GTX 1070 vs 1080: In-Depth Comparison of Specs, Performance and Value

Nvidia‘s Pascal-based GeForce GTX 10 series graphics cards deliver exceptional performance and power efficiency. Two of the most popular models from this lineup are the GTX 1070 and GTX 1080. But what exactly sets them apart, and which one is the better buy? This comprehensive guide compares every aspect of these two graphics card to help you decide.

Side-by-Side Specs Overview

First, a look at how the specs stack up between the GTX 1070 and its faster more expensive brother, the GTX 1080:

Specs	GTX 1070	GTX 1080
Launch Date	June 10, 2016	May 27, 2016
GPU Codename	GP104-200	GP104-400
Manufacturing Process	16 nm FinFET
CUDA Cores	1920	2560
Base Clock Speed	1506MHz	1607MHz
Boost Clock Speed	1683MHz	1733MHz
Memory Configuration	8GB GDDR5	8GB GDDR5X
Memory Speed	8Gbps	10Gbps
Memory Bus Width	256-bit	256-bit
Memory Bandwidth	256GB/s	320GB/s
TDP	150 watts	180 watts
MSRP at Launch	$379	$599

As you can see from the table, while the cards share a number of common specs, the GTX 1080 differentiates itself with its higher CUDA core count, faster clock speeds, faster GDDR5X memory and increased memory bandwidth. However it also comes with a significantly higher launch price and TDP.

Now let‘s dive deeper into some of their differences:

Performance and Benchmark Comparison

The best way to compare graphics cards is by analyzing gameplay benchmark results across popular games and at different resolutions. The following benchmarks show average fps achieved by both cards at 1080p, 1440p and 4K:

It‘s clear from the benchmark data that while both deliver excellent 1080p and 1440p performance, the GTX 1080 pulls significantly ahead at 4K resolution. Its extra CUDA cores and memory bandwidth result in up to a 30% performance advantage over the 1070 when pushed to Ultra HD. This makes the 1080 the better choice for future-proof 4K and VR gaming.

However if your focus is on smooth framerates at 1080p or 1440p then the more affordable GTX 1070 is very capable, hitting 60+ fps in even the most demanding titles at High to Max settings. Ultimately it comes down to your gaming resolution requirements.

Overclocking Comparison

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Both the GTX 1070 and GTX 1080 offer ample headroom for overclocking thanks to the improved GPU Boost 3.0 technology integrated into their Pascal architecture. Reviews have shown both cards capable of stable offsets of +150 to +200 MHz on the core clock and +300 to +500 MHz on the memory with proper cooling.

This allows the cards to achieve 10-15% higher benchmark scores when overclocked. The GTX 1080 sees slightly higher gains given its beefier specs, but ultimately both deliver noticeably faster performance when manually tuned. So overclockers can‘t go wrong with either. Just make sure your case cooling is up to the task!

Power Consumption and PSU Requirements

The GTX 1080‘s higher performance comes with increased power demands. Its 180W TDP rating means it consumes 20-30% more power than the 150W 1070 under load. However this shouldn‘t be an issue as long as your power supply meets Nvidia‘s recommended 500W minimum requirement for both cards.

Just make sure your PSU has the necessary 8-pin PCIe power connectors. And if running SLI, aim for an 850W+ unit to leave plenty of headroom. Overall power efficiency still sees a nice bump over previous generation cards, benefitting those concerned about their electricity bills.

Connectivity Options

You‘ll find a standard assortment of display outputs on both GTX 1070 and GTX 1080 graphics cards:

1 x DVI
1 x HDMI 2.0b
3 x DisplayPort 1.4

This allows you to hook up an HDMI monitor or TV plus up to 3 DisplayPort-enabled 2560×1600 displays for surround gaming. Overall the cards offer very similar connectivity, so this shouldn‘t factor much into your purchasing decision.

One note is that the GTX 1080 version of the DisplayPort enables support for High Bit Rate 3 (HBR3) signals. This allows 4K resolution at 120Hz refresh rates for super smooth ultra HD gaming. But you‘ll need one of the best gaming monitors like the ASUS ROG Swift PG27UQ to take advantage.

Price and Value Comparison

Upon launch the GTX 1080‘s MSRP was $599 while the GTX 1070 cost $70 less at $379. Fast forward to today in 2023 and you can now find both cards for much cheaper:

GTX 1070: $300 to $400 (used), $500+ (new)
GTX 1080: $400 to $500+ (used), $600+ (new)

So while no longer carrying the flagship tax, the GTX 1080 still demands a healthy premium over the more affordable GTX 1070 models available.

Ultimately the cost difference comes down to your performance requirements. If smooth 1080p/1440p gaming is the goal, save some money with the GTX 1070. But for future-proof 4K and VR gaming, the GTX 1080 delivers substantially faster speeds that help justify its higher price tag.

Key Facts Summary

To recap the key takeaways:

The GTX 1080 outperforms the 1070 by 20-30% thanks to its higher CUDA core count and memory bandwidth
Both cards deliver excellent 1080p and 1440p frame rates, but the 1080 pulls away at 4K resolution
Overclocking potential is great on both cards, with the 1080 seeing slightly higher performance gains
The 1080 consumes more power (180W vs 150W) but 500W PSUs can handle either
Connectivity options are very similar between the two
Used 1080s cost $100-200 more than 1070s; new 1080s are $100-200+ pricier
The 1080 is recommended if your budget allows and you plan to game at 4K

So in summary:

GTX 1070 – Best for 1080p/1440p gaming at 60+ fps
GTX 1080 – Worth the premium for future-proof 4K and VR gaming

Which Card Should You Buy?

So which is the better purchase when comparing the Nvidia GTX 1070 vs 1080? Ultimately it comes down to your budget, gaming resolution, and desire for future upgradability.

If you game on a 1080p 60Hz monitor then the GTX 1070 is very overkill already and offers the better value. Or if you recently upgraded to a nice 2560×1440 monitor like the Dell S2721DGF then the 1070 can still hit 100+ fps in most titles at that resolution.

But if you have a high refresh 1440p display, play games in VR, or plan to move to 4K gaming soon then the GTX 1080 is worth the extra money. Its 20-30% performance advantage at ultra HD is substantial and helps further proof your system for next generation games.

Here is a quick summaries of recommendations based on budget and intended use:

GTX 1070

Budget-focused 1080p gaming
Smooth 1440p gaming at 60Hz
Light video editing and design work

GTX 1080

Smooth high FPS 1440p gaming
Future-proof 4K 60Hz gaming
VR gaming
Video editing and 3D design

So in closing, while the GTX 1080 is 25% faster, the GTX 1070 still holds its own as a very capable 1440p card that sells for much cheaper. If you don‘t need the extra power then saving money on a 1070 may be the smarter buy. But with mature technologies and price drops years later, the 1080 gives you more headroom to max out the latest games with beyond 60 fps speeds. Either way, you can‘t go wrong with these top-tier Pascal cards!