Nvidia RTX 3070 Ti vs RTX 3080 Comparison: Which is Better for You? [Benchmark]

If you can’t make up your mind about whether to get the RTX 3070 Ti or the RTX 3080, we totally understand. After all, both GPUs, while not the latest, still produce fantastic performance when playing modern games. 

In this article, we will walk you through how they differ in terms of specs, performance, price, and power consumption. We will do our best to provide you with the information you need to help you make a purchasing decision. By the end of this article, you should be able to get a better idea of the advantages and disadvantages of these two GPUs. So make sure to read through the end of this article.

Specification Comparison: RTX 3070 Ti vs RTX 3080 

GPU Specifications	RTX 3070 Ti	RTX 3080
Tensor Cores	192	272
RT Cores	48	68
CUDA Cores	6144	8704
Architecture	Ampere	Ampere
Processor Size	8nm	8nm
Boost Clock Speed	1,770 MHz	1710 MHz
Base Clock Speed	1,575 MHz	1440 MHz
VRAM/Memory Size	8GB	10GB
Memory Type	GDDR6X	GDDR6X
TGP/TDP	290 Watts	320 Watts
Recommended PSU Wattage	750 Watts	750 Watts
Maximum Resolution	7680 x 4320	7680 x 4320
MSRP	$599	$699

One of the glaring differences between the two is the number of CUDA cores. The RTX 3070 Ti comes equipped with 6144 CUDA cores, whereas the RTX 3080 has 8704. As you can see there is a difference of 2560 cores between the two GPUs, which is a fairly big jump. Due to this factor alone, it is safe to assume that the RTX 3080 is better in the performance department. Not only that but most tests and benchmarks will agree that it’s the better video card of the two.

Ti vs Non-Ti Graphics Cards

If you’re wondering what “Ti” means in the 3070 Ti model, it stands for “Titanium,” which indicates that the card is a higher-end version of the non-Ti model. Simply put, Ti GPUs are more powerful than their non-Ti counterparts. They typically feature more memory, CUDA cores, and higher clock speeds. So they can handle more demanding tasks, such as running the latest video games at high graphics settings, editing 4K or 8K video footage, and 3D modeling.

But Ti GPUs consume more energy, resulting in higher operating temperatures. So expect the fans to be a bit noisy while doing a graphics-intensive task. Plus, they cost a lot more.

Of course, just because something is labeled as “Ti” doesn’t automatically mean they’re worth buying. The difference in performance from the base model should be significant enough to justify the added cost. 

But take note. Although the 3070 Ti was released months after the 3080, it isn’t meant to be an improvement. Its purpose is to bridge the gap between the 3070 and the 3080.

Performance Difference: RTX 3070 Ti vs RTX 3080 

Both the 3070 Ti and 3080 are based on the same architecture, so there will be a lot of similarities between the two, such as the processor size and memory type. But there are also key differences. Right off the bat, you’ll notice a huge disparity between the number of CUDA cores of the two GPUs. 

But why are CUDA cores so important? They’re mainly used for speedy and efficient parallel computing – and graphics processing needs a ton of complex calculations. So the more CUDA cores a GPU has, the better the images it renders on the screen. Pair that with a big memory size, and you have a winning combination, which the 3080 has both.

Related Article: “RTX 4070 Ti vs RTX 3070 Ti”

Although the 3070 Ti has higher clock speeds, that isn’t enough to compete with the 3080’s massive CUDA core count and bigger memory size. But it does have a lower TDP, meaning its temperature will remain cooler while running an application. It’s a good choice for gamers who want a high-end video card but are unwilling to spend extra dollars on a 3080. But if you want the best overall performance, the 3080 is the clear winner.

Price Difference: RTX 3070 Ti vs RTX 3080 

The 3070 Ti’s MSRP is $599, while the 3080 is $699. Of course, you must also consider the high inflation rate. Moreover, different video card brands price their products differently. For example, a GPU from EVGA will cost more than the same model from Gigabyte. But assuming you can get these GPUs at their MSRP price, both are still quite expensive. 

You might be hesitant to get the 3080. It is, after all, older and more expensive than the 3070 Ti. But its larger memory and higher CUDA core count more than makeup for its price bump. Even with higher clock speeds, the 3070 Ti simply can’t keep up with the 3080 in terms of performance. So coughing up that extra $100 isn’t a bad deal after all.

Power Consumption

Power consumption is another important thing to consider when buying a GPU, as this will tell you how big your power supply should be. The more power your GPU consumes, the bigger your power supply should be. 

The 3070 Ti consumes 290 Watts, while the 3080 has a TGP of 320-350 Watts. It’s really no surprise at all that the 3080 consumes more energy since it’s the more powerful of the two. That’s the price you pay in exchange for power. 

When choosing a power supply, it’s always better to get a PSU with a good power supply rating from a well-known brand than a generic one that could potentially harm your PC. But quality isn’t the only thing you should consider. It doesn’t matter even if you have a high-quality PSU if it produces insufficient power. So you should also know how much wattage you need. 

I highly recommend you get a PSU with 15%-20% extra wattage to ensure the system operates at safe temperatures. This is especially true should there be power spikes during resource-intensive tasks. This way, you get some flexibility while ensuring stable performance.

Benchmark Tests

Check out this video from GamesOracle to see the benchmarks of the two GPUs when used to play different games at 4k.

Is the RTX 3080 Worth it?

The RTX 3080 is the clear winner when it comes to overall performance. It isn’t exactly cheap, even at MSRP. But if you can get it closer to that, this GPU is surely a bang for your buck. Unfortunately, that’s close to impossible these days. While the GPU shortage is over, with the crazy inflation going on and scalpers still doing their thing, the prices aren’t dropping that much. 

If you have the budget and are willing to pay a hefty price for a powerful GPU, then the 3080 won’t disappoint. Of course, the 3070 Ti is still a good option if you want to save a few dollars to get yourself some extra RAM or a good PSU.