The Nvidia RTX 4080 Super feels like an apology for the original RTX 4080’s pricing. It acknowledges the importance of value in the high-end GPU market, a mark the original model missed. While not a groundbreaking release in terms of raw performance, the RTX 4080 Super significantly improves the value proposition, making it a more attractive option against both Nvidia’s own lineup and AMD’s offerings.
Nvidia RTX 4080 Super Specifications
The Nvidia logo on the RTX 4080 Super graphics cards.The RTX 4080 Super closely resembles the base RTX 4080. The key difference lies in the core count, with the Super variant boasting a 5% increase, fully utilizing the AD103 GPU. This modest boost, particularly following the RTX 4070 Super and RTX 4070 Ti Super, doesn’t dramatically shift performance.
| Feature | RTX 4080 | RTX 4080 Super |
|---|---|---|
| GPU | AD103 | AD103 |
| Interface | PCIe 4.0 x16 | PCIe 4.0 x16 |
| CUDA Cores | 9,728 | 10,240 |
| Boost Clock | 2,505MHz | 2,505MHz |
| Memory | 16GB GDDR6X | 16GB GDDR6X |
| Memory Speed | 22.4 Gbps | 23 Gbps |
| Memory Bus | 256-bit | 256-bit |
| TDP | 320W | 320W |
Other specifications remain identical, including the memory interface, clock speed, and power consumption. The increased CUDA core count translates to a slight bump in Tensor and ray tracing cores, providing a minor advantage in ray tracing performance.
The crucial distinction between the RTX 4080 Super and its predecessor is the price. Launching at $1,000, the Super refresh effectively replaces the $1,200 base model, representing a substantial price reduction.
Synthetic Benchmark Performance
Nvidia RTX 4080 Super performance in 3DMark Time Spy.
As expected, the performance difference between the RTX 4080 Super and the RTX 4080 is minimal. In 3DMark Time Spy, the Super model shows a negligible 1% improvement, falling within the margin of error between identical GPUs.
Nvidia RTX 4080 Super performance in 3DMark Port Royal.
In 3DMark Port Royal, which focuses on ray tracing performance, the RTX 4080 Super demonstrates a slightly more noticeable 1.5% improvement. While small, this consistent gain suggests the extra ray tracing cores contribute to performance.
Overall, expect single-digit performance gains, with some games showing no improvement. Consider Nvidia’s claimed 3% improvement optimistic; the RTX 4080 Super essentially performs like a rebranded RTX 4080.
4K Gaming Performance
The average performance of the RTX 4080 Super at 4K.
The average 4K gaming performance further reinforces the similarity between the RTX 4080 Super and the base model, with the Super version showing only a 1% improvement.
However, the RTX 4080 Super’s price reduction positions it more competitively against the AMD RX 7900 XTX. The RTX 4080 Super is approximately 7% faster on average, including ray tracing, giving it an edge considering both GPUs are priced at $1,000.
Performance for the Nvidia RTX 4080 Super in Horizon Zero Dawn at 4K.
Horizon Zero Dawn highlights the RTX 4080 Super’s performance gains, outperforming both the base RTX 4080 and the RX 7900 XTX.
Nvidia RTX 4080 Super performance in Red Dead Redemption 2 at 4K.
Nvidia RTX 4080 Super performance in Returnal at 4K.
Nvidia RTX 4080 Super performance in Assassin
In other tested games, including Red Dead Redemption 2, Returnal, and Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, performance between the three GPUs is virtually indistinguishable.
Nvidia RTX 4080 Super performance in Resident Evil 4 at 4K.Resident Evil 4 exemplifies this parity, with less than a single frame separating the three cards.
Nvidia RTX 4080 Super performance in Forza Horizon 5 at 4K.
Nvidia RTX 4080 Super performance in The Last of Us Part One at 4K.
Nvidia RTX 4080 Super performance in Cyberpunk 2077 at 4K.
Surprisingly, the RX 7900 XTX demonstrates a marginal lead in titles like Cyberpunk 2077, Forza Horizon 5, and The Last of Us Part One. While not significantly impacting gameplay, this difference highlights the competitive landscape.
