GeForce RTX 4080 Super vs GeForce RTX 5060 Ti 16GB

Winner:
GeForce RTX 5060 Ti 16GB
Main Difference:
Newer Blackwell features and higher efficiency at a much lower launch MSRP
Page Summary:
GeForce RTX 5060 Ti 16GB wins by offering massive value through DLSS 4 support and modern architecture for a fraction of the cost found with the flagship alternative.
Last updated:
January 31, 2026

The Essentials

GeForce RTX 4080 Super

MSRP:
$999
See Current Price
Spec Sheet:
Core Count:
10240
Thread Count:
Base Clock:
2295 MHz
Boost Clock:
2550 MHz
Integrated Graphics:
VRAM:
16.0 GB
L3 Cache:
16.0 GB
TDP:
320 W
Socket:
256 bit
Bus Width:
256 bit
Release Date:
2024-01-08
Gaming Scores:
(Higher is better)
Resolution
Rasterization
Ray Tracing
1080p
83.2
83.5
1440p
74
68.8
4K
58.2
58.2
Gaming and Productivity Scores:
(Higher is better)
Gaming
Productivity

GeForce RTX 5060 Ti 16GB

MSRP:
$429
See Current Price
Spec Sheet:
Core Count:
4608
Thread Count:
Base Clock:
2407 MHz
Boost Clock:
2572 MHz
Integrated Graphics:
VRAM:
16.0 GB
L3 Cache:
16.0 GB
TDP:
180 W
Socket:
128 bit
Bus Width:
128 bit
Release Date:
2025-04-16
Gaming Scores:
(Higher is better)
Resolution
Rasterization
Ray Tracing
1080p
53.5
48.7
1440p
43.6
37.7
4K
33.6
30.7
Gaming and Productivity Scores:
(Higher is better)
Gaming
Productivity
Note about scores:
We measure this card's performance against the absolute best GPU currently available. The numbers show the percentage of performance you get compared to the market leader at 1080p, 1440p, and 4K resolutions, with the leader at 100. These scores are aggregated from a wide range of different games to create a reliable average. However, keep in mind that performance in specific titles may deviate from this average depending on how that game is optimized.
Note about scores:
We measure this processor's performance against the absolute best CPU currently available. The numbers show the percentage of performance you get compared to the market leader in both gaming and workstation tasks, with the leader at 100. These scores are aggregated from a wide range of different games and applications to create a reliable average. However, keep in mind that performance in specific software may deviate from this average depending on how that program is optimized.

Performance Deep Dive

GeForce RTX 4080 Super
Gaming Analysis:

The GeForce RTX 4080 Super functions as a high-tier powerhouse that handles the most demanding resolutions with steady performance. It thrives at 1440p where frame rates remain exceptionally fluid even when every visual setting is pushed to the limit. At 4K, it delivers a high-fidelity experience that remains quite competent, though the heaviest titles may require toggling upscaling features to maintain a smooth feel during intense action. It occupies a space where it easily clears the requirements for standard displays while offering a path to enthusiast-grade 4K gaming for those who understand how to balance their settings.

The 16GB VRAM buffer provides a significant ceiling for high-resolution textures, essentially removing the memory bottlenecks that can cause stuttering on lesser hardware. You can comfortably load massive texture packs in demanding games like Alan Wake 2 or The Last of Us Part 1 without seeing the blurry assets or hitched movement associated with memory overflow. This capacity gives the architecture plenty of breathing room to manage the large datasets required by modern engines, ensuring the visual experience stays sharp and stable over long sessions.

  • Ray Tracing Performance. This hardware utilizes 80 dedicated 3rd Gen RT cores to handle complex lighting and sharp reflections. Even in titles with heavy path tracing, it maintains a playable pace without the sluggish feel of older generations.
  • High Resolution Targets. At 1440p, this card offers total dominance for those using panels with high-refresh capabilities. The responsiveness remains consistent, which is helpful for fast-paced titles where input timing is everything.
  • 4K Capability. While powerful, the card is not entirely immune to the demands of the highest resolution. In extreme scenarios like Cyberpunk 2077 with maximum settings, leveraging DLSS becomes a practical way to keep the motion fluid.
  • Memory Architecture. The 256-bit bus and GDDR6X memory provide the necessary bandwidth to prevent data from getting choked, which helps maintain a consistent rhythm even when the scene complexity spikes.

