I'm currently using an Intel i7-12700K, 32GB of DDR5-6200 CL38 memory, an EVGA RTX 3080 10GB, an MSI Z790-A Pro WiFi motherboard, a Corsair HX1200 power supply, a 360mm Corsair liquid cooler, and two Samsung 900-series NVMe SSDs.
I mainly play new AAA games and MMOs at 1440p, and I'm also interested in running local AI models. I want a graphics card that can last roughly three to five years. I'm considering replacing my case, motherboard, and AIO as well, although the motherboard change is partly because the GPU retention clip broke—not because of a performance issue.
I live in Spain, where current prices are roughly €1,500 or more for an RTX 5080, €1,000 or more for an RTX 5070 Ti, and €800 or more for an RX 9070 XT. Given those prices, would a 5070 Ti or 9070 XT be a worthwhile upgrade from my 3080 10GB, or would it make more sense to wait for the next generation? I'd also appreciate motherboard and AIO suggestions, although I'm open to keeping the CPU platform if there's no good reason to replace it.
4 Answers
One owner reported that moving from a 3080 to a 5070 Ti felt like a substantial upgrade, particularly for ray tracing and Nvidia’s software features. The 9070 XT and 5070 Ti are otherwise fairly close in conventional performance, so the choice comes down to price, ray tracing, AI software support, and driver preference. A 9070 XT is easier to justify when it costs noticeably less.
You probably don’t need to replace the 12700K or motherboard for gaming performance. A compatible replacement Z790 board would work if the damaged GPU latch is the reason for changing it, but moving to another platform would add cost without necessarily improving your graphics performance. Likewise, a 360mm AIO is already more than enough for a 12700K; replace it for reliability or appearance, not because a new GPU requires it.
The RX 9070 XT looks like the value sweet spot if you’re comfortable with AMD, while the RTX 5070 Ti is the more appealing Nvidia option. The 5070 itself probably isn’t a large enough jump from a 3080 to justify the cost, especially if you want to keep the new card for several years. The 5070 Ti is a more noticeable upgrade, and the 9070 XT is generally attractive at its lower price. Nvidia may be preferable if ray tracing, path tracing, CUDA, or local AI compatibility are important to you.
At 1440p, the 3080 is still capable, so the upgrade makes the most sense if you’re running into VRAM limits or want higher refresh rates and better ray tracing. A 5080 would provide a stronger long-term jump, but Spanish pricing makes it difficult to recommend. If the 5070 Ti and 9070 XT are both heavily overpriced, waiting for the next generation could be more sensible than paying a premium for a moderate improvement.
I was thinking about buying a 5070 Ti or 9070 XT now and possibly selling it in a couple of years when the next generation arrives. I’m mainly unsure whether that makes enough sense coming from a 10GB 3080.