With each new generation of graphics cards, we anticipate advancements in technical specifications and architectural evolution, promising better performance and efficiency. NVIDIA’s GeForce RTX 50 series, powered by the Blackwell architecture, introduces the RTX 5080, a successor to the RTX 4080 from the Ada Lovelace generation.
Both GPUs target the high-end market segment, positioned just below their flagship counterparts, the RTX 5090 and RTX 4090, respectively.
This article explores how these two GPUs compare, focusing on their capabilities for high-performance gaming, 4K resolution, and ray tracing, especially with NVIDIA’s DLSS technology in play.
Main changes between the RTX 5080 and RTX 4080
One significant improvement this time is that NVIDIA avoided the confusion it created during the RTX 4080 launch, where two versions were introduced. The initial lineup included a 16 GB model, which became the true RTX 4080, and a 12 GB model, later rebranded as the RTX 4070 Ti.
Another notable change is the price. NVIDIA claims the RTX 5080 delivers twice the performance (with DLSS) compared to its predecessor while pricing it $200 lower, coming in at $999.
| GeForce RTX 5080 technical specifications | ||
| GPU | RTX 5080 | RTX 4080 |
| CUDA Cores | 10,752 | 9,728 |
| Base and boost clocks | 2.30/2.62 GHz | 2.20/2.50 GHz |
| Memory | 16 GB GDDR 7/256-bit | 16GB GDDR6X/256-bit |
| Memory speed | 30Gbps/960GB/s | 22.4Gbps/716.8GB/s |
| TDP | 360W | 320W |
| Launch price | $999 | $1,199 |
The additional boost in performance can be attributed to advancements in NVIDIA’s architecture and improvements in DLSS 4 technology, particularly the introduction of Multi Frame Generator (MFG). This feature promises up to 8x performance gains compared to games running at native resolution and is exclusive to RTX 50 series GPUs.
This leap is further enabled by the 5th-generation Tensor cores, which power the new DLSS 4 capabilities. The Blackwell GPUs are also equipped with 4th-generation RT cores, providing the RTX 5080 a substantial edge in ray tracing performance.
New generation of video memory
NVIDIA’s latest GPUs introduce GDDR7 memory technology, delivering a significant boost in speed with an impressive 960 TB/s of bandwidth—a 34% increase over the GDDR6X memory found in the RTX 4080. This upgrade translates to enhanced performance for both gaming and content creation. However, it’s worth noting that the memory capacity remains at 16 GB.
| Other aspects of the RTX 5080 | ||
| GPU | RTX 5080 | RTX 4080 |
| DLSS 4 (MFG) | Yes | No |
| Reflex 2 | Yes | No (initially) |
| Slots (reference model) | 2 | 3 |
The advancements brought by NVIDIA’s Blackwell architecture come with a trade-off: increased power consumption. The RTX 5080 has a 40W higher TDP than its predecessor, reaching 360W. As a result, NVIDIA recommends using an 850W power supply to support this GPU.
On the bright side, compact design enthusiasts will appreciate that the Founders Edition reference model and specific partner designs occupy just 2 slots, compared to the 3-slot design of the RTX 4080.
Additionally, the RTX 5080 features expected upgrades in technical specifications, including more CUDA cores, TMUs, ROPs, and improvements in Pixel Rate, among other enhancements.