Physically, this card requires a massive amount of space and a case with excellent thermal management. The large heatsink design is intended to move heat efficiently so fans do not have to roar at high speeds, but builders should verify clearance in compact cases before starting. To support the power requirements of the 2550 MHz boost clock and the rest of the system, an 800W power supply is the recommended baseline for a stable build. The performance is undeniable, positioning it as a premium option for enthusiasts who want flagship-level capabilities without moving to the very top of the stack.

GeForce RTX 5060 Ti 16GB
Gaming Analysis:

The GeForce RTX 5060 Ti 16GB serves as a specialized tool for mid-range builds that addresses memory constraints found in previous generations. While it possesses enough power to make standard high-definition gaming feel effortless, the card finds its purpose by delivering stability at higher resolutions. The 16GB of GDDR7 memory acts as a safety net that allows you to increase texture settings in demanding titles without the sudden stutters or hitching that often impact cards with smaller buffers. It helps keep the image sharp and the frame delivery predictable during heavy action.

Ray tracing on this Blackwell hardware is a practical option for those who want enhanced lighting without sacrificing fluid movement. Because this architecture handles lighting calculations more efficiently, you can enable reflections or global illumination and still maintain a responsive experience. You likely won't see the performance fall away instantly when complex shadows or glass refractions appear on the screen. However, driving the highest resolutions remains a difficult task for the internal silicon. Without using software assists, the feel can become heavy and lose the snap required for fast-paced games.

  • The 16GB VRAM buffer is the standout technical choice here, ensuring you can load high-resolution textures without hitting a performance wall in future titles.
  • The Blackwell 2.0 architecture brings improved efficiency to lighting effects, allowing for richer visual depth compared to older mid-range options.
  • Standard rasterization provides a smooth experience in virtually any modern AAA title when using high settings at its target resolution.
  • The 128-bit bus is narrow, which means the card relies on its internal cache structure to maintain data flow and prevent bottlenecks.
  • A 550W power supply provides a reliable foundation for this GPU, as the card remains efficient even when pushed to its maximum boost clock.

For users sticking with older or lower-resolution monitors, this card provides significant headroom and will likely exceed the capabilities of the display. The real value is for someone who wants high visual fidelity and texture longevity without jumping to the cost of a flagship enthusiast card. It is a calculated mid-range pick that prioritizes smart architecture and memory capacity over a massive transistor count.

GeForce RTX 4080 Super
Productivity Analysis:

While the gaming capabilities of the GeForce RTX 4080 Super are well established, the shift to workstation tasks reveals a card that functions as a serious production tool for those managing demanding project loads. The 16GB of VRAM provides a generous buffer that helps prevent the slowdowns typically experienced on hardware with less memory, serving as a reliable ceiling for standard professional workflows. This capacity allows for the handling of complex 3D scenes and high-resolution video timelines without the constant threat of memory-related errors that disrupt the creative rhythm during tight deadlines.

The Ada Lovelace architecture brings specific advantages to the desk, notably through the inclusion of dual 8th Gen NVENC engines that enable faster video exports by splitting the encoding workload. In the professional world, the stability of the CUDA ecosystem remains a heavy influence, as many specialized plugins and software acceleration paths are built specifically to utilize this hardware. The card manages to keep the creative process feeling responsive even when scrubbing through large, high-bitrate footage files because the 256-bit memory bus provides a wide enough path to move data without causing a bottleneck in the system.

