- Architecture and Process Node : The RTX 3000 series uses the Ampere architecture on a 8nm process, while the RTX 4000 series adopts the Ada Lovelace architecture on a 4nm process, improving efficiency and performance density.
- CUDA Core Count : The RTX 4000 series features more CUDA cores, e.g., the RTX 4090 has 16,384 compared to 10,496 in the RTX 3090, enhancing parallel computing capabilities.
- Memory : The RTX 4000 series offers more VRAM in some models, like the RTX 4080 with 16GB GDDR6X versus 12GB in the RTX 3080, supporting higher resolutions and demanding workloads.
- Memory Bandwidth : The RTX 4000 series provides higher memory bandwidth, with the RTX 4090 reaching 1.008 TB/s compared to 936 GB/s in the RTX 3090, improving data throughput.
- Performance Boost : The RTX 4000 series delivers a 10–20% performance increase over the 3000 series in traditional rasterization and up to 50% in ray tracing, thanks to improved cores.
- DLSS Version : The RTX 4000 series introduces DLSS 3 with frame generation, a significant upgrade over DLSS 2 in the 3000 series, enhancing frame rates and visual quality.
- Ray Tracing Cores : The RTX 4000 series features third-generation RT cores, offering a 50% improvement in ray tracing performance over the second-generation RT cores in the 3000 series.
- Power Consumption : The RTX 4000 series has a higher TDP, with the RTX 4090 at 450W compared to 350W for the RTX 3090, reflecting increased performance demands.
- Pricing : The RTX 4000 series launched at higher price points, e.g., $1599 for the RTX 4090 versus $1499 for the RTX 3090, due to new technology and performance gains. (price may have been changed).
- Target Applications : The RTX 4000 series is optimized for 4K gaming and AI workloads with DLSS 3, while the 3000 series focused on 4K gaming with DLSS 2, expanding the 4000 series’ versatility.
