you’re now getting a slight bump up in CUDA cores to 10,240 from the first iteration’s 9,728. Our hands-on experience with the 4080 Super served as an excellent basis for selecting which specific models leverage the specs of this GPU the best, and we’ve also found cards that specifically focus on overclocking and multi-monitor support. To read up on our reviewing process, you can find out about how we test GPUs right here.

We’ve awarded the 4080 Super a 4/5 in our review, but in terms of picking the best model, it comes down to looking at the specific nuances offered by different brands, and choosing which one is best tailored to specific use cases. For example, a 4080 Super specifically for overclocking will require a model that offers a higher MHz clock speed for an even faster gaming performance.

Of course, on top of this, we’ll also weigh in on each model’s build quality, cooling efficiency, and aesthetics: these are equally important to consider when you’re paying upwards of $1000 for your new graphics card. We’ve done our background research to make sure these cards have their fair share of features such as Axial-tech fans, RGB lighting, and durable construction, painting an accurate picture of what each model has to offer.

If your budget still isn’t quite stretching to the heights of the RTX 4080 Super, we’ve got you covered with some alternatives in our guides to the best graphics cards in 2024, or you can check out the best AMD GPUs if you’re not loyal to either Team Green or Team Red.

Best Nvidia RTX 4080 Super graphics card – our top picks

The Gigabyte RTX 4080 Super Windforce V2 could be seen as the most balanced 4080 Super currently on the market. Its price isn’t too high compared to other models, coming in at $999, which is reasonable considering you’re getting an absolute beast of a card. With just over 10,000 CUDA cores, 16GB VRAM, and an overclocked speed of 2640 MHz, this Gigabyte 4080 Super has been crafted with the 4K gaming market in mind. Built to make the Ada Lovelace 4K experience slightly more affordable, the DLSS 3, ray tracing, and 4th Generation Tensor Cores give this card a truly commendable gaming prowess that’s only really overshadowed by that of the RTX 4090. Internally, you’re getting the exact Windforce fnas, vapor chamber, and generously oversized heatsink combo that keep a card of this caliber cool even when it’s performing at max.

However, one of the main reasons this specific Gigabyte GPU is here is because of its amazing build quality. It might not be the most aesthetically pleasing to the eye, but the high-quality diecast shroud and aluminum backplate improve airflow as well as being durable. Essentially, you’re future-proofing your system in terms of hardware that is guaranteed to withstand the test of time. Although the building materials are amazing, it has to be said that the Gigabyte model doesn’t rely too much on its looks. That could be a heavy downside for some users who enjoy flashy looks from their GPU. The focus here is more on functionality and performance rather than aesthetic appeal, making it more suitable for those who prioritize substance over style.

If you’re looking for high-end results, and have the high-end budget to splash, the ASUS ROG Strix GeForce RTX 4080 Super White OC Edition should certainly catch your attention. Yes, it comes with a higher price tag of over $1,500, but that’s the price you pay for the ASUS quality, clock speeds, and cooling capabilities of a premium graphics card. In terms of actual specs, this model has the same 10240 CUDA cores, 16GB GDDR6X, and 256-bit memory interface as the previous model, but as an overclocked model, it’s the clock speeds that have improved. This RTX 4080 Super has a boost clock of 2640 MHz, and an overclocked speed of 2670 MHz. For reference, this is actually higher than the ASUS Rog Strix 4090 OC edition, which is also significantly more expensive.

So, in addition to getting second to none clock speeds, you’ve also got the additional features of DLSS 3, 4th Generation Tensor Cores, and 3rd Generation Ray Tracing cores for a gaming performance that’s both speedy and visually striking, thriving in high-resolution gaming and similarly demanding applications. Akin to the Gigabyte model we looked at last, the White OC Edition has a truly commendable thermal performance that will make it sound like your GPU is hardly there (don’t worry, it is.). To thank for this, you’ve got a vented exoskeleton, large Axial-tech fans that spin on ball bearings, and a patented vapor chamber. As is expected with a high-end GPU, it’s been meticulously designed to unleash the full potential of the Ada-powered RTX 4080 Super.

This is the GPU we would recommend for overclockers to get. It’s built to handle intense gaming sessions while maintaining top-notch performance.

The RTX 4080 Super is already a premium GPU, but this specific model goes above and beyond to offer an even more high-end experience than the competition: here’s what the MSI GeForce RTX 4080 Super Expert brings to the table. One of the main benefits of the RTX 4080 Super was the lower of its MSRP to $1,000 from the $1,200 that the RTX 4080 launched at, which essentially ensured that premium custom-design cards, such as the MSI 4080 Super Expert, can be priced similarly to the baseline cost of the original 4080. And premium design it is – the sleek form factor of the 4080 Super Expert is made from aluminum alloy die-cast casing, and the mesh metal cover gives the card a classy yet futuristic feel. Overall, the design was inspired by Nvidia’s Founder Edition card, but it’s a bit more accessible as FE cards can be harder to come by.

