When to Buy an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 Ti: Price Drops and Performance Evaluation

Deciding whether to purchase an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 Ti now or wait for potential price drops is a common dilemma. This article aims to provide insights into the current market condition, potential future price trends, and whether the RTX 2080 Ti is the right choice for your needs.

Why You Might Not Need the RTX 2080 Ti

Unless you are specifically targeting high-end games such as Metro Exodus at maximum settings in 4K resolution or running dual displays, the RTX 2080 Ti might not be the best choice. Additionally, many users might not see a significant improvement in performance with this graphics card compared to other models. For most users, a RTX 2080 Super would be a more cost-effective alternative, offering similar or even better performance at a lower price point.

Second-Hand Options and Patience

A viable alternative to purchasing a new RTX 2080 Ti is to opt for a second-hand 1080 Ti card. Given the trends in technology, it is reasonable to expect that the market will eventually see price drops. However, the wait might also mean that you can take advantage of the ongoing technological advancements, as video cards tend to become more affordable and powerful over time. If you choose to wait, you will likely benefit from a price drop while not missing out on the latest technology.

No Immediate Price Drops Expected

For users who want to play modern games with high performance, it is important to note that the RTX 2080 Ti currently has no direct competition in the market. With AMD's next Navi cards expected to target the mid-range market and Intel's upcoming discrete graphics expected to take longer to reach the market, the RTX 2080 Ti is not likely to face significant competition in the near future. This lack of competition implies that the price of the RTX 2080 Ti is unlikely to drop substantially in the short term.

The Performance vs. Price Window

The RTX 2080 Ti is undoubtedly one of the fastest graphics cards on the market. However, the premium price tag is often not justified for users who primarily need to play modern games at 1080p or 1440p resolutions with high settings. The RTX 2080, while still a powerful card, offers similar or better performance at a more affordable price. For users who specifically need the power to run at 4K resolution, the RTX 2080 Ti remains a strong choice.

Build Quality and Market Competition

In terms of build quality, the RTX 2080 Ti performs well, especially with the original Founder Edition from NVIDIA. Third-party manufacturers also produce good versions with excellent thermal management. However, the price may not drop any time soon due to the absence of direct competitors from AMD. The Radeon VII, while having similar specifications, performs slightly worse than the RTX 2080 in some games and is priced almost the same.

Conclusion: Buy Smart

The decision to buy an RTX 2080 Ti ultimately depends on your specific needs. If you are looking for high-end performance, you might as well buy it now because the price is unlikely to drop significantly in the near future. However, for most users, a RTX 2080 Super or a second-hand 1080 Ti would be a more cost-effective choice. Consider investing the difference between the RTX 2080 Ti and other models, and upgrade when your current machine can no longer meet your needs.