2080 Ti still good for a new computer setup in 2026?
Posted by pokelord13@reddit | buildapc | View on Reddit | 62 comments
I'm building a PC for my gf and got a cheap 7500x3d combo deal at micro center that comes with a mobo and 16gb ddr5 ram. I have an old 2080 ti lying around from my previous gaming PC that I plan to give her for free and I was wondering if this is considered a viable option for 2026 or if she should save up and get a 5060 or equivalent. We are planning to play mostly competitive games like league/valorant together but will likely play a lot of coop steam games as well like bg3, elden ring, etc.
I do know this card works but I haven't had the chance to test it on modern games and if it's going to still be viable for her setup, or if she will need to upgrade soon after installing it
bagofraisins@reddit
It's a very powerful card and still viable bro. I have a 2080 ti ftw3, had a 9700k (RIP), and just upgraded to a 9850x3d with it. I play VR and all the latest games with it at 1440p, albeit with lowered graphics and not all at 144 fps. It'll AT LEAST hit 60 with high graphics settings at 1440p. You can also overclock it easily
hyenagames@reddit
The 2080Ti is better than the 5060 https://technical.city/en/video/GeForce-RTX-2080-Ti-vs-GeForce-RTX-5060
Is not by a lot, but the 2080Ti is a few % higher in performance.
The only GPUs that are better than the 2080TI are: RX 7800 XT, RX 7900 XTX, RTX 4070 SUPER, RTX 4080 SUPER. RTX 4090, RTX 5070, RTX 5080, RTX 5090.
forso_@reddit
Still on a 980 ti here. I use looses scaling on Steam and I can play 4k 60fps almost all the time on a really old system : 3770k from 2012 with 32 gb because my new build don’t want to even fucking boot. 9850x3d, Asus prime x870-p still no gpu but I’m about to loose my shit. It’s not the first pc build I’ve done talking about my new one but nothing works out of the box…
alextpale@reddit
My friend runs a 2080 super with a 9800x3d in 1080p and he gets 300+ frames in every game
SolemnFuture@reddit
I had a 3070 which is just as fast. My opinion:
1440P might drop frames in like 10% of games
1080P might drop frames in like 1%
FallenGear@reddit
If you want to play rn. Use the 2080ti, then treat her to the 5060 16gb. ;)
coolboy856@reddit
5060 ti 16gb bad value!
Wise-Log-2897@reddit
It's still a good gpu, especially for valorant. I have a 3060 wich is worse and only works at 40-50% at 250fps which means unless you're girlfriend is gonna have a 9800x3d you're still cpu bottlenecked.
Naerven@reddit
Why would you buy a GPU that's a bit weaker than the 2080Ti? It's free. If it works then it works. There is zero harm in just trying it
S10_Ivanov@reddit
Better drivers, tech, support, longevity
Wise-Log-2897@reddit
It's an rtx card, it's got up to date drivers
airinato@reddit
Better drivers? You want to think about that one for a second?
S10_Ivanov@reddit
In the long run it's going to have better drivers because of longevity. Also better optimisation for newer DLSS and RT is part of "better drivers" so yes I have thought about it and it's still the same.
BlueshineKB@reddit
Your “better drivers” comment hinges upon nvidia to stop using vibe coders to create drivers. The past year of drivers has been mostly shit bc each update optimizes the gpu for one specific game and shits on the performance for every other game. Its just not a great time to be suggesting a new gpu simply because of “better drivers”
S10_Ivanov@reddit
What about the other examples? Talk about them then. Don't get why yall downvote on this app so religiously without actually considering everything first.
S10_Ivanov@reddit
Downvoting cuz it doesn't fit your perceived bias. Classic reddit moment.
PS5Pro4@reddit
This sub attracts a lot of young guys. You’re probably arguing with a ten year old.
BeachFishing@reddit
I have the 2080 ti, the 3070 and the 5060 running in very similar AMD systems (5800x3d).
They all push raw frames about the same. It can depend on the game but IMO the 5060 is better because it is so much better at Ray Tracing and DSLL. If the game supports those features the 5060 is going to be much faster. The only area I feel the 5060 is lacking is in memory. It really should have more than 8gb.
Still, it’s amazing just how powerful the 2080 ti still is plus it has 10gb of VRAM vs the 8gb on the 5060.
Naerven@reddit
The thing is that he has a free 2080Ti on hand.
BeachFishing@reddit
Well yeah, I’d definitely stick it in a new system for now until you need to upgrade.
I was mainly responding to the “weaker card” comment.
