The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080 has 16 GB of GDDR7, 10,752 CUDA cores and a 256-bit memory interface. NVIDIA lists a 2.30 GHz base clock, a 2.62 GHz boost clock and 960 GB/s of memory bandwidth. Those specifications describe the card, but they do not by themselves predict game frame rates: performance depends on the game, resolution, settings, system and whether features such as ray tracing or frame generation are enabled.
What are the RTX 5080 specs?
The figures below are NVIDIA’s reference specifications for the GeForce RTX 5080, listed on its product page accessed in 2026. Partner cards can vary in physical design and operating settings.
| Specification | RTX 5080 |
|---|---|
| Architecture | Blackwell |
| CUDA cores | 10,752 |
| Base clock | 2.30 GHz |
| Boost clock | 2.62 GHz |
| Memory | 16 GB GDDR7 |
| Memory interface | 256-bit |
| Memory bandwidth | 960 GB/s |
These are manufacturer specifications, not independent performance measurements. In particular, memory bandwidth is not a direct measure of frame rate; game performance also depends on the workload and the rest of the system. NVIDIA’s RTX 5080 specifications identify DLSS 4 features for the card. Check support for the specific game and feature you intend to use, since availability and results vary by software and settings.
How does the RTX 5080 perform?
Independent launch reviews from GamersNexus and Tom’s Hardware test the RTX 5080 Founders Edition against other graphics cards. Their results are useful evidence for the configurations they tested, not a universal score for every PC. A fair comparison needs the same resolution and settings, and should keep native rendering, ray tracing, upscaling and frame generation distinct.
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- Powered by the NVIDIA Blackwell architecture and DLSS 4. System Requirements: Minimum 850W PSU with 16-pin 12V-2x6 (12VHPWR) connector required. Verify before purchasing. OC mode: 2685 MHz/ Default mode: 2655 MHz (Boost Clock)
- SFF-Ready enthusiast GeForce card compatible with small-form-factor builds
- Axial-tech fans feature a smaller fan hub that facilitates longer blades and a barrier ring that increases downward air pressure
- Vapor chamber ensures efficient heat transfer for lower GPU temps
- Phase-change GPU thermal pad helps ensure optimal heat transfer, lowering GPU temperatures for enhanced performance and reliability
- Native rasterization: Compare results from the same games, resolution and graphics settings. This is the clearest basis for comparing traditional rendering performance.
- Ray tracing: Evaluate separately, using the same ray-tracing settings. Results can differ substantially by title and configuration.
- DLSS and frame generation: Treat these as separate assisted-rendering results, not native frame rates. Generated frames do not mean the GPU rendered the same number of frames conventionally.
- Other measures: When available, consider frame-rate lows, power, temperatures and noise, as well as the review’s CPU, drivers and test setup.
For the underlying test suites and conditions, see the GamersNexus RTX 5080 Founders Edition review and Tom’s Hardware RTX 5080 review. Neither review’s results should be converted into a single expected uplift for all games or systems.
What does 4K performance mean in practice?
There is no one 4K frame rate that describes the RTX 5080. It will vary with the game, graphics preset, ray tracing, CPU, drivers and use of upscaling or frame generation. When assessing a particular 4K result, confirm whether it is native rendering or uses DLSS, and whether frame generation is enabled. Compare like-for-like test conditions rather than using memory bandwidth or CUDA-core count as a substitute for game benchmarks.
Rank #2
- Powered by the NVIDIA Blackwell architecture and DLSS 4. System Requirements: Minimum 850W PSU with 16-pin 12V-2x6 (12VHPWR) connector required. Verify before purchasing.
- Military-grade components deliver rock-solid power and longer lifespan for ultimate durability. Compatibility: 348mm (13.7") length, 3.6 slots, 4.3 lbs. Confirm case clearance and slot spacing. GPU bracket included.
- Protective PCB coating helps protect against short circuits caused by moisture, dust, or debris
- 3.6-slot design with massive fin array optimized for airflow from three Axial-tech fans
- Phase-change GPU thermal pad helps ensure optimal thermal performance and longevity, outlasting traditional thermal paste for graphics cards under heavy loads
What power supply and case clearance does it need?
NVIDIA’s Founders Edition Quick Start Guide specifies a minimum rated system power of 850 W and card dimensions of 304 × 137 × 61 mm. These requirements apply to the Founders Edition reference package; partner models can have different dimensions and power requirements. Check the exact model’s documentation and your case’s available space before buying.
For the Founders Edition’s supplied 16-pin adapter, NVIDIA calls for at least three independent dedicated 8-pin PCIe leads. The guide also describes using a 450 W-or-higher 16-pin cable. Follow the guide and the PSU and graphics-card manufacturers’ instructions for the exact hardware; do not substitute an unverified generic adapter. The NVIDIA RTX 5080 Quick Start Guide provides the installation details.
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- AI Performance: 1899 AI TOPS.
- OC mode: 2790 MHz (OC mode)/ 2760 MHz (Default mode)
- Powered by the NVIDIA Blackwell architecture and DLSS 4. Protective PCB coating guards against moisture, dust, and extreme temperatures
- Quad-fan design boosts air flow and pressure by up to 20%
- Patented vapor chamber with milled heatspreader for lower GPU temperatures
What creator features does the RTX 5080 offer?
NVIDIA lists two ninth-generation encoders and two sixth-generation decoders for the RTX 5080. These indicate supported video capabilities, but do not establish how much faster a particular editing, streaming or encoding workflow will be. That depends on the application, media format, settings and whether the software uses the relevant hardware features. NVIDIA’s GeForce launch article describes the video-engine generations; look for tests in the software and workflow you use before treating capability as a performance result.
Is the RTX 5080 worth upgrading to?
That depends on the graphics card you have now, your games and resolution, and the price of the specific RTX 5080 model available to you. Compare independent results for your workloads against your current GPU, separating native rasterization from ray tracing and DLSS or frame-generation results. Also check the exact card’s fit, power requirements and cabling before deciding.
Rank #4
- Powered by the NVIDIA Blackwell architecture and DLSS 4. System Requirements: Minimum 850W PSU with 16-pin 12V-2x6 (12VHPWR) connector required. Verify before purchasing.
- Quad-fan design boosts air flow and pressure by up to 20%. Compatibility: 357mm (14.1") length, 3.8 slots, 6.3 lbs. Confirm case clearance and slot spacing. GPU bracket included.
- Patented vapor chamber with milled heatspreader for lower GPU temperatures OC mode: 2790 MHz/ Default mode: 2760 MHz (Boost Clock)
- Phase-change GPU thermal pad ensures optimal heat transfer, lowering GPU temperatures for enhanced performance and reliability
- 3.8-slot design: massive heatsink and fin array optimized for airflow from the four Axial-tech fans
NVIDIA’s product page gives a starting price of $999 and availability beginning January 30 as launch context. That is not a verified current retailer price or a guarantee of current stock; check retailers for the price and availability where you plan to buy.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Does PCIe generation affect RTX 5080 performance?
GamersNexus reported a small gaming impact from running the NVIDIA GPU it tested on PCIe Gen5 rather than older PCIe generations in its particular scaling context. That observation should not be generalized to every game, system or GPU compute and storage workload. See the test context in the GamersNexus review.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Powered by the NVIDIA Blackwell architecture and DLSS 4
- Powered by GeForce RTX 5080
- Integrated with 16GB GDDR7 256bit memory interface
- PCIe 5.0
- WINDFORCE cooling system
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
