I currently have an MSI triple-fan RTX 3070 that I could likely sell for around $300. I've found an RTX 3080 available for $370, so my effective upgrade cost would be about $70. I'm using a 144Hz 1080p monitor and mostly play Hell Let Loose: Vietnam and Escape from Tarkov. Would the performance increase and extra VRAM make this upgrade worthwhile, or would I be better off saving for a newer-generation graphics card?
3 Answers
For only $70 more, the 3080 is a pretty reasonable upgrade. You’d get roughly 25–30% more performance in many situations, and the 10GB of VRAM gives you a little more breathing room than the 3070’s 8GB. At 1080p the difference won’t always be huge, but demanding games should benefit, and it could help keep your current monitor relevant for several more years.
For your use case, especially at 1080p and 144Hz, the 3080 can make sense if you want higher settings or steadier frame rates in demanding games. Just keep in mind that Tarkov and Hell Let Loose can be limited by the CPU or game engine, so the GPU upgrade won’t improve every scenario. Also check that your power supply and case airflow can handle the 3080, since it uses considerably more power than the 3070.
The price difference is good, but a 3070-to-3080 upgrade is still fairly modest compared with moving to a newer generation. If you can wait and save, a current midrange card would offer a larger jump, better efficiency, and potentially more VRAM. I’d only make this trade if the 3080 is in excellent condition and the $70 cost is all you’re paying.
That’s what makes it difficult. Newer cards cost a lot more, and I’m not sure their VRAM advantage would be as big as expected.
My main concern is whether going from 8GB to 10GB is enough to make much difference for future games.