![]() It’s true that video memory doesn’t play a big role in performance past a certain point, but the increased memory bandwidth is relevant. Gaming Jacob Roach / Digital TrendsĪn extra 2GB of memory doesn’t matter for gaming - or at least, that’s what you’ll hear ad nauseum in comments sections and forums around the internet. The only way to know what the 12GB RTX 3080 is trying to do is to see it perform in action. They’re insignificant in some areas and not practical in others. Of course, the first question you ask about a new graphics card is: “What are the specs?” In the case of the 12GB RTX 3080, where specs matter more than they do with most other GPU releases, the specs don’t paint a clear picture. It doesn’t meet a need that’s not already met by the base or Ti model, and it illustrates a breaking point of granularity in Nvidia’s lineup where the minute differences between models become irrelevant. The 2GB bump in VRAM may seem insignificant, but when paired with the larger 384-bit memory bus, the 12GB model has much higher memory bandwidth: 912GB/s compared to 760GB/s on the 10GB model.Įven before getting to performance data, it’s clear that this is a graphics card that doesn’t need to exist. ![]() You should think about it as an RTX 3080 Ti, too. It’s clear that the 12GB RTX 3080 doesn’t need to exist. As with other Suprim X models, this one includes a dual BIOS switch to toggle between Silent and Gaming modes, but even with the Gaming mode set, the card was never loud enough to become a problem. It’s technically a dual-slot card in that it only takes up two slots on the back of your machine, but the extra cooler height almost takes up enough space to occupy a third. Regardless of what Nvidia is up to with this card, the Suprim X remains a wonderful design. MSI was kind enough to send me a 12GB RTX 3080 Suprim X, which is great considering Nvidia doesn’t have a Founders Edition model of the 12GB RTX 3080. If it isn’t already clear, I’m not a fan of the 12GB RTX 3080. I have to give credit where it’s due, though, and that credit goes to MSI. I’m not against Nvidia or board partners profiting off of their products, but I am against releasing a marginal upgrade to a GPU for a significantly higher price when most people still can’t even buy the base model. There are a number of speculative reasons why the 12GB RTX 3080 is so expensive, but it boils down to this: The 12GB RTX 3080 will continue to sell for scalper prices once the market calms down. The prices at retailers and on the secondhand market are closer now, sure, but that just means you’ll pay an inflated price no matter where you get your card. On eBay, the 12GB model is selling for about $300 more than the 10GB one, which is actually closer than the prices listed at retailers. ![]() It’s cheaper than the RTX 3080 Ti version, technically, but that’s only because that card is out of stock and Asus doesn’t offer list prices on its website.Įven with inflated prices, you’re looking at a much more expensive graphics card. Up the stack, the Asus ROG Strix version is $1,600, which is $400 more expensive than the 10GB ROG Strix model. You’ll pay an inflated price no matter where you get your card. I’m not comparing high-end cards, either. That’s $40 more expensive than the RTX 3080 Ti version of the same model and $440 more expensive than the 10GB version. The EVGA XC3 Ultra version, for example, is listed at that price. So, what is the price of the 12GB RTX 3080? On the low end, it’s about $1,249 - $50 more than the RTX 3080 Ti. Even in the midst of the GPU shortage where prices ebb and flow, cards still stack in the way the list prices suggest - the RTX 3080 costs more than the RTX 3070, and so on. Nvidia never set a list price for this graphics card, and although list price doesn’t mean much, it still serves as a point of comparative value. Performance based on the price is what makes the difference.Īnd in this case, it’s the most crucial element of the 12GB version of the RTX 3080. ![]() Our reviews normally start with a discussion of design, specs, and performance, but don’t forget: It’s impossible to talk about a graphics card apart from price. Price and availability Jacob Roach / Digital Trends This absurd PC with s costs an eye-watering $31,600ĭid Nvidia just fix the RTX 4090’s melting power connectors?
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