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Nvidia RTX 2080S vs 3070: Which Powerful GPU is Right For You?

If you‘re looking to upgrade your graphics card for better gaming performance and visuals, Nvidia‘s RTX 2080 Super (2080S) and RTX 3070 are two excellent options to consider. But how do you decide between these powerful GPUs? Don‘t worry, I‘ll explain everything in detail so you can determine which is the better match for your needs and budget.

Both the RTX 2080S and 3070 deliver impressive specs and performance for immersive 1440p and 4K gaming. The RTX 2080S first launched in July 2019, representing a modest upgrade to the standard RTX 2080. The newer RTX 3070 followed in September 2020, bringing Ampere architectural improvements that increased shader cores, texture units and overall performance versus the prior generation.

In this direct head-to-head comparison, we‘ll analyze all the key metrics including processing power, real-world gaming benchmarks, features, power demands, pricing and more. Let‘s dive in!

Detailed Specs and Hardware Comparison

First, let‘s examine the detailed hardware specs and architecture for each GPU:

Nvidia RTX 2080 Super

  • GPU Codename: TU104
  • CUDA Cores: 3072
  • Boost Clock: 1815 MHz
  • Memory: 8GB GDDR6
  • Memory Bandwidth: 496 GB/s
  • Bus Interface: 256-bit
  • Power Connectors: 1x 6-pin, 1x 8-pin
  • Power Draw: 250W
  • Launch Date: July 2019
  • Original MSRP: $699

Nvidia RTX 3070

  • GPU Codename: GA104
  • CUDA Cores: 5888 (+92% over 2080S)
  • Boost Clock: 1725 MHz
  • Memory: 8GB GDDR6
  • Memory Bandwidth: 448 GB/s
  • Bus Interface: 256-bit
  • Power Connectors: 1x 8-pin, 1x 12-pin
  • Power Draw: 220W
  • Launch Date: September 2020
  • Original MSRP: $499

Comparing the specs shows that while the memory configuration is similar (8GB GDDR6), the RTX 3070 takes a big leap in core architecture to deliver more muscle. The 3070 packs almost 92% more shader cores than the 2080S, running on Nvidia‘s improved Ampere design. This immediately gives it an advantage in computational workloads.

The 3070 does have a slightly lower boost clock speed, but its upgraded internals easily compensate to drive higher overall performance. We‘ll look at real benchmarks momentarily. Power draw is also lower on the 3070 thanks to efficiency optimizations.

Both utilize PCIe 4.0 for plenty of bandwidth. Overall, the specs signal exciting upgrades for team green.

Performance Benchmarks: Faster Frame Rates

Benchmarks reveal just how much faster the newer RTX 3070 is versus the 2080S in games and content creation apps. Here are benchmark results from reliable sources like Tom‘s Hardware and TechSpot for 2560 x 1440 gaming:

Game RTX 2080S Avg FPS RTX 3070 Avg FPS Performance Gain
Microsoft Flight Simulator (Ultra) 45 55 22% increase
Red Dead Redemption 2 (Ultra) 70 90 29% increase
Horizon Zero Dawn (Ultra) 95 115 21% increase
Assassin‘s Creed Valhalla (Ultra High) 80 100 25% increase
Cyberpunk 2077 (Ultra) 60 75 25% increase
Call of Duty: Warzone (Max) 130 155 19% increase

It‘s clear the RTX 3070 consistently delivers higher average frame rates across top games, with gains ranging from 19% to 29% faster performance versus the 2080 Super. These are significant jumps that lead to noticeably smoother, more immersive gameplay. Even at 4K resolution, the 3070 still maintains a 10-15% performance lead in most titles.

For creative and engineering apps that leverage GPU acceleration, the extra muscle of the 3070 also leads to big speedups. In benchmarks like SPECviewperf 2020, the 3070 completes professional 3D tasks up to 36% quicker compared to the prior generation card.

Advanced Features: Ray Tracing, DLSS and More

Both the RTX 2080S and 3070 offer full support for advanced Nvidia features including real-time ray tracing, DLSS upscaling and more. But the upgraded architecture of the 3070 gives it some advantages:

  • Ray Tracing: The 3070‘s improved RT cores allow it to handle ray traced lighting, shadows and reflections with less performance impact compared to the 2080S. You can turn on more ray tracing features before frame rates become affected.

  • DLSS: Nvidia‘s Deep Learning Super Sampling uses AI to upscale games to higher resolutions while minimizing loss of quality. The 3070‘s upgraded tensor cores make it a bit faster at this technique.

  • Nvidia Reflex: Reduces input lag and renders multiplayer games more responsively. The 3070 sees lower latency.

  • AV1 Encoding: 3070 adds support for high efficiency AV1 encoding for streaming and recording game footage. 2080S lacks this.

