The GeForce RTX 3080 is an enthusiast-class graphics card by NVIDIA, launched on September 1st, 2020. Built on the 8 nm process, and based on the GA102 graphics processor, in its GA102-200-KD-A1 variant, the card supports DirectX 12 Ultimate. This ensures that all modern games will run on GeForce RTX 3080. Additionally, the DirectX 12 Ultimate capability guarantees support for hardware-raytracing, variable-rate shading and more, in upcoming video games. The GA102 graphics processor is a large chip with a die area of 628 mm² and 28,300 million transistors. Unlike the fully unlocked GeForce RTX 3090 Ti, which uses the same GPU but has all 10752 shaders enabled, NVIDIA has disabled some shading units on the GeForce RTX 3080 to reach the product’s target shader count. It features 8704 shading units, 272 texture mapping units, and 96 ROPs. Also included are 272 tensor cores which help improve the speed of machine learning applications. The card also has 68 raytracing acceleration cores. NVIDIA has paired 10 GB GDDR6X memory with the GeForce RTX 3080, which are connected using a 320-bit memory interface. The GPU is operating at a frequency of 1440 MHz, which can be boosted up to 1710 MHz, memory is running at 1188 MHz (19 Gbps effective).
Being a dual-slot card, the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 draws power from 1x 12-pin power connector, with power draw rated at 320 W maximum. Display outputs include: 1x HDMI 2.1, 3x DisplayPort 1.4a. GeForce RTX 3080 is connected to the rest of the system using a PCI-Express 4.0 x16 interface. The card’s dimensions are 285 mm x 112 mm x 40 mm, and it features a dual-slot cooling solution. Its price at launch was 699 US Dollars.
Key Features:
- NVIDIA Ampere Architecture
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- Enhanced CUDA Cores
With 8,704 CUDA cores, the RTX 3080 delivers a significant leap in performance over its predecessors, enabling faster rendering, smoother gameplay, and improved multitasking. - Second-Generation RT Cores
Up to 2x the throughput of first-generation RT Cores, the RTX 3080 brings real-time ray tracing to a new level, offering realistic lighting, reflections, and shadows. - Third-Generation Tensor Cores
The advanced Tensor Cores improve AI-powered features such as Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS), enhancing performance while maintaining image quality.
- Enhanced CUDA Cores
- 10GB GDDR6X Memory
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- High-Speed GDDR6X VRAM
Featuring 10GB of GDDR6X memory, the RTX 3080 ensures fast data transfers and smooth performance for high-resolution gaming and intensive workloads. - 320-Bit Memory Interface
A wide memory bus and high bandwidth ensure seamless handling of large textures, ultra-high-definition video, and complex 3D scenes.
- High-Speed GDDR6X VRAM
- Real-Time Ray Tracing
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- Immersive Visuals
Hardware-accelerated ray tracing delivers lifelike lighting, shadows, and reflections, enhancing immersion in supported games and applications. - Hybrid Rendering
Combines traditional rasterization with real-time ray tracing for an optimal balance of performance and visual fidelity.
- Immersive Visuals
- Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS)
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- AI-Powered Performance Boost
NVIDIA DLSS uses AI to upscale lower-resolution frames, enabling higher frame rates and improved visuals in supported games and applications. - Enhanced 4K Gaming
DLSS allows smoother gameplay at 4K resolutions, making the RTX 3080 a top choice for gamers seeking the ultimate experience.
- AI-Powered Performance Boost
- Exceptional Cooling and Efficiency
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- Advanced Thermal Design
Features an innovative cooling solution with dual-axial fans and improved airflow, ensuring optimal performance even under heavy loads. - Energy Efficiency
The RTX 3080 is built on NVIDIA’s 8nm process, delivering improved performance per watt compared to previous generations.
- Advanced Thermal Design
- Enhanced Connectivity
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- HDMI 2.1
Enables support for 4K at 120Hz and 8K at 60Hz, making the RTX 3080 future-proof for the latest gaming displays and media consumption. - DisplayPort 1.4a
Three DisplayPort outputs allow for multi-monitor setups, supporting resolutions up to 8K. - NVIDIA G-SYNC
Smooth gameplay with reduced tearing and stuttering, particularly on compatible G-SYNC monitors.
- HDMI 2.1
- NVIDIA Studio for Creators
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- Accelerated Workflows
Optimized for creative software, the RTX 3080 accelerates rendering, video editing, and 3D animation in applications like Adobe Premiere Pro, Blender, and DaVinci Resolve. - AI-Driven Productivity
Tensor Cores enhance creative tasks with AI-based tools such as denoising and auto-color correction.
- Accelerated Workflows
Applications:
- Gaming
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- 4K Ultra Gaming
Play the latest AAA titles at 4K resolution with ultra settings and smooth frame rates, thanks to the RTX 3080’s raw power and DLSS support. - High Refresh-Rate Gaming
Ideal for competitive gamers seeking high frame rates at 1440p or 1080p, delivering smooth, lag-free gameplay in esports titles. - VR Gaming
Exceptional performance for virtual reality experiences with ultra-high fidelity and low latency.
- 4K Ultra Gaming
- Content Creation
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- 3D Rendering
Speeds up rendering in software like Blender, Maya, and Cinema 4D, enabling creators to complete complex projects faster. - Video Editing & Post-Production
Handles 4K and 8K video editing workflows with ease, accelerating effects, transitions, and color grading. - Streaming
The dedicated NVIDIA NVENC encoder ensures high-quality streams with minimal impact on gaming performance.
- 3D Rendering
- AI and Machine Learning
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- AI Training and Inference
Tensor Cores accelerate AI workloads, making the RTX 3080 suitable for lightweight AI model training and inference. - Data Analysis
Enables faster processing and visualization of large datasets for scientific research and analytics.
- AI Training and Inference
- Professional Visualization
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- Architectural Visualization
Create photorealistic designs and walkthroughs with real-time ray tracing. - Simulation and Prototyping
Accelerate simulations in engineering and design, such as CAD workflows or fluid dynamics.
- Architectural Visualization
Why Choose the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080?
- Exceptional Performance for Gaming
- With 4K gaming capabilities and ray tracing, the RTX 3080 provides an immersive experience with unparalleled realism and smooth gameplay.
- Versatility for Gamers and Creators
- Balances gaming performance with creative productivity, making it an excellent choice for multitaskers who game and work on the same system.
- Future-Proof Features
- Support for HDMI 2.1, ray tracing, and DLSS ensures the RTX 3080 is ready for next-gen gaming and creative workflows.
- Efficient and Reliable
- Optimized power consumption and advanced cooling solutions provide long-term reliability, even under demanding workloads.
- Broad Ecosystem Support
- Compatible with NVIDIA Studio drivers, RTX-accelerated creative applications, and NVIDIA Reflex for reduced system latency in gaming.