GeForce RTX 4080 Super vs GeForce RTX 5060 Ti 8GB

Winner:
GeForce RTX 4080 Super
Main Difference:
Double the VRAM and nearly triple the high-resolution performance for a higher MSRP
Page Summary:
GeForce RTX 4080 Super is the superior choice, delivering massive performance leads at high resolutions and double the memory capacity compared to the GeForce RTX 5060 Ti 8GB, justifying its $999 MSRP for enthusiast builds.
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 8GB

MSRP:
$379
See Current Price
Spec Sheet:
Core Count:
4608
Thread Count:
Base Clock:
2407 MHz
Boost Clock:
2572 MHz
Integrated Graphics:
VRAM:
8.0 GB
L3 Cache:
8.0 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
50.8
42.7
1440p
39.2
27.3
4K
20.9
16.2
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 8GB
Gaming Analysis:

The GeForce RTX 5060 Ti 8GB serves as a high-tier option for standard resolution gaming but shows clear limitations when pushed toward higher pixel counts. While the Blackwell 2.0 architecture and GDDR7 memory provide a snappy experience in competitive titles, the hardware configuration creates a performance ceiling that makes 1440p a significant challenge for the card to maintain over time.

The 8GB VRAM capacity behaves like a strict anchor on visual fidelity. Even with the transition to faster memory modules, the physical pool remains small for the heavy texture loads found in modern cinematic releases. Attempting to max out settings in demanding games often results in stuttering and inconsistent frame delivery as the 128-bit bus struggles to move data into the constrained memory space. You will find much more stability sticking to high settings rather than trying to force ultra-tier textures.

  • 1080p Performance: This is where the card feels most at home. Gameplay remains fluid and responsive across most titles, allowing you to enjoy the latest releases with high visual presets without worrying about sudden performance dips.
  • 1440p Performance: The hardware begins to labor at this resolution. You can expect a noticeable drop in fluidity compared to the 16GB variant because the memory buffer cannot house all the necessary assets at once. Lowering texture quality to medium is often required to keep the experience stable.
  • 4K Performance: This resolution is beyond the intended scope of the card. The hardware cannot keep up with the massive pixel count, leading to a choppy experience that lacks the responsiveness needed for modern gaming.
  • Ray Tracing Reality: Although the card features 36 dedicated Ray Tracing cores, the 8GB memory limit makes it difficult to manage both lighting calculations and high-resolution textures simultaneously. Enabling heavy ray-traced effects usually compromises the stability of the game.
  • DLSS 4 Multi-Frame Generation: This technology acts as a helpful tool for smoothing out gameplay in heavy titles. By using AI to generate additional frames, it can make a taxing scene feel much more fluid. However, the tech itself requires some memory overhead, so your results may vary if the VRAM is already completely saturated by game settings.

Choosing this card involves accepting a clear trade-off. It provides modern architectural features and excellent speed for standard setups, but the 8GB limit requires careful management. As games continue to grow in complexity, you will likely spend more time adjusting sliders to stay within the memory limits rather than simply letting the hardware run at its full potential.

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 8GB
Productivity Analysis:

While the gaming side of the GeForce RTX 5060 Ti 8GB is defined by its speed at standard resolutions, the transition to professional workloads brings the physical memory limit into sharper focus. The Blackwell 2.0 architecture provides a massive engine of 4608 cores that can process complex calculations quickly, but the capacity of the memory buffer acts as a strict ceiling. For basic video projects or graphic design, the experience is snappy and responsive. However, as soon as you move toward high-resolution 360 degree video or complex 3D scenes, the 8GB pool becomes a hard boundary that can halt your progress before the actual processor reaches its full potential.

The 128-bit bus and 8GB capacity create specific friction points when a project outgrows the local hardware. In software like DaVinci Resolve or heavy 3D suites, the system needs massive amounts of space to hold frame data and high-resolution textures simultaneously. When you exceed the 8GB limit, the system must swap data to the much slower system RAM, which usually results in significant stuttering or errors. It is an annoying bottleneck that forces you to simplify your creative vision just to ensure a final export completes successfully, making it a capable start for beginners that lacks long-term headroom for growing professionals.

  • Video Encoding and Processing The inclusion of dedicated hardware encoders within the Blackwell architecture is a significant benefit for video editors. It handles high-quality formats and AV1 encoding natively, allowing for smoother timeline scrubbing and faster exports that do not bog down the rest of your system.
  • 3D Rendering and Development Utilizing the CUDA ecosystem provides a massive advantage in software like Blender or Octane. The 36 Ray Tracing cores help manage complex lighting calculations, though you must keep your geometry and texture sizes in check to avoid exceeding the memory buffer during a render.
  • Artificial Intelligence and Motion Tools The 5th Gen Tensor cores act as a specialized workforce for local AI tasks. From running generative tools in various creative suites to handling small language models, the 23.7 TFLOPS of compute power ensures these modern workflows feel instantaneous rather than a chore.
  • Memory Bandwidth and Flow The move to GDDR7 memory provides 448 GB/s of bandwidth, creating a wide path for data to travel during intensive tasks. This helps the card maintain a responsive feel even when you are handling high-bitrate files that might have felt sluggish on older hardware architectures.
  • Professional Software Stability Choosing this hardware often comes down to the reliability of the software drivers and wide optimization from application developers. You are less likely to encounter unexpected visual glitches or application crashes in the middle of a deadline compared to less supported platforms.

