Nvidia GeForce GTX 1080 Ti vs Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 Ti: What is the difference?
51points
Nvidia GeForce GTX 1080 Ti
65points
Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 Ti
Comparison winner
vs
54 facts in comparison
Nvidia GeForce GTX 1080 Ti
Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 Ti
Why is Nvidia GeForce GTX 1080 Ti better than Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 Ti?
- 3GB more VRAM?
11GBvs8GB - 78.9 GTexels/s higher texture rate?
332 GTexels/svs253.1 GTexels/s - 36GB/s more memory bandwidth?
484GB/svs448GB/s - 96bit wider memory bus width?
352bitvs256bit - 72 more texture mapping units (TMUs)?
224vs152 - 8 more render output units (ROPs)?
88vs80 - Has Double Precision Floating Point (DPFP)?
Why is Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 Ti better than Nvidia GeForce GTX 1080 Ti?
- 5.
6 TFLOPS higher floating-point performance?
16.2 TFLOPSvs10.6 TFLOPS - 20W lower TDP?
200Wvs220W - 374MHz faster memory clock speed?
1750MHzvs1376MHz - 2992MHz higher effective memory clock speed?
14000MHzvs11008MHz - Supports ray tracing?
- 88MHz faster GPU turbo speed?
1670MHzvs1582MHz - 1280 more shading units?
4864vs3584 - 5400million more transistors?
17400 millionvs12000 million
Which are the most popular comparisons?
Nvidia GeForce GTX 1080 Ti
vs
Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060
Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 Ti
vs
AMD Radeon RX 6750 XT
Nvidia GeForce GTX 1080 Ti
vs
Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050
Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 Ti
vs
AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT
Nvidia GeForce GTX 1080 Ti
vs
Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 Ti
Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 Ti
vs
AMD Radeon RX 6650 XT
Nvidia GeForce GTX 1080 Ti
vs
Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060
Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 Ti
vs
Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060
Nvidia GeForce GTX 1080 Ti
vs
Nvidia Geforce GTX 1660 Super
Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 Ti
vs
Nvidia GeForce RTX 3070 Ti
Nvidia GeForce GTX 1080 Ti
vs
Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 Laptop
Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 Ti
vs
Nvidia GeForce RTX 3070
Nvidia GeForce GTX 1080 Ti
vs
Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 Ti Laptop
Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 Ti
vs
Nvidia GeForce RTX 2070 Super
Nvidia GeForce GTX 1080 Ti
vs
Nvidia GeForce RTX 3070 Ti
Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 Ti
vs
AMD Radeon RX 6600 XT
Nvidia GeForce GTX 1080 Ti
vs
Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 Laptop
Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 Ti
vs
Nvidia Geforce GTX 1660 Super
Price comparison
Cheap alternatives
User reviews
Overall Rating
Nvidia GeForce GTX 1080 Ti
1 User reviews
Nvidia GeForce GTX 1080 Ti
10.
0/10
1 User reviews
Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 Ti
3 User reviews
Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 Ti
9.7/10
3 User reviews
Features
Value for money
9.0/10
1 votes
9.3/10
3 votes
Gaming
9.0/10
1 votes
9.3/10
3 votes
Performance
10.0/10
1 votes
8.7/10
3 votes
Quiet operation
10.0/10
1 votes
8.7/10
3 votes
Reliability
10.0/10
1 votes
10.0/10
3 votes
Performance
GPU clock speed
1480MHz
1410MHz
The graphics processing unit (GPU) has a higher clock speed.
GPU turbo
1582MHz
1670MHz
When the GPU is running below its limitations, it can boost to a higher clock speed in order to give increased performance.
pixel rate
130.
2 GPixel/s
133.2 GPixel/s
The number of pixels that can be rendered to the screen every second.
floating-point performance
10.6 TFLOPS
16.2 TFLOPS
Floating-point performance is a measurement of the raw processing power of the GPU.
texture rate
332 GTexels/s
253.1 GTexels/s
The number of textured pixels that can be rendered to the screen every second.
GPU memory speed
1376MHz
1750MHz
The memory clock speed is one aspect that determines the memory bandwidth.
shading units
Shading units (or stream processors) are small processors within the graphics card that are responsible for processing different aspects of the image.
texture mapping units (TMUs)
TMUs take textures and map them to the geometry of a 3D scene. More TMUs will typically mean that texture information is processed faster.
render output units (ROPs)
The ROPs are responsible for some of the final steps of the rendering process, writing the final pixel data to memory and carrying out other tasks such as anti-aliasing to improve the look of graphics.
Memory
effective memory speed
11008MHz
14000MHz
The effective memory clock speed is calculated from the size and data rate of the memory. Higher clock speeds can give increased performance in games and other apps.
maximum memory bandwidth
484GB/s
448GB/s
This is the maximum rate that data can be read from or stored into memory.
VRAM (video RAM) is the dedicated memory of a graphics card. More VRAM generally allows you to run games at higher settings, especially for things like texture resolution.
memory bus width
352bit
256bit
A wider bus width means that it can carry more data per cycle.
