Tech

Nvidia RTX 4080 Vs RTX 4090 Vs RTX 3090 Ti: Which Should You Buy? – Forbes

Published

2 years ago

November 15, 2022

Today Nvidia (Nasdaq:NVDA) is allowing us to lift the lid on GeForce RTX 4080 performance figures and this huge, expensive, but ultimately extremely powerful – the second Ada Lovelace architecture GPU to be released behind the RTX 4090 – will set you back a minimum of $1,199.

That’s a lot for a graphics card, but these kinds of prices aren’t new, even outside of crypto mining crazes. Even with a PC budget of $2,000, this won’t leave you with much for the rest of your gear, especially if you want to build a balances gaming PC.

In this GeForce RTX 4080 Founders Edition review, we’ll be comparing it to a bunch of other cards so if you do have a serious budget for your gaming PC or upgrade, you’ll know if it’s right for you.

The specifications are interesting because in a lot of ways the RTX 4080 is a lesser card than the likes of the RT 3090 Ti – a narrower memory bus, less memory, fewer Cuda cores – but trounces it with a massive 2.5GHz peak boost frequency, next generation Tensor and RT cores and an L2 cache ten times the size. There’s also DLSS 3.0 that for now is RTX 4000-only.

Is my case big enough?

This is a big graphics card and the same size as the RTX 4090 – at least in Founders Edition guise. it’s 5.4in wide, requires three PCI slots and plenty of clearance underneath for cooling. It’s also 12in long. Most standard cases will be fine, but it’s worth checking these requirements, especially with smaller cases.

The Nvidia RTX 4090 and RTX 4080 dimensions

Nvidia

Test system and benchmarks

The test system includes a Core i9-12900K CPU, 32GB of DDR5 memory, a Thermaltake Toughpower GF3 … [+] 1350W power supply and Asus ROG Maximus Z690 Apex motherboard

Antony Leather

The test system uses the Nvidia release driver for the RTX 4080 and the latest drivers as of November 10th 14th for other Nvidia and AMD cards along with a fully up to date version of Windows 11. I used an Intel Core i9-12900K, Asus ROG Strix Z690 Apex motherboard, Kingston 6,000MHz Fury DDR5 memory, a Kingston Fury Renegade SSD and Thermaltake Toughpower GF3 1350W PSU.

Other GPUs were the RTX 3090 and RTX 3090 Ti OC, courtesy of Palit in the form of its GameRock models and AMD RX 6950 XT

Palit’s GameRock RTX 3080 Ti

Palit

I started testing at 2,560 x 1,440 as the RTX 4080 makes no sense for 1080p gaming, and used a mixture of ray tracing/DXR tests, enabling DLSS mostly at the top of the resolution scale to show fps scaling.

Benchmarks

First up is Rainbow Six Extraction and at 1440p both new RTX 40 cards were outrageously fast, but the RTX 4090 had a significant lead over the RTX 4080. However, the latter was again much faster than the next best card, which was the AMD RX 6950 XT followed closely by the RTX 3090 Ti.

Stepping up to 4K below and the RTX 4080 was again a lot faster than any other card except the RTX 4090, which again enjoyed a huge advantage. Still, the RTX 3090 Ti was well and truly beaten by the new card which added more than 20fps to the minimum 99th percentile frame rate and also a 58 percent improvement over the RTX 3080.

Finally at 4K but with DLSS enabled in balanced mode, and again the RTX 4080 was much faster than the RTX 3090 Ti while the RTX 4090 was even faster, edging out a significant lead.

Next in Forza Horizon 5, which certainly favors AMD handing second and third place to RX 6900 GPUs, the RTX 4080 had a decidedly average minimum 99th percentile, but much more competitive average frame rate that was second overall.

Stepping up to 4K saw the RTX 4080 leapfrog the RX 6900 XT and would be the pick over the RX 6950 XT too given it offered a much higher average frame rate again. However, there wasn’t as big a difference between it and previous generation RTX cards as in other games.

Microsoft Flight Simulator is a tricky game to net big increases in frame rates and at 1440p, there clearly seems to be bottlenecks in other parts of the system – this is where DLSS 3.0 can help which we’ll get to in a minute. Without it, there’s very little difference between the cards on test.

4K was a similar picture although with greater difference between the RTX 4080 and RTX 3080 -not really enough to warrant the upgrade costs though.

Adding in DLSS didn’t really help much seeing as bottlenecks were still hampering things, but a few frames were added mostly to the average frame rates in some cases.

