Is the RTX 4070 Better Than the 3080? Let’s Find Out
Many people assume that the RTX 3080 is still the king of high-performance gaming, but that’s not entirely true anymore. While the 3080 was a powerhouse at launch, newer GPUs like the RTX 4070 have changed the game. With advancements in architecture, power efficiency, and features like DLSS 3, many are wondering: "Should I trade my 3080 for a 4070?"
In this guide, we’ll compare the NVIDIA 3080 vs 4070 to see which one is truly the better option in 2024.
Quick Specs Comparison: RTX 4070 vs 3080
Before diving into real-world performance, let’s break down the core specifications of both GPUs.
Core Specs: RTX 3080 vs RTX 4070
| Feature | RTX 3080 | RTX 4070 |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Ampere (8nm) | Ada Lovelace (5nm) |
| CUDA Cores | 8704 | 5888 |
| Base Clock | 1440 MHz | 1920 MHz |
| Boost Clock | 1710 MHz | 2475 MHz |
| VRAM | 10GB GDDR6X | 12GB GDDR6X |
| Memory Bus | 320-bit | 192-bit |
| TDP (Power Draw) | 320W | 200W |
| DLSS Version | DLSS 2 | DLSS 3 |
At first glance, the RTX 3080 seems like the stronger GPU because it has more CUDA cores and a wider memory bus. However, the RTX 4070 makes up for it with a higher clock speed, improved efficiency, and newer technology.
What’s New in the RTX 4070?
The RTX 4070 is built on NVIDIA’s Ada Lovelace architecture, which is more power-efficient than the older Ampere architecture used in the RTX 3080. This means that even though the RTX 3080 has more raw power, the RTX 4070 delivers better performance per watt.
Other key advantages of the RTX 4070 vs 3080 include:
- DLSS 3 vs DLSS 2: The 4070 comes with DLSS 3, which can boost FPS significantly in supported games.
- Better Ray Tracing Performance: The 4070 handles ray tracing better due to architectural improvements.
- Lower Power Consumption: The RTX 4070 uses just 200W, while the RTX 3080 can hit 320W or more.
How the RTX 3080 Still Holds Up
Even with the RTX 4070's improvements, the RTX 3080 isn’t outdated. Here’s why some people still prefer it:
- More Raw Compute Power: The higher CUDA core count makes it better for tasks like 3D rendering and video editing.
- Wider Memory Bus (320-bit vs 192-bit): This helps in high-resolution gaming and handling large textures.
- Better for 4K Gaming: The RTX 3080 can handle 4K better in games that don’t benefit much from DLSS.
So, when comparing RTX 3080 vs RTX 4070, it’s not just about specs—it’s about how these specs translate into real-world performance.
Gaming Performance: Which One Delivers Better FPS?
1080p, 1440p, and 4K Gaming Benchmarks
When looking at RTX 3080 vs RTX 4070 performance in gaming, resolution plays a big role.
1080p Gaming: RTX 4070 Wins
If you're gaming at 1080p, the RTX 4070 is the better choice because:
- It has higher clock speeds for better frame rates.
- DLSS 3 gives it a massive FPS boost in supported games.
- Lower power consumption means better efficiency.
1440p Gaming: A Close Match
At 1440p, the gap between 4070 vs 3080 is smaller. The RTX 3080 still holds up well, but the 4070's newer tech gives it an edge in newer titles.
Here’s how they compare in popular games:
| Game | RTX 3080 (Avg FPS) | RTX 4070 (Avg FPS) |
|---|---|---|
| Cyberpunk 2077 (Ultra, RT Off) | 85 FPS | 90 FPS |
| Hogwarts Legacy (Ultra, RT On) | 55 FPS | 70 FPS |
| Call of Duty: MW3 | 120 FPS | 130 FPS |
| Starfield (Ultra) | 65 FPS | 70 FPS |
While raw power is close, DLSS 3 makes the RTX 4070 a better long-term option.
4K Gaming: RTX 3080 Still Holds Strong
At 4K resolution, the RTX 3080 is slightly better due to its wider memory bus and higher CUDA core count. However, in games that use DLSS 3, the RTX 4070 can match or beat the 3080 in performance.
If you’re a 4K gamer, the 3080 is still a solid choice, but the 4070 isn’t far behind.
Ray Tracing and DLSS Performance
- RTX 3080: Uses DLSS 2 – Good performance, but lower FPS in ray-traced games.
- RTX 4070: Uses DLSS 3 – AI-generated frames boost FPS significantly, making ray tracing more playable.
For games like Cyberpunk 2077 and Alan Wake 2, the 4070 is a better choice due to DLSS 3.
