The GPU Radar

NVIDIA RTX 4080 SupervsNVIDIA RTX 4090

Same generation (RTX 4000): This is a tier step-up comparison — the higher card adds performance for a premium. Worth it depends on your resolution target and workload.
NVIDIA RTX 4080 Super
Buy/Wait:Wait

Overdue for a refresh — no successor announced yet. Prices should be at their lowest

Superseded by RTX 5080

Best for: 4K gamers seeking clearance-priced enthusiast performance from the previous generation.

Full details →
NVIDIA RTX 4090
Buy/Wait:Wait

Overdue for a refresh — no successor announced yet. Prices should be at their lowest

Superseded by RTX 5090

Best for: 4K enthusiasts who can find the RTX 4090 at a significant discount and don't need DLSS 4 or GDDR7.

Full details →
NVIDIA RTX 4080 SuperNVIDIA RTX 4090
TierEnthusiastEnthusiast
GenerationRTX 4000RTX 4000
VRAM16 GB24 GB
Memory TypeGDDR6XGDDR6X
TDP320W450W
UpscalingDLSS3DLSS3
Ray Tracing
Launch MSRP$999$1599
ReleasedJan 31, 2024Oct 12, 2022
Cycle length~365 days~840 days
Cycle adviceWaitWait
Deals adviceBuyBuy
SuccessorRTX 5080RTX 5090

Why buy each?

NVIDIA RTX 4080 Super

Clearance pricing below $999 MSRP

Superseded but strong value — clearance pricing makes this competitive for 4K gaming.

16GB GDDR6X

Ample VRAM for 4K gaming and content creation.

Mature Ada Lovelace drivers

Over a year of optimizations ensures stability across all titles.

NVIDIA RTX 4090

24GB GDDR6X — massive VRAM

More VRAM than the RTX 5080 (16GB), making it relevant for AI workloads and 4K texture packs.

Generation-end clearance pricing

Street prices have dropped significantly below $1599 MSRP, offering 5090-adjacent performance for less.

Mature driver ecosystem

Over 2 years of driver optimizations make this one of the most stable GPUs available.