K80 vs. RTX 3090

Attribute	K80	RTX 3090
Manufacturer	NVIDIA	NVIDIA
Release Year	2014	2020
Architecture	Kepler	Ampere
Memory	12GB GDDR5	24GB GDDR6X
Memory Bandwidth	240 GB/s	936.2 GB/s
CUDA Cores	2496	10496
Tensor Cores	N/A	328

Introduction

When it comes to choosing a graphics card for your gaming or professional needs, the options can be overwhelming. Two popular choices in the market are the K80 and RTX 3090. Both cards offer high performance and advanced features, but they also have their own unique attributes that set them apart. In this article, we will compare the key attributes of the K80 and RTX 3090 to help you make an informed decision.

Performance

The K80 is a dual-GPU card that is designed for high-performance computing tasks such as deep learning and scientific simulations. It features a total of 24GB of GDDR5 memory and 4992 CUDA cores, making it a powerhouse for parallel processing. On the other hand, the RTX 3090 is a single-GPU card that is targeted towards gaming enthusiasts and content creators. It boasts 24GB of GDDR6X memory and 10496 CUDA cores, providing exceptional performance for gaming at 4K resolutions and real-time ray tracing.

Architecture

The K80 is based on the Kepler architecture, which was introduced by NVIDIA in 2012. While it may be an older architecture, the K80 still delivers impressive performance for its intended use cases. On the other hand, the RTX 3090 is built on NVIDIA's latest Ampere architecture, which offers significant improvements in ray tracing and AI processing capabilities. The Ampere architecture also features second-generation RT cores and third-generation Tensor cores, enhancing the card's performance in ray tracing and AI workloads.

Memory Bandwidth

When it comes to memory bandwidth, the RTX 3090 has a clear advantage over the K80. The RTX 3090 features a memory bandwidth of 936 GB/s, thanks to its GDDR6X memory and wider memory bus. This high memory bandwidth allows the RTX 3090 to handle large textures and high-resolution assets with ease, making it ideal for gaming and content creation. In comparison, the K80 has a memory bandwidth of 480 GB/s, which may limit its performance in memory-intensive tasks.

Power Consumption

Power consumption is an important factor to consider when choosing a graphics card, especially for users who are conscious of their electricity bills or have limited power supply. The K80 has a TDP (thermal design power) of 300W per GPU, making it a power-hungry card that requires adequate cooling and power supply. On the other hand, the RTX 3090 has a higher TDP of 350W, which is to be expected given its higher performance and power requirements. Users should ensure that their system can handle the power demands of these cards before making a purchase.

Price

Another important consideration when comparing the K80 and RTX 3090 is the price. The K80 is an older card that may be available at a lower price point compared to the RTX 3090, which is a flagship card with cutting-edge features. The RTX 3090 is priced higher due to its advanced technology and performance capabilities, making it a premium option for users who demand the best performance in gaming and content creation. Users should weigh the performance benefits of the RTX 3090 against its higher price tag to determine if it is worth the investment.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both the K80 and RTX 3090 are powerful graphics cards that cater to different user needs. The K80 is a reliable option for high-performance computing tasks, while the RTX 3090 excels in gaming and content creation. Users should consider their specific requirements and budget when choosing between these two cards. Ultimately, the decision will come down to the desired performance, features, and price point that align with the user's needs. We hope this comparison has provided valuable insights to help you make an informed decision.