Are there any alternatives?

Yes. The 10GB RTX 3080 and RTX 3080 Ti are so close to this model that they serve as viable alternatives. On the AMD side, the RX 6800 