Best GPU for Competitive Gamers
If you play games like Fortnite, Valorant, or Warzone, frame rates and latency matter more than raw power.
- The RTX 4070's higher clock speed gives it better FPS in esports titles.
- Lower power consumption = less heat = better sustained performance.
- DLSS 3 helps maintain high refresh rates in demanding battle royale games.
Best GPU for AAA Titles
For big games like Cyberpunk 2077, Starfield, and The Witcher 3, the RTX 3080 still holds up well, but the 4070 is better optimized for the latest titles.
If you’re playing games that support DLSS 3, the RTX 4070 is the smarter choice.
Final Thoughts on Gaming Performance
- 1080p and 1440p Gaming? RTX 4070 wins due to DLSS 3 and better efficiency.
- 4K Gaming? The RTX 3080 still has an edge, but only in non-DLSS 3 games.
- Ray Tracing & DLSS? RTX 4070 is the future-proof option.
So, is a 4070 better than a 3080 for gaming? It depends on what games you play and at what resolution.
RTX 4070 vs RTX 3080: Power Efficiency & Gaming Performance Breakdown
Many believe that raw power is everything when choosing a GPU, but that’s not always the case. While the RTX 3080 is a beast in terms of performance, it comes at a cost—higher power consumption and heat output. On the other hand, the RTX 4070 may seem weaker on paper, but thanks to NVIDIA’s Ada Lovelace architecture, it offers better efficiency and advanced features like DLSS 3 that help it keep up with, or even outperform, the RTX 3080 in real-world scenarios.
If you're deciding between the RTX 3080 vs RTX 4070, it's not just about FPS. Power efficiency, cooling, and overall gaming experience matter too. Let’s break it all down.
Power Efficiency & Thermals: Is the RTX 4070 More Power-Efficient?
Power Consumption: RTX 4070 vs 3080
One of the biggest differences between the NVIDIA 3080 vs 4070 is power draw.
| GPU | TDP (Power Draw) | Recommended PSU |
|---|---|---|
| RTX 3080 | 320W | 750W+ |
| RTX 4070 | 200W | 600W+ |
This means:
- The RTX 4070 consumes about 37% less power than the RTX 3080.
- If you’re using a weaker PSU (600W-700W), the 4070 is the safer choice.
- Lower power consumption also means lower electricity bills over time.
If you're wondering, "Should I trade my 3080 for a 4070?", power efficiency is a major reason to consider upgrading.
Cooling & Thermal Performance: Which Runs Cooler?
Higher power draw often means higher temperatures, and this is where the 4070 has a clear advantage.
- RTX 3080 runs hotter: It regularly hits 75-80°C under full load due to its higher TDP.
- RTX 4070 stays cooler: Thanks to Ada Lovelace's efficiency, the 4070 rarely goes above 65-70°C in demanding games.
- Better thermals = longer lifespan. The 4070 puts less stress on your cooling system.
If you’re using an air-cooled setup or have a small PC case, the RTX 4070 is a much cooler and quieter option compared to the RTX 3080.
Power Supply Requirements: Do You Need an Upgrade?
Another thing to consider when choosing between the 4070 vs 3080 is your power supply unit (PSU).
- The RTX 3080 requires at least a 750W PSU for safe operation.
- The RTX 4070 works fine with a 600W PSU, making it a better option for budget or prebuilt systems.
If you're planning a GPU upgrade without upgrading your PSU, the RTX 4070 is the better choice.
Content Creation & Productivity: Which One Is Better for Creators?
Gaming isn’t the only reason people buy GPUs. If you're into video editing, 3D rendering, or AI workloads, choosing the right GPU is just as important. Let's see how the RTX 3080 vs RTX 4070 stack up in creative tasks.
Video Editing & Rendering: Which One Is Faster?
If you’re working with Adobe Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve, or After Effects, you’ll want a GPU that can handle 4K editing, effects rendering, and timeline scrubbing.
- RTX 3080 is better for raw rendering power – More CUDA cores and a wider memory bus make it great for handling large video files and complex timelines.
- RTX 4070 benefits from better efficiency and DLSS 3 acceleration – In supported applications, the 4070’s AI-powered features can speed up rendering times.
3D Rendering & AI Workloads: Is the 4070 or 3080 Better?
For 3D modeling, animation, and AI applications, GPU power is critical.
| Task | RTX 3080 Performance | RTX 4070 Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Blender Rendering | Faster in traditional CUDA workloads | More efficient with AI-based rendering |
| Unreal Engine | Handles large projects well | Benefits from Ada Lovelace optimizations |
| Stable Diffusion (AI) | Good for AI-generated images | Faster due to DLSS 3 and Tensor Core improvements |
- RTX 3080 is better for pure CUDA-based workloads (like traditional Blender rendering).
