I’m currently using an RTX 3060 and want to upgrade to a much better graphics card. I’ve been looking at the RTX 4080 Super and the upcoming RTX 5080 since they seem to be priced similarly on Nvidia’s site. I’m wondering which one would be the better pick, or if I should consider a different card altogether. My main goal is to play Ark Ascended smoothly, aiming for better performance than I get now.
7 Answers
@TechGlitcher Yeah I run an AMD R7 5800X3D 8-Core CPU, so not sure if bottleneck will be an issue. And I do intend to upgrade my PSU to handle the new card. As for Ark, I’m happy if I get around 80 FPS instead of the current 40-60.
If the price is really the same, I’d go with the RTX 5080. It offers about 10% better performance than the 4080 Super, supports DLSS 4 for improved frame generation, and will likely get driver updates for longer since it’s a newer card. Plus, it’s not like buying a used or older version of the 4080 Super.
If you’re open to other options, check out the AMD RX 7900 XT. It usually offers solid performance close to the RTX 5080 but often at a better price point, especially if you find one near MSRP. Just something to consider if you want great value over top-end Nvidia cards.
What’s your budget looking like? If you can find an RTX 5080 close to $1,000-$1,500, it’s worth grabbing. Otherwise, an RTX 4080 Super can be fine if it’s cheaper. Just keep in mind, power supply might be an issue since higher-end cards usually need more wattage.
If you’re planning to use Nvidia’s frame generation tech (DLSS 4), getting the 5080 is a no-brainer. It’s a whole different level compared to the 4080 Super thanks to frame gen, so it’ll make games like Ark Ascended smoother and more responsive.
5080 definitely edges out the 4080 Super by around 10%. But with your current setup, watch out for possible CPU bottlenecks or PSU limitations. You mentioned having 630W PSU — that might be borderline or insufficient for the 5080, so upgrading your power supply is probably necessary. As for Ark Ascended, don’t expect crazy high FPS since the game isn’t super well optimized, but going from 40-60 to around 80 FPS sounds achievable with these cards.
@GameBladeZ7 I have about $1,000 preferred but can go to $1,500 max.
