GTX 1080 Ti vs RTX 3060 Ti

PascalvsAmpereUpdated 35 days ago

The RTX 3060 Ti emerges as the clear winner for most cloud GPU use cases, delivering 12.7 TFLOPS versus 8.9 TFLOPS, 12 GB VRAM against 8-11 GB, and 360 GB/s bandwidth over 320 GB/s at a fraction of the cost starting at $0.03 per hour. This combination ensures superior performance and efficiency in AI workloads.

GTX 1080 Ti from $0.30/hrRTX 3060 Ti from $0.23/hr

Specifications Compared

SpecGTX-1080RTX-3060
TDP180W170W
VRAM8-11 GB12 GB
CUDA Cores2,5603,584
Memory TypeGDDR5XGDDR6
ArchitecturePascalAmpere
Form FactorsPCIePCIe
Interconnect
FP16 Performance8.9 TFLOPS12.7 TFLOPS
FP32 Performance8.9 TFLOPS12.7 TFLOPS
Memory Bandwidth320 GB/s360 GB/s

Performance Analysis

The RTX 3060 Ti outperforms the GTX 1080 Ti in raw compute with 12.7 TFLOPS across FP16 and FP32 versus 8.9 TFLOPS, resulting in approximately 43 percent faster matrix operations critical for neural network training. This FP16 and FP32 delta means quicker convergence in training cycles and lower latency during inference for models like transformers. Higher memory bandwidth on the RTX 3060 Ti at 360 GB/s versus 320 GB/s enables larger batch sizes without throughput bottlenecks, ideal for processing extensive datasets in deep learning pipelines. The GTX 1080 Ti's 180W TDP slightly exceeds the RTX 3060 Ti's 170W, potentially limiting density in multi-GPU cloud setups, while Ampere's architectural improvements enhance efficiency in mixed-precision workloads. Overall, these specs position the RTX 3060 Ti for superior handling of contemporary AI tasks demanding high throughput and memory capacity.

Live Cloud Pricing

Real-time prices from 25+ providers. Updated every 60 seconds.

GTX 1080 Ti

ProviderGPU ModelVRAMHost SpecsRegionPriceStatusAction
LeaderGPU
LeaderGPU
4×NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080
8GB VRAM
$0.30/GPU/hr
$1.20/hr total (4×)
Available
LeaderGPU
LeaderGPU
8×NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080 Ti
11GB VRAM
$0.60/GPU/hr
$4.80/hr total (8×)
Available

RTX 3060 Ti

ProviderGPU ModelVRAMHost SpecsRegionPriceStatusAction
Vast.ai
Vast.ai
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060
12GB VRAM
$0.23/GPU/hr
Available
Vast.ai
Vast.ai
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060
12GB VRAM
$0.23/GPU/hr
Available
Vast.ai
Vast.ai
2×NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060
12GB VRAM
$0.23/GPU/hr
$0.45/hr total (2×)
Available
Vast.ai
Vast.ai
2×NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060
12GB VRAM
$0.23/GPU/hr
$0.45/hr total (2×)
Available

Compare real-time pricing across 25+ providers

When to Choose the GTX 1080 Ti

The GTX 1080 Ti fits legacy workflows optimized for Pascal architecture, such as older scientific simulations or games relying on CUDA versions prior to Ampere compatibility. Its 8-11 GB GDDR5X VRAM suits applications with established memory patterns not exceeding 11 GB, avoiding refactoring costs. At $0.60 per hour, it serves as a stable choice where software stability trumps raw speed.

When to Choose the RTX 3060 Ti

The RTX 3060 Ti excels in modern machine learning tasks due to 12.7 TFLOPS FP16/FP32 performance and 12 GB GDDR6 VRAM, supporting larger models and datasets. Its 360 GB/s bandwidth facilitates efficient batch processing in training and inference. Priced from $0.03 per hour, it offers unmatched value for AI development and rendering.

Use Cases

LLM Training
RTX 3060 Ti

The RTX 3060 Ti's 12.7 TFLOPS FP16/FP32 and 12 GB VRAM handle larger language models better than the GTX 1080 Ti's 8.9 TFLOPS and 8-11 GB. Higher 360 GB/s bandwidth supports bigger batches for faster training.