The ray tracing performance of the RTX 4080 was on full display here in Metro Exodus and here the average frame rates again impressed the most, streaking off into the distance with the RTX 4090 having more of a lead on the minimum 99th percentile over the RTX 4080. There were some significant gains for the RTX 4080 over previous generation cards too

At 4K the RTX 4090 edged a bigger lead, but the RTX 4080 was still significantly faster than other cards, with a 21 percent lead over the RTX 3090 Ti’s minimum 99th percentile.

With DLSS added into the equation it was a similar story, edging out the RTX 3090 Ti with some significant leads, especially with the average frame rate, while the RTX 4090 was much faster on the minimum 99th percentile.

AMD has improved its stance with DXR enabled in Watch Dogs, but still has some work to do as the RTX 3080 was still quicker than both RX 6000 cards. This meant they were easy targets for the RTX 4080, which was far quicker than anything except the RTX 4090 and again enjoying a 21 percent lead over the RTX 3090 Ti’s minimum 99th percentile – the same as in Metro Exodus at the same resolution.

At 4K it was again an impressive showing, this time hitting a 34 percent lead over the RTX 3090 Ti and 72 percent over the RTX 3080, again with the RTX 4090 giving everything a bloody nose.

Adding in DLSS and we have yet more impressive numbers compared to the RTX 3090 Ti and strangely here the RTX 4090 lost a lot of its lead. If you needed a benchmark to warrant the extra outlay over the RTX 3080, this is probably it, with the RTX 4080 enjoying a 76 percent performance gain.

Halo Infinite’s campaign mode wasn’t the picture of consistency, but offered an insight into this popular game’s performance and was another title to see the RTX 4080 benefit more with the average frame rate than the minimum 99th percentile.

At 4K it was even more the case with those average frame rates and also the RTX 4090’s prowess here is quite clear too. There was a 33 percent boost to the average frame rate over the RTX 3090 Ti, but only a handful of frames on the minimum 99th percentile.

DLSS has established itself as a highly useful and worthwhile feature and in Flight Simulator, frate rates are king, especially if you’re more concerned about responsiveness than anything else. With DLSS 3.0, as discussed in the RTX 4090 review, games like this that are bottlenecked by other areas of the system benefit massively. Here, a different benchmark to the one above due to the limited nature of the Nvidia beta that enables DLSS 3.0, although this should be a native feature as you read this courtesy of the new 40th Anniversary Update package.

This is the way to get big frame rate improvements in Flight Simulator, nearly doubling the performance to not using DLSS at all and even at 4K you’re getting frame rates that will cater for most high refresh rate monitors too.

Cyberpunk 2077 was no exception, with the RTX 4080 with DLSS 3.0 actually beating the RTX 4090 with DLSS 2.0 and trebling the performance of the standard RTX 4090 benchmark.

Power consumption is high, but actually less than the RTX 3080 and far less than the RTX 3090, so in terms of bang for your watt, the RTX 4080 packs a punch and likely won’t need a power supply upgrade.

Temperatures usually hovered around 60°C, and with the power draw above you’d kind of hope to see such low gaming temperatures given the absolutely enormous cooler. In fact, I’d sooner see a smaller cooler and add 10°C to that temperature.

Conclusions

If anything the RTX 4080 has reaffirmed what a monstrously fast graphics card the RTX 4090 is, with it enjoying lofty leads in a lot of games. However, the RTX 4080 was also quicker than anticipated, sticking close to the flagship in a lot of benchmarks and often enjoying huge leads over the RTX 3090 Ti, leaving a huge gulf between it and the RTX 3080.

Nvidia’s RTX 4080

Antony Leather

There isn’t much left to say other than this is a huge, powerful and extremely expensive way to add a graphics card to your gaming PC, but with the addition of a reasonably quiet cooler, low temperatures and a potentially very useful feature in DLSS 3.0, the RTX 4080 certainly won’t disappoint if you can afford it. Of course, it’s also worth waiting to see what AMD has in store with its RTX 7900 XTX that’s released soon.

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Tech

How to Preorder the PlayStation 5 Pro in Canada

Published

2 days ago

September 10, 2024

Harry Miller

Sony has made it easy for Canadian consumers to preorder the PlayStation 5 Pro in Canada directly from PlayStation’s official website. Here’s how:

Visit the Official Website: Go to direct.playstation.com and navigate to the PS5 Pro section once preorders go live on September 26, 2024.
Create or Log in to Your PlayStation Account: If you don’t have a PlayStation account, you will need to create one. Existing users can simply log in to proceed.
Place Your Preorder: Once logged in, follow the instructions to preorder your PS5 Pro. Ensure you have a valid payment method ready and double-check your shipping information for accuracy.

