Quick Answer
The GeForce RTX 3060 Ti and RTX 2080 SUPER offer remarkably similar performance in gaming, often trading places depending on the title and resolution. The key differences lie in their architecture and features; the RTX 3060 Ti is based on a newer generation, offering improved efficiency and support for newer technologies like DLSS 3 in some titles, while the RTX 2080 SUPER was the higher-tier offering of its time.
GeForce RTX 3060 Ti vs GeForce RTX 2080 SUPER: Full Comparison
Introduction
Comparing graphics cards from different generations can be insightful, especially when performance levels are close. The GeForce RTX 3060 Ti, part of NVIDIA’s Ampere (30-series) lineup, and the GeForce RTX 2080 SUPER, a premium card from the previous Turing (20-series) generation, present an interesting case study. This comparison will break down their specifications, gaming performance, feature sets, and efficiency to help clarify their positions relative to each other.
Architecture and Specifications
The core difference between these two GPUs is their underlying architecture. The RTX 3060 Ti utilizes the newer Ampere architecture, while the RTX 2080 SUPER is built on the older Turing architecture. This generational shift brings changes in core design and manufacturing process.
- RTX 3060 Ti: Based on the GA104 GPU, it features 4864 CUDA cores and 8GB of GDDR6 memory on a 256-bit bus. It uses NVIDIA’s 8nm process.
- RTX 2080 SUPER: Based on the TU104 GPU, it features 3072 CUDA cores and 8GB of GDDR6 memory on a 256-bit bus. It was manufactured on a 12nm process.
While the RTX 2080 SUPER has fewer CUDA cores, its cores are part of a different design. The RTX 3060 Ti’s Ampere cores are generally more efficient, which helps it achieve comparable performance despite some specification differences.
Gaming Performance
In real-world gaming, the performance between these two cards is very close, making them largely interchangeable for most titles at common resolutions.
- 1080p & 1440p Gaming: At 1080p and 1440p resolutions, the two cards typically deliver very similar average frame rates. Performance can vary by title, with each card taking a slight lead in different games, but the difference is often within a few percentage points.
- 4K Gaming: At 4K resolution, the performance remains closely matched. The RTX 2080 SUPER can sometimes have a minor advantage in titles that are more dependent on raw memory bandwidth, but the difference is not typically significant.
- Ray Tracing Performance: Both cards support real-time ray tracing. Performance with ray tracing enabled is again quite similar, though the RTX 3060 Ti’s 2nd generation RT Cores can provide a slight efficiency benefit in some scenarios.
Features and Technologies
Both GPUs share a core set of NVIDIA technologies but differ in support for the latest advancements.
- DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling): Both cards support DLSS, a key technology for boosting performance with minimal image quality loss. The RTX 3060 Ti has an advantage with support for DLSS 3 (which includes Frame Generation) in supported titles, a feature not available on the RTX 2080 SUPER.
- Encoder (NVENC): The RTX 3060 Ti features a 7th generation NVENC encoder, while the RTX 2080 SUPER uses a 6th generation encoder. The newer version offers improved efficiency for video streaming and recording.
- Power Efficiency: The Ampere architecture in the RTX 3060 Ti is generally more power-efficient than the Turing architecture in the RTX 2080 SUPER, often delivering its similar performance at a lower typical power draw.
Comparison Table: GeForce RTX 3060 Ti vs RTX 2080 SUPER
| Feature | GeForce RTX 3060 Ti | GeForce RTX 2080 SUPER |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Ampere (GA104) | Turing (TU104) |
| Manufacturing Process | 8nm | 12nm |
| CUDA Cores | 4864 | 3072 |
| VRAM | 8GB GDDR6 | 8GB GDDR6 |
| Memory Bus | 256-bit | 256-bit |
| Ray Tracing Cores | 2nd Generation RT Cores | 1st Generation RT Cores |
| Tensor Cores | 3rd Generation | 2nd Generation |
| DLSS Support | DLSS 2, DLSS 3 (Frame Gen) | DLSS 2 |
| NVENC Encoder | 7th Generation | 6th Generation |
| Typical Board Power (TBP) | 200W | 250W |
| Performance Tier | Upper-Mid Range (30-series) | High-End (20-series) |
FAQ
Is the RTX 3060 Ti more powerful than the RTX 2080 SUPER?
In terms of raw gaming performance, they are very close. The RTX 3060 Ti is not consistently more powerful; instead, they trade blows in different games. The overall performance level is considered equivalent.
What is the main advantage of the RTX 3060 Ti over the RTX 2080 SUPER?
The main advantages are its support for newer features like DLSS 3 Frame Generation in compatible games and generally better power efficiency due to its newer Ampere architecture and manufacturing process.
Does the RTX 2080 SUPER have any advantages?
The RTX 2080 SUPER was positioned as a higher-tier card in its generation. In some specific workloads or older titles that don’t leverage newer architectural improvements, it can occasionally show a slight performance lead, but this is not a universal rule.
For 1440p gaming, which card is typically sufficient?
Both the GeForce RTX 3060 Ti and the RTX 2080 SUPER are generally considered very capable for 1440p gaming, able to deliver high frame rates in most titles at high settings.
Final Thoughts
The GeForce RTX 3060 Ti and RTX 2080 SUPER represent an interesting overlap in performance across two GPU generations. Their gaming capabilities are remarkably similar, making the choice between them less about raw speed and more about other factors. The RTX 3060 Ti benefits from a newer architecture, offering better efficiency and access to the latest software features like DLSS 3. The RTX 2080 SUPER, as a former flagship model, retains strong performance but lacks these specific generational advancements. The decision often comes down to specific feature needs and the context in which each card is available.