VIDEO Very Expensive: Our Thoughts on Nvidia RTX 4090, RTX 4080 16GB, RTX 4080 12GB, DLSS 3 and More

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Very Expensive: Our Thoughts on Nvidia RTX 4090, RTX 4080 16GB, RTX 4080 12GB, DLSS 3 and More In their latest video, Hardware Unboxed dives into the much-anticipated Nvidia RTX 40 series, specifically focusing on the RTX 4090 and RTX 4080 models. With the release of these powerful GPUs, there's an urgency to understand what they really bring to the table and whether they justify their hefty price tags.

Key Specifications and Pricing​

The RTX 4090 stands out with its impressive specifications, featuring:

• 16,384 CUDA cores
• 24 GB of GDDR6X memory
• Boost clock speeds up to 2.52 GHz
• TGP of 450 watts, all for an expected price of $1600 upon release on October 12th.

Meanwhile, the RTX 4080 16GB offers a considerable downgrade with:

• 9,728 CUDA cores
• 16 GB of GDDR6X memory on a 256-bit bus
• TGP of 320 watts, priced at $1200.

Lastly, the RTX 4080 12GB comes with:

• 7,680 CUDA cores
• 12 GB of GDDR6X memory and a TGP of 285 watts, retailing at $900.

Confusing Naming Conventions​

One point of major contention in the video is Nvidia's confusing branding, particularly with two models named RTX 4080 differing significantly in specifications. The hardware review suggests that this could mislead consumers, especially non-enthusiasts who may expect similar performance from similarly named products. This concerns many members of the gaming community, as indicated in their recent poll where a significant portion found the pricing and value proposition lacking.

Performance Expectations​

In terms of performance, Nvidia claims the RTX 4090 could be up to 60-70% faster than the RTX 3090 Ti in standard titles, and when leveraging new features, some suggest it could double performance. However, there are warnings about real-world application, as Nvidia historically uses selective benchmarking to promote new releases. The RTX 4080 16GB is thought to deliver about 25% better performance compared to the RTX 3090 Ti, which might not translate as effectively to price when current market conditions and availability are taken into account.

New Technologies: DLSS 3 and Ray Tracing​

The introduction of DLSS 3 promises exciting enhancements, aiming to improve frame rate generation via AI, a significant step in gaming technology. However, this feature will only work with the new Ada Lovelace architecture, rendering it exclusive to the RTX 40 series and potentially alienating users of previous models. Improvements in ray tracing capabilities are also highlighted, with Nvidia claiming substantial enhancements over past generations.

Community Perspectives​

The discussions surrounding Nvidia's new GPUs reflect a mix of skepticism and intrigue. Many users share similar sentiments regarding the perceived lack of value relative to performance improvements. With AMD’s RDNA3 architecture launch approaching, many enthusiasts recommend waiting to assess how the competition responds.

Conclusion​

In summary, while the RTX 40 series showcases some impressive innovations and performance upgrades, the associated pricing and confusing branding raise valid concerns. Nvidia must navigate these challenges effectively to maintain its reputation in a growing and competitive landscape. What do you think about Nvidia’s latest offerings? Are you excited about their performance improvements, or do you feel the pricing is a dealbreaker? Let's discuss!