Preorder Through Major Canadian Retailers

While preordering directly from PlayStation is a popular option, you can also secure your PS5 Pro through trusted Canadian retailers. These retailers are expected to offer preorders on or after September 26:

Best Buy Canada
Walmart Canada
EB Games (GameStop)
Amazon Canada
The Source

Steps to Preorder via Canadian Retailers:

Visit Retailer Websites: Search for “PlayStation 5 Pro” on the website of your preferred retailer starting on September 26.
Create or Log in to Your Account: If you’re shopping online, having an account with the retailer can speed up the preorder process.
Preorder in Store: For those who prefer in-person shopping, check with local stores regarding availability and preorder policies.

3. Sign Up for Notifications

Many retailers and websites offer the option to sign up for notifications when the preorder goes live. If you’re worried about missing out due to high demand, this can be a useful option.

Visit Retailer Sites: Look for a “Notify Me” or “Email Alerts” option and enter your email to stay informed.
Use PlayStation Alerts: Sign up for notifications directly through Sony to be one of the first to know when preorders are available.

4. Prepare for High Demand

Preordering the PS5 Pro is expected to be competitive, with high demand likely to result in quick sellouts, just as with the initial release of the original PS5. To maximize your chances of securing a preorder:

Act Quickly: Be prepared to place your order as soon as preorders open. Timing is key, as stock can run out within minutes.
Double-Check Payment Information: Ensure your credit card or payment method is ready to go. Any delays during the checkout process could result in losing your spot.
Stay Informed: Monitor PlayStation and retailer websites for updates on restocks or additional preorder windows.

Final Thoughts

The PlayStation 5 Pro is set to take gaming to the next level with its enhanced performance, graphics, and new features. Canadian gamers should be ready to act fast when preorders open on September 26, 2024, to secure their console ahead of the holiday season. Whether you choose to preorder through PlayStation’s official website or your preferred retailer, following the steps outlined above will help ensure a smooth and successful preorder experience.

For more details on the PS5 Pro and to preorder, visit direct.playstation.com or stay tuned to updates from major Canadian retailers.

Tech

Introducing the PlayStation 5 Pro: The Next Evolution in Gaming

Published

2 days ago

September 10, 2024

Harry Miller

Since the PlayStation 5 (PS5) launched four years ago, PlayStation has continuously evolved to meet the demands of its players. Today, we are excited to announce the next step in this journey: the PlayStation 5 Pro. Designed for the most dedicated players and game creators, the PS5 Pro brings groundbreaking advancements in gaming hardware, raising the bar for what’s possible.

Key Features of the PS5 Pro

The PS5 Pro comes equipped with several key performance enhancements, addressing the requests of gamers for smoother, higher-quality graphics at a consistent 60 frames per second (FPS). The console’s standout features include:

Upgraded GPU: The PS5 Pro’s GPU boasts 67% more Compute Units than the current PS5, combined with 28% faster memory. This allows for up to 45% faster rendering speeds, ensuring a smoother gaming experience.
Advanced Ray Tracing: Ray tracing capabilities have been significantly enhanced, with reflections and refractions of light being processed at double or triple the speed of the current PS5, creating more dynamic visuals.
AI-Driven Upscaling: Introducing PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution, an AI-based upscaling technology that adds extraordinary detail to images, resulting in sharper image clarity.
Backward Compatibility & Game Boost: More than 8,500 PS4 games playable on PS5 Pro will benefit from PS5 Pro Game Boost, stabilizing or enhancing performance. PS4 games will also see improved resolution on select titles.
VRR & 8K Support: The PS5 Pro supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and 8K gaming for the ultimate visual experience, while also launching with the latest wireless technology, Wi-Fi 7, in supported regions.

Optimized Games & Patches

Game creators have quickly embraced the new technology that comes with the PS5 Pro. Many games will receive free updates to take full advantage of the console’s new features, labeled as PS5 Pro Enhanced. Some of the highly anticipated titles include:

Alan Wake 2
Assassin’s Creed: Shadows
Demon’s Souls
Dragon’s Dogma 2
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
Gran Turismo 7
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
Horizon Forbidden West

These updates will allow players to experience their favorite games at a higher fidelity, taking full advantage of the console’s improved graphics and performance.

