Nvidia’s RTX 4080 Super: A Small Performance Bump with an Intriguing Price Drop
Nvidia has released its final GPU in the refreshed 40-series, the RTX 4080 Super. While it offers only a slight performance improvement over its predecessor, the RTX 4080, it comes with an intriguing price drop of $200. This makes it the only new RTX 40-series Super GPU that is cheaper than the original card it replaces. Priced at $999, it provides a more affordable option for gamers looking to upgrade to 4K gaming without breaking the bank.
Performance-wise, the RTX 4080 Super is only around 3-4% faster than the RTX 4080. This means that the RTX 4090 still reigns as the top-performing GPU for 4K gaming, offering approximately 25% higher frame rates at that resolution. However, if you’re willing to spend at least $600 more, the RTX 4080 Super provides a significant boost in performance compared to the RTX 4070 Ti Super, making it a more attractive option for gamers looking for improved performance at a reasonable price.
In terms of competition, AMD’s Radeon RX 7900 XTX is priced at $999 and offers similar performance to Nvidia’s RTX 4080 Super. AMD has already responded to Nvidia’s release by reducing the price of its RX 7900 XT from $899 to $749. Whether this pricing will hold depends on the availability and demand for the RTX 4080 Super.
Visually, the RTX 4080 Super retains the same design as its predecessor, with a dark alloy finish. While some may prefer the original silver/space gray aesthetics of the RTX Founders Edition cards, the black color of the RTX 4080 Super adds a new look to Nvidia’s lineup. It remains to be seen if this signals a shift towards black and white variants for future Founders Edition cards.
In terms of connectivity, the RTX 4080 Super features three DisplayPort 1.4 ports and a single HDMI 2.1 port. While it lacks DisplayPort 2.1 support, which may be a concern for some users, most 240Hz 4K OLED panels currently on the market support DSC (Display Stream Compression) without requiring DisplayPort 2.1.
Power-wise, the RTX 4080 Super requires a single 12-pin PCIe 5 connector. Nvidia includes a 12VHPWR adapter cable in the box, which needs to be connected to three regular eight-pin PCIe power cables. While this adapter may not be aesthetically pleasing to some users, it can be avoided if you have an ATX 3.0 power supply or use third-party options to convert multiple PCIe power cables into a single 12VHPWR cable.
In terms of performance, the RTX 4080 Super delivers excellent results at 1440p and is capable of exceeding 100fps in most games at high or ultra settings. It performs slightly better than the original RTX 4080, but the RTX 4090 remains the top choice for gamers seeking the highest frame rates at this resolution.
At 4K gaming, the RTX 4080 Super maintains a solid performance, with every game tested reaching an average of 60fps or above, except for Metro Exodus Enhanced on extreme settings. While it falls short of the RTX 4090’s performance, which exceeds 60fps comfortably, it offers a significant improvement over the RTX 4070 Ti Super at a slightly higher price point.
Overall, the RTX 4080 Super’s main selling point is its price. It provides a more affordable option for gamers looking to upgrade to 4K gaming without spending over $1,000. However, its performance improvements may not be significant enough for those already using the RTX 4080 or considering the RTX 4090. The choice ultimately depends on individual budgets and requirements.
With the release of the RTX 4080 Super, Nvidia has completed its trio of RTX 40-series Super cards, offering options for gamers with different budgets and needs. The RTX 4070 Super stands out for its impressive performance boost at the same price point, making it a great choice for 1440p gaming. The pricing of the RTX 4070 Ti Super seems questionable, considering the RTX 4070 Super offers similar performance at a lower price, and the RTX 4080 Super provides a significant performance improvement for just $200 more. Ultimately, the RTX 4080 Super is an ideal choice for gamers looking to upgrade to 4K gaming without breaking the bank, provided the $999 pricing remains competitive in the market.