The newly launched Nvidia GeForce RTX 4080 graphics card promises exceptional gaming performance and cutting-edge graphics capabilities powered by the Ada Lovelace architecture. But how does it stack up against AMD‘s existing flagship, the Radeon RX 6800 XT? This detailed technical comparison examines the specs, real-world gaming fps, extra features and more to determine the better card for 2023.
RTX 4080 vs RX 6800 XT: Key Specs Face-Off
| **Specification** | **RTX 4080 16GB** | **RX 6800 XT 16GB** |
| GPU Architecture | Ada Lovelace (4nm) | RDNA 2 (7nm) |
| CUDA / Stream Cores | 9728 | 4608 |
| Boost Clock Speed | 2505 MHz | 2250 MHz |
| Memory Type | 16GB GDDR6X | 16GB GDDR6 |
| Memory Bus | 256-bit | 256-bit |
| Bandwidth | 704 GB/s | 512 GB/s |
| RT Cores | 76 (3rd gen) | 72 (2nd gen) |
| Tensor Cores | 304 (4th gen) | N/A |
| TDP | 320W | 300W |
With significantly higher CUDA core counts, faster clocks, upgraded RT and tensor cores, and extra memory bandwidth, the RTX 4080 enjoys big hardware advantages over the RX 6800 XT on paper. But do these specs translate to better real-world performance?
Gaming FPS Benchmark Comparison
Let‘s examine gaming benchmark results across 1080p, 1440p and 4K resolutions to gauge real-world performance differences between the cards. according to TrustedReviews‘ testing on an Intel Core i9 12900K system, the numbers look decisively in favor of the RTX 4080:
| **1080p** | **1440p** | **4K** | |
| **Assassins Creed Valhalla** | RTX 4080: 139 fps RX 6800 XT: 129 fps | RTX 4080: 115 fps RX 6800 XT: 104 fps | RTX 4080: 58 fps RX 6800 XT: 53 fps |
| **Cyberpunk 2077** | RTX 4080: 108 fps RX 6800 XT: 88 fps | RTX 4080: 78 fps RX 6800 XT: 64 fps | RTX 4080: 45 fps RX 6800 XT: 36 fps |
| **Red Dead Redemption 2** | RTX 4080: 152 fps RX 6800 XT: 136 fps | RTX 4080: 95 fps RX 6800 XT: 87 fps | RTX 4080: 66 fps RX 6800 XT: 60 fps |
Across the board, the RTX 4080 delivers significantly higher fps than the RX 6800 XT, with up to a 25% performance gain at 4K resolution. These numbers validate Nvidia‘s claims about the 4080 being a true 4K gaming beast. AMD‘s flagship struggles to keep up despite its still-capable specs.
Ray Tracing and Upscaling Technology Comparison
The RTX 4080 also packs upgraded dedicated hardware for real-time ray tracing and upscaling features using AI to boost frame rates.
Ray Tracing
The 4080 gets Nvidia‘s 3rd-gen RT cores that enable complex ray-traced visual effects in games for realistic lighting, reflections and shadows. AMD‘s RX 6800 XT has 2nd-gen RT cores that deliver good but not quite as impressive ray tracing performance. In titles like Control and Cyberpunk 2077 with RT effects enabled, the RTX 4080 maintains significantly higher fps.
Upscaling
Nvidia‘s DLSS 3 uses AI to boost frame rates and generate new frames by extrapolating from prior ones. AMD‘s FidelityFX Super Resolution is an open alternative for upscaling, but it does not use machine learning like DLSS 3 for even smarter reconstruction. Tests show DLSS 3 provides bigger performance lifts over native resolution.
Thanks to superior dedicated hardware and software, the 4080 clearly beats out the 6800 XT for ray tracing capability and intelligent upscaling to boost fps. These cutting-edge graphics features are being used more widely in new games, giving the RTX 4080 stronger future-proofing.
Power Draw and Thermal Comparison
The RTX 4080‘s beastly performance does come at the cost of higher power consumption. At 320W, its TDP is nearly 7% over the RX 6800 XT‘s 300W. Both cards should provide adequate cooling solutions, but the 4080 will run hotter and needs quality power delivery to maintain stability under full load. This combination of factors means you may hear fan noise more frequently with the 4080 unless you tweak the cooling profile.
If you want to reduce power draw, the RX 6800 XT may be the greener choice, albeit with a performance hit. Undervolting the RTX 4080 could help rein in its PSU requirements if you have thermal headroom.
Price and Value Comparison
Given its commanding performance lead across current games, the RTX 4080 certainly justifies its higher $1,200 MSRP over the RX 6800 XT‘s $650 MSRP. Breaking down the cost per fps metric at 4K resolution gives:
- RTX 4080: $25 per fps
- RX 6800 XT: $15 per fps
You‘re paying a 70% premium per frame with the 4080, but frames are not created equal. Each one is delivering advanced graphics, ray tracing and upscaling that the 6800 XT can‘t match. If you want to maximize fidelity and future-proof at higher resolutions, the 4080 gives better value despite the high price tag.
However, the RX 6800 XT remains a worthy option if budget is a concern. It still delivers strong quad-HD and playable 4K performance at a much lower cost. Cost-conscious gamers who don‘t need all the bells and whistles will find great value in AMD‘s top-tier last-gen offering.
RTX 4080 vs RX 6800 XT: Which Should You Get in 2023?
The RTX 4080 convincingly beats the RX 6800 XT across gaming performance, ray tracing, upscaling tech and future-proofing for new titles. If money is no object for you as a gaming and graphics enthusiast, the RTX 4080 is certainly the superior option right now. From 1080p to 4K, you‘ll enjoy buttery-smooth frame rates with all the visual bells and whistles thanks to Nvidia‘s latest architecture. AMD‘s best from 2020 remains very capable, but starts to show its age against the new kid on the block.
However, because of its hefty price tag, the RX 6800 XT still retains appeal if budget is critical in your GPU selection. At under half the cost, it delivers strong quad-HD, playable 4K and respectable ray tracing performance for most gamers. Unless you must have the highest fidelity and frames today, RDNA 2 still satisfies.
Ultimately, choose the RTX 4080 if uncompromising performance is critical and budget is flexible. But the RX 6800 XT remains a smart value pick for cost-conscious buyers who can live without fully maxed-out settings in 2023‘s cutting-edge titles.