- RTX 4070 is better for AI-driven tasks (like AI upscaling, Stable Diffusion, and AI-assisted rendering).
NVIDIA Studio Features & CUDA Performance
If you're a creative professional, NVIDIA’s Studio Drivers and CUDA acceleration are important.
- RTX 3080's wider memory bus (320-bit vs 192-bit) is better for large datasets.
- RTX 4070 benefits from newer architecture and improved Tensor Cores for AI-powered workflows.
For general creative work, the RTX 4070 is more efficient, while the RTX 3080 is better for heavy raw processing power.
Final Thoughts: Which One Wins?
- For gaming: The RTX 4070 wins at 1080p and 1440p, but RTX 3080 holds its ground at 4K.
- For power efficiency: The RTX 4070 is the clear winner with 37% lower power draw.
- For thermals & PSU requirements: RTX 4070 runs cooler and requires a smaller PSU.
- For content creation: RTX 3080 is better for raw rendering, but RTX 4070 is stronger in AI and DLSS 3-supported workflows.
So, is a 4070 better than a 3080? It depends on what you need. If you want lower power consumption, better efficiency, and futureproofing, the RTX 4070 is the way to go. But if you prioritize raw performance and don’t mind higher power draw, the RTX 3080 still holds value.
RTX 4070 vs RTX 3080: Pricing, Value & Should You Upgrade?
Many people assume that newer GPUs are always the better deal, but that’s not always true. The RTX 4070 has newer features, better efficiency, and AI-powered tools, but the RTX 3080 still packs more raw power. So, does upgrading to the 4070 make sense? And is the 4070 a better buy than the 3080 in 2024? Let’s break it down.
Price-to-Performance: Which One Offers Better Value?
Retail & Second-Hand Market Prices
The price of both the RTX 3080 vs RTX 4070 varies depending on whether you buy them new or used.
| GPU | Launch Price | Current Price (New) | Used Market Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| RTX 3080 | $699 (2020) | $550-$650 | $400-$500 |
| RTX 4070 | $599 (2023) | $550-$600 | $450-$550 |
- RTX 4070 and RTX 3080 cost nearly the same at retail in early 2024.
- RTX 3080 is cheaper in the used market, making it a budget-friendly choice.
- If you’re buying new, the RTX 4070 offers better long-term value due to newer architecture and efficiency.
Price-to-Performance Breakdown
When comparing 4070 vs 3080, price alone isn’t everything. You need to consider performance per dollar.
| GPU | 1080p Performance (Avg FPS) | 1440p Performance (Avg FPS) | 4K Performance (Avg FPS) |
|---|---|---|---|
| RTX 3080 | ~140 FPS | ~120 FPS | ~75 FPS |
| RTX 4070 | ~145 FPS | ~125 FPS | ~70 FPS |
- At 1080p and 1440p, both GPUs perform similarly, making the RTX 4070 a better value due to efficiency.
- At 4K, the RTX 3080 has a slight advantage because of its wider memory bus (320-bit vs 192-bit).
If you mainly game at 1440p, the RTX 4070 offers a better balance of performance, power efficiency, and futureproofing. But if you game at 4K, the RTX 3080 might still be the better choice.
Should You Upgrade? Who Should Buy the RTX 4070 vs 3080?
Who Should Get the RTX 4070?
If you’re wondering, "Should I trade my 3080 for a 4070?", here’s when it makes sense:
- You want lower power consumption – The 4070 is 37% more efficient.
- You prefer a cooler and quieter system – Runs cooler than the 3080.
- You play at 1080p or 1440p – Performance is nearly identical to the 3080.
- You want DLSS 3 & futureproofing – AI frame generation can boost performance in newer games.
- You have a weaker PSU (600W-700W) – The 4070 needs less power.
Who Should Stick with the RTX 3080?
Upgrading isn’t always the best move. Here’s when keeping your RTX 3080 makes more sense:
- You already have it – If you own a 3080, upgrading to a 4070 isn’t a major performance boost.
- You game at 4K – The 3080’s higher memory bandwidth helps in 4K gaming.
- You do heavy rendering or CUDA-based workloads – The 3080 has more raw power for creative tasks.
- You found a cheap used RTX 3080 – A $400 used 3080 is better value than a new 4070.
Final Verdict: Is the RTX 4070 Better Than the RTX 3080?
It depends on your needs.
- If power efficiency, AI features, and futureproofing matter, the RTX 4070 is the better buy.
- If you want raw performance for 4K gaming or heavy rendering, the RTX 3080 is still a great choice.
If you’re still on a GTX 1080 Ti, RTX 2060, or RTX 3060 Ti, then both the 3080 and 4070 are massive upgrades. But for RTX 3080 owners, upgrading to a 4070 isn’t a huge leap—unless power efficiency is your priority.