It is an important factor of memory performance, and therefore the general performance of the graphics card.
version of GDDR memory
Newer versions of GDDR memory offer improvements such as higher transfer rates that give increased performance.
Supports ECC memory
✖Nvidia GeForce GTX 1080 Ti
✖Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 Ti
Error-correcting code memory can detect and correct data corruption. It is used when is it essential to avoid corruption, such as scientific computing or when running a server.
Features
DirectX version
DirectX is used in games, with newer versions supporting better graphics.
OpenGL version
OpenGL is used in games, with newer versions supporting better graphics.
OpenCL version
Some apps use OpenCL to apply the power of the graphics processing unit (GPU) for non-graphical computing.
Newer versions introduce more functionality and better performance.
Supports multi-display technology
✔Nvidia GeForce GTX 1080 Ti
✔Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 Ti
The graphics card supports multi-display technology. This allows you to configure multiple monitors in order to create a more immersive gaming experience, such as having a wider field of view.
load GPU temperature
Unknown. Help us by suggesting a value. (Nvidia GeForce GTX 1080 Ti)
Unknown. Help us by suggesting a value. (Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 Ti)
A lower load temperature means that the card produces less heat and its cooling system performs better.
supports ray tracing
✖Nvidia GeForce GTX 1080 Ti
✔Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 Ti
Ray tracing is an advanced light rendering technique that provides more realistic lighting, shadows, and reflections in games.
Supports 3D
✔Nvidia GeForce GTX 1080 Ti
✔Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 Ti
Allows you to view in 3D (if you have a 3D display and glasses).
supports DLSS
✖Nvidia GeForce GTX 1080 Ti
✔Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 Ti
DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling) is an upscaling technology powered by AI. It allows the graphics card to render games at a lower resolution and upscale them to a higher resolution with near-native visual quality and increased performance. DLSS is only available on select games.
PassMark (G3D) result
Unknown. Help us by suggesting a value. (Nvidia GeForce GTX 1080 Ti)
This benchmark measures the graphics performance of a video card. Source: PassMark.
Ports
has an HDMI output
✔Nvidia GeForce GTX 1080 Ti
✔Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 Ti
Devices with a HDMI or mini HDMI port can transfer high definition video and audio to a display.
HDMI ports
More HDMI ports mean that you can simultaneously connect numerous devices, such as video game consoles and set-top boxes.
HDMI version
HDMI 2.0
HDMI 2.1
Newer versions of HDMI support higher bandwidth, which allows for higher resolutions and frame rates.
DisplayPort outputs
Allows you to connect to a display using DisplayPort.
DVI outputs
Allows you to connect to a display using DVI.
mini DisplayPort outputs
Allows you to connect to a display using mini-DisplayPort.
Price comparison
Which are the best graphics cards?
Nvidia GTX 1080 Ti vs RTX 3060 Ti
Can the Pascal giant hold up against the Ampere lower end?
Updated: Nov 22, 2022 3:05 pm
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ASUS GeForce RTX 3060 TI ROG Strix Gaming OC
ASUS ROG STRIX GTX 1080 Ti
Architecture
Specifications
GPU die cores
Video memory
Frequency
TDP
PCIe bus
1080 Ti vs 3060 Ti performance
1080 Ti vs 3060 Ti price
MSI GEFORCE RTX 3060 TI VENTUS 3X OC graphics card
EVGA GTX 1080 Ti SC Black Edition
Is a 3060 Ti better than a 1080 Ti?
With the 30 series complete there are still comparisons you may be wondering about.
So this time we look at how well the old holds up against the new with the 1080 Ti vs 3060 Ti. A two-generational difference there are a lot of differences to expect, especially with the change from GTX to RTX and seeing if the top end of Pascal holds up to the lower end Ampere.
Of course, there are some big changes between these generations so we expect a few key improvements and potential performance enhancements. The 1080 Ti came out in March 2017, whilst the 3060 Ti was over three years later. Releasing in the December of 2020, slightly later than the initial 30 series release.
ASUS GeForce RTX 3060 TI ROG Strix Gaming OC
Pros
Excellent aesthetic design
Great cooling solution
High boost clock speed
Cons
On the higher end of the price spectrum
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ASUS ROG STRIX GTX 1080 Ti
Pros
Strong factory overclock, but not the best
Best cooling performance of the bunch offers more OC headroom, plus…
Additional features like RGB lighting for extra visual flair
Cons
It’s also huge, but surprisingly not the biggest
It’s fairly expensive
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Architecture
Obviously one of the core upgrades will be the architecture of the two graphics cards.
It is the basis of how they work and create the graphics you see. One key feature difference is the introduction of RT cores.
Looking into it, we see the GTX 1080 Ti feature a GP102-350 GPU variant. Based on the Pascal architecture it is created with TSMCs 16nm process. It is 471mm² in size and made with 11.8 billion transistors. Whilst the 3060 Ti is the Ampere GA104-200 GPU die. Made with Samsungs 8nm process it creates a 392mm² die with 17.4 billion transistors.