If you want all the latest tech, the 3070 is the better choice here with its enhanced architecture. But both GPUs handle ray tracing and DLSS well.

Power Requirements: Lower Demands

The RTX 3070 pulls less power compared to the last generation, with a 220W TDP versus 250W on the 2080S. Here are the PSU requirements:

  • RTX 2080S: Minimum 600W PSU. Connectors = 1x 6-pin, 1x 8-pin.
  • RTX 3070: Minimum 550W PSU. Connectors = 1x 8-pin, 1x 12-pin.

I‘d recommend a 750W power supply to be safe, but the 3070‘s lower power appetite gives it an advantage in heat, noise, and electricity costs. Nvidia‘s Ampere enhancements make the 3070 over 15% more power efficient than Turing-based GPUs like the 2080S.

Physical Card Size and Cooling

The RTX 3070 Founders Edition measures 9.5 inches long, while most 2080 Super variants are 10.5 inches or longer. Both use a standard dual-slot thickness. If you have a compact PC case, the 3070 will fit more easily.

For cooling, the RTX 2080S typically relies on open air fans, usually two or three. The unique RTX 3070 Founders Edition utilizes a novel flow-through design with a thicker heatsink and a single large fan that improves airflow. Temperatures and noise are excellent on both cards, with the 3070 running cooler thanks to its efficiency.

Third party RTX 2080S and 3070 models are available with more elaborate triple fan designs if you prefer beefier cooling. Just be aware these often take up 2.5 or even 3 slots.

Display Connectivity: HDMI 2.1

The display outputs include:

  • RTX 2080S – 1x HDMI 2.0b, 3x DisplayPort 1.4a, 1x DVI
  • RTX 3070 – 1x HDMI 2.1, 3x DisplayPort 1.4a

The key advantage for the 3070 is support for the newer HDMI 2.1 standard. This allows 4K gaming at 120 Hz or 8K at 60Hz for future high resolution monitors. The 2080S is limited to HDMI 2.0b.

Both cards can easily power multi-monitor setups. For most people the ports are similar, but the 3070‘s HDMI 2.1 makes it more forward-compatible.

Current Pricing and Value Comparison

Now let‘s discuss the all-important pricing and value comparison. Here are current retail prices for the Nvidia Founders Edition (FE) models:

  • RTX 2080 Super FE: $749
  • RTX 3070 FE: $669

As you can see, the newer 3070 actually sells for less despite offering superior performance. However, graphics card prices tend to fluctuate frequently these days based on availability and demand.

Comparing MSRP shows an even greater value advantage for the 3070:

  • RTX 2080S MSRP: $699
  • RTX 3070 MSRP: $499

Nvidia managed to deliver RTX 2080 Super-beating performance for $200 less with the generational improvement. If supply normalizes, hopefully real-world pricing trends back towards MSRP. Even at $100+ more, the 3070 is a better value based on benchmarks.

The Verdict: RTX 3070 Is the Clear Winner for Gaming

So which GPU comes out on top in this comparison? Based on the benchmarks, features, architecture, power efficiency, and pricing evaluation, I believe the RTX 3070 is the clear winner for gamers and PC builders.

The 3070‘s Ampere upgrades including more CUDA cores, improved RT/tensor cores, and support for next-gen standards like PCIe 4.0 and HDMI 2.1 make it more advanced both now and for the future. At 1440p and 4K, you can expect 15-25% faster frame rates in today‘s titles.

However, the RTX 2080 Super still holds up nicely as a capable 1440p/4K card in its own right. If you already own the 2080S, upgrading to the 3070 is not essential, especially for 60 Hz gaming. But if building or upgrading your rig, I think the 3070 is absolutely worth the extra $50-$100 for the performance and efficiency gains.

Both GPUs excel with real-time ray tracing and DLSS enabled. Ultimately, for buttery smooth high resolution gameplay, I have to declare the RTX 3070 the winner of this face-off. But you can‘t go wrong with either card!

I hope this detailed comparison helps you decide which powerhouse Nvidia GPU best fits your needs and budget. Let me know if you have any other questions!

Other GPU Comparisons:

Here are several other graphics card face-offs I‘ve analyzed in detail:

  • RTX 3060 vs 3060 Ti: Battle of the Nvidia Cards
  • RX 6700 XT vs RTX 3070: AMD Challenges Nvidia
  • RTX 3080 vs 3090: Titanic Showdown
  • RX 6500 XT vs GTX 1650 Super: Budget GPU Fight

Feel free to read these comparisons for additional guidance on choosing the right upgrade for your rig. I aim to provide thorough, unbiased analysis of the top gaming GPUs on the market. Happy gaming!