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RTX 4060 Ti vs RTX 3080 – which should you go for?

The RTX 4060 Ti is certainly a powerhouse, but will it compare to the RTX 3080
Last Updated on March 8, 2024
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The RTX 4060 Ti is here and offers some seriously impressive generational improvements over its predecessor, but how does it stack up against the RTX 3080? That’s what we’re here to find out. For more, we recommend checking out our dedicated RTX 4060 Ti review.

This article is all about addressing the rumor mill and putting these forthcoming specs to the test against the established powerhouse – the RTX 3080. While it’s no RTX 3080 Ti, the previous graphics card, with its high performance and robust capabilities, has been a key player in the gaming and professional graphics scene alongside competitors from AMD. But how might it compare to the potential of the RTX 4060 Ti? As we dive into this comparison, we’ll seek to uncover which Nvidia GeForce RTX card comes out on top in the RTX 4060 Ti vs RTX 3080 bout. 

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RTX 4060 Ti vs RTX 3080: Specs Comparison

The comparison between the anticipated RTX 4060 Ti and the formidable RTX 3080 offers an intriguing look into the distinct strategies and priorities of these two GPUs. Both support Vulkan, have good gbps and are a great match for any powerful CPU, but there are some key differences to each chip.

Initially, we examine the cores. The RTX 4060 Ti, with previous rumors proving true at 4352 cores, presents an impressive figure. However, when contrasted with the RTX 3080’s substantial count of 8704 cores, it becomes clear that the latter boasts an dynamic boost in this respect and may well be the ultimate winner in numbers alone.

SpecsRTX 4060 TiRTX 3080
Architecture AD106GA102
CUDA Cores4352    8704
Tensor Cores353280
Texture Units160      272
Raytracing Cores32        68
Base Clock2310 MHz       1440 MHz       
Boost Clock2535 MHz       1710 MHz       
Memory8 GB GDDR6 10 GB GDDR6X         
Memory Interface128-bit320-bit
TDP160W  320W
Price$450 (estimated)         $699
RTX 4060 Ti vs RTX 3080 specs Comparison

Clock speed presents a more favorable story for the 4060 Ti. It has a base clock of 2310 MHz and a boost clock of 2535 MHz, outpacing the RTX 3080’s 1440 MHz base clock and 1710 MHz boost clock. This hastens frame generation and minimizes latency

The memory configuration also warrants attention. While the RTX 4060 Ti is slated to come with 8GB GDDR6 memory, the RTX 3080 offers a greater 10GB of the faster GDDR6X memory, thus promising a higher bandwidth and potentially even better frame rates.

Yet, the RTX 4060 Ti strikes back in the realm of power efficiency. It will have a significantly lower TDP of 160W compared to the RTX 3080’s 320W. This efficiency factor should be a significant draw for those seeking a balance between performance and energy consumption.

RTX 4060 Ti vs RTX 3080: Price

The pricing strategy of the RTX 4060 Ti is quite interesting when compared to the RTX 3080. The RTX 4060 Ti, which will sport a price of $399 for the 8GB model and $499 for the 16GB model, seems to be aiming for a more budget-conscious segment of the market than the RTX 3080, which was introduced at a heftier $699.

Given that the RTX 4060 Ti will support the latest Ray Tracing 3.0 and DLSS 3.0 technologies, this could represent a significant value proposition for gamers. For individuals keen on experiencing these next-gen features but are wary of the RTX 3080’s price, the RTX 4060 Ti could emerge as an appealing alternative.

RTX 4060 Ti vs RTX 3080: Performance

The performance battle between the RTX 4060 Ti and the RTX 3080 is set to be an intriguing one. The RTX 3080, with its substantial hardware, has certainly set a high bar. However, the RTX 4060 Ti, armed with the latest DLSS 3.0 technology and a newer Ada Lovelace architecture, is poised to challenge the status quo.

DLSS 3.0 has proven to be a game-changer, delivering a substantial performance boost in compatible games without requiring top-of-the-line hardware. This is where the advanced cores of the RTX 4060 Ti can flex their muscles, allowing for better frames per second at a higher resolution. Although we expect the RTX 3080 to perform better than the 4060 Ti, on an overall basis, DLSS and ray tracing will come in very handy once more games start using this feature. At those exact opportunities, the RTX 4060 Ti might give a better battle against the powerhouse 3080.

RTX 4060 Ti vs RTX 3080: Final thoughts

The upcoming RTX 4060 Ti faces a formidable opponent in the RTX 3080, which is a higher-tier GPU known for its robust performance. Nevertheless, the RTX 4060 Ti isn’t a GPU to underestimate. Despite the challenges, its newer architecture, DLSS 3.0 compatibility, and Ray Tracing 3.0 capabilities will likely bring it close to the performance level of the RTX 3080. Although the RTX 4060 Ti might not surpass the RTX 3080 in every respect, it is expected to be a competitive contender that offers compelling value, especially for those seeking an upgrade within a reasonable budget.

FAQ

What is the difference between the 4060 Ti and the 3080?

The key differences between the RTX 4060 Ti and the RTX 3080 lie in their architecture, core counts, and power consumption. The RTX 3080, part of Nvidia’s older generation, boasts higher tensor core counts and power but also consumes significantly more power. On the other hand, the RTX 4060 Ti, though having fewer cores, benefits from a newer architecture, DLSS 3.0 and Ray Tracing 3.0, which could help it deliver close performance to the RTX 3080 while consuming less power.

Now Read: Where to buy RTX 4060 Ti and expected retailers

Camilo is a contributor for PC Guide. He's been into tech since he was a teen, surfing through the web and local stores trying to find the cheapest way to play the latest Half-Life on his old Windows