The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080 is the latest graphics card in the RTX 5000 series, following on from the successful RTX 4000 series. It is built on the new Blackwell architecture, which further develops technologies such as ray tracing, AI-generated imagery, and other features familiar from the previous generation of cards. It offers outstanding 4K frame rates thanks to the new DLSS 4 technology.
With a starting MSRP price of $999, the RTX 5080 is more expensive than the previous generation RTX 4080 ($899), and as expensive as the RTX 4080 Super ($999) at launch. So the question is – is the performance increase enough to justify the price? Let’s find out!
Key Features:
- Benchmarks: the RTX 5080 outperforms the RTX 4080 by 7-15% in tests involving ray tracing and DLSS.
- Real-Time Ray Tracing: The ability to process multiple ray-tracing triangles per scene delivers near cinematic graphics.
- 4K gaming: In DLSS 4 optimized titles, the RTX 5080 achieves over 240 FPS.
GeForce RTX 5080 basics
The Nvidia GeForce RTX 5080 features the new Blackwell GB203 GPU, which delivers significant improvements over the previous generation. It features 10,752 CUDA cores, 336 5th generation tensor cores and 84 ray-tracing cores (4th gen).
RTX 5080 vs RTX 4080 Super specs comparison
| Model | RTX 5080 | RTX 4080 Super |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $999 MSRP | $999 MSRP |
| GPU | GB203 | AD103 |
| CUDA cores | 10 752 | 10 240 |
| Tensor cores | 336 (5th gen.) | 320 (4th gen.) |
| RT cores | 84 (4th gen.) | 80 (3rd gen.) |
| Base clock | 2 295 MHz | 2 295 MHz |
| Boost clock | 2 617 MHz | 2 550 MHz |
| VRAM | 16 GB GDDR7 | 16 GB GDDR6X |
| Memory bus | 256-bit | 256-bit |
| TDP | 360 W | 320 W |
Memory capacity has been left at 16GB, which may be limiting for some future titles. Still, the faster GDDR7 VRAM provides higher throughput.
Core frequency
- The RTX 5080 achieves stable frequencies at 2670 MHz, which is slightly above the specified boost frequency of 2.62 GHz.
- Compared to the RTX 4080, which runs at 2775 MHz, the frequency is lower, but the architecture changes make the difference less relevant.
Blackwell Architecture
Both the RTX 5090 and RTX 5080 are based on the Blackwell architecture, which introduces several revolutionary technologies:
- Neural Rendering: uses AI to improve image quality and performance, ensuring a more realistic graphics experience.
- 5.generation Tensor cores and fourth-generation RT cores: Deliver significant AI and ray tracing acceleration, improving efficiency and computational speed.
- 92 billion transistors: Higher transistor count means better performance while maintaining power efficiency.
RTX 5080 Founders Edition design
The RTX 5080 returns to a dual-slot design, a big change from the more robust RTX 4080. This compact format will appeal to enthusiasts into SFF (Small Form Factor) builds. An improved heatsink with curved and straight fins provides efficient cooling and reduces the risk of overheating.
Cooling and efficiency
The RTX 5080 shows significant improvements in thermal efficiency:
- GPU temperature: at full load, it is around 65-66°C (65-66°F).
- Memory Temperature.
- Cooling.
- Power Consumption: lower power consumption compared to the RTX 5090, reducing overall heat output and fan noise.
Price and availability
- The RTX 5080 has an MSRP price of $999 and was launched on January 30, 2025.
- Alternatives: the RTX 5090 is on sale for $2000 (not yet in the UK), while the RTX 5070 Ti and RTX 5070 are expected in February 2025 for $750 and $550 respectively.
- Availability: the Founders Edition is available directly through the official Nvidia website (currently sold out), other models from other manufacturers can already be purchased in several e-shops – prices on the Slovak market range from 1400€
Benchmarks in games for GeForce RTX 5080
Hogwarts Legacy – high quality
The GeForce RTX 5080 achieved 144 FPS on average and 82 FPS at the 1% lowest framerates.
Compared to the RTX 4090, it is 8% slower as the latter reached 157 FPS. The GeForce RTX 4080 Super (129 FPS) and RTX 4080 (127 FPS) are 10-12% slower.
The GeForce RTX 5080 achieved 100 FPS on average and 57 FPS at the 1% lowest framerates.
Compared to the RTX 4090 (110 FPS), it is only 9% slower. Compared to the Radeon RX 7900 XTX and RTX 4080 Super (both 82 FPS), the RTX 5080 is 22% faster. And the RTX 4080 (81 FPS) lags behind by 23%, showing that the RTX 5080 delivers an excellent performance-to-price ratio.
Marvel Rivals – Ultra quality settings
The GeForce RTX 5080 achieved 108 FPS on average and 70 FPS at the 1% lowest FPS when playing Marvel Rivals. This puts it about 10% behind the RTX 4090, which reached 119 FPS, but also 8% ahead of the Radeon RX 7900 XTX, which reached 100 FPS.
At 4K resolution, the RTX 5080 averaged 65 FPS. Compared to the RTX 4090, it’s 14% less as the latter reached 76 FPS. On the other hand, compared to the Radeon RX 7900 XTX, which reached 58 FPS, the RTX 5080 is 12% more powerful.
The RTX 5080 holds a strong position among high-end GPUs, offering a better performance ratio compared to some more expensive models.
Counter Strike 2 – Ultra quality
The GeForce RTX 5080 achieved 504 FPS on average and 282 FPS at the 1% lowest framerates.
Compared to the RTX 4080, it’s only 2.7% slower, as the latter reached 518 FPS. Compared to the Radeon RX 7900 XT (520 FPS), it is 3% slower, but still offers stable performance.
The GeForce RTX 5080 averaged 368 FPS at 4k resolution and 188 FPS at the 1% lowest framerate, which is 21% lower than the RTX 4090. At the same time, it outperforms the RTX 4080 by 6% and the RX 7900 XTX by 2%
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 – Epic quality settings
The GeForce RTX 5080 averaged 72 FPS in this test. Compared to the more powerful RTX 4090, it is 18% slower. On the other hand, compared to the Radeon RX 7900 XTX, which reached 70 FPS, the RTX 5080 is only 3% more powerful.
The GeForce RTX 5080 proved to be a high-performing card in benchmarks, regularly outperforming the RTX 4080 and RTX 4080 Super in both 1440p and 4K resolution, often coming close to the Radeon RX 7900 XTX. In games like Counter-Strike 2 and Hogwarts Legacy, it has a distinct advantage over the RTX 4080, but in extremely demanding titles like S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2, it loses out to the high-end models.
Summary for the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080 (Founders Edition)
Pros:
Cons:
RTX 5080 Founders Edition brings a significant step forward in ray tracing and AI performance. With an MSRP price of $999, it offers a good performance to price ratio, especially when taking DLSS 4 and Blackwell architecture into account. For avid gamers and content creators, the RTX 5080 is a great choice, but if you own an RTX 4080, it might be worth waiting for the RTX 5090.