The comparison between the RTX 4080 and the RTX 3080 Ti remains a hot topic among gamers and tech enthusiasts. Both graphics cards are designed to deliver high performance for demanding games like Cyberpunk 2077 and Shadow of the Tomb Raider. This article presents benchmark tests to evaluate their performance in these titles.

Overview of the RTX 4080 and RTX 3080 Ti

The RTX 4080 is NVIDIA's latest flagship built on the Ada Lovelace architecture, offering significant improvements in ray tracing and AI-powered features. The RTX 3080 Ti, based on the Ampere architecture, remains a powerful choice for high-end gaming but is a generation older. Both cards feature substantial VRAM, with the 4080 boasting 16 GB and the 3080 Ti equipped with 12 GB.

Benchmark Setup

Benchmark tests were conducted on identical hardware setups, with the only variable being the graphics card. Both cards were tested at 1440p and 4K resolutions. The games tested were Cyberpunk 2077 and Shadow of the Tomb Raider, with settings set to high and ultra for maximum realism. Frame rates, ray tracing performance, and DLSS/FSR utilization were recorded.

Cyberpunk 2077 Performance

At 1440p, the RTX 4080 achieved an average of 85 FPS with ray tracing enabled at ultra settings. The RTX 3080 Ti followed with an average of 70 FPS. When DLSS was enabled, the 4080 maintained smooth performance, reaching over 100 FPS in some scenes, while the 3080 Ti improved to around 85 FPS.

At 4K, the RTX 4080 averaged 60 FPS, providing a playable experience with ray tracing. The 3080 Ti averaged 50 FPS under the same conditions. DLSS further boosted performance, with the 4080 surpassing 70 FPS and the 3080 Ti reaching approximately 60 FPS.

Shadow of the Tomb Raider Performance

In Shadow of the Tomb Raider, the RTX 4080 delivered an average of 110 FPS at 1440p, with ray tracing effects enabled. The 3080 Ti achieved around 95 FPS. At 4K, the 4080 maintained a steady 85 FPS, whereas the 3080 Ti hovered around 75 FPS.

Both cards showed excellent performance with high settings, but the RTX 4080's improvements in ray tracing and AI features provided a noticeable edge, especially at higher resolutions.

Conclusion

The benchmark tests demonstrate that the RTX 4080 outperforms the RTX 3080 Ti in both Cyberpunk 2077 and Shadow of the Tomb Raider, especially at 4K resolution and with ray tracing enabled. While the 3080 Ti remains a strong choice for gamers on a budget or those not prioritizing the latest features, the 4080 offers superior performance and future-proofing.

Ultimately, the decision depends on budget and gaming preferences. For the best experience in demanding titles, the RTX 4080 is the clear winner based on these benchmark results.