Experience performance and gaming on the Nvidia RTX 5080 Founders Edition

With Blackwell architecture, the RTX 5080 Founders Edition uses AI to optimize image processing, reducing the load on hardware when playing AAA games.

Blackwell Architecture: Powerful Upgrades with AI and DLSS 4

The RTX 5080 Founders Edition is one of the first graphics cards (GPUs) to use the Blackwell architecture, marking a significant shift in the way Nvidia handles graphics. Instead of focusing solely on raw hardware power, Blackwell leverages AI and Deep Learning to improve performance and image quality.

Blackwell is Nvidia's new GPU architecture, delivering significant performance improvements with AI, DLSS 4, and Path Tracing, delivering improved graphics quality without dropping frames.

PHOTO: NVIDIA

One of the most important points of this architecture is Neural Rendering, which allows the GPU to use AI to create more frames and improve image quality without increasing computational pressure. DLSS 4 and Multi Frame Generation are the clearest proof of this, as it can help increase the number of frames many times without reducing display quality.

Additionally, RTX Neural Shaders allow the GPU to optimize shading using AI, rather than relying solely on hardware power as before. This allows the GPU to handle complex effects with higher performance, especially when combined with next-generation Path Tracing. In games with detailed environments and dynamic lighting sources like Star Wars Outlaws, applying these technologies helps maintain graphic quality without too much frame rate reduction.

RTX 5080 Founders Edition Specifications

The RTX 5080 is equipped with a GB203 GPU with 16,384 CUDA cores , 128 4th generation Ray Tracing cores and 512 5th generation Tensor cores , reaching a boost clock of 2.62 GHz . The card uses 16GB of GDDR7 memory at 24 Gbps , providing higher bandwidth than the previous generation, helping to improve performance in 4K games and content creation applications.

The RTX 5080 Founders Edition has a large design that takes up 3 slots on the case, using an improved cooling system to optimize airflow and minimize temperature.

PHOTO: KHAI MINH

The RTX 5080 retains the reverse convection fan design of the Founders Edition, which optimizes airflow and controls temperatures more effectively. The card has a TGP of 350W , requiring a minimum 850W power supply to ensure stable performance.

Actual assessment

To test the performance of the RTX 5080 Founders Edition, we used the following configuration:

• Intel Core Ultra 5 245K CPU
• ASROCK Z890 Steel Legend Motherboard
• RAM Kingston Fury DDR5 16GB x 4 (6000Mhz)
• Kingston NV2 1TB SSD
• FSP Hydro PTM Pro 1200W Power Supply
  
• Gigabyte MO27U2 Monitor (240hz, 2560 x 1440)
• Windows 11 Pro

The RTX 5080 FE has a power cord design on the side that is quite neat when installed on the system.

PHOTO: KHAI MINH

The RTX 5080 Founders Edition shows impressive performance in real-world tests with a variety of AAA titles and popular benchmarks. In the 3DMark DLSS Feature Test, with DLSS off, the RTX 5080 achieved 47.96 FPS, but with DLSS 4 enabled with Frame Generation 4X, the performance increased to 282.75 FPS, an impressive figure that clearly shows the improvement of AI technology in increasing the number of frames.

The results with DLSS on and off above show a clear difference in the 3DMark test

PHOTO: SCREENSHOT

With Cyberpunk 2077, at 4K - High settings, the RTX 5080 only achieved an average of 69 FPS without DLSS enabled. However, when DLSS 4 with Multi Frame Generation was enabled, the frame rate increased sharply to 177 FPS, allowing for a smooth experience without any loss of graphics quality.

Test results with Cyberpunk 2077 : DLSS off (top image), DLSS on (bottom image)

PHOTO: SCREENSHOT

In Alan Wake II, one of the most complex lighting and shadowing games available, the RTX 5080 averaged 74 FPS with DLSS off. With DLSS 4 and Path Tracing enabled, the FPS increased to 186, making the experience significantly smoother while maintaining realistic image quality.

Test results with Alan Wake II : DLSS off (top image), DLSS on (bottom image)

PHOTO: SCREENSHOT

With Star Wars Outlaws , the RTX 5080 continues to show strong optimization with an average of 259 FPS when DLSS 4 is enabled at 4K resolution, while power consumption remains around 305W, GPU temperature reaches 69°C.

Test results with Star Wars Outlaws : DLSS off (top image), DLSS on (bottom image)

PHOTO: SCREENSHOT

In Marvel Rivals , without DLSS and Frame Generation enabled, the RTX 5080 only managed 68 FPS at 4K Ultra settings. With DLSS and Frame Generation 4X enabled, performance jumped to 333 FPS, taking full advantage of high-refresh-rate monitors.

Test results with Marvel Rivals : DLSS off (top image), DLSS on (bottom image)

PHOTO: SCREENSHOT

Hogwarts Legacy also shows a noticeable difference between DLSS on and off. With DLSS off, the RTX 5080 averaged 59 FPS, while with DLSS on, performance increased to 248 FPS, providing a significantly smoother experience.

Test results with Hogwarts Legacy: DLSS off (top image), DLSS on (bottom image)

PHOTO: SCREENSHOT

Conclude

The RTX 5080 Founders Edition offers a huge step up in graphics performance, especially when combined with DLSS 4 and Frame Generation technology. The significant frame rate improvements in AAA titles like Cyberpunk 2077, Alan Wake II , and Marvel Rivals show Nvidia's strong shift in leveraging AI to enhance the gaming experience.

While the performance without DLSS isn't really that different from the RTX 4090, when the new AI technologies are enabled, the RTX 5080 becomes an extremely attractive option for gamers who want to experience 4K @ 120FPS without investing in a more expensive flagship line. The optimized cooling system keeps the GPU running smoothly, while the 16GB GDDR7 memory provides high bandwidth, meeting the needs of gaming and content creation.

It's not the most powerful GPU in the Blackwell lineup, but the RTX 5080 Founders Edition strikes the perfect balance of performance, price, and cutting-edge technology, making it a top choice for those looking to jump into the AI-powered graphics era without breaking the bank.