Lukewarm -> Refurb RTX 3000 FE @ Microcenter

[NattyKathy]

RTX 3090 FE @ $699

RTX 3080Ti @ $599

Ignore if you're looking for regular gaming perf/$, this is for the niche use case weirdos doing ML stuff and ultra-high-rez image processing / rendering.

3080Ti > 4070S if memory bandwidth is a constraint, and if you need 24GB VRAM on a budget then a refurb 3090 is the best you'll get for $700

Prices seem roughly the same as used market but MC offers a 90-day warranty which is a big plus IMO. I did a spot check and they seem to be in stock at many MC locations. I saw open-box around $540/$640 for '80Ti and '90 respectively if you're feeling brave/lucky.

 

[sk3tch]

I could definitely dig the 3090 FE but not the 3080 Ti. Memory bandwidth be damned - 4070S is better and has a real warranty.

 

[NattyKathy]

I could definitely dig the 3090 FE but not the 3080 Ti. Memory bandwidth be damned - 4070S is better and has a real warranty.

For the vast majority of uses, yeah. There are very few situations where a 3080Ti would be useful but they exist... I have a realtime NN upscaling workflow that only needs about 3GB VRAM but loves bandwidth and fillrate which AD104 lacks compared to GA102.

I agree tho, 3090 is by far the more interesting bc 24GB. There's a reason I bought a bargain clearance 3090Ti in Aug 2021 instead of waiting a few more months for Ada ;-)

 

[sk3tch]

My MC has the 3090 Ti for $100 more... https://www.microcenter.com/product...gb-gddr6x-pcie-40-graphics-card-(refurbished)