On top of this, a sort of running theme with these cards is that they’ve been designed to maximize cooling potential, and the MSI 4080 Super Expert doesn’t disappoint in this area either. The Flow Frozr tech uses a push and pull airflow system, with one set pushing cool air into the heatsink and one pulling hot air away from it and out of the side of the card. It’s a massive perk that the fan has such a unique design, allowing you to enjoy the cooling visually as well as in performance. Obviously, this is a premium card with premium specs and design, but it’s worth noting that, the MSI RTX 4080 Super Expert might only slimly outperform the RTX 4080 when it comes to real-world gaming scenarios, despite having a higher price point.

Finally, we’re wrapping things up by showcasing an original RTX 4080 model, just in case you’re not convinced by the Super cards or like to keep it classic. We’ve chosen the PNY RTX 4080 16GB XLR8 Gaming VERTO for its blend of style and functionality, appealing to those who appreciate both performance and design. It has to be noted, some of the specs do fall short in comparison to the 4080 Super; it’s got 9728 CUDA cores, a base clock speed of 2205 MHz, and with a TDP of 320 W it’s on the power-hungry side too. Its memory speed of 22.4  is impressive, but it lacks in comparison to the Super. Taking these things into account, this is potentially not the best model for intense gaming, but it’s still a quality GPU that will serve you more than well if you’ve got the budget.

As the original Ada GPU, it’s pretty much a given that this card is going to deliver – and not just in performance. Aesthetically, this PNY model has the goods too, with four RGB light strips slotting in between the triple fan setup. Does this justify the price point? We’ll leave that up to you to judge. This is a great GPU for 4k, but we can’t necessarily recommend it based on price alone. At $1,229, it sits just above the MSRP despite the card being out for over a year now.

Features and considerations

With 16GB of GDDR6X memory and a boost clock speed surpassing 2550 MHz, it’s established that the RTX 4080 Super is well-equipped for intensive gaming and creative tasks. But what else is there to consider? Well, when it comes to choosing between specific models, it comes down to the real nitty-gritty, namely size and overclocking potential.

Size

Size and weight are two of the most important things to consider when looking at different models of a specific graphics card. This includes its dimensions, weight, and slot width, as there will be slight variations across different models, meaning some might not even fit into your rig. For example, the MSI 4080 Super Expert comes in at 12.29 x 5.56 x 2.41 inches and 5.5 pounds, whereas the ASUS TUF RTX 4080 Super measures 17.01 x 10.55 x 4.13 inches and 6.5 pounds. Luckily, we’ve taken a look at some of the best cases for RTX 4080 Super, which should narrow down some appropriate cases that can house this hefty card with enough room to spare.

If your GPU is too heavy, it will end up sagging, and hence the ports will disconnect and you might experience performance issues. Luckily, this is easily solvable by investing in an anti-sag brace which will help support some of the weight of your card. However, you’ll be in more of a pickle if your graphics card is too big for your PC case entirely, as you might have to end up exchanging it for one that will fit. Essentially, you’ll want to carefully measure up before you purchase, and this information is readily available across your card manufacturer’s website.

Overlocking potential

If you want to overclock your GPU, diving into the specifics of overclocked speeds is a must. While some GPUs will run at the stock clock speeds, others have been specifically designed with an ‘OC Mode’ that will allow you to reach even higher performance figures. For example, the ASUS ROG Strix GeForce RTX 4080 Super White OC Edition we covered features an OC speed of 2670 MHz, which is far higher than the stock 2550 MHz. If you want to exceed even this, you’re probably more interested in getting the best graphics card in 2024 rather than in settling for anything other than excellence.

It’s worth noting that overclocking potential and overall performance can be better supported when you’ve optimized your system with the best CPU for RTX 4080 Super to avoid any bottlenecks, and of course, the best PSU for the RTX 4080 Super to keep your operations cool and efficient. Otherwise, you’re likely looking at a bottlenecking GPU that’s prone to overheating.

Is 4080 Super better than 4080?

The RTX 4080 Super offers better performance compared to the standard RTX 4080. While the performance leap might not be groundbreaking, it is noticeable enough to make a difference in demanding applications and games. Moreover, the pricing strategy for the 4080 Super makes it even more appealing. It was introduced with a $200 lower MSRP than the RTX 4080, offering enhanced performance at a more accessible price point.

Our verdict

Whether you prioritize cooling efficiency, gaming performance, or aesthetics, this lineup of RTX 4080 Super’s shouldn’t disappoint. The ASUS TUF Gaming model stands out for its balanced performance and build quality, making it an excellent all-rounder and coming in as our overall top pick. However, for overclocking potential, the ASUS ROG Strix GeForce RTX 4080 Super White OC Edition might be a wiser choice. Finally, premium tastes should be satisfied by the MSI 4080 Super Expert, which pulls out all the stops in terms of design and durability. 

If you’re looking for 4090 power without the overkill 4090 price tag, the RTX 4080 Super has swooped in to offer the premium Ada experience at a fraction less than its older alternatives. Even if none of these cards take your fancy, hopefully this article has served as a sufficient starting point for your own individual research.