RTX 5080 offers better performance but is hard to find

Nvidia has recently introduced the RTX 5080 graphics card, raising questions about whether users should upgrade from the RTX 4080 Super. This comparison highlights their differences in performance, specifications, and pricing. The RTX 5080 features 84 compute units and a boost clock of 2,617MHz. It is equipped with 16 GB of GDDR7 memory and offers a substantial memory bandwidth of 960 GB/s. In contrast, the RTX 4080 Super has 80 compute units and a boost clock of 2,550MHz, along with 16 GB of GDDR6X memory, resulting in a lower bandwidth of 736 GB/s. Both cards are similar in price at $999, but the availability of the RTX 5080 has been a challenge. When it comes to performance, the RTX 5080 shows clear advantages in several benchmarks. In tests like 3DMark, the RTX 5080 outperformed the RTX 4080 Super by 14.1% to 16.5%. In gaming scenarios, the RTX 5080 achieves higher frame rates in demanding titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Dying Light 2. Despite these advantages, the RTX 4080 Super can offer better value due to its availability and lower cost. If users can purchase the RTX 5080 at its retail price, it is a better choice. However, if they face challenges in finding it, the RTX 4080 Super remains a strong option. In summary, the RTX 5080 is overall a more powerful card than the RTX 4080 Super. Deciding whether to upgrade depends on individual needs and availability, particularly when considering significant performance gains against potential pricing challenges.