Leaked Review Suggests Minor Performance Boost for Nvidia RTX 5080 Over RTX 4080 Super

2025-01-29

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The leaked review indicates that the Nvidia RTX 5080 is only slightly faster than the RTX 4080 Super in its current form, with an 8.3% performance improvement on average, based on tests across multiple games like Cyberpunk 2077. This increase becomes especially evident in Horizon: Zero Dawn Remastered, where the RTX 5080 achieved an average of 156.3 fps at 1440p resolution, compared to the RTX 4080 Super’s 154.3 fps, a mere 1.3% difference. The tests were conducted at max settings and without the use of ray tracing or DLSS, which are typically more demanding on hardware.

However, it’s crucial to note that these results don’t reflect the true potential of the RTX 5080, as they were performed at 1440p, and higher resolutions like 4K could yield more noticeable differences. The full reviews, which will be available after the embargo lifts, will provide a better understanding of how the RTX 5080 truly compares to the RTX 4080 Super.

While this early leak has raised some concerns, it’s still too early to make any definitive conclusions. There’s a possibility that when the DLSS 4 technology comes into play, the RTX 5080 could show much better performance, especially in scenarios involving ray tracing and higher resolutions.

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From a broader perspective, Nvidia’s RTX 5000 series, including the RTX 5080, is positioning itself to potentially offer more than just raw performance. The hype surrounding DLSS 4, Nvidia’s latest AI-driven technology, suggests that we might see major improvements in frame rates and overall gaming experience once the technology is fully utilized. DLSS 4’s ability to push the frame rates beyond what raw GPU power can achieve, coupled with features like Multi-Frame Generation, is likely to be a game changer for 4K gaming.

That said, based on this leak, it seems the RTX 5080 might not justify an immediate upgrade for users who already own the RTX 4080 Super, especially considering their similar pricing. At the same price point, consumers may find it difficult to choose the 5080 unless its performance at 4K or with ray tracing and DLSS is noticeably better. The incremental performance boost might seem underwhelming when compared to the hefty price tag that Nvidia often commands for its premium graphics cards.

The similarity in pricing between the RTX 4080 Super and the RTX 5080 at launch will likely lead to tough choices for potential buyers. The question is: Will the RTX 5080 be a better investment in the long run? And will its future potential, especially once full reviews are out, provide the compelling reasons for users to make the switch?

Another important factor to consider is the competitive landscape in the GPU market. Nvidia’s dominance could face more challenges from AMD’s RDNA 4 graphics cards, especially with the potential inclusion of FSR 4, which might push AMD’s offering even further. If DLSS 4 proves to be significantly better than AMD’s upscaling technology, Nvidia will continue to maintain its edge. However, if the RTX 5080 doesn’t provide clear advantages in real-world use, AMD could steal the spotlight.

Ultimately, if you’re currently on the fence about upgrading your GPU, it might be worth holding off until more comprehensive performance tests come in, especially those focusing on 4K gaming, ray tracing, and DLSS. For those who are still running older GPUs, the RTX 5080 may be a solid investment—but for those with a recent RTX 4080 Super, the upgrade might not be as compelling as anticipated.

The Nvidia RTX 5080 is still an exciting product with a lot of promise, but as with all hardware, the devil is in the details. Time will tell whether the real-world tests back up these early findings or if the card has a hidden potential that only becomes clear once it’s fully tested under various gaming and productivity scenarios.