Nvidia’s GeForce RTX 40 series has set new benchmarks in the graphics card industry, with the RTX 4090 and RTX 4080 Super leading the charge. Both GPUs cater to high-end gaming and professional workloads, but they come with distinct differences that can influence purchasing decisions. This comprehensive analysis delves into their specifications, performance metrics, user experiences, and value propositions to help you make an informed choice.SlashGear
Specifications Overview
Understanding the core specifications of these GPUs provides a foundation for evaluating their performance and suitability for various applications.
| Specification | RTX 4080 Super | RTX 4090 |
|---|---|---|
| CUDA Cores | 10,240 | 16,384 |
| VRAM | 16 GB GDDR6X | 24 GB GDDR6X |
| Base Clock Speed | 2.3 GHz | 2.23 GHz |
| Boost Clock Speed | 2.55 GHz | 2.52 GHz |
| Ray Tracing Cores | 80 | 128 |
| Tensor Cores | 320 | 512 |
| Memory Bandwidth | 736 GB/s | 1,008 GB/s |
| TDP (Thermal Design Power) | 320W | 450W |
Source: Technical City
Key Takeaways
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CUDA Cores and VRAM: The RTX 4090 boasts a 60% increase in CUDA cores and 50% more VRAM than the 4080 Super, translating to enhanced parallel processing capabilities and better performance in memory-intensive applications.
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Clock Speeds: Both GPUs have similar clock speeds, ensuring rapid data processing.
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Ray Tracing and Tensor Cores: The higher count in the RTX 4090 offers superior ray tracing and AI-driven tasks.
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Memory Bandwidth: The RTX 4090’s higher bandwidth facilitates faster data transfer between the GPU and VRAM, benefiting high-resolution textures and large datasets.
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Power Consumption: The RTX 4090’s higher TDP requires robust cooling solutions and a powerful PSU, whereas the 4080 Super is more power-efficient.
Performance Benchmarks
Evaluating real-world performance provides insights beyond theoretical specifications. Below are comparative analyses across various scenarios.
Synthetic Benchmarks
Synthetic benchmarks offer standardized metrics to gauge GPU performance under controlled conditions.
| Benchmark | RTX 4080 Super | RTX 4090 | Performance Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3DMark Time Spy Extreme | 13,500 | 17,800 | +31.9% |
| 3DMark Port Royal | 14,200 | 18,900 | +33.1% |
| SPECviewperf 2020 – 3ds Max | 250 | 320 | +28.0% |
Source: Technical City
Gaming Performance
Gaming benchmarks across various resolutions highlight the GPUs’ capabilities in real-world scenarios.YouTube
4K Resolution
| Game | RTX 4080 Super (FPS) | RTX 4090 (FPS) | Performance Gain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cyberpunk 2077 | 55 | 70 | +27.3% |
| Assassin’s Creed Valhalla | 78 | 100 | +28.2% |
| Shadow of the Tomb Raider | 90 | 115 | +27.8% |
1440p Resolution
| Game | RTX 4080 Super (FPS) | RTX 4090 (FPS) | Performance Gain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cyberpunk 2077 | 85 | 110 | +29.4% |
| Assassin’s Creed Valhalla | 120 | 155 | +29.2% |
| Shadow of the Tomb Raider | 130 | 165 | +26.9% |
1080p Resolution
| Game | RTX 4080 Super (FPS) | RTX 4090 (FPS) | Performance Gain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cyberpunk 2077 | 120 | 155 | +29.2% |
| Assassin’s Creed Valhalla | 160 | 200 | +25.0% |
| Shadow of the Tomb Raider | 175 | 220 | +25.7% |
Source: Hardware Times
Ray Tracing Performance
Ray tracing benchmarks assess the GPUs’ abilities to handle complex lighting and shadow effects.
| Game | RTX 4080 Super (FPS) | RTX 4090 (FPS) | Performance Gain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cyberpunk 2077 (RT Ultra) | 35 | 50 | +42.9% |
| Control (RT High) | 60 | 85 | +41.7% |
| Metro Exodus (RT Extreme) | 45 | 65 | +44.4% |
Source: Hardware Times
Power Efficiency and Thermal Performance
Power consumption and thermal management are crucial considerations for system builders.
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RTX 4080 Super: With a TDP of 320W, it offers a balance between performance and power efficiency. Users have reported manageable temperatures with standard cooling solutions.
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RTX 4090: The 450W TDP necessitates robust cooling mechanisms. Enthusiasts have noted higher temperatures, requiring advanced cooling setups to maintain optimal performance.
When comparing the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4080 Super and the RTX 4090, power consumption and thermal performance are critical factors to consider, especially for users concerned about energy efficiency and system cooling requirements.
Power Consumption
The RTX 4090 has a Thermal Design Power (TDP) of 450W, reflecting its enhanced capabilities and consequently higher power requirements. In real-world scenarios, this means the RTX 4090 will generally consume more power, especially under load. exIT Technologies
In contrast, the RTX 4080 Super is designed with a more modest power profile, making it a more energy-efficient option for users who prioritize lower power consumption without significantly compromising performance.
Thermal Performance
The higher power consumption of the RTX 4090 necessitates robust cooling solutions to maintain optimal operating temperatures. Users have reported that the RTX 4090 can run hotter under load, requiring advanced cooling setups to manage the increased heat output effectively.
Conversely, the RTX 4080 Super’s lower power consumption translates to reduced heat generation, allowing for effective cooling with standard air or liquid cooling solutions. This makes it a more suitable choice for builds where thermal management is a concern.
User Experiences
User feedback highlights these differences in power and thermal characteristics:
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On the Linus Tech Tips forum, a user noted that the RTX 4080 Super offers a slight performance improvement over the standard RTX 4080, but still falls short of the RTX 4090’s capabilities. Linus Tech Tips
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Discussions on Reddit suggest that while the RTX 4090 provides superior performance, the RTX 4080 Super offers a more balanced approach between power consumption and performance, making it an attractive option for those mindful of energy usage.
In summary, the RTX 4090 delivers top-tier performance but requires careful consideration of power supply capacity and cooling solutions due to its higher power consumption and heat output. The RTX 4080 Super, while offering slightly lower performance, provides a more energy-efficient and thermally manageable alternative, making it suitable for users seeking a balance between performance and system efficiency.