You must be realistic about your specific project requirements when choosing this model. The architectural improvements provide plenty of raw power, but the 8GB limit is a physical constraint that no amount of software optimization can fully bypass. If your work involves professional 3D environments or substantial 4K video timelines, you should consider a variant with a larger memory pool. For those focused on 1080p content and lighter creative projects, this card offers a stable and modern foundation, provided you respect the boundaries of the hardware configuration.

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 8GB
Feature Analysis:

The 8GB memory capacity acts as a definitive boundary for your build longevity and dictates the visual settings you can realistically maintain. While the Blackwell 2.0 architecture and GDDR7 memory offer high speeds, the physical pool is small for the data heavy texture loads found in modern software. You are essentially installing an incredibly fast engine paired with a small fuel tank, meaning the hardware is capable of processing more than the memory buffer can actually hold at once. If you plan to keep this system for several years, you will likely encounter situations where you must lower texture quality to avoid stuttering or assets failing to load properly.

The PCIe 5.0 x8 interface introduces a specific compatibility factor for those looking to upgrade an existing machine rather than building entirely from scratch. Because the card uses fewer lanes to move data, it relies on the high speed of modern motherboard slots to maintain its full efficiency. If you install this card into an older motherboard limited to PCIe 3.0 speeds, you risk creating a data bottleneck that can lead to inconsistent frame delivery during heavy transitions. It is a tool designed for modern hardware ecosystems, and forcing it onto an aging platform might result in a less fluid experience than the silicon is truly capable of providing.

  • PSU Requirements and Selection While the base specification suggests a 450W power supply, you should look toward a 550W unit to ensure your system handles the sudden power draws that occur during heavy rendering or complex gaming scenes without unexpected shutdowns.
  • Cable Management and Connections This model utilizes a standard 8-pin power connector, which means it works with most existing power supplies without the need for specialized 16-pin adapters or specific cable management solutions.
  • Thermal Output and Airflow With a typical TDP of 180W, the card generates a moderate amount of heat that requires consistent case airflow to maintain peak performance during long sessions.
  • Memory Bus Constraints The 128-bit memory bus is tailored for standard resolutions, but it can struggle with the sheer volume of data required for high resolution textures or complex 3D assets.
  • Architecture and Core Density The 4,608 cores within the Blackwell architecture provide significant math power for local processing tasks, though the memory limit remains the primary factor that decides how much of that power can be used at once.

You are ultimately investing in the stability and feature set of the Blackwell platform, which offers reliable drivers and excellent support for modern software suites. The hardware provides a snappy and responsive foundation for creative projects and high speed gaming, provided you work within the limits of the 8GB buffer. It is a fast card that rewards those who understand its physical constraints. As long as you prioritize standard monitors and manage your asset sizes, the card offers a modern and efficient experience that fits well into a contemporary mid-range build.

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 8GB
Full Tech Specs:
Feature Specification
Name GeForce RTX 5060 Ti 8GB
MSRP $379
Release Date 2025-04-16
Chipset Manufacturer NVIDIA
Memory Size 8 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
Suggested PSU 550 W

Final Verdict

The GeForce RTX 4080 Super stands as the definitive winner in this comparison by providing drastically superior gaming and productivity capabilities. While the newer architecture of the Blackwell-based card brings some efficiency, it cannot overcome the raw hardware deficit found in most areas. For gaming, the GeForce RTX 4080 Super handles high-resolution textures and intensive ray tracing with ease, whereas the GeForce RTX 5060 Ti 8GB is often limited by its lower memory capacity. The 16GB of GDDR6X on the enthusiast card prevents the memory bottlenecks that can affect the 8GB card, allowing for much smoother workflows in professional applications like 3D rendering or high-end video editing.

The price gap is substantial, with the GeForce RTX 4080 Super carrying a $999 MSRP compared to the $379 MSRP of the GeForce RTX 5060 Ti 8GB. This cost difference translates into a massive performance gap where the 4080 Super is nearly three times faster in demanding high-resolution scenarios. The enthusiast card also features a much wider 256-bit bus which helps move data significantly faster than the 128-bit bus on its smaller sibling. While the 5060 Ti offers a more accessible launch price, its limited VRAM is a major drawback for anyone looking to build a system that lasts through several years of demanding software updates. The GeForce RTX 4080 Super is built for those who refuse to compromise on visual fidelity or compute power.

  • Performance: The 4080 Super leads by a enormous margin, especially when ray tracing is active or when resolutions are pushed beyond the basics.
  • Memory: Having 16GB of VRAM provides a massive safety net for modern titles that easily exceed 8GB on high settings.
  • Value: While the 5060 Ti has a lower MSRP, the 4080 Super justifies its $999 launch price through sheer dominance in every measurable compute task.

Buy GeForce RTX 4080 Super if you want no-compromise gaming performance at the highest resolutions and need 16GB of VRAM for heavy creative workloads.

Buy GeForce RTX 5060 Ti 8GB if you are working with a $379 MSRP budget and primarily focus on standard gaming where 8GB of VRAM is still sufficient.

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