Graphics cards are pushing the envelope of what is possible with every new series and release. In the past decade, we have really delved into the world of DLSS, Ray Tracing, and unbelievable resolutions with each new technological push. Now, with the impending release of the RTX 4080 Super, only Nvidia knows what we have in store.
Nvidia RTX 4080 Super specs
Without the public’s stress tests and hands-on reviews, we only have what Nvidia has given us to base our specifications on. In the past, their predictions and humble brags have usually been pretty much on point. Following their history of releases, we can usually estimate just what we can expect to see improvements-wise also.
A broad look at performance
Looking at the performance graph released by Nvidia, we can expect to see their latest and greatest GPU running rings around the previous flagships. The RTX 4080 Super is promised to more than double the performance on the majority of the games they have tested it on. Nvidia has not cut corners when putting the RTX 4080 Super through its paces either, testing at full 4k with Ray Tracing, DLSS, and the graphics cranked to eleven.
Along with the drastically improved performance compared to the RTX 3080 TI and ever-relevant 2080 SUPER, the power consumption has taken a huge dip. Compared to Nvidias RTX 3080 TI, the all-new RTX 4080 Super uses less than three-quarters of the power. This puts a lot less strain on your power block and eases up on your bills too.
A deeper dive
Every new generation, we see phenomenal changes in power, both in reduced consumption and increased performance. The magic is always under the hood, and if you really want to know what you’re buying, this is where you’ll be looking.
Increased performance at less power
So the performance is better, and the power consumption is much lower. How is this witchcraft achieved? Nvidia’s CUDA cores. This technology, made by Nvidia, essentially works like CPUs, each contributing not only to computing power but also to lower power usage. More is somehow less when it comes to the CUDA cores. The RTX 4080 Super has a huge 10240 CUDA cores compared to the 9728 in the RTX 4080.
Along with the improved power comes a new way in which to connect your GPU to your motherboard and power source. In the past, there have been problems with connectors failing and coming unattached. Nvidia has now provided not only the traditional connection but also an improved 12VHPWR power connector.
Keeping up
Of course, with the newest generation of games coming out, anything less than 16GB of GPU RAM simply won’t cut it. The RTX 4080 Super comes with a solid 16GB of GDDR6X super-fast RAM. This impressive piece of hardware can run at an industry-leading 23Gbps. I do not doubt that this will hold up to at least another decade of gaming without having to seriously rethink your rig.
Ray Tracing and DLSS
Taking a further look under the hood of the RTX 4080 Super reveals the Ray Tracing and Tensor Cores have both been upgraded a generation compared to the previous 3080 Ti edition. These slight upgrades make all the difference when digging into a lighting-heavy game like Alan Wake or Cyberpunk 2077. They also ensure the relevance of your card for much longer.
The improvements to the performance of Nvidia’s renowned Ray Tracing and AI-assisted DLSS are, in part, due to the improvements to the hardware. An increase to 320 Tensor Cores from 227 in the RTX 3080 and 80 Ray Tracing Acceleration cores in the RTX 4080 Super keep it ahead of the pack.
8k Performance
Like its predecessor, the RTX 4080 Super can manage 8k audio and video at a phenomenal 60Hz. If you’re only looking to play at 4k, you expect to be able to enjoy an eye-watering 240Hz. Not only this, but the RTX 4080 Super is also able to support up to four monitors simultaneously with three Display Ports and one HDMI.
All the trimmings
Of course, no Nvidia GPU release would be complete without the latest and greatest in their own brand of technology. The RTX 4080 Super ships compatible with DLSS 3.5, Frame Generation, and Ray Reconstruction, leaving all your games running at only the fastest FPS and looking beautifully lit. The implementation of DLSS only pushes the GPU closer to the dreamy 8k 60Hz we all secretly dream of.
Price and release date
Thankfully, the days of hyper-inflated, ex-Bitcoin GPUs are over, and we are finally returning to some semblance of normalcy in the market. The new RTX 4080 Super is actually $200 cheaper than its younger brother. To get your hands on an Nvidia 4080 Super, you will only have to set yourself back $999. This is a very reasonable cost seeing as you can still pick up an RTX 3080 Ti on Amazon for $1400.
We can expect to see the RTX 4080 Super on the shelves on January 31st. If you’re quick enough to the shops or have been smart enough to pre-order this new GPU, you may just be able to get one on release. With a price cut like that and a performance boost to match, I expect the shortage to be a real issue.
RTX 4080 Super embargo
Of course, the claims of Nvidia are never going to be confirmed until we, the unwashed masses, get our sticky fingers on it. Only once the card is out, the review embargo lifted, and the disgusting stress tests have been run will we know if the RTX 4080 Super is as good as Nvidia says.
As of the 31st of January, there is an embargo on the GPU and on anyone lucky enough to get a pre-release. There will be bugs, niggles, and frustrations, as with any new hardware release. However, Nvidia has a proud name to uphold and a loyal fanbase to cater to. I am sure the RTX 4080 Super will live up to the lofty claims they have made. You never know, it may even be able to run Crysis 2 on medium settings!