  • Memory Headroom. Having 16GB available means you can keep several resource-heavy applications open simultaneously without the system gasping for resources or forcing you to close your browser tabs just to maintain a stable render.
  • Accelerated Rendering. The 80 dedicated Ray Tracing cores handle the heavy mathematical lifting for light bounces and intersections in software like Blender, which significantly reduces the time spent waiting for a frame to resolve compared to using a processor alone.
  • Compute and AI Tasks. The 10240 CUDA cores and 4th Gen Tensor cores are utilized for modern software features like neural filters or AI-based noise reduction, processing these complex operations in a fraction of the time required by older hardware generations.
  • Power and Cooling Needs. This hardware is physically substantial and generates significant heat during long render sessions, requiring a high-quality 800W power supply and a case with enough internal volume to ensure the fans can move air effectively.

The memory bandwidth of 736.3 GB/s ensures that data flows into the cores at a pace that keeps the hardware active rather than waiting for assets to load. This consistency is what defines the experience for content creators who need to move massive texture sets or heavy geometry through their workspace without experiencing the stutters of a saturated bus. While it does not offer the same massive pool of memory found on the absolute flagship, this model hits a sweet spot for many freelancers who need a predictable workhorse that pays for its launch MSRP of $999 through saved time and improved reliability.

GeForce RTX 5060 Ti 16GB
Productivity Analysis:

While the gaming benefits focus on fluid movement, the utility of the GeForce RTX 5060 Ti 16GB shifts toward handling heavy data sets and complex visual projects. Moving from recreational play into 3D modeling or high-resolution video work requires a different focus on the hardware ceiling of the memory buffer. Many mid-tier options come with smaller memory capacities that can act as a bottleneck when loading dense architectural scenes or scrubbing through demanding 4K timelines. When a project exceeds available video memory, the system may begin swapping data to slower system RAM, which often results in visible stuttering and interrupted progress during a precise edit.

The 16GB of GDDR7 memory on this Blackwell 2.0 hardware provides a tactical advantage for those who need reliable performance without the expense of a flagship enthusiast card. It acts as a safety net that allows several professional applications to remain open simultaneously without the driver struggling under the weight of the VRAM demand. This card functions as an entry point for serious creative work because it avoids the hard limits that lower-capacity cards face when a project grows in complexity. Even with a 128-bit bus, the speed of the memory prevents the interface from feeling sticky when you are manipulating high-resolution textures in a real-time viewport.

  • The CUDA architecture provides a stable foundation for professional software, reducing the time spent troubleshooting driver compatibility issues during a project.
  • Dedicated 9th Gen NVENC encoders manage the heavy lifting of AV1 and H.265 exports, which prevents the CPU from becoming overwhelmed during a long render.
  • Hardware-accelerated ray tracing hardware allows for significantly faster frame completion in rendering engines like Blender compared to relying on the processor alone.
  • The FP16 compute performance helps AI-assisted tools like background removal or smart masking respond more quickly during intensive editing sessions.
  • A 550W power supply provides a stable base for this GPU, allowing it to maintain efficiency during extended multi-hour rendering marathons without creating excessive heat.

Choosing the NVIDIA ecosystem often comes down to reducing friction in professional software where the CUDA API remains a standard for stability. It is about the predictability of meeting a deadline without unexpected software crashes or hardware limitations. While the 128-bit bus might feel tight if you are attempting to edit raw 8K cinema footage, the throughput is reliable for those working primarily in 4K or 1440p environments. This is a utilitarian tool that prioritizes software compatibility and memory headroom over the high transistor counts and sheer power of top-tier enthusiast hardware. It stays cool and keeps the workflow moving forward.

GeForce RTX 4080 Super
Feature Analysis:

Managing the 320W thermal output of this hardware requires a build strategy focused on high-volume airflow and internal clearance to prevent heat from saturating surrounding components. While the 16.0 GB of VRAM provides a comfortable ceiling for high-resolution textures, the physical footprint and power demands of the Ada Lovelace architecture introduce specific logistical hurdles that builders must navigate to ensure long-term stability. It is not just about raw power but rather about providing the right environment for a high-tier piece of silicon that will be pushed to its limits during long gaming sessions or complex rendering tasks.

