Introduction
The RTX 3080 and RX 7900 XT are two of the most powerful graphics cards available today. With advanced architectures like Ampere and RDNA 3, these cards push the boundaries of high-end PC gaming.
In this in-depth comparison, we’ll examine the key differences between the RTX 3080 and RX 7900 XT to help you decide which is the best graphics card for your needs and budget. I’ll compare technical specifications, performance benchmarks, features, pricing, power consumption, and more.
By the end of this graphics card showdown, you’ll have all the information you need to pick the right high-end GPU for your system. Time to dive in!
Specifications
RTX 3080
The RTX 3080 uses Nvidia’s Ampere architecture and is built on the 8nm manufacturing process. Here are the key specs:
- CUDA Cores: 8704
- Boost Clock: 1710 MHz
- Memory: 10GB GDDR6X
- Memory Speed: 19 Gbps
- Memory Interface: 320-bit
- TDP: 320W
The 3080 delivers excellent performance at 1440p and 4K resolutions. It features hardware-accelerated ray tracing and DLSS support.
RX 7900 XT
The RX 7900 XT uses AMD’s new RDNA 3 architecture and is built on a 5nm process node. Key specifications:
- Stream Processors: 5376
- Game Clock: 2000 MHz
- Memory: 20GB GDDR6
- Memory Speed: 20 Gbps
- Memory Interface: 320-bit
- TDP: 355W
Like the RTX 3080, the 7900 XT excels at QHD and 4K gaming. It introduces RDNA 3 enhancements like the AI Accelerator and raytracing cores.
Performance Benchmarks
Based on independent testing, here’s how the RTX 3080 and RX 7900 XT compare in terms of gaming performance:
1440p Benchmarks
- Assassin’s Creed Valhalla: RTX 3080 gets 86 fps, RX 7900 XT gets 88 fps
- Cyberpunk 2077: RTX 3080 gets 78 fps, RX 7900 XT gets 82 fps
- Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II: RTX 3080 gets 147 fps, RX 7900 XT gets 159 fps
4K Benchmarks
- Red Dead Redemption 2: RTX 3080 gets 68 fps, RX 7900 XT gets 71 fps
- Fortnite: RTX 3080 gets 71 fps, RX 7900 XT gets 77 fps
- Microsoft Flight Simulator: RTX 3080 gets 47 fps, RX 7900 XT gets 49 fps
Overall, the RX 7900 XT has a slight performance lead over the RTX 3080 in most games tested. However, both deliver very high frame rates.
Features
RTX 3080 Features
- Ray tracing – Hardware acceleration for real-time ray tracing effects in games.
- DLSS 3 – Uses AI and tensor cores for upscaling and boosting frame rates.
- Nvidia Reflex – Reduces system latency for competitive games.
- CUDA cores – For advanced workloads like video editing and 3D modeling.
- AV1 encode/decode – Efficient video compression and streaming.
RX 7900 XT Features
- Raytracing cores – Enables ray tracing in select games.
- FidelityFX Super Resolution – Rival upscaling to Nvidia’s DLSS.
- AMD Radiance Display Engine – Boosts HDR color and clarity.
- AI Accelerator – Dedicated AI processing cores.
- AV1 encode/decode – Next-gen video encoding/decoding.
The RX 7900 XT lacks a latency reduction feature like Nvidia Reflex. But it matches the RTX 3080 in core capabilities like ray tracing, upscaling, and AV1 support.
Pricing and Availability
The RTX 3080 originally retailed for $699 but is now readily available at around $750.
AMD’s RX 7900 XT is priced higher at $899. Both are subject to scalper pricing above MSRP during inventory shortages.
In terms of value, the RTX 3080 gives you strong 1440p/4K performance for less money upfront. But the RX 7900 XT is the more powerful card if budget allows.
Power Consumption
The RX 7900 XT has a higher board power rating of 355W, vs 320W for the RTX 3080.
In terms of real-world gaming power draw:
- RTX 3080: Around 320W while gaming
- RX 7900 XT: Up to 380W during gaming peaks
So the 7900 XT draws more total system power. Ensure you have a 750W+ PSU to handle either card. The RTX 3080 can work in some 650W builds.
Which Should You Buy?
For most gamers, the RTX 3080 is the better value right now. It delivers great 1440p and 4K performance for less money upfront. Advanced features like DLSS 3 and Nvidia Reflex are nice bonuses too.
However, at $899 the RX 7900 XT is the unambiguous performance winner. If you want those extra FPS, don’t mind the higher price and power draw, go with the 7900 XT. AMD also tends to gain performance over time with driver updates.
Overall both are excellent high-end GPUs. Pick based on your budget, resolution, and features needed. Either card will serve you well.
Conclusion
The RTX 3080 and RX 7900 XT represent the pinnacle of graphics performance. After comparing all the key metrics, the RX 7900 XT has a slight edge in raw gaming benchmarks. But the RTX 3080 delivers incredible value at lower cost.
For most gamers, I recommend the RTX 3080 as the best high-end graphics card today. But if you want the fastest speeds and newest architecture, AMD’s RX 7900 XT takes the performance crown. Both cards are excellent choices to power high refresh rate 1440p and 4K gaming.