Another thought…you could probably sell the 2080 ti for more than you could get a 5060 for. I just bought a 5060 on marketplace for $200. The 2080 ti’s are selling for $275-$300.
WhoDrankTheRedRum@reddit
I certainly wouldn't do all that just to be left with less VRAM, 8GB is becoming a bigger issue than I think a lot of people realize.
I'm currently playing through High on Life 2 at 1080P with 10.5GB vram usage according to MSI afterburner (8.5 - 9GB indoors), RTX 5070 which explains why it was such a stuttering mess on my previous 3060 Ti 8GB.
re_Butayarou@reddit
These and 4060ti 16g
pokelord13@reddit (OP)
I think it's more so I'm interested in the MFG tech that's only available in the 40/50 series. I have a 5080 and use it quite often and it is very good for hitting frame targets
onlymozarellasticks@reddit
pretty sure u can just buy lossless scaling on steam and have MFG even on 2080 ti, no reason to buy 5060 when u have that and can give her that gpu without spending extra money
Dorky_Gaming_Teach@reddit
Yeah, but what is she going to play? That should be one determining factor in addition to resolution.
Tamotefu@reddit
My 2070 still puts out solid performance. But I'm a 1080p guy so I know that skews things a little.
RogerTheAlienSmith@reddit
I have a 2070 super and it does great at 1440p in a lot of games if you mess around with the settings.
Tamotefu@reddit
My eyes are too crap for anything over 1080. I literally can't tell the difference. I get to save money on GPUs and still hit 60 frames.
Ryan32501@reddit
That sucks man. 1440p was a massive jump over my old 1080p
Vaxtez@reddit
2080 Ti still kicks ass. I'd use it imho.
Gunther482@reddit
The 2080Ti is still a pretty good 1440p GPU besides for the unoptimized UE5 AAA games that have came out in the past couple years. It is basically equivalent to a 3070 or a 5060 in performance with more VRAM but with worse ray tracing capabilities and no MFG like the 5060 but it isn’t like the 3070 or 5060 are GPUs that really can do ray tracing either without tanking performance.
RefRP@reddit
lol are you me?
I’m building a gaming pc for my wife as a bday present. Got her the same 7500x3d bundle, and was looking at 9060 XT’s when my friend offered his old 2080 ti for $130. I’m going to stick that in as a placeholder and upgrade her GPU to something newer in a year or two when the AI pricing craze dies down a bit.
From my research, it should be good enough for most games at 1440p although I’m a little nervous that her ultra wide will be too many pixels for it.
pokelord13@reddit (OP)
haha yeah that was a killer bundle from microcenter. I saw the ddr5 stick and at $300 and knew I had to grab it immediately for her. i was also looking at 9060 XT's but i couldnt really justify the cost when the 2080 ti is already free. I was just wondering if the 2080 ti will work for a decent bit of time as upgrading will be a pain since we are long distance.
SoftShock0@reddit
2080ti is plenty powerful for esport games and for heavier games you can use upscaling
BeachFishing@reddit
It still pushes frames well enough. It is very similar in raw power to at 3070 or a 5060.
The difference is that it has 1st gen DSLL cores (whatever they are called) don’t work as well as the newer cards. You will notice this in newer games. The 5060 has much better frame generation and DSLL. The 3070 is somewhat better than the 2080 ti but not nearly as good as the 5060.
Also, the 2080 ti takes a ton of power and runs blazing hot. You need a good power supply and ample case cooling. The 3070 is less power hungry and less hot. The 5060 is very energy efficient and runs very cool.
So yes, it’s still powerful enough to run many games, especially older ones. It also has more VRAM than the others with 10gb vs 8gb.
I have all three cards and can confirm.
bulochklem@reddit
accidentally I saw in your timeline your post about your son and wrestling and I got curious lol how is it going with the wrestling?
BeachFishing@reddit
He was a 4 time regional placer, 3 time State Placer, State runner up. Ultimately injuries just before regionals his junior and senior years kept him from being in top form for regionals and States but he was an absolute menace on the mat 🤣 the last match of his high school career in the state final still stings a little I think. Hopefully he will be able to realize how far he got and what he accomplished with his blood sweat and tears.
He had several offers and a lot of interest from colleges but he felt like he couldn’t keep up that pace with both ankles injured and he chose to go JMU instead of wrestling. When he comes home he helps his club and his high school train… I love wrestling. I gave us so much and continues to do so. Thanks for asking!
katzengoldgott@reddit
It’s free so it’s a no brainer. Just install it, and she can upgrade later!