Design & Compatibility

Maintaining consistency within the PS5 family, the PS5 Pro retains the same height and width as the original PS5 model. Players will also have the option to add an Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive or swap console covers when available.

Additionally, the PS5 Pro is fully compatible with all existing PS5 accessories, including the PlayStation VR2, DualSense Edge, Pulse Elite, and Access controller. This ensures seamless integration into your current gaming setup.

Pricing & Availability

The PS5 Pro will be available starting November 7, 2024, at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of:

$699.99 USD
$949.99 CAD
£699.99 GBP
€799.99 EUR
¥119,980 JPY

Each PS5 Pro comes with a 2TB SSD, a DualSense wireless controller, and a copy of Astro’s Playroom pre-installed. Pre-orders begin on September 26, 2024, and the console will be available at participating retailers and directly from PlayStation via direct.playstation.com.

The launch of the PS5 Pro marks a new chapter in PlayStation’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge gaming experiences. Whether players choose the standard PS5 or the PS5 Pro, PlayStation aims to provide the best possible gaming experience for everyone.

Preorder your PS5 Pro and step into the next generation of gaming this holiday season.

Tech

Google Unveils AI-Powered Pixel 9 Lineup Ahead of Apple’s iPhone 16 Release

Published

1 month ago

August 13, 2024

Harry Miller

Google has launched its next generation of Pixel phones, setting the stage for a head-to-head competition with Apple as both tech giants aim to integrate more advanced artificial intelligence (AI) features into their flagship devices. The unveiling took place near Google’s Mountain View headquarters, marking an early debut for the Pixel 9 lineup, which is designed to showcase the latest advancements in AI technology.

The Pixel 9 series, although a minor player in global smartphone sales, is a crucial platform for Google to demonstrate the cutting-edge capabilities of its Android operating system. With AI at the core of its strategy, Google is positioning the Pixel 9 phones as vessels for the transformative potential of AI, a trend that is expected to revolutionize the way people interact with technology.

Rick Osterloh, Google’s senior vice president overseeing the Pixel phones, emphasized the company’s commitment to AI, stating, “We are obsessed with the idea that AI can make life easier and more productive for people.” This echoes the narrative Apple is likely to push when it unveils its iPhone 16, which is also expected to feature advanced AI capabilities.

The Pixel 9 lineup will be the first to fully integrate Google’s Gemini AI technology, designed to enhance user experience through more natural, conversational interactions. The Gemini assistant, which features 10 different human-like voices, can perform a wide array of tasks, particularly if users allow access to their emails and documents.

In an on-stage demonstration, the Gemini assistant showcased its ability to generate creative ideas and even analyze images, although it did experience some hiccups when asked to identify a concert poster for singer Sabrina Carpenter.

To support these AI-driven features, Google has equipped the Pixel 9 with a special chip that enables many AI processes to be handled directly on the device. This not only improves performance but also enhances user privacy and security by reducing the need to send data to remote servers.

Google’s aggressive push into AI with the Pixel 9 comes as Apple prepares to unveil its iPhone 16, which is expected to feature its own AI advancements. However, Google’s decision to offer a one-year free subscription to its advanced Gemini Assistant, valued at $240, may pressure Apple to reconsider any plans to charge for its AI services.

The standard Pixel 9 will be priced at $800, a $100 increase from last year, while the Pixel 9 Pro will range between $1,000 and $1,100, depending on the model. Google also announced the next iteration of its foldable Pixel phone, priced at $1,800.

In addition to the new Pixel phones, Google also revealed updates to its Pixel Watch and wireless earbuds, directly challenging Apple’s dominance in the wearable tech market. These products, like the Pixel 9, are designed to integrate seamlessly with Google’s AI-driven ecosystem.

Google’s event took place against the backdrop of a significant legal challenge, with a judge recently ruling that its search engine constitutes an illegal monopoly. This ruling could lead to further court proceedings that may force Google to make significant changes to its business practices, potentially impacting its Android software or other key components of its $2 trillion empire.

Despite these legal hurdles, Google is pressing forward with its vision of an AI-powered future, using its latest devices to showcase what it believes will be the next big leap in technology. As the battle for AI supremacy heats up, consumers can expect both Google and Apple to push the boundaries of what their devices can do, making the choice between them more compelling than ever.