Nvidia GeForce RTX 5080

GPU Description

The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080 sits just below the flagship RTX 5090, offering a balance of next-gen features and 4K gaming muscle. Built on the Blackwell architecture, it leverages PCIe 5.0 and 16GB of GDDR7 memory to deliver smoother performance in demanding titles like Alan Wake 2 and Cyberpunk 2077. While its raw rasterization gains over the RTX 4080 Super are modest (~15% at 4K), DLSS 4 Multi Frame Generation transforms gameplay by quadrupling frame rates in supported titles, making even path-traced games feel fluid. Priced similarly to its predecessor, it’s positioned as a premium choice for gamers prioritizing AI-driven upscaling over brute-force hardware upgrades.

Performance Breakdown

Without DLSS 4:

• Native 4K: Delivers ~20% higher average fps than the RTX 4080 but trails the RTX 4090 by ~15%. Struggles in ray-traced titles without upscaling, often dipping below 60 fps.
• 1440p: Matches the RTX 4090’s minimum fps in non-ray-traced games, with a 13% lead over the RTX 4080 Super.

With DLSS 4 Multi Frame Generation:

• 4K Upscaling: Achieves 100+ fps in Cyberpunk 2077 and Alan Wake 2 by generating three AI frames per rendered frame, though occasional input latency or visual artifacts occur.
• Ray Tracing: DLSS 4 closes the gap with the RTX 4090, reducing performance deficits to single-digit percentages in titles like Star Wars Outlaws.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• DLSS 4 Multi Frame Generation redefines smoothness in supported games, enabling 4K/120Hz+ experiences.
• PCIe 5.0 and GDDR7 future-proof the card for upcoming DirectStorage and UE5 titles.
• Matches the RTX 4090’s 1% lows in non-ray-traced scenarios, ensuring consistent gameplay.

Cons:

• Requires a 750W+ PSU due to its 360W TDP, limiting compatibility with older systems.
• Minimal generational gains in raw performance outside DLSS 4.
• 16GB VRAM may bottleneck future texture-heavy games at max settings.