Nvidia RTX 3080 Ti – [Comparison, performance, price & more]

Nvidia knows how to make graphics cards for its all-category users and alter the older ones into all-new editions to refresh everything. We had seen many times when Nvidia changed the original card into their better versions, or Founder Edition or Ti variants. For example, the GeForce GTX was a renowned card in its days, but then, it was transformed into the GTX 1080 Ti with everything refined over the original variant. The Nvidia RTX 3080 Ti is altered similarly with better performance, improved specifications, etc. Let’s check it!

RTX 3080, 3080 Ti, and 3090: breakdown here

If we look deep into the RTX 3080 Ti’s compilations, most of the features are pretty much the same as the original RTX 3080 graphics card. But now, the ray tracing, DLSS feature, and driver support are improved to improve the overall graphics performance and support for different games. Other than that, the RTX 3080 Ti has the same graphics processing unit, GA102, as the RTX 3080 and 3090. But, two lesser SMs and half graphics memory than the RTX 3090. For more information, we have added this specifications table. Let’s look at it!

Aspects	RTX 3080	RTX 3080 Ti	RTX 3090
Brand	Nvidia	Nvidia	Nvidia
Series	RTX 30	RTX 30	RTX 30
GPU	GA102	GA102	GA102
Lithography	Samsung 8N	Samsung 8N	Samsung 8N
GPU architecture	Nvidia Ampere	Nvidia Ampere	Nvidia Ampere
SMs	68	80	82
CUDA cores	8704	10240	10496
Tensor cores	272	320	320
RT cores	68	80	82
Memory size	10GB	12GB	24GB
Memory bus	320-bit	384-bit	384-bit
Memory data speed	19 Gb/s	19 Gb/s	19.5 Gb/s
Cache	L1: 128 KB (per SM)L2: 5 MB	L1: 128 KB (per SM)L2: 6 MB	L1: 128 KB (per SM)L2: 6 MB
Base clock (MHz)	1440	1370	1395
Boost clock (MHz)	1710	1665	1695
TDP (watts)	320	350	350
Display connectors	1x HDMI 3x DisplayPort	1x HDMI 3x DisplayPort	1x HDMI 3x DisplayPort

We have deeply analyzed the specifications of all these graphics cards just to get some theoretical performance benchmarks. Remember, we’ll add some practical benchmarks, too, in the next section. Theoretically, the RTX 3080 Ti must be almost 15-20% ahead but 4-5% behind the RTX 3090 in terms of performance. On the other hand, if we look at the power consumption, the RTX 3080 Ti has 350W TDP, which is the same as the RTX 3090 but is packed in the 3080’s cooling hardware. So it may cause some thermal-related issues. 

Performance benchmarks 

The RTX 3080 Ti’s performance is impressive compared to the RTX 3080 and 3090. It beats the 3080 in all tests and performs similarly to the 3090. It has the same speed as the RTX 3090 in most games, even though there is a huge difference in VRAM size. The graphics performance at 1080p and 1440p is pretty much the same but with a difference of only 3-5fps. On the flip side, 4k and 8k are the resolutions where we started noticing some differences. Still, the RTX 3080 Ti is the best recommendation for 4k gaming.

Design, Aesthetics, and Thermals

The design formulae are the same as the 30 series with 50% shrunken PCB, the same aesthetics, and an identical design. As I mentioned, Nvidia has kept the design of the RTX 3080 Ti the same as the original RTX 3080 graphics card. The heatsink is attached to the fan design in push-pull configurations. Moreover, it’s an 11.2-inch 2-slot graphics card perfect for building a high-end gaming PC fitted into a mini-ITX and micro ATX computer case. The thermal design is also the same with the same fans but with a few tweaked fan speeds. 

There are two more GDDR6X chips in the RTX 3080 Ti to give a 2GB rise over the RTX 3080 but in the same hardware. Therefore, it runs hotter with more chips, so the fans’ speed increases giving a bit more noisy utility. The maximum memory temperature can go anywhere from 203-221°F (95-105°C) depending upon what game you’re playing at which settings. So you have to use some thermal pads to normalize the thermal performance, which can breach the graphics card’s warranty unless Nvidia has included its own pads. 

Unlike the previous 30-series graphics cards, the RTX 3080, 3090, and their founder editions come with RGB support. Support you’re an RGB enthusiast having every PC component covered in RGB, including RAM, PC fans, keyboard, mouse, etc. In such a case, this graphics card is perfect for you. You can connect multiple RGB formations with the card plus control their customization with the help of Corsair’s iCue software, which is compatible with 3080, 3080 Ti, and 3090 as well. Take this graphics card, choose RGB, and customize it. 

Price and Availability

When we talk about the availability and price of the RTX 3080 Ti, things get a bit off the road. Although the fact that the graphics card shortage is over, it’s still challenging to find this masterpiece. Maybe this is why the RTX 3080 Ti’s price falls in the pricey segment. The price difference between the 3090 is almost $300 but $500 compared to the 3080, which is a bit higher. Despite so much, getting one from your nearby computer market is challenging but a bit easier if you purchase online; links are also attached at the beginning of this review. 

Final verdict

The Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 Ti is an excellent up-to-date edition to the 30-series family. It is a way better version of the original RTX 3080 but a bit less tier than the RTX 3090 but with similar performance. Overall, you can consider this graphics card as an all-rounder graphics card between the RTX 3080 and 3090. In terms of performance, you can consider it for stable, high-quality 4k resolution while getting 60+ fps and a three-digits refresh rate in most current-era games. But the unusual price point and maybe, thermal mismanagement are some cons.