Have you ever wondered what’s the reason behind the crystal-clear visual display that modern and cutting-edge smart devices sport? We are so used to animations, static images, and videos that we take them for granted. As a result, only a few of us are aware of the function of a graphics card or GPU. It is this card that processes data and sends signals to the computer screen to show what we want to watch on the monitor.
How is it then possible that many of us have been continuously using our computer systems without any graphics card? You might be amused to find out that there is an integrated graphics processing unit (GPU) in computer systems that controls the function. Therefore, there is usually no need for any additional card. However, where the data processing requirements are high, such as during gaming sessions, the built-in GPU alone is not able to meet the needs. Under such circumstances, a discrete graphics card must be added along with the integrated graphical processing unit.
The answer to why certain images appear more refined, polished and clear, again lies in the quality of the graphics card used.
This brings us to the question: which graphics card is the best? Let us inform you that the Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 is considered to be one of the fastest graphics cards available these days. In fact, when it was launched, it gave tough competition to RTX 2080 Ti, and quickly took over its market, thus making the latter obsolete.
This is a massive success for Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 as it is not easy to beat an already established market leader that previously held the title of “fastest graphics card”. Furthermore, RTX 3080 provides far better performance at a comparatively lower price. You might be shocked to know that when it was released, it was priced at $699 whereas the pre-existing RTX 2080’s highest performing variant was being sold at a retail price of $1200.
RTX 3080 is also said to have paved the way for the development of Nvidia Ampere. It would not be wrong to say that it is the flagship product for the new generation of graphics cards. However, rumors have been circulating that RTX 3080 may see a fate similar to its predecessor if it loses its value in the face of competition against the improved Nvidia Ampere series. Though, the founding company has disregarded all such rumors and claimed that Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 will continue to be one of its star products, irrespective of the fact that GeForce RTX 3090 is on its way. The reason being that even though RTX 3090 is expected to have superior specifications, it is too advanced for normal, everyday use and, at a price of $1500, is likely to be affordable for those individuals with an extra-ordinary bank balance.
RTX 3080 on the other hand, is more practical as well as affordable, hence would probably remain to be the popular choice amongst the masses.
In view of the above, we bring to you an honest review of the Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 graphics card. You can read about its pros and cons and make a more informed decision.
Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 Specifications
One of the most important specs of this graphics card is its extremely high number of CUDA cores. Not only are they present in a much greater number as compared to prior Turing generation, but upon its launch, experts claimed that there were more cores present in Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 than they had expected.
It comes with GA 102 GPU. Interestingly, this is also the chip that is being used in the upcoming version of graphics card (RTX 3090). This advanced chip has a capacity of 10,752 CUDA cores. Though only 8,704 of them have been supported or activated in this version, it is still a remarkable improvement over the 3072 CUDA cores present in the RTX 2080.
The design of Samsung 8N has been used as an inspiration while building the GeForce RTX 3080 GPU. Generally, 628.4mm2 die size with a production node of 8nm is its actual size, which if put into perspective, is way smaller than the 754mm2 Turing chip. However, it does come with around 10 billion additional transistors. If compared with TU104, the chip used is bigger but has the capacity that is equal to the RTX2080 graphics card.
Many comparative reviews have highlighted the fact that the performance of RTX 3080 GPU is slower than that of RTX 2080 Super. This may leave you confused about the speed if you were considering a purchase. However, we honestly found the speed to be more or less similar to the previous generation Turing cards, with 1800MHz being the standard. Besides, the Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 has a better memory bandwidth than the Turing card. Its memory bandwidth is said to be 23% greater than 2080 Ti and 70% more than the RTX 2080.
In order to be able to use this card, you would probably need a high-performance PSU because RTX 3080 may require more power depending on demand of the game being played. The minimum suggested PSU by the founding company is 750W. However, if you have a more advanced CPU, its power drawing requirements may be significantly higher. For example, the core i9 10900K would need at least 850W to run.
What makes the 3080 perform so well under high power is its built-in cooling mechanism. It consists of a network of tiny vapor chambers that disperse the heat coming from the surrounding leads. This allows the card to carry out its function at an optimal speed without being affected by high temperatures.
What is surprising, and also a tad bit confusing is the fact that while RTX 3080 comes with features superior to RTX 2080 Ti, it has a slightly lower memory buffer of 10 GB, as compared to the 11GB for 2080 Ti. This is one element we didn’t quite understand. Though this is not a major problem, or something that would affect the efficiency of the graphics card, the fact that gamers may prefer to opt for a graphics card with a bigger, rather than a smaller memory buffer.
Nonetheless, we would give this card the credit for supporting 4K gaming. Let’s admit that along with filling the performance gap, it has presented the majority of the gamers with an option to download and run their favorite 4K games on PCs, at a very affordable price. We bet that gaming fans would love Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080.
Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 Architecture
Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 Benchmarks and Performance
Verdict
By this time, you would probably have understood our verdict on Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080. If someone were to ask our opinion regarding purchasing it, our response would definitely be encouraging. We do not see it as merely a reflection of the upcoming generations of Ampere graphics cards. We have been greatly impressed by its new design and the built-in cooling mechanism. The only drawback is the high-power requirements. This may leave some of the potential buyers in confusion. It is also the weak point that competitors are most likely to target. However, with no equivalent alternative available, they have very few chances to be able to hold back a passionate gamer from purchasing this graphics card. One of the reasons RTX 3080 has taken the market by storm – is the magnitude of change and improvements it has brought as compared to Nvidia`s last generation. Previously, there were only slight improvements between consecutive generations such as GTX 1080 Ti and RTX 2080. Many believe that the emergence of competitors such as AMD pushed Nvidia to its limits to out-do them. Competition is on the rise in the GPU segment. This means we might as well prepare ourselves for more ground-breaking product launches by Nvidia. RTX 3080 is the perfect example of a productive outcome from healthy competition. We have discussed all the reasons that may influence your decision to buy a Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080. However, it is important not to join the rat race purposelessly. Following are the situations when you need not invest in this graphics card:-
Low-resolution Games
-
Budget Constraints