Hey everyone! I've been using a GTX 1660 Super that I got from my boyfriend, and it's been working fine since 2022. Recently, though, I've started experiencing performance issues with Blender, especially when handling complex scenes, and even in lighter games, I've noticed some frame drops. I'm thinking about upgrading my GPU.
I initially wanted to buy a new RTX 5060 Ti with 8GB, but I keep hearing that this generation is not performing as expected. So, I've started looking into older options and found a used RTX 3080 for R$ 2800 (about $515). This is just under the price of a brand new RTX 5060 Ti. I'm really tempted to buy it, but my boyfriend, who knows a bit more about hardware, thinks buying second-hand is risky and I might be spending too much on outdated technology. However, I feel like this could be a good deal. What do you all think?
7 Answers
The RTX 3080 is a solid upgrade from what you currently have, and it's faster than the 5060 Ti 8GB. Try negotiating the price to around $400-450, though. GPUs are more expensive in Brazil, but that price seems high compared to $350 in Europe. And don’t forget to check if your PSU can handle it! I ran mine with a good quality 650W, but 750W is recommended.
For your needs in Blender and gaming, I think a 5060 Ti is still a better option, as it tends to outperform the 3080, particularly due to VRAM bandwidth. But if you can test the 3080 first to ensure it’s in good shape, it could be a decent budget-friendly find compared to those expensive 8GB options.
If you can find a good deal, a 3080 Ti could be worth it. I've seen 3090s going for about $600 lately, which makes them an option too!
If you're patient, I've spotted some bids on eBay for around $250, which would be a steal!
You might want to consider getting a refurbished 3080 Ti from Newegg for around $470. If Blender is your main use, I'd recommend going for more VRAM. Plus, your boyfriend seems a bit too cautious—I've built two PCs mostly from secondhand parts, and they've lasted me for years without any issues.
Honestly, I’m not familiar with the used market in Brazil, but that 3080 seems a bit overpriced. In my country, I can find used ones for around 280 Euros (about R$ 1800). Maybe consider saving a bit more for a 5060 Ti 16GB or 5070 instead?
I worry about potential price spikes with new cards due to the AI trend. Do you think that’s a valid concern?
It’s not that overpriced considering Brazilian prices—they often list used items close to new ones.
I’d say to avoid it unless you can find a modified version with 20GB VRAM. 10GB probably won’t cut it in a couple of years.
True, but this user is in Brazil. Shipping plus duties can really hike up the cost there, maybe by at least 50%.