Quick Answer
The GeForce RTX 3070 and RTX 2080 SUPER are graphics cards from different NVIDIA generations. The RTX 3070, based on the newer Ampere architecture, generally offers performance that is comparable to or slightly exceeds the previous-generation RTX 2080 SUPER. The key differences lie in their architecture, power efficiency, and feature support.
GeForce RTX 3070 vs GeForce RTX 2080 SUPER: Full Comparison
Introduction
Comparing graphics cards from successive generations can be insightful for users considering an upgrade or evaluating different market segments. The GeForce RTX 3070 and the GeForce RTX 2080 SUPER represent a significant shift in NVIDIA’s GPU technology. This analysis will detail their specifications, architectural differences, gaming performance, and feature sets to provide a clear understanding of how these two cards relate to each other.
Architecture and Specifications
The core difference between these GPUs is their underlying architecture. The RTX 2080 SUPER is built on NVIDIA’s Turing architecture, while the RTX 3070 utilizes the newer Ampere architecture. This generational leap brings changes to core counts, manufacturing process, and efficiency.
- RTX 3070 (Ampere): Features 5888 CUDA cores and utilizes an 8nm manufacturing process. It comes with 8GB of GDDR6 memory on a 256-bit bus.
- RTX 2080 SUPER (Turing): Equipped with 3072 CUDA cores and built on a 12nm process. It has 8GB of GDDR6 memory but on a wider 256-bit bus with slightly higher memory bandwidth.
Despite having less memory bandwidth on paper, the RTX 3070’s architectural improvements often allow it to compensate effectively in many scenarios.
Gaming Performance
In terms of raw rasterization performance for traditional gaming, the two cards are typically very close. The outcome can vary depending on the game title, resolution, and graphical settings used.
- 1080p & 1440p Gaming: The RTX 3070 often shows a slight lead in average frame rates across many titles, though the difference is usually within a small margin.
- 4K Gaming: Performance is generally quite similar. The RTX 2080 SUPER’s higher memory bandwidth can be beneficial in some 4K scenarios, but the RTX 3070’s architectural efficiency frequently keeps pace.
- Ray Tracing & DLSS: Both cards support real-time ray tracing and DLSS. The RTX 3070’s 2nd generation RT Cores and 3rd generation Tensor Cores typically provide better performance in ray-traced games, especially when DLSS is enabled.
Power, Thermals, and Features
This area highlights some of the more practical differences between the two generations.
- Power Consumption: The RTX 3070 has a lower typical Total Graphics Power (TGP) rating, making it generally more power-efficient than the RTX 2080 SUPER.
- Thermals and Cooling: Thermal performance is largely dependent on the specific card design from the board partner. Both GPUs can run cool and quiet with adequate cooling solutions.
- Feature Support: The RTX 3070 supports newer features like HDMI 2.1, which allows for 4K at 120Hz on compatible displays, and benefits from broader driver optimizations for its Ampere architecture.
Comparison Table
| Feature | GeForce RTX 3070 | GeForce RTX 2080 SUPER |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Ampere | Turing |
| Manufacturing Process | 8nm | 12nm |
| CUDA Cores | 5888 | 3072 |
| VRAM | 8 GB GDDR6 | 8 GB GDDR6 |
| Memory Bus | 256-bit | 256-bit |
| Memory Bandwidth | 448 GB/s | 496 GB/s |
| Ray Tracing Cores | 2nd Gen RT Cores | 1st Gen RT Cores |
| Tensor Cores | 3rd Gen Tensor Cores | 2nd Gen Tensor Cores |
| Typical TGP | 220W | 250W |
| HDMI Output | HDMI 2.1 | HDMI 2.0b |
| PCIe Interface | PCIe 4.0 | PCIe 3.0 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the main difference between the RTX 3070 and RTX 2080 SUPER?
The primary difference is the GPU architecture. The RTX 3070 uses the newer Ampere architecture, which generally offers better performance per watt and improved ray tracing capabilities compared to the Turing architecture in the RTX 2080 SUPER.
Is the RTX 3070 faster than the RTX 2080 SUPER?
In most gaming benchmarks, the RTX 3070 typically performs at a level that is similar to or slightly better than the RTX 2080 SUPER, particularly when newer features like DLSS are utilized.
Which card is better for ray tracing?
The RTX 3070, with its 2nd generation RT Cores, generally handles ray tracing workloads more efficiently than the RTX 2080 SUPER, often resulting in higher performance in games with intensive ray tracing effects.
Do both cards have the same amount of VRAM?
Yes, both graphics cards are equipped with 8GB of GDDR6 memory. However, the memory subsystem, including bandwidth and supported technologies, differs between the two architectures.
Final Thoughts
The GeForce RTX 3070 and RTX 2080 SUPER offer a fascinating look at generational progress. The RTX 3070 leverages its modern Ampere architecture to deliver performance that meets or exceeds the previous high-end RTX 2080 SUPER, often with greater power efficiency and enhanced support for newer technologies like HDMI 2.1 and refined ray tracing. The RTX 2080 SUPER remains a capable card, particularly in scenarios where its memory bandwidth can be fully utilized. The choice between them often depends on specific use cases, system compatibility, and the value placed on newer architectural features versus established performance.