While generally evenly matched with the RX 7900 XTX, the RTX 4080 Super benefits from superior ray tracing performance, a key area where AMD lags.
1440p Gaming Performance
Average 1440p gaming performance for the Nvidia RTX 4080 Super graphics card.
At 1440p, the RTX 4080 Super offers a negligible 1% improvement over the base model. More significantly, it maintains a 7% lead over the RX 7900 XTX, primarily due to its ray tracing capabilities.
Performance for the RTX 4080 Super in Horizon Zero Dawn at 1440p.
Performance of the RTX 4080 Super in Resident Evil 4 at 1440p.
Compared to 4K, 1440p showcases slightly more variation. In Resident Evil 4, the RTX 4080 Super is a few frames ahead of both the base model and the RX 7900 XTX. Horizon Zero Dawn again demonstrates notable gains, with the RTX 4080 Super nearly 8% faster than the RX 7900 XTX.
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However, the majority of games, such as Red Dead Redemption 2, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, and The Last of Us Part One, exhibit minimal performance differences between the GPUs.
Performance of the RTX 4080 Super in Cyberpunk 2077 at 1440p.
Performance for the RTX 4080 Super in Forza Horizon 5 at 1440p.
Performance for the RTX 4080 Super in Returnal at 1440p.
The RX 7900 XTX maintains a slight edge in select titles, notably Forza Horizon 5, Returnal, and Cyberpunk 2077. While the RX 7900 XTX demonstrates slightly better overall performance in some games, the RTX 4080 Super compensates with its superior ray tracing performance.
1080p Gaming Performance
Average performance of the RTX 4080 Super at 1080p.
1080p performance is largely irrelevant for a $1,000 GPU like the RTX 4080 Super. Its substantial power would be bottlenecked by the CPU at this resolution. The RTX 4080 Super holds a minimal 1% lead over the base RTX 4080 at 1080p.
While the RTX 4080 Super is approximately 10% faster than the RX 7900 XTX at 1080p, this difference is likely due to game-specific CPU/GPU bottlenecks and not indicative of true performance potential.
Ray Tracing and DLSS 3.5 Performance
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RTX 4080 Super performance at 4K with DLSS 3.5 enabled.
The RTX 4080 Super’s significant ray tracing advantage over the RX 7900 XTX is evident. In demanding titles like Cyberpunk 2077, the performance gap is substantial, with the RTX 4080 Super delivering playable frame rates at 4K with ray tracing enabled, while the RX 7900 XTX struggles.
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In Returnal, the RTX 4080 Super again leads, although the margin is smaller. It consistently surpasses 60 fps at 4K with ray tracing, a feat the RX 7900 XTX struggles to achieve.
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Resident Evil 4, with its less demanding ray tracing implementation, shows fewer differences between the two GPUs.
The RTX 4080 Super’s access to DLSS 3.5, particularly DLSS Frame Generation, provides a substantial performance boost in titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Returnal. While AMD’s FSR 3 offers similar frame generation capabilities, its limited availability gives Nvidia a distinct advantage.
DLSS Ray Reconstruction, currently available in Cyberpunk 2077 and Alan Wake 2, significantly enhances visuals in these titles. The RTX 4080 Super, combined with DLSS 3.5 features, delivers a premium 4K gaming experience that surpasses the competition.
Should You Buy the RTX 4080 Super?
The back of the Nvidia RTX 4080 Super graphics card.
The RTX 4080 Super’s revised pricing significantly alters the value equation. While not a significant upgrade from the base model in terms of performance, the lower price makes it a far more compelling option.
The AMD RX 7900 XTX remains a strong competitor, but ultimately falls short due to its inferior ray tracing performance and lack of widespread frame generation support.
The RTX 4080 Super also affects the dynamic with the RTX 4090. While the RTX 4090 is undoubtedly faster, its significantly higher price makes the RTX 4080 Super a more attractive option for budget-conscious gamers. The RTX 4080 Super finally establishes a clear and justified position within Nvidia’s lineup.
The RTX 4080 Super represents a much-needed course correction for Nvidia. By addressing the pricing concerns of the original RTX 4080, it restores balance to the performance-per-dollar equation, offering a compelling high-end gaming experience.
