GeForce RTX 3050 6GB vs GeForce RTX 4080 SUPER

NVIDIA

GeForce RTX 3050 6GB

2024Core: 1042 MHzBoost: 1470 MHz

Popular choices:

VS
NVIDIA

GeForce RTX 4080 SUPER

2024Core: 2295 MHzBoost: 2550 MHz

Popular choices:

Performance Spectrum - GPU

About G3D Mark

G3D Mark is a standard benchmark that measures graphics performance in real-world gaming scenarios. It simplifies comparing cards from different brands, where higher scores directly correlate with better fps and smoother gaming experiences.

Head-to-Head Verdict, Benchmarks, Value & Long-Term Outlook

This comparison brings together gaming FPS, raw graphics performance, VRAM, feature set, power efficiency, pricing context, and long-term value so you can see which GPU actually makes more sense.

GeForce RTX 3050 6GB

2024

Why buy it

  • Costs $830 less on MSRP ($169 MSRP vs $999 MSRP).
  • Delivers 85.7% more G3D Mark for each dollar spent, at 63.6 vs 34.2 G3D/$ ($169 MSRP vs $999 MSRP).
  • Draws 70W instead of 320W, a 250W reduction.
  • Measures 160mm instead of 304mm, a 144mm shorter card that is more SFF-friendly.

Trade-offs

  • Lower average FPS than GeForce RTX 4080 SUPER across 20 tracked games in our benchmark data.
  • Less VRAM, with 6 GB vs 16 GB for high-resolution textures and newer games.
  • No equivalent frame-generation stack like DLSS 3.5 + Frame Generation (2023).
  • Weaker long-term outlook: GeForce RTX 4080 SUPER is the safer future-proof pick thanks to newer hardware and better gaming feature support.

GeForce RTX 4080 SUPER

2024

Why buy it

  • 193.4% more average FPS across 20 tracked games in our benchmark data.
  • Access to a newer frame-generation stack with DLSS 3.5 + Frame Generation (2023).
  • 166.7% more VRAM for high-resolution textures and newer games (16 GB vs 6 GB).
  • More future proof: Ada Lovelace (2022−2024) on 5nm with a newer platform for upcoming games.

Trade-offs

  • 491.1% HIGHER MSRP
    $999 MSRPvs$169 MSRP
  • Lower G3D Mark per dollar, at 34.2 vs 63.6 G3D/$ ($999 MSRP vs $169 MSRP).
  • 357.1% higher power demand at 320W vs 70W.
  • 90% longer card at 304mm vs 160mm.

Quick Answers

So, is GeForce RTX 4080 SUPER better than GeForce RTX 3050 6GB?
Yes. GeForce RTX 4080 SUPER is clearly the better overall GPU here. GeForce RTX 4080 SUPER averages 193.4% more FPS across 20 tracked games in our benchmark data. You are also looking at 34,215 vs 10,749 in G3D Mark. On top of that, GeForce RTX 4080 SUPER is a 2024 card with DLSS 3.5 + Frame Generation, while GeForce RTX 3050 6GB is a 2024 model from an older generation with DLSS Super Resolution. So this is not really a tight same-tier comparison. It is more a modern card against an older, weaker alternative.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
GeForce RTX 4080 SUPER is the more future-proof choice for 2026 and beyond. You are getting 218.3% more raw performance headroom, more VRAM at 16 GB instead of 6 GB, better upscaling support with DLSS 3.5 Super Resolution (2023) instead of DLSS 2 Super Resolution (2020) and better frame-generation support with DLSS 3.5 + Frame Generation (2023) instead of DLSS Super Resolution, and a 5nm process instead of 8nm. That leaves it with more room for heavier textures, tougher ray tracing loads, and higher-end 1440p or 4K gaming over the next few years.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper card?
GeForce RTX 4080 SUPER is about 491.1% more expensive on MSRP at $999 MSRP versus $169 MSRP, and you are getting 193.4% more estimated average FPS across 20 tracked games in our benchmark data and 218.3% higher G3D Mark. GeForce RTX 3050 6GB still holds the G3D-per-dollar lead, so the performance win comes with a real value premium. If you are comfortable paying the premium for the stronger gaming result, GeForce RTX 4080 SUPER is the one to buy. If staying closer to budget matters more, GeForce RTX 3050 6GB still makes more sense on price alone and remains capable enough for modern gaming.
Is GeForce RTX 3050 6GB still worth buying for gaming in 2026?
Yes. GeForce RTX 3050 6GB is still a strong gaming GPU in 2026: it is still comfortable for 1080p and decent for 1440p, though 4K is more situational. This mostly comes down to price. If you want to stay closer to $169 MSRP, it remains a strong choice; if you are comfortable paying more, GeForce RTX 4080 SUPER earns that extra money with a clearly stronger gaming result and a more complete overall package.

Games Benchmarks

Real-world benchmarks and performance projections based on comprehensive hardware analysis and comparative metrics. Values represent expected performance on High/Ultra settings at 1080p, 1440p, and 4K. Modeled using a Ryzen 7 9800X3D reference profile to minimize specific CPU bottlenecks.

