Guide
RTX 4070 vs RTX 3080 — Which to choose in 2026?
The RTX 4070 ($425 – $475) and the RTX 3080 ($325 – $425 (occasion)) are two of the most popular GPUs in their price range. This comparison covers 1080p and 1440p performance, power draw, price, and helps you decide which card fits your build best.
Side-by-side specifications
| Specification | RTX 4070 | RTX 3080 |
|---|---|---|
| VRAM | 12 GB | 10 GB |
| TDP (reference) | ~200 W | ~320 W |
| Architecture | Ada Lovelace (AD104) | Ampere (GA102) |
| Release year | 2023 | 2020 |
| Typical price (2026) | 380–440 € | 300–400 € (occasion) |
Indicative benchmarks (avg FPS, raster)
Rounded in-game averages (no DLSS Frame Generation). Useful to compare 1080p vs 1440p feel.
FPS (higher is better)
Cyberpunk 2077
1080p
1440p
Fortnite
1080p
1440p
Hogwarts Legacy
1080p
1440p
Call of Duty (Warzone)
1080p
1440p
Red Dead Redemption 2
1080p
1440p
Which GPU for your use case?
- Casual / single-playerBoth GPUs stay very playable at 1080p. The RTX 4070 has more headroom in recent AAA titles and draws far less power than the RTX 3080.
- 1080p competitive (high FPS)For competitive gaming both reach high FPS. The RTX 4070 is slightly ahead with better power efficiency.
- 1440p / light creationAt 1440p the gap favours the RTX 4070 (12 GB VRAM). The RTX 3080 still makes sense on medium–high with DLSS 2.
Bottom line
Pick the RTX 4070 for a new purchase: DLSS 3, warranty, 12 GB VRAM, lower power draw.
Choose the RTX 3080 for a strong used deal (~€300–400) with a 650–750 W PSU — great raster, no DLSS 3.
FPS varies with CPU, drivers, and scene. Use the PC4Games comparator for picks tied to your games.
RTX 4070 or RTX 3080: quick summary
The RTX 4070 delivers better overall performance in our benchmarks. The RTX 3080 stays competitive, especially as a value option on the used market.
At 1080p: the RTX 4070 has more headroom in demanding titles. At 1440p: the gap widens — the RTX 4070 is more comfortable targeting 60+ FPS at high/ultra settings.
Power draw and PSU compatibility
The RTX 4070 has a TDP of 200W; the RTX 3080 draws 320W. The RTX 4070 is more power-efficient — a notable advantage for small cases or PSUs under 650W.
Price and value in 2026
In 2026, the RTX 4070 sells for around $425 – $475 and the RTX 3080 for $325 – $425 (occasion). The RTX 4070 justifies its premium with higher performance, particularly at 1440p.
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