They are closely matched: Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 scores 73/100 and Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 scores 72/100 in our overall comparison — within 1 point. Neither is a clear winner overall, so the decision comes down to the specific features and price that matter most to you.
Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 vs Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080
Verdict
Our overall take, at a glance
Key takeaways
- Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 and Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 are closely matched overall (within 1 point).
- Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 stands out on Core Specifications Base Power: 320 W, Core Specifications Maximum Power: 420 W, Memory Bandwidth: 760 GB/s.
- Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 counters with Core Specifications Lithography Process: 5 nm, Memory Capacity: 12 GB.
- Best value: Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 (from $599) — the strongest score-per-dollar of the two.
Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 and Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 are closely matched
Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080
69
Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070
68
Where Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 stands out
- Core Specifications Base Power: 320 W
- Core Specifications Maximum Power: 420 W
- Memory Bandwidth: 760 GB/s
Where Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 stands out
- Core Specifications Lithography Process: 5 nm
- Memory Capacity: 12 GB
In-depth analysisAI
AI-generated from the cited sources — may be incomplete or inaccurate; verify important details before deciding · generated Jun 2026.
Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070
The RTX 4070 is an intermediate-tier graphics card from Nvidia designed for modern gaming and content creation. It leverages up-to-date architectural features to provide strong performance in demanding applications. This product is suited for users seeking a good balance between high-end visual capability and system cost.
Best for High Refresh Rate GamingBest for Content CreationBest for Professional Workstations (Mid-Tier)
Pros
- Offers advanced processing capabilities, including support for real-time ray tracing.
- Designed with modern architecture, enabling optimized performance across gaming and AI tasks.
- Supports specialized features like AI-enhanced content tools (e.g., NVIDIA Broadcast, RTX Remix) for creators.
Cons
- Does not occupy the highest tier of modern graphics cards, placing it in a solid mid-to-high range category.
- Visual computing is tied to specific GPU generations and power requirements.
Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080
The GeForce RTX 3080 is a GPU from the Nvidia RTX series, based on the Ampere architecture. It was part of a lineup that included various models for different performance tiers. It features Nvidia's second-generation ray tracing (RT) cores and third-generation Tensor Cores.
Best for High-end computing
Pros
- Was available in both 10GB and 12GB versions
- Supports Direct3D, OpenGL, Vulkan, and OpenCL APIs
Cons
- The latest drivers require at least Windows 10
Value for Money
Which is the better deal for the price
Pre-filled with launch prices where known — enter today's price for an up-to-date check. Use the same currency for both.
Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070
Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080
Performance
Higher benchmark score = faster
Nvidia GeForce RTX 407022,684
Nvidia GeForce RTX 308024,400
Benchmark score — a measured indicator of raw performance, not a guarantee of real-world speed.
Review Videos
Hand-picked expert reviews for each product
Detailed Specifications
The full spec sheet, side by side
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 vs Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 comparison
Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 and Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 are compared side by side above across every spec in the gpus category — including performance, features and design — each scored 0–100 so you can see exactly where one leads the other. Our overall scores are 73/100 for Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 and 72/100 for Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080.
At launch, Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 was the more affordable option ($599) versus Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 ($699). Weigh that against the overall scores (73/100 vs 72/100) and the value-for-money meter above to judge whether the higher-rated model justifies its price for your needs. Current retail prices vary — check the retailer.
It's close — Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 (73/100) and Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 (72/100) score almost the same. Pick based on price and the individual specs that matter most to you; the comparison above shows where each one pulls ahead.