When NVIDIA announced its next-gen GeForce RTX 40 Series, it did so by lifting the lid on two GeForce RTX 4080 models. One with 16GB of video memory and one with 12GB, though the differences between the two seemingly went beyond that. And with very different specs in terms of CUDA Cores and memory bandwidth, and potential performance and pricing, many felt confused that it wasn't the GeForce RTX 4070.

On account of the different specs making it feel like a different card.

GeForce RTX 4080 (16GB)

NVIDIA Architecture: Ada Lovelace
NVIDIA CUDA Cores: 9728
Boost Clock (GHz): 2.51
Base Clock (GHz): 2.21
Memory: 16 GB GDDR6X
Memory Interface: 256-Bit
Ray Tracing Cores: 3rd Gen
Tensor Cores: 4th Gen
Length/Width/Slot: 304x137x61mm (3-Slot)
Power: 320 W
Price: Starting from $1,199 USD and $2,219 AUD

GeForce RTX 4080 (12GB)

NVIDIA Architecture: Ada Lovelace
NVIDIA CUDA Cores: 7680
Boost Clock (GHz): 2.61
Base Clock (GHz): 2.31
Memory: 12 GB GDDR6X
Memory Interface: 192-bit
Ray Tracing Cores: 3rd Gen
Tensor Cores: 4th Gen
Length/Width/Slot: TBC
Power: 285 W
Price: Starting from $899 USD and $1,659 AUD

With the successful launch of the GeForce RTX 4090, with our review highlighting its incredible 4K performance, NVIDIA has announced that "we’re pressing the “unlaunch” button on the 4080 12GB" and that the "RTX 4080 16GB is amazing and on track to delight gamers everywhere on November 16". So yeah, the GeForce RTX 4080 is still en route - just in single 16GB form.

NVIDIA also added a little note around the RTX 4090 launch, adding, "if the lines around the block and enthusiasm for the 4090 is any indication, the reception for the 4080 will be awesome".

It remains to be seen what will happen with the RTX 4080 12GB, and whether or not its release is simply delayed or that it will return in RTX 4070 form.