For now it’s still pretty good I think, and it’s not like the GPU is 15 years old.
Dish_Melodic@reddit
If you play full HD 60 fast, it is still more than capable.
RiskIntelligent3789@reddit
The 2080 Ti will be enough to her
https://youtu.be/GB3gs12vEKk?t=672
Forget the 5060, it is a bad card with only 8GB as your 2080 Ti but your card is better...
HyruleanKnight37@reddit
Yes, it is. DO NOT get the 5060 over it. 5060Ti 16GB, sure. Avoid the 5060Ti 8GB like it's the goddamn plague.
Mravac_Kid@reddit
It's certainly still quite capable of playing modern games without much sacrifice. I wouldn't replace it with a more modern card with less than 12 GB VRAM.
Cyanidedelirium@reddit
Depends on the monitor a 4k its going to struggle with older gpus more than newer.
I have a 1440 and my 2070ti does very well. I'd save up for a for something better but unless you have to have 4k which i think still isn't worth it still as nothing truely runs 4k fantastic yet
This also depends on how important frames per second are like if you are doing competitive shooters frames are more important than quality but for non competitive stuff if you can do a constant 30 frames and run full graphics things will looks fantastic qhiles its better to have more. if you want to argue that all film and TV is filmed at 23.98 frames per second and only in extreme motion or action scenes do they increase that.
Foaryy@reddit
My wife still uses a 1080 Ti 👀
blackburn26@reddit
Yes, surprisingly. In raw power, the 2080 Ti still trades blows with the newer RTX 5060. The 2080 Ti has 11GB of VRAM. It will handle everything you wants to play today.
_GooseGod@reddit
It's fine for medium high 1440
cocoapuff1721@reddit
I had a 2080ti for a long time. It’s still a very capable card but pulls a ton of power compared to newer cards
Grindycore@reddit
Please undervolt it because it's a power hog,less heat - longer life.
captainstormy@reddit
I probably wouldn't buy one now, but you already have it so rock on.
Aggravating_Dogg@reddit
for league and valorant the 2080ti is definitely more than enough. I would be in no rush to upgrade the gpu if thats the main games for now.
Tricky_Orange_4526@reddit
2080ti should be fine. i did something similar for my gf with my old 3060ti. i got a 5070, and she got a 12600kf bundle from newegg with mobo, 16gb of ddr4 (we made it 32gb because i had some spare) and a 750w psu. now we both gaming.
Confident_Escape9483@reddit
Im still using my 2080ti and its going strong, I don't play anything on ultra anymore but med/high I have zero issues. I was able to play Cyberpunk 2077 day 1 with zero issues. Now though I just play Apex and its good enough for that and then some lol
Gerald_the_sealion@reddit
Still rocking my 2080Ti until I absolutely need to upgrade. If you already have it and don’t have to upgrade to DDR5 yet, hold out. If you’re going DDR5 then I’d still use it and save and hope better cards eventually come down in price
roberts585@reddit
Just try it out, if it's not working for you then grab a 5060ti
boostftmfw@reddit
It depends. For iRacing single screen, yes. For triples no.
True_Membership2134@reddit
Bro depending on the game 2080ti is more than enough for most 1440p medium setting high frame gaming... y'all rich people man i swear
_probe_46_@reddit
Viable? Yes. Advisable? In good faith? Not personally. It’s a card that’s almost a decade old, part failure is only exponentially more likely the older it is. If I remember correctly the 2080’s also had some issues with vram chipset failures but I was literally barely a teenager at the time so that’s pushing my memory kinda hard lol
XXXperiencedTurbater@reddit
For 1080p probably.
But for reference I had a 2080 ti and the game was ff7 rebirth at 1440p. Couldn’t maintain 60fps even at min settings.
It handled Elden ring fine though, all 500 hours I have in that game used it, no issues.
blackflagnirvana@reddit
2080 Ti is fine, has DLSS access and 11 GB VRAM
pinkdan@reddit
2080ti still plays so much!
PixelPete27@reddit
I'd keep your 2080Ti over a 5060 any day.
Do you game at 1440p or 1080p?
1080p that card is super good. And definitely still viable for 1440p
I'd use it and see how it performs for you, and then make the decision from there.
League/Valorant are CPU bound, so with the 7500x3d you'll have no prob and you'll pump out frames.
for new AAA titles, the 2080Ti will still be good, you just won't be able to use ultra settings in everything, but you'll be able to use medium/high in most things.
StunningPush8421@reddit
yeah very solid card especially since it can use dlss 4(also 4.5 but not worth perf hit in most cases) and access to reflex.