To buy or await? RTX 4080 vs RTX 4080 Super

RTX 4080 Super offers a modest upgrade with 10,240 CUDA cores, a mere 5% increase over the base RTX 4080
The image shows RTX 4080 Super. — Nvidia
The image shows RTX 4080 Super. — Nvidia

Nvidia initially faced mixed reactions with its RTX 4080 launch. Despite this, gradual price reductions have increased its appeal among top graphics card options. Nonetheless, stock is rapidly dwindling, with most retailers offering only a limited selection at standard prices. Is it time to make a move?

RTX 4080 vs RTX 4080 Super

The dwindling stock is likely linked to Nvidia’s Super refresh. The impending arrival of the RTX 4080 Super, officially replacing the current RTX 4080, suggests that a wait might be necessary for the best value.

Pricing and availability

The RTX 4080 has been in circulation for months, initially priced at $1,200. While prices fluctuated between $1,000 and $1,150 last year, they are now slowly rising again. Presently, the MSI Ventus RTX 4080 is available for $1,180, marking an upward trend.

Recent reports indicate Nvidia halting production of RTX 4080 and RTX 4070 Ti, likely in preparation for new Super cards. Retailers, capitalising on the remaining inventory, are likely driving the sudden price surge. As the RTX 4080 Super hits markets, the remaining RTX 4080 models might see considerable price reductions.

As for the RTX 4080 Super, Nvidia confirmed a lower price of $1,000, signaling a more enticing alternative to the RTX 4080. Expecting its release on January 31, potential buyers have a window to decide before the new launch.

Specifications

The RTX 4080 Super offers a modest upgrade with 10,240 CUDA cores, a mere 5% increase over the base RTX 4080. Memory capacity, power draw, and key specs remain identical.

Performance

Anticipating the RTX 4080 Super's performance, the marginal upgrade in core count and clock speed might not significantly outpace the base RTX 4080. Predictions estimate an overall performance increase of up to 5%, with most games showing around a 3% improvement.

Should you wait?

With RTX 4080 prices holding at approximately $1,200, delaying purchases until the Super refresh might be prudent. The RTX 4080 Super's lower price could offer improved performance for less money.

However, the superiority of the RTX 4080 Super remains uncertain. The imminent release might prompt reduced prices for remaining RTX 4080 models, offering a brief window of opportunity. As the RTX 4080 Super may not offer significant advantages over the base model, seizing a deal on the older card might be a viable option.