Specifications
| GTX 1080 Ti | RTX 3060 Ti | |
|---|---|---|
| GPU | GP102-350 | GA104-200 |
| CUDA cores | 3,584 | 4,864 |
| RT cores | 0 | 38 |
| TMUs | 224 | 152 |
| Memory | 11GB GDDR5X | 8GB GDDR6 |
| Base clock | 1,481MHz | 1,410MHz |
| Boost clock | 1,582MHz | 1,665MHz |
| Memory clock | 11 Gbps | 14 Gbps |
| Card bus | PCIe 3. 0 x16 |
PCIe 4.0 x16 |
| Memory bandwidth | 484.4 GB/s | 448 GB/s |
| TDP/TBP | 250W | 200W |
There is also the rest of the specifications of the graphics card to consider. Although the architecture may vary there are still some other parts that are more standard. So we do take a look at what they may offer between them.
GPU die cores
Die cores are what make up the GPU chip itself. Each is specialized in what they work on. Working together to create the final graphics scenes to display. In particular, we have the shaders that create shadows and shade in the scene. Along with RT cores calculating the real-time ray tracing to add to the graphics and TMUs creating the 3D models from bitmaps.
Between the two cards, we see some differences. In terms of CUDA cores, the 1080 Ti has 3,584 compared to the 3060 Tis 4,864.
Along with likely optimizations down the road. In TMUs there is a decrease, down from 224 to 152. From a possible optimization or moving the work away from them or it just has less. Whilst in RT cores the Pascal card has none. The option only became available with RTX and the Ampere has 38. So to do any ray tracing you need that option.
Video memory
VRAM is the storage for your display’s image data once it has been processed. So used as a buffer, it enables the smooth experience of your graphics with framerates and latency. It’s especially important for demanding 3D graphics and higher resolutions that have more pixels to render.
There are some differences a few years apart. The 10 series card has 11 GB of GDDR5X, whilst the 30 series card has 8GB of GDDR6. Losing the capacity, but with an improved version. Which in fact is faster with 14 Gbps compared to 11. But since the 3060 Ti uses a smaller memory bus and so has a slightly lower bandwidth of 448 GB/s instead of 484.
4 GB/s.
Frequency
The frequency or clock rates are how quickly the cores process instructions and create their graphics. It is a measure of how fast the silicon crystals flip in the chip which processes the graphics. Although not the only factor of performance it is subject to overclocking on the consumer end to get the most out of them.
In terms of 1080 Ti vs 3060 Ti, there is a mix of leads between them. The 1080 Ti has a faster base clock of 1,481 MHz compared to 1,410 MHz. Whilst the 3060 Ti has a faster boost clock reaching 1,665 MHz instead of 1,582 MHz.
TDP
TDP is the thermal design power of a graphics card. It is how much energy the card will consume at max utilization. Meaning how much you’ll be paying to run it and how much heat it will give off into the system. Between the two of the choices, it is in fact the older card with a higher rate. With a 50W higher count at 250W instead of the more efficient newer card with 200W.
PCIe bus
The card bus is the interface between the graphics card and the motherboard.
It is how the parts communicate and work together. PCIe standard is set by SIGGRAPH and the generations have different speeds and capabilities.
So between generations, there has been a change. The 10 series features PCIe 3.0 x16 whilst the 30 series has PCIe 4.0 x16. This doubles the available bandwidth to the card from 15.754 GB/s to 31.508 GB/s. So it does allow for a greater performance available for the cards.
1080 Ti vs 3060 Ti performance
For looking at the performance we go to 3DMark, we get a comparative look at the graphical performance of the two. There we see the 3060 Ti achieve a score of 11,700 with a price-to-performance ratio of 29. Whilst the 1080 Ti only gets 9,899 with a ratio of 14. Showing a much better improvement over the old.
In terms of gaming performance, we look to reviews. In particular, we see Gamers Nexus review with gaming across the board. There at 4k in SOTTR the 3060 Ti leads by 18%, whilst at 1440p and 1080p that lead is only 15%.
Although the same lead may not translate across all applications the 3060 Ti does lead most of the way. But at 4k the 1080 Ti with its bigger VRAM can lead in some games.
1080 Ti vs 3060 Ti price
Lastly, we look at the MSRP and asking prices of the card. As the 1080 Ti is EOL it’s unlikely you can find it for sale at the moment new. So we look at what their asking prices were to see their worth.
So when it first came out the GTX 1080 Ti had an MSRP of $699USD/£699. Whilst the RTX 3060 Ti is rather cheap in comparison. It releasing with a price tag of $399USD/£369. So you get a lot better price and performance with that option.
MSI GEFORCE RTX 3060 TI VENTUS 3X OC graphics card
Pros
Stylish, gaming aesthetics
Strong materials and build design
High-end cooling solution
Cons
On the expensive side
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EVGA GTX 1080 Ti SC Black Edition
Pros
Best out-of-box performance thanks to a stellar factory overclock
Strong cooling performance provides even more OC headroom
Cons
It’s huge, even larger than the STRIX somehow
It’s pretty expensive
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Is a 3060 Ti better than a 1080 Ti?
Overall, with a 1080 Ti vs 3060 Ti, the RTX card is a much better choice.