Note: Performance behavior can vary per game. Specific architectures may perform better or worse depending on game engine optimizations and API implementation.

Path of Exile 2

Path of Exile 2

PresetGeForce RTX 3050 6GBGeForce RTX 4080 SUPER
1080p
low109 FPS350 FPS
medium92 FPS334 FPS
high77 FPS280 FPS
ultra45 FPS221 FPS
1440p
low95 FPS326 FPS
medium81 FPS274 FPS
high59 FPS215 FPS
ultra34 FPS173 FPS
4K
low30 FPS194 FPS
medium28 FPS160 FPS
high19 FPS121 FPS
ultra16 FPS108 FPS
Counter-Strike 2

Counter-Strike 2

PresetGeForce RTX 3050 6GBGeForce RTX 4080 SUPER
1080p
low174 FPS851 FPS
medium149 FPS680 FPS
high118 FPS535 FPS
ultra87 FPS468 FPS
1440p
low129 FPS651 FPS
medium106 FPS536 FPS
high83 FPS439 FPS
ultra62 FPS363 FPS
4K
low74 FPS358 FPS
medium62 FPS304 FPS
high48 FPS275 FPS
ultra34 FPS236 FPS
League of Legends

League of Legends

PresetGeForce RTX 3050 6GBGeForce RTX 4080 SUPER
1080p
low484 FPS999 FPS
medium387 FPS999 FPS
high322 FPS999 FPS
ultra242 FPS770 FPS
1440p
low363 FPS988 FPS
medium290 FPS902 FPS
high242 FPS770 FPS
ultra181 FPS577 FPS
4K
low242 FPS580 FPS
medium193 FPS504 FPS
high161 FPS455 FPS
ultra121 FPS385 FPS
Valorant

Valorant

PresetGeForce RTX 3050 6GBGeForce RTX 4080 SUPER
1080p
low243 FPS999 FPS
medium210 FPS999 FPS
high171 FPS878 FPS
ultra144 FPS770 FPS
1440p
low185 FPS846 FPS
medium166 FPS733 FPS
high131 FPS639 FPS
ultra109 FPS550 FPS
4K
low104 FPS615 FPS
medium87 FPS543 FPS
high69 FPS479 FPS
ultra55 FPS385 FPS

Technical Specifications

Side-by-side comparison of GeForce RTX 3050 6GB and GeForce RTX 4080 SUPER

NVIDIA

GeForce RTX 3050 6GB

The GeForce RTX 3050 6GB is manufactured by NVIDIA. It was released in February 2 2024. It features the Ampere architecture. The core clock ranges from 1042 MHz to 1470 MHz. It has 2304 shading units. The thermal design power (TDP) is 70W. Manufactured using 8 nm process technology. It features 18 dedicated ray tracing cores for enhanced lighting effects. G3D Mark benchmark score: 10,749 points. Launch price was $179.

NVIDIA

GeForce RTX 4080 SUPER

The GeForce RTX 4080 SUPER is manufactured by NVIDIA. It was released in January 8 2024. It features the Ada Lovelace architecture. The core clock ranges from 2295 MHz to 2550 MHz. It has 10240 shading units. The thermal design power (TDP) is 320W. Manufactured using 5 nm process technology. It features 80 dedicated ray tracing cores for enhanced lighting effects. G3D Mark benchmark score: 34,215 points. Launch price was $999.

Graphics Performance

In G3D Mark, the GeForce RTX 3050 6GB scores 10,749 versus the GeForce RTX 4080 SUPER's 34,215 — the GeForce RTX 4080 SUPER leads by 218.3%. The GeForce RTX 3050 6GB is built on Ampere while the GeForce RTX 4080 SUPER uses Ada Lovelace, both on 8 nm vs 5 nm. Shader units: 2,304 (GeForce RTX 3050 6GB) vs 10,240 (GeForce RTX 4080 SUPER). Raw compute: 6.774 TFLOPS (GeForce RTX 3050 6GB) vs 52.22 TFLOPS (GeForce RTX 4080 SUPER). Boost clocks: 1470 MHz vs 2550 MHz. Ray tracing: 18 RT cores (GeForce RTX 3050 6GB) vs 80 (GeForce RTX 4080 SUPER) with 72 Tensor cores vs 320.

FeatureGeForce RTX 3050 6GBGeForce RTX 4080 SUPER
G3D Mark Score
10,749
34,215+218%
Architecture
Ampere
Ada Lovelace
Process Node
8 nm
5 nm
Shading Units
2304
10240+344%
Compute (TFLOPS)
6.774 TFLOPS
52.22 TFLOPS+671%
Boost Clock
1470 MHz
2550 MHz+73%
ROPs
32
112+250%
TMUs
72
320+344%
L1 Cache
2.3 MB
10 MB+335%
L2 Cache
2 MB
64 MB+3100%
Ray Tracing Cores
18
80+344%
Tensor Cores
72
320+344%

Advanced Features (DLSS/FSR)

A critical advantage for the GeForce RTX 4080 SUPER is support for DLSS 3.5 + Frame Generation. This allows it to generate entire frames using AI/Algorithms, essentially doubling the frame rate in CPU-bound scenarios or heavy ray-tracing titles. The GeForce RTX 3050 6GB lacks specific hardware/driver support for this native frame generation tier.The GeForce RTX 4080 SUPER supports the newer DLSS 3.5 Super Resolution, whereas the GeForce RTX 3050 6GB is capped at DLSS 2 Super Resolution.

FeatureGeForce RTX 3050 6GBGeForce RTX 4080 SUPER
Upscaling Tech
DLSS 2 Super Resolution
DLSS 3.5 Super Resolution
Frame Generation
Not Supported
DLSS 3.5 + Frame Generation
Ray Reconstruction
No
Yes (DLSS 3.5)
Low Latency
NVIDIA Reflex
NVIDIA Reflex
💾

Video Memory (VRAM)

The GeForce RTX 3050 6GB comes with 6 GB of VRAM, while the GeForce RTX 4080 SUPER has 16 GB. The GeForce RTX 4080 SUPER offers 166.7% more capacity, crucial for higher resolutions and texture-heavy games. Memory bandwidth: 168 GB/s (GeForce RTX 3050 6GB) vs 736 GB/s (GeForce RTX 4080 SUPER) — a 338.1% advantage for the GeForce RTX 4080 SUPER. Bus width: 96-bit vs 256-bit. L2 Cache: 2 MB (GeForce RTX 3050 6GB) vs 64 MB (GeForce RTX 4080 SUPER) — the GeForce RTX 4080 SUPER has significantly larger on-die cache to reduce VRAM reliance.

FeatureGeForce RTX 3050 6GBGeForce RTX 4080 SUPER
VRAM Capacity
6 GB
16 GB+167%
Memory Type
GDDR6
GDDR6X
Memory Bandwidth
168 GB/s
736 GB/s+338%
Bus Width
96-bit
256-bit+167%
L2 Cache
2 MB
64 MB+3100%
🖥️

Display & API Support

DirectX support: 12 Ultimate (GeForce RTX 3050 6GB) vs 12 Ultimate (GeForce RTX 4080 SUPER). Vulkan: 1.3 vs 1.3. OpenGL: 4.6 vs 4.6. Maximum simultaneous displays: 4 vs 4.

FeatureGeForce RTX 3050 6GBGeForce RTX 4080 SUPER
DirectX
12 Ultimate
12 Ultimate
Vulkan
1.3
1.3
OpenGL
4.6
4.6
Max Displays
4
4
🎬

Media & Encoding

Hardware encoder: NVENC (5th Gen) (GeForce RTX 3050 6GB) vs NVENC 8th Gen (GeForce RTX 4080 SUPER). Decoder: NVDEC (7th Gen) vs NVDEC 5th Gen. Supported codecs: H.264,HEVC,AV1 (Decode Only) (GeForce RTX 3050 6GB) vs AV1,H.265,H.264,VP9 (GeForce RTX 4080 SUPER).

FeatureGeForce RTX 3050 6GBGeForce RTX 4080 SUPER
Encoder
NVENC (5th Gen)
NVENC 8th Gen
Decoder
NVDEC (7th Gen)
NVDEC 5th Gen
Codecs
H.264,HEVC,AV1 (Decode Only)
AV1,H.265,H.264,VP9
🔌

Power & Dimensions

The GeForce RTX 3050 6GB draws 70W versus the GeForce RTX 4080 SUPER's 320W — a 128.2% difference. The GeForce RTX 3050 6GB is more power-efficient. Recommended PSU: 300W (GeForce RTX 3050 6GB) vs 850W (GeForce RTX 4080 SUPER). Power connectors: None vs 16-pin (12VHPWR). Card length: 160mm vs 304mm, occupying 2 vs 3 slots. Typical load temperature: 75°C vs 70.

FeatureGeForce RTX 3050 6GBGeForce RTX 4080 SUPER
TDP
70W-78%
320W
Recommended PSU
300W-65%
850W
Power Connector
None
16-pin (12VHPWR)
Length
160mm
304mm
Height
137mm
Slots
2-33%
3
Temp (Load)
75°C
70-7%
Perf/Watt
153.6+44%
106.9
💰

Value Analysis

The GeForce RTX 3050 6GB launched at $169 MSRP, while the GeForce RTX 4080 SUPER launched at $999. The GeForce RTX 3050 6GB costs 83.1% less ($830 savings) on MSRP. Performance per dollar on MSRP (G3D Mark / MSRP): 63.6 (GeForce RTX 3050 6GB) vs 34.2 (GeForce RTX 4080 SUPER) — the GeForce RTX 3050 6GB offers 86% better value.

FeatureGeForce RTX 3050 6GBGeForce RTX 4080 SUPER
MSRP
$169-83%
$999
Performance per Dollar
63.6+86%
34.2
Codename
GA107
AD103
Release
February 2 2024
January 8 2024
Ranking
#252
#8