RTX 4080 Super vs RTX 4080: Differences explained

If you're not eyeing up the RTX 4090 for your next build or upgrade, the Nvidia RTX 4080 Super is, as of January 2024, the latest and greatest in the line-up of 40-Series graphics cards. In this article we will have a closer look at the Nvidia RTX 4080 Super when pitted against its predecessor the Nvidia RTX 4080.

There are many good arguments for picking this up over the non-Super variant, but let’s dive a bit deeper into the world of specs and performance graphs to find out, if you should be on the hunt for an older model at a cheaper price point, or if the Super iteration of the GPU is the better choice.

The Nvidia RTX 4080 and the 4080 Super both offer the following outputs in the Founders Edition configurations:

• 1x HDMI 2.1a
• 3x DisplayPort 1.4a

You can connect 4 displays to one card. These can be 4 independent monitors at 4K resolution and at 120 Hz. When connecting 2 monitors at 4K resolution the possible refresh rate is at 240 Hz for each monitor. Other configurations are possible depending on bandwidth. To find out more about the compatibility you need to check the technical specifications for the card you are purchasing.

Just as we learned in the past from the 20-Series cards, there is a good reason why the Super variants of the 20-Series cards followed 9 to 10 months after their initial release of the non-Super variant. Between the launch of the Super variants of the 20-Series and the 30-Series, namely the 3080, we had to wait 14 months.

Between the first launch of the 20-Series and the first launch of the 30-Series cards it was almost 2 years. While the 30-Series did not see any cards that added Super to their name, we had to wait another 2 years and then some to see the 40-Series come to light. As history often repeats itself, we should see the 50-Series as soon as in the fourth quarter of 2024, but rumors claim otherwise. To hold us over, here we are now with the Super cards luring us in for the upgrade we are longing for.

Super in the name, Super in the performance. Nvidia does not slouch when they add this to their already powerful cards. Let’s have a look at what Nvidia tells us by checking out their performance graphs.

And there you have it. The RTX 4080 Super is fast. We had no doubt about that and at an MSRP of US$999 it is a good option if you are building your new gaming rig, or if you are finally biting the bullet and are upgrading from your now seemingly ancient 10-, 20- or even 30-Series graphics card. That is of course, if you are in the camp green.

The minimum recommended PSU wattage among most manufacturers is 750W for both the 4080 and 4080 Super. To be safe, we would recommend 850W, especially if you're pairing your GPU with a powerful CPU.

However, power requirements may vary between models, so it's recommended to defer to the requirements of your specific graphics card model and manufacturer.

Still unsure how much power you need? Why not try out our PSU Calculator to get a more accurate recommendation based on your current set up.

Connecting the card to your power supply is something essential that you need to consider when building your PC or upgrading. With the 40-Series cards we have seen the introduction of the 12VHPWR connector. If you are following the news, you have probably seen posts of burnt plugs and sockets and that is why we not only have the 12VHPWR connector, but already an update to it with the 12V-2x6 connector.

What does this mean though? The socket on the card has changed in a way that makes connections securer to ensure that the plug is seated properly. As improper connections lead to the melting and burnt plugs and sockets, this will ensure that this risk is reduced. So will you need a new cable if you already have a 12VHPWR cable in your current setup? The answer is no. 12VHPWR cables can be connected to 12V-2x6 sockets. So grab one of our 12VHPWR cables and you’re are ready to power your fresh RTX 4080 Super with an adequate PSU.

Looking for a new PSU to go with your new 4080 or 4080 Super? Why not check out our buying guides to find the perfect power supply for your next build:

Recommended PSUs for the RTX 4080

Recommended PSUs for the RTX 4080 Super

We put together this helpful article for you to help you find the best case for the RTX 4080 Super.