RTX 4080 (Super) and RTX 4090 are the two fastest graphics cards from Nvidia. But the RTX 4090 costs around twice as much as the RTX 4080. Is the high price even worth it, or is an RTX 4080 sufficient if I want to play in 4K?
Anyone looking to buy the fastest graphics card in 2024 will either opt for the RTX 4080 (Super) or the RTX 4090, unless they want to go with AMD. If we set AMD aside, there are a total of three high-end models from Nvidia when counting the RTX 4080 and its Super variant separately.
But which model is worth it the most if you want to play? And above all: Is the high price for the “RTX 4090” model really justified? MeinMMO presents both graphics cards in a direct comparison:
RTX 4080 vs. RTX 4090 Overview:
- RTX 4080 vs. RTX 4090: Specs Comparison
- RTX 4080 vs. RTX 4090: Benchmarks, Performance, and Efficiency
- RTX 4080 vs. RTX 4090: Prices and Availability
- RTX 4080 Super vs. RTX 4090: Which one to buy?
RTX 4080 vs. RTX 4090: Specs Comparison
| RTX 4090 | RTX 4080 Super | RTX 4080 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Lovelace | Lovelace | Lovelace |
| Cuda Cores | 16,384 | 10,240 | 9,728 |
| Base Clock | 2,235 MHz | 2,295 MHz | 2,205 MHz |
| Boost Clock | 2,520 MHz | 2,550 MHz | 2,505 MHz |
| VRAM | 24 GB GDDR6X | 16 GB GDDR6X | 16 GB GDDR6X |
| Bandwidth | 1,018 GB/s | 736 | 717.7 GB/s |
| Memory Bus | 384-bit | 256-bit | 256-bit |
| TDP (in Watts) | 450 | 320 | 320 |
| MSRP | 1,769 Euro | 1,329 Euro | 1,109 Euro |
What is the RTX 4090? The RTX 4090 is Nvidia’s currently fastest graphics card for gaming and other applications. Its high performance makes the graphics card particularly popular for AI applications. The graphics card was first released on October 12, 2022.
What is the RTX 4080? The RTX 4080 was formerly Nvidia’s second fastest graphics card until it was replaced by the Super variant. The graphics card was released on November 16, 2022.
What is the RTX 4080 Super? The Super variant is a revision of the RTX 4080. Nvidia has slightly increased the specs of the graphics card but has significantly reduced the MSRP. Currently, both the Super and the normal variant cost about the same.
RTX 4080 vs. RTX 4090: Benchmarks, Performance, and Efficiency
How fast are the RTX 4080 Super and RTX 4090 in comparison? The data in our table is all for 4K gaming. The numbers in parentheses show the performance with DLSS and Frame Generation activated. Frame Generation is only available with the RTX 4000 series. The data in our table comes from ComputerBase and GameStar Tech:
| Game | RTX 4090 | RTX 4080 Super |
|---|---|---|
| Call of Duty: MW2 | 151 (187) | 117 (135) |
| Hogwarts Legacy | 54.1 (64.5) | 41.5 (65.7) |
| Cyberpunk 2077 | 52.6 (87.1) | 39.8 (65.9) |
| Assassin’s Creed Mirage | 104.6 | 88.5 |
Which graphics card is better? The RTX 4090 generally has the edge. Sometimes quite distinctly (Call of Duty) or only slightly (Hogwarts Legacy). Generally, you get significantly more performance and FPS with the RTX 4090. This is not surprising since the graphics card also has considerably better technology installed.
Depending on the game, we are talking about a lead of the RTX 4090, at best, between 30 and 40%. However, as seen in Hogwarts Legacy, the advantage may be almost non-existent.
Which graphics card is more efficient? The RTX 4090 is slightly more efficient than the RTX 4080 Super, as reported by colleagues at GameStar: The RTX 4090 consumes 2.81 watts per FPS, while the RTX 4080 Super consumes only minimally more at 2.89 watts per FPS.
RTX 4080 vs. RTX 4090: Prices and Availability
What are the current prices? Nvidia reduced the prices of its graphics cards in early 2024. Currently, the MSRP for the RTX 4090 is 1,769 euros, and the MSRP for the RTX 4080 (Super) is 1,329 euros. As of now (September 2024), the RTX 4080 is below the MSRP, while the RTX 4090 is significantly above it:
- For the RTX 4080 Super, you currently pay between 1,000 and 1,100 euros. Therefore, it is below Nvidia’s price recommendation.
- For the RTX 4090, you pay at least 1,800 euros, which is more than Nvidia officially recommends.
What is the situation regarding availability? The RTX 4080 Super is generally well available, which is reflected in prices that have decreased slightly over the past few months and are below the MSRP.
The RTX 4090 is somewhat different: due to high demand, especially from data centers and AI systems, the RTX 4090 remains very expensive.
Moreover, some sources report, such as the magazine wccftech, that Nvidia plans to scale down production of the RTX 4090 due to the 5000 series. Thus, prices may go up again.
RTX 4080 Super vs. RTX 4090: Which one to buy?
Which graphics card is worth it for me? The Nvidia RTX 4090 and RTX 4080 are currently the two most powerful graphics cards you can buy for money. And this will only change when AMD and Nvidia release their new graphics cards.
If you have a large budget for your gaming PC or a new graphics card, you don’t need to think long: The RTX 4090 is currently the fastest graphics card you can get. Do you want 4K with 144Hz and ray tracing? Then there is hardly any alternative to the RTX 4090.
On the other hand, there are hardly any games that fully utilize the RTX 4090. Currently, there are no games that require such a powerful card to run, let alone to run well. The significantly cheaper RTX 4080 Super is also completely sufficient. If you only want a fast graphics card, you can also consider the RTX 4080 Super or a graphics card from AMD.
In the end, you always have to ask yourself: Do you absolutely need an RTX 4090, or is an RTX 4080 Super sufficient? And with this question, you either spend 800 euros more or less when buying a graphics card.
Recommendations for graphics cards: Are you looking for the best graphics card for gaming in 2024 or simply a good upgrade for your gaming system? MeinMMO presents the best and most recommended graphics cards for gamers: The best graphics cards in gaming for every budget 2024