RTX 4070 vs RTX 3080: Real-World Gaming Benchmarks & Final Thoughts
A lot of people assume that the RTX 3080 is automatically better than the RTX 4070 just because it’s part of the higher-tier 80-series lineup. But when you look at actual gaming benchmarks, the gap isn’t as big as you might think. In some cases, the RTX 4070 even pulls ahead, thanks to DLSS 3 and better efficiency.
If you're still debating “is a 4070 better than a 3080?”, let's dive into real-world performance numbers across different resolutions and games.
Gaming Benchmarks: How Does the RTX 4070 vs 3080 Compare?
1080p Gaming Performance
At 1080p, both GPUs perform almost identically since games rely more on CPU power at this resolution. The RTX 4070 and RTX 3080 both push high frame rates, but thanks to DLSS 3, the RTX 4070 can deliver even smoother gameplay in supported titles.
| Game | RTX 3080 (Avg FPS) | RTX 4070 (Avg FPS) | DLSS 3 Boost (4070) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Call of Duty: MW3 | 190 FPS | 195 FPS | +15% |
| Cyberpunk 2077 (RT ON) | 85 FPS | 90 FPS | +30% |
| Fortnite | 220 FPS | 230 FPS | +20% |
| Hogwarts Legacy | 120 FPS | 125 FPS | +25% |
- No major difference in traditional rasterized performance at 1080p.
- RTX 4070 pulls ahead in DLSS 3-supported games, offering higher FPS without visual loss.
If you're a competitive gamer playing at high refresh rates (144Hz/240Hz), either GPU will work fine. But if you want extra futureproofing, the 4070 is a smarter pick.
1440p Gaming Performance
At 1440p, things get interesting. This is where most modern GPUs are optimized, and the RTX 4070 and RTX 3080 trade blows depending on the game.
| Game | RTX 3080 (Avg FPS) | RTX 4070 (Avg FPS) | DLSS 3 Boost (4070) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spider-Man Remastered | 110 FPS | 112 FPS | +20% |
| Cyberpunk 2077 (RT ON) | 60 FPS | 65 FPS | +35% |
| Starfield | 75 FPS | 78 FPS | +15% |
| Assassin’s Creed Mirage | 85 FPS | 90 FPS | +20% |
- RTX 4070 is slightly better in newer, DLSS 3-supported games.
- RTX 3080 wins in raw rasterization, but not by much.
For 1440p gaming, both GPUs are excellent choices, but the 4070 offers better efficiency and AI-powered performance boosts.
4K Gaming Performance
At 4K resolution, the RTX 3080 takes the lead in most games. This is because it has more memory bandwidth (320-bit vs. 192-bit), which helps handle higher texture loads and 4K assets.
| Game | RTX 3080 (Avg FPS) | RTX 4070 (Avg FPS) | DLSS 3 Boost (4070) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red Dead Redemption 2 | 55 FPS | 48 FPS | +25% |
| Baldur’s Gate 3 | 70 FPS | 65 FPS | +10% |
| Cyberpunk 2077 (RT ON) | 40 FPS | 35 FPS | +50% |
| The Last of Us Part 1 | 50 FPS | 47 FPS | +18% |
- RTX 3080 has the edge in 4K raw performance, especially in non-DLSS games.
- RTX 4070 struggles slightly due to lower memory bandwidth but can still compete with DLSS 3 support.
If you’re a 4K gamer, the RTX 3080 is still a strong choice, but the RTX 4070 can compensate with AI-driven frame boosts.
Final Thoughts: Which One Should You Get
If you’re deciding between the RTX 3080 vs RTX 4070, here’s the final breakdown:
Get the RTX 4070 if:
✔️ You want better power efficiency & lower heat output.
✔️ You play at 1080p or 1440p and want DLSS 3 support for future games.
✔️ You have a 600W PSU and don’t want to upgrade your power supply.
✔️ You prefer quieter cooling and better overall system efficiency.
✔️ You’re buying new and want the latest tech for long-term use.
Get the RTX 3080 if:
✔️ You game at 4K and need higher memory bandwidth.
✔️ You already own a 750W+ PSU and don’t mind the power consumption.
✔️ You do heavy rendering, CUDA-based workloads, or content creation.
✔️ You found a cheap second-hand RTX 3080 that saves you money.
✔️ You prefer slightly better raw rasterization performance.
Is a 4070 better than a 3080?
It depends on your needs. The RTX 4070 is the better choice for most gamers, especially at 1080p and 1440p, due to DLSS 3, lower power draw, and futureproofing. But if you game at 4K or prioritize raw performance, the RTX 3080 still holds its value.
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