The second most powerful graphics card chip in the new Nvidia RTX 4000 series came onto the market just a month after the top model. The Nvidia GeForce RTX 4080 with 16 GB DDR6X will also be available as an FE edition directly from Nvidia, as well as several custom models from various manufacturers.
They all have in common the 16-pin PCIe power connector (12V Hpwr) introduced with the RTX 4090, which is now also waiting for connection with the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4080.
In benchmarks, the RTX 4080 shows brute gaming performance right between the RTX 3090 Ti and the RTX 4090. In terms of price, however, the new GeForce RTX 4080 is also in between – you should be able to order such a gaming projectile for around 1500 euros (RRP).
Not exactly tiny, but to be expected given Nvidia’s superior performance. As usual, the availability will be a little worse at the beginning and the price will be higher accordingly. In terms of power consumption, the new RTX 4080 is surprisingly frugal and one of the most efficient cards on the market.
The HardwareSchotte editorial team has selected the best recommendations for you from all RTX 4080 models.
The best high-end graphics cards from nVidia
- ASUS ROG Strix GeForce RTX 4080 16GB White OC Edition
- ASUS ROG Strix GeForce RTX 4080 OC 16GB
- MSI GeForce RTX 4080 16GB VENTUS 3X OC
- Gainward GeForce RTX 4080 Phoenix GS
- Gainward GeForce RTX 4080 Phoenix
- Palit GeForce RTX 4080 GamingPro 16GB
Performance benchmarks for Nvidia graphics cards
Which power supply do I need for an RTX 4080?
Despite the enormous gaming performance, the new RTX 4080 consumes surprisingly little. A high-quality power supply with at least 650W, better than 700W, is still mandatory due to the high peak loads to be on the safe side.
For OC models and if the CPU is to be overclocked at the same time, a power supply with at least 750W should be available – ideally with a 16-pin power connector (12V Hpwr) ex works. If not available, this can be solved with an adapter, which, however, has already caused problems for some RTX 4090 buyers.
Where can I get a 16-pin PCIe power connector?
The 16-pin PCIe power adapter (12V Hpwr) ships with all Nvidia Founders Editions, but should also ship with most custom models. The adapters then need 3 x 8-pin power plugs from the power supply. However, we recommend buying a power supply with a 16-pin PCIe power connector directly – especially if you have an older power supply installed.
How does an Nvidia Geforce RTX 4080 compare to an RTX 3080 (Ti)?
Technically, the new Nvidia generation is another milestone. The difference to the predecessor RTX 3080 is correspondingly large. Even an RTX 3080 Ti or RTX 3090 (Ti) is clearly behind the new Nvidia GeForce RTX 4080, which is even much more efficient.
How long is an nVidia RTX 4080?
The new RTX 4080 graphics cards are at least 32 centimeters long. Some models even measure up to 37 cm! So before you buy, check whether the existing case also offers this space for graphics cards. In addition, the weight is up to two kilograms. When transporting the PC, it is better to remove the card before the board is damaged.
But you don’t just have to pay attention to the length of the new RTX 4000 graphics cards. The width also plays an increasingly important role here. Some models with a width of up to 18 centimeters do not easily fit into all PC cases.
Nvidia RTX 4080 or AMD Radeon RX 6900 XTX – which graphics card is better?
Here the competition from AMD looks in the tube. The AMD Radeon RX 6900 XTX averages around 20 percentage points slower in games. AMD currently has absolutely no chance against the new Nvidia GeForce RTX 4080 and 4090, which also cost a lot more.
Nvidia Geforce RTX 4080 vs. RTX 4090 – how big is the difference?
As you can see from our graphics card ranking, the RTX 4090 is almost 15 percentage points faster than the RTX 4080 – with a price difference of almost 500 euros. Anyone who does not need the extra power will certainly be happy with an RTX 4080. Mainly because the power consumption relative to gaming performance is currently unbeatable with the RTX 4080.
Don’t have the right nVidia RTX 4080 graphics card?
