Blackwell Architecture: A powerful upgrade with AI and DLSS 4
The RTX 5080 Founders Edition is one of the first graphics cards (GPUs) to utilize the Blackwell architecture, marking a significant shift in how Nvidia handles graphics. Instead of focusing solely on pure hardware power, Blackwell leverages AI and Deep Learning to improve performance and image quality.
Blackwell is Nvidia's new GPU architecture, offering significant performance improvements with AI, DLSS 4, and Path Tracing, enhancing graphics quality without dropping frame rates.
PHOTO: NVIDIA
One of the most important aspects of this architecture is Neural Rendering, which allows GPUs to use AI to generate additional frames and enhance image quality without increasing computational strain. DLSS 4 and Multi-Frame Generation are the clearest examples of this, as they can significantly increase the number of frames without compromising display quality.
Furthermore, RTX Neural Shaders allow GPUs to optimize shading using AI, instead of relying solely on hardware power as before. This enables GPUs to handle complex effects with higher performance, especially when combined with next-generation Path Tracing. In games with highly detailed environments and dynamic lighting, such as Star Wars Outlaws, applying these technologies helps maintain graphics quality without significantly reducing frame rates.
Specifications of the RTX 5080 Founders Edition
The RTX 5080 is equipped with a GB203 GPU featuring 16,384 CUDA cores , 128 4th generation Ray Tracing cores , and 512 5th generation Tensor cores , reaching a boost clock speed of 2.62 GHz . The card utilizes 16GB of GDDR7 memory at 24 Gbps , providing higher bandwidth than its predecessor, improving performance in 4K games and content creation applications.
The RTX 5080 Founders Edition features a large design that occupies three slots in the case, utilizing an improved cooling system to optimize airflow and minimize temperature.
PHOTO: KHAI MINH
The RTX 5080 retains the reverse convection fan design from the Founders Edition, optimizing airflow and providing more efficient temperature control. The card has a TGP of 350W and requires a minimum 850W power supply for stable performance.
Realistic 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 resolution)
- Windows 11 Pro
The RTX 5080 FE has a fairly neat side-mounted power cable design when installed in a system.
PHOTO: KHAI MINH
The RTX 5080 Founders Edition demonstrated impressive processing capabilities in real-world tests with a range of AAA games and popular benchmark tools. In the 3DMark DLSS Feature Test, with DLSS disabled, the RTX 5080 achieved 47.96 FPS, but with DLSS 4 enabled and Frame Generation 4X, performance increased to 282.75 FPS—an impressive figure clearly showing the improvement of AI technology in boosting frame rates.
The results when DLSS is turned off and on show a significant 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 activated, the frame rate increased sharply to 177 FPS, allowing for a smooth experience without sacrificing graphics quality.
Test results with Cyberpunk 2077 : DLSS off (top image), DLSS on (bottom image)
PHOTO: SCREENSHOT
In Alan Wake II, one of the games with the most complex lighting and shadowing effects currently available, the RTX 5080 achieved an average of 74 FPS with DLSS disabled. When DLSS 4 and Path Tracing were enabled, the FPS increased to 186, resulting in a significantly smoother experience 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 demonstrate strong optimization capabilities with an average of 259 FPS when DLSS 4 is enabled at 4K resolution, while power consumption remains at around 305W and GPU temperature reaches 69°C.
Test results with Star Wars Outlaws : DLSS off (top image), DLSS on (bottom image)
PHOTO: SCREENSHOT
In Marvel Rivals , with DLSS and Frame Generation disabled, the RTX 5080 only achieved 68 FPS at 4K Ultra settings. When DLSS and Frame Generation 4X were enabled, performance surged to 333 FPS, taking full advantage of high refresh rate monitors.
Results of the Marvel Rivals test: DLSS off (top image), DLSS on (bottom image)
PHOTO: SCREENSHOT
Hogwarts Legacy also showed a clear difference between having DLSS enabled and disabled. With DLSS off, the RTX 5080 averaged 59 FPS, while with DLSS enabled, performance increased to 248 FPS, resulting in a significantly smoother experience.
Results of the experiment with Hogwarts Legacy: DLSS off (top image), DLSS on (bottom image)
PHOTO: SCREENSHOT
Conclude
The RTX 5080 Founders Edition represents a significant leap in graphics performance, especially when combined with DLSS 4 and Frame Generation technology. The substantial improvement in frame rates in AAA titles like Cyberpunk 2077, Alan Wake II , and Marvel Rivals demonstrates Nvidia's strong shift in leveraging AI to enhance the gaming experience.
Although performance without DLSS enabled isn't drastically different from the RTX 4090, when the new AI technologies are activated, the RTX 5080 becomes an extremely attractive option for gamers who want to experience 4K@120FPS without investing in more expensive flagship models. The optimized cooling system keeps the GPU running smoothly, while the 16GB GDDR7 memory provides high bandwidth, meeting the demands of gaming and content creation.
While not the most powerful GPU in the Blackwell lineup, the RTX 5080 Founders Edition strikes the perfect balance between performance, price, and cutting-edge technology, making it a top choice for those looking to enter the AI-powered graphics era without overspending.
Comment (0)