LLM Inference
RTX 3060 Ti

RTX 3060 Ti provides 12.7 TFLOPS for low-latency inference on 12 GB models, outperforming GTX 1080 Ti's 8.9 TFLOPS. Ampere architecture optimizes tensor operations essential for real-time serving.

Fine-tuning
RTX 3060 Ti

With 12 GB VRAM and 360 GB/s bandwidth, RTX 3060 Ti manages fine-tuning of mid-sized LLMs efficiently versus GTX 1080 Ti's limits. The 43 percent higher TFLOPS accelerates iterations.

Stable Diffusion
RTX 3060 Ti

RTX 3060 Ti's Ampere features and 12.7 TFLOPS excel in diffusion model generation, surpassing GTX 1080 Ti's Pascal capabilities. 12 GB VRAM fits complex image pipelines without swapping.

Scientific Computing
Either

Both GPUs offer FP32 at 8.9 or 12.7 TFLOPS suitable for simulations; choose GTX 1080 Ti for Pascal-optimized codes or RTX 3060 Ti for memory-intensive tasks with 12 GB VRAM.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which GPU has more VRAM: GTX 1080 Ti or RTX 3060 Ti?

The RTX 3060 Ti provides 12 GB GDDR6 VRAM, exceeding the GTX 1080 Ti's 8-11 GB GDDR5X. This difference benefits memory-bound tasks like large model inference. Bandwidth also favors RTX 3060 Ti at 360 GB/s over 320 GB/s.

What is the performance difference in TFLOPS?

RTX 3060 Ti delivers 12.7 TFLOPS for both FP16 and FP32, compared to GTX 1080 Ti's 8.9 TFLOPS. This 43 percent uplift accelerates training and inference workloads. Ampere architecture enhances efficiency beyond raw specs.

How do cloud prices compare?

GTX 1080 Ti pricing starts at $0.60 per hour averaging $0.60 across one offer. RTX 3060 Ti is far cheaper from $0.03 per hour averaging $0.06 over two offers. This makes RTX 3060 Ti ideal for cost-sensitive projects.

What are the TDP ratings?

GTX 1080 Ti consumes 180W TDP, slightly more than RTX 3060 Ti's 170W. Lower TDP on RTX 3060 Ti allows better power efficiency in dense cloud instances. Both fit standard PCIe slots.

Which architecture is newer?

RTX 3060 Ti uses Ampere from 2021, while GTX 1080 Ti relies on Pascal from 2016. Newer Ampere supports advanced features like improved tensor cores. Pascal remains viable for legacy CUDA applications.

Is RTX 3060 Ti better for machine learning?

Yes, RTX 3060 Ti's 12.7 TFLOPS FP16/FP32 and 12 GB VRAM outperform GTX 1080 Ti for ML tasks. 360 GB/s bandwidth handles larger batches effectively. Pricing at $0.03 per hour adds strong value.

Which is cheaper to rent, the GTX 1080 or the RTX 3060?

Cloud rental prices for both the GTX 1080 and RTX 3060 vary by provider, configuration, and availability. This page shows live pricing from 25+ providers updated every 60 seconds. Scroll to the Live Cloud Pricing section to compare current rates.

How much VRAM does the GTX 1080 have compared to the RTX 3060?

The GTX 1080 has 8 to 11 GB of GDDR5X memory. The RTX 3060 has 12 GB of GDDR6 memory.

Can I find GTX 1080 and RTX 3060 GPUs available to rent right now?

Yes. This page shows real-time availability across 25+ cloud GPU providers. The Live Cloud Pricing section displays only in-stock offers with current pricing.

What is the main difference between the GTX 1080 and the RTX 3060?

The GTX 1080 uses the Pascal architecture (2016) while the RTX 3060 uses Ampere (2021). The RTX 3060 delivers 1.4x the FP16 throughput and 1.1x the memory bandwidth of the GTX 1080.

GTX 1080 Ti vs RTX 3060 Ti: 12GB GDDR6 vs 11GB GDDR5X | GPUPerHour