Are you looking to upgrade to an RTX 5080? If so, this is the blog post for you as we’ve compiled all the key details you need to know about this graphics card.
This includes the differences between the 5080 and 4080, along with all the hardware you need to upgrade.
RTX 50 Series Stock
The RTX 5090 has sold out due to high demand. The RTX 5080s are selling fast!
The NVIDIA RTX 50 Series
Engineered with Blackwell architecture, the NVIDIA RTX 50 Series, deliver a serious uplift in performance. Harnessing the very latest AI enhancements, 5th-gen Tensor, and 4th-gen RT cores, unlock rapid speeds and lifelike quality in all your favourite gaming worlds or creative workloads. What’s more, integrated neural networks such as RTX Neural Shaders, facilitate even greater detail along with real-time rendering for true-to-life visuals, shadows, and lighting all in real-time.
What’s more, the RTX 50 Series is equipped with GDDR7 video memory. With speeds of up to 30Gbps and bandwidths up to 1.8TB/s, enjoy superior efficiency across all your intensive workloads and near-zero interruptions to your gaming adventures.
This is only a snapshot of all the great tech included with the NVIDIA RTX 50 Series. If you want to read more, be sure to check out our ultimate 50 Series hub.
RTX 5080 vs RTX 4080 – What’s the Difference?
Both the RTX 5080 and 4080 GPUs are primed for enthusiast-grade gaming and content creation as they feature plenty CUDA cores, rapid speeds, and onboard video memory.
However, there are a few key differences between them which we’ve broken down further below.
| GPU Gen | CUDA cores | Base clock speed | Boost clock speed | VRAM | Tensor cores | RT cores | Memory Bus | TDP | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RTX 5080 | Blackwell | 10752 | 2.30GHz | 2.62GHz | 16GB GDDR7 | 5th-gen | 4th-gen | 256-bit | 360W |
| RTX 4080 | Ada Lovelace | 9728 | 2.21GHz | 2.51GHz | 16GB GDDR6 | 4th-gen | 3rd-gen | 256-bit | 320W |
RTX 5080
The NVIDIA RTX 5080 has been crafted utilising all-new Blackwell architecture, packing in a whopping 10752 CUDA cores to facilitate outstanding performance in AAA gaming and streaming alike. Capable of reaching up to 2.62GHz, you can enjoy rapid rendering, even in the most graphically intensive applications. Your in-game immersion is enhanced by the 5th-gen Tensor and 4th-gen RT cores, optimised to deliver stunning realistic visuals.
The RTX 5080 has made the jump to GDDR7, armed with at least 16GB, to deliver maximum efficiency across your multi-threaded workloads along with near-zero latency or lag. No more unwanted interruptions during those critical boss battles!
What’s more, the NVIDIA 5080 features onboard cooling to dissipate excess heat and guarantee optimum temperatures. Because of the GPU’s integrated dual-slot cooling, it measures 304 x 137 x 48mm (manufacturer and model depending). This is smaller than the 4080 so you won’t need as big of a GPU clearance. We suggest at least 340 or 380mm to ensure you have enough room for your graphics card, cooling, and any finishing touches.
RTX 4080
In comparison, the RTX 4080 harnesses Ada Lovelace architecture and an intelligent custom TSMC 4N process. Boasting 9728 CUDA cores, the RTX 4080 can effortlessly render all your demanding workloads with ease at up to 1440p or even 4K resolutions. The NVIDIA 4080 also features 3rd-gen RT and 4th-gen Tensor cores to deliver glorious detail and lifelike visuals which is boosted further by support for DLSS 3.5.
The RTX 4080 has a smaller TDP, requiring up to 320W of power, which is kept cool and quiet by the integrated thermal heatsink. The on-board triple-slot cooling solution makes the RTX 4080 a hefty boy, typically measuring 310 x 140 x 61mm, however this does vary on manufacturer. As a result, to fully utilise the RTX 4080, you’ll need to ensure you have a compatible case with a GPU clearance of at least 380mm to account for your graphics card, cooling, and any extra aesthetics you wish to add.
What Hardware Do I Need to Upgrade to the RTX 5080?
CPU
We recommend you pair the RTX 5080 with an AMD Ryzen 9000 or Intel Core Ultra Series to ensure you get the very best performance. With one of these processors, enjoy blisteringly fast processing speeds and effortless multitasking. Easily dominate you in-game enemies while you chat away to friends or browse the latest game guides.
Intel Core Ultra 7 265KF Processor
- Intel Core Ultra Series
- Arrow Lake architecture
- LGA 1851 socket
- 20 cores and 20 threads
- 5.5GHz boosted clock speeds
- 125W TDP
AMD Ryzen 7 9700X Processor
- AMD Ryzen 9000 Series
- Zen 5 architecture
- AM5 socket
- 8 cores and 16 threads
- 5.50GHz boosted clock speed
- 65W TDP
RAM
Pairing your RTX 50 Series GPU with a high capacity DDR5 RAM kit means you can take advantage of lightning fast in-game loading times and near-zero latency.
TeamGroup Delta 32GB (2x16GB) DDR5 RAM Kit
- 32GB capacity (2x16GB RAM modules)
- DDR5 standard
- 6200MHz
- Dual-channel configuration
Power Supply
With a max TDP of up to 360W, we recommend that you have at least an 850W PSU with an 80 PLUS Gold rating or higher. This will ensure you have more than enough power for your RTX 5080, the rest of your chosen components, and protection against any unexpected power spikes.
Kolink Regulator 850W Modular Power Supply
- 850W capacity
- 80 PLUS Gold rating
- ATX 3.0 compatible
- Modular form factor
- PCIe 5.0 support
Case
A typical RTX 5080 will measure 304 x 137 x 48mm*, meaning you’ll need to ensure you have a large enough GPU clearance to accommodate your GPU, integrated cooling solution, and any extra customisation options you wish to install. As a result, we recommend you pair the RTX 5080 with a case that has at least 340 or 380mm GPU clearance.
HAVN HS420 Black Mid Tower PC Case
- Mid tower
- Stylish UniSheet panoramic glass side panel
- Up to E-ATX motherboards support
- GPU clearance of up to 480mm
- Anti-sag GPU bracket included
- Compatible with up to 11 x 140mm fans or 420mm radiators
*GPU dimensions vary depending on the manufacturer. For your model’s exact dimensions, check the manufacturer’s product page or manual.
Don’t Know How to Purchase an RTX 5080?
Have we convinced you to upgrade to an NVIDIA RTX 5080? There’s high demand for these incredible graphics cards so be sure to check out our blog post for all the details you need to know about ordering an RTX 5080 at Overclockers UK.
Learn More About Your GPU
Did You Upgrade to an NVIDIA RTX 5080?
Did you make the jump to an NVIDIA RTX 5080? What are your thoughts so far? Let us know in the comments.
- 6 min read
Ruth Rowley
Author
Ruth has been with Overclockers UK for over a year and has gone on to write about everything ranging from in-depth hardware guides to monthly game releases.
Outside of writing blog posts, she can be found wrapped in a blanket with her black cat, engrossed in a book or playing life-simulation games such as The Sims, Stardew Valley, and Animal Crossing.
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