  • Power Supply Requirements. Although the base specification suggests a lower threshold, integrating an 800W power supply provides the necessary stability to handle the transient power spikes inherent to this level of enthusiast hardware.
  • Cable Management Dynamics. The single 16-pin power connector utilizes a design that can be relatively stiff, making it important to plan your cable routing carefully to avoid putting excessive stress on the GPU socket or the connector itself.
  • Case Airflow Pressure. With a typical TDP of 320W, the internal air temperature inside a cramped chassis will rise rapidly, meaning a case with a mesh front panel and multiple intake fans is practically a requirement for maintaining optimal clock speeds.
  • PCIe Slot Integrity. The PCIe 4.0 x16 interface ensures full bandwidth on modern motherboards, yet the sheer physical mass of the cooling solution often necessitates the use of a support bracket to prevent the PCB from sagging over time.
  • Ecosystem Reliability. Choosing this hardware is often a decision based on the reliability of the software drivers and the predictability of the CUDA platform, which remains the standard for users who cannot afford system crashes during a critical project.

The 256-bit memory bus and the high-speed GDDR6X memory modules generate their own heat localized near the core, which further underscores the need for a cooling solution that can move air across the entire surface of the board. This model represents a specific point of diminishing returns where the performance is high enough to handle almost anything thrown at it, yet it still requires a level of builder expertise to manage the physical and electrical demands. It is a substantial investment that pays off in a consistent experience for those who have the chassis space and the power overhead to support such a large and capable piece of hardware. Focusing on these build realities ensures that the GeForce RTX 4080 Super remains a silent and steady workhorse rather than a source of thermal noise or system instability in a poorly ventilated room.

GeForce RTX 5060 Ti 16GB
Feature Analysis:

The 180W thermal design profile makes this hardware an easy fit for mid-sized builds because it does not demand the massive, three-slot cooling solutions found on enthusiast-tier cards. Even in cases with restricted airflow, the card remains manageable and is unlikely to heat up your other components during long sessions. This moderate power draw also simplifies the electrical requirements for your system. A 550W power supply provides a stable foundation and leaves enough room to handle the brief power spikes that occur when the hardware shifts into high gear during demanding scenes. Because the card uses a single 8-pin power connector, you can avoid the stiff and bulky adapter cables required by higher-end parts in the same generation.

Users on older platforms should pay attention to the PCIe 5.0 x8 interface because the reduced lane count can create a communication bottleneck on legacy motherboards. While modern systems handle this without issue, plugging this GPU into an older PCIe 3.0 slot might limit the available bandwidth and cause minor performance dips in memory-intensive scenarios. This design choice prioritizes efficiency on new hardware but requires a bit of awareness if you are upgrading a machine that is several years old. The 16GB VRAM buffer remains the primary feature for longevity, as it allows your build to handle high-resolution textures without hitting the hard limits that often plague cards with less memory capacity.

  • The standard 8-pin power connector ensures compatibility with most existing power supplies without needing specialized ATX 3.1 cables or adapters.
  • A 550W power supply is the recommended choice for a balanced build, providing a reliable power floor for both the GPU and a modern processor.
  • The PCIe 5.0 x8 wiring design is optimized for the latest motherboard platforms but suggests caution for those still running PCIe 3.0 systems.
  • Compact physical dimensions and a 180W TDP mean this card fits into smaller chassis without requiring an overhaul of your existing case fans.
  • The Blackwell 2.0 architecture and 16GB of GDDR7 memory provide a roomy overhead for 1440p textures that will last through several software cycles.

Building with this hardware is a relatively frictionless experience compared to the complexities of larger flagship cards. You do not have to worry about sagging PCBs or the physical clearance issues that often force builders to buy larger, more expensive cases. It is a utilitarian approach to a PC build that emphasizes easy installation and predictable cooling. Since the memory capacity is generous for its tier, the card avoids the stuttering issues that can appear when a system is forced to swap data between the GPU and slower system RAM. It serves as a reliable anchor for a mid-range machine that focuses on stability and thermal efficiency.

