NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 vs NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090

The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 is the faster card by roughly 22%. Here is how the two compare across every spec that matters for gaming.

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 wins — about 22% faster in gaming workloads
Specification NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090
Performance score 64/100 78/100
Tier A S
VRAM 16 GB 24 GB
Power draw (TDP) 320 W 450 W
Launch MSRP $1199 $1599
Performance per $100 5.3 4.9
Release year 2022 2022
DLSS ✓ Yes ✓ Yes
FSR ✓ Yes ✓ Yes
XeSS — No — No
Ray tracing ✓ Yes ✓ Yes

Which should you buy?

The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 is the stronger performer of the two, and it is the default choice if raw frame rate is what you care about. The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 carries more VRAM (24GB vs 16GB), which matters at 1440p and above and for texture-heavy titles. The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 draws 130W less, so it is easier on your power supply and case cooling — check the PSU calculator before committing. On launch pricing, the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 offers better performance per dollar.