Performance comparison: which is faster?
GeForce RTX 3090 (NVIDIA, 2020) and GeForce RTX 3080 (NVIDIA, 2020) are compared here. Compare scores and VRAM, generative AI usability, and CPUs that pair well with each GPU.
Overall performance: RTX 3090 is about 8.2% faster
For generative AI, the higher-VRAM RTX 3090（24GB） has the advantage. For gaming, prioritize performance score and CPU compatibility; for AI, prioritize VRAM.
Relative performance score (higher is faster). Actual fps varies by resolution, game, and CPU configuration.
| Item | RTX 3090 | RTX 3080 |
|---|---|---|
| Performance Score | 26,500 | 24,500 |
| VRAM | 24GB | 10GB |
| Manufacturer | NVIDIA | NVIDIA |
| Series | RTX 30 | RTX 30 |
| Release Year | 2020 | 2020 |
| Compatible CPU Example | Ryzen 9 7900 | Ryzen 5 8600G |
These generative AI models can run on only one GPU because of the VRAM difference (Stable Diffusion, Flux, LLMs, and others).
— None (all models that run on RTX 3090 also run here)
| If You Want To... | Recommended |
|---|---|
| Prioritize high fps and smooth performance in demanding games | RTX 3090 |
| Run larger generative AI and LLM models | RTX 3090 |
| Prioritize value and adequate performance | RTX 3080 (the lower model is often sufficient) |
RTX 3090 is about 8.2% higher by score (RTX 3090: 26500 points / RTX 3080: 24500 points). Actual fps also varies by resolution, game, and CPU, so price is a reasonable deciding factor when the gap is only a few percent.
RTX 3090 has 24GB of VRAM, while RTX 3080 has 10GB; RTX 3090 has more. If image generation or a local LLM is even a possibility, the higher-VRAM option provides more room.
Using our guideline, Ryzen 9 7900 pairs well with RTX 3090 and Ryzen 5 8600G with RTX 3080 (CPU:GPU ≈ 0.9:1). If the CPU is too weak, replacing the GPU may not raise fps, so check the combination before buying.
