The Nvidia RTX 4080 Super is one of the latest additions to Team Green's lineup, launched at CES 2024 as an upgrade to the standard Nvidia RTX 4080. With enhanced CUDA cores and GDDR6X memory, the RTX 4080 Super aims to be a top-tier contender. However, how does it compare to the flagship RTX 4090? Let’s dive into the comparison of the Nvidia RTX 4080 Super vs RTX 4090.
Quick Overview
While the RTX 4080 Super impresses with faster memory and more CUDA cores than the original RTX 4080, the RTX 4090 stands out with superior specs and raw power. However, the price difference between the two is significant, making the decision between high-end features and affordability a critical one.
RTX 4080 Super vs RTX 4090 Spec Comparison
Comparing the specs of the RTX 4080 Super and RTX 4090 provides a clear picture of their differences. Both models share the Ada Lovelace architecture, 3rd Gen RT cores, 4th Gen Tensor cores, and DLSS 3, but the gap widens significantly as we delve deeper into their specifications.
| Spec | RTX 4080 Super | RTX 4090 |
|---|---|---|
| Shader Cores | Ada Lovelace 52 TFLOPS | Ada Lovelace 83 TFLOPS |
| RT Cores | 3rd Gen 121 RT TFLOPS | 3rd Gen 191 RT TFLOPS |
| Tensor Cores | 4th Gen 836 AI TFLOPS | 4th Gen 1321 AI TFLOPS |
| DLSS | 3 | 3 |
| NV Encoders | AV1 | AV1 |
| Frame Buffer | 16GB GDDR6X | 24GB GDDR6X |
| Average Gaming Power | 246W | 315W |
| Base Clock | 2295MHz | 2235MHz |
| Boost Clock | 2550MHz | 2520MHz |
| Video Playback Power | 22W | 25W |
| Idle Power | 15W | 19W |
| TGP | 320W | 450W |
The RTX 4090's higher power consumption and greater total graphics power (TGP) of 450W highlight its dominance over the RTX 4080 Super. The 4080 Super, though upgraded from its predecessor, shows limited improvements in memory and clock speed, struggling to match the performance leap seen with the 4090.
4080 Super vs 4090 Performance Comparison
While specs are informative, real-world performance is crucial. In our testing, the RTX 4080 Super demonstrated impressive performance, particularly for its price. It handled demanding games like Cyberpunk 2077, achieving 125fps in 1440p and 51fps in 4K without DLSS. Similar results were observed with games like Assassin’s Creed Mirage and Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora, reaching 139fps and 119fps in 1440p, and 95fps in 4K.
For creative applications, the RTX 4080 Super excelled in 3D apps like Blender, outperforming previous Nvidia GPUs and significantly improving productivity in Generative AI applications. However, for maximum performance at the highest resolutions, the RTX 4090 remains unparalleled.
The RTX 4090, described by Nvidia as the “ultimate GeForce GPU,” delivered superior benchmarks. In Cyberpunk 2077, it achieved 135fps in 1440p and 74fps in 4K, surpassing the 4080 Super across the board.
Price Comparison
The RTX 4080 Super is priced at £999, making it an attractive option for many users. In contrast, the RTX 4090 is available for around £1599. This substantial £600 price difference raises a critical question: are the superior features of the RTX 4090 worth the additional cost? This decision ultimately depends on the consumer’s needs and budget.
Conclusion
Choosing between the Nvidia RTX 4080 Super and RTX 4090 depends on balancing performance needs with budget constraints. The 4080 Super offers impressive upgrades and affordability, making it suitable for high-performance gaming and creative tasks. However, for those seeking the pinnacle of performance, the RTX 4090 stands unrivaled, albeit at a higher cost.