GeForce RTX 4080 Super
Full Tech Specs:
Feature Specification
Name GeForce RTX 4080 Super
MSRP $999
Release Date 2024-01-08
Chipset Manufacturer NVIDIA
Memory Size 16 GB
Memory Type GDDR6X
Memory Bus 256 bit
Memory Clock 1438 MHz
Memory Bandwidth 736.3 GB/s
Base Clock 2295 MHz
Boost Clock 2550 MHz
Shading Units 10240
Ray Tracing Cores 80
TMUs 320
ROPs 112
Pixel Rate 285.6 GPixel/s
Texture Rate 816 GTexel/s
Compute Power (FP16) 52.2 TFLOPS
Compute Power (FP32) 52.2 TFLOPS
Compute Power (FP64) 816.0 GFLOPS
Architecture Ada Lovelace
Process Size 5 nm
Interface PCIe 4.0 x16
Power Connectors 1x 16-pin
TDP 320 W
Suggested PSU 800 W
GeForce RTX 5060 Ti 16GB
Full Tech Specs:
Feature Specification
Model Name GeForce RTX 5060 Ti 16GB
MSRP $429
Release Date 2025-04-16
Manufacturer NVIDIA
Memory Size 16 GB
Memory Type GDDR7
Memory Bus 128 bit
Memory Clock 1750 MHz
Memory Bandwidth 448.0 GB/s
Base Clock 2407 MHz
Boost Clock 2572 MHz
Shading Units 4608
Ray Tracing Cores 36
TMUs 144
ROPs 48
Pixel Rate 123.5 GPixel/s
Texture Rate 370.4 GTexel/s
Compute Power (FP16) 23.7 TFLOPS
Compute Power (FP32) 23.7 TFLOPS
Compute Power (FP64) 370.4 GFLOPS
Architecture Blackwell 2.0
Process Size 5 nm
Interface PCIe 5.0 x8
Power Connectors 1x 8-pin
TDP 180 W
Recommended PSU 550 W

Final Verdict

Choosing between these two cards comes down to a choice between raw muscle and modern efficiency. The GeForce RTX 5060 Ti 16GB stands out as the smarter purchase for most people because it brings the Blackwell architecture to a more accessible $429 MSRP. While the GeForce RTX 4080 Super remains a titan in terms of raw shading power and memory bandwidth, its $999 MSRP makes it a difficult recommendation for the average builder. The 5060 Ti provides a significant advantage in efficiency with a much lower required PSU wattage, meaning you can run a cooler and quieter system without needing a heavy-duty power supply upgrade.

Software features play a massive role in this comparison. The newer 5060 Ti supports DLSS 4, which uses advanced frame generation techniques to smooth out gameplay in a way that helps narrow the gap against more expensive hardware. Even though the 4080 Super has a wider 256-bit bus and more RT cores for heavy lifting, the 5060 Ti is built on a newer PCIe 5.0 interface and includes DisplayPort 2.1 support. These hardware updates ensure better compatibility with the next generation of high-refresh displays. For those focused on modern connectivity and power savings, the 5060 Ti offers a balanced package that handles current games while staying under a significantly lower launch price.

  • Value and Efficiency: The 5060 Ti draws much less power and uses a standard 8-pin connector, avoiding some of the cable management headaches seen with larger enthusiast cards.
  • Future Compatibility: With GDDR7 memory and 9th Gen NVENC, the 5060 Ti is better equipped for video encoding and modern standards despite having lower raw compute power than the 4080 Super.
  • Buy GeForce RTX 5060 Ti 16GB if you want a modern, power-efficient card with DLSS 4 support and DisplayPort 2.1 at a much lower $429 MSRP.
  • Buy GeForce RTX 4080 Super if you need the highest possible raw performance for demanding workloads and don't mind the $999 MSRP and higher power requirements.

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