RTX 3090 vs RTX 3080 Ti: Specs, Price & Performance
The RTX 3090 is the faster card, about 5% ahead of the RTX 3080 Ti on 3DMark Time Spy. It currently costs $871 more than the RTX 3080 Ti. On price per frame, the RTX 3080 Ti is the better value.
Spec & price comparison
| Spec | RTX 3090 | RTX 3080 Ti |
|---|---|---|
| Current price | $1,420 | $549 |
| MSRP | $1,499 | $1,199 |
| VRAM | 24GB | 12GB |
| Architecture | Ampere | Ampere |
| Generation | RTX 3000 | RTX 3000 |
| Power draw (TDP) | 350W | 350W |
| Recommended PSU | 750W | 750W |
| 3DMark Time Spy | 19,500 | 18,500 |
| 1080p gaming (avg FPS) | 145 fps | 138 fps |
| 1440p gaming (avg FPS) | 110 fps | 105 fps |
| Price per frame (1440p) | $12.91 | $5.23 |
Green marks the stronger figure per row. Benchmark and FPS values are representative 3DMark Time Spy and 1440p gaming averages; prices are live and update continuously.
Which should you buy?
For raw performance: the RTX 3090 leads by about 5% on Time Spy, making it the pick if you want the most frames at 1440p and 4K and can absorb the price.
For value: the RTX 3080 Tidelivers more frames per dollar at today's prices, so it is the smarter buy if you care about price-to-performance over outright speed.
Power and platform: the RTX 3090 draws 350W (≈750W PSU) versus 350W (≈750W PSU) for the RTX 3080 Ti. Factor the higher-wattage card's PSU and cooling needs into the total cost.
RTX 3090 vs RTX 3080 Ti FAQ
Is the RTX 3090 better than the RTX 3080 Ti?
RTX 3090 is the faster of the two, roughly 5% ahead on 3DMark Time Spy (19,500 vs 18,500). The RTX 3080 Ti offers more frames per dollar, so the better choice depends on whether you are optimizing for outright performance or value.
How much do the RTX 3090 and RTX 3080 Ti cost right now?
The RTX 3090 is currently $1,420, and the RTX 3080 Ti is $549. GPU Drip tracks both across Best Buy, Amazon, Newegg, B&H and other major retailers and updates the prices continuously.
Which is the better value, the RTX 3090 or the RTX 3080 Ti?
Measured by price per 1440p frame, the RTX 3080 Ti is the better value at this moment ($5.23 per frame). Because GPU prices move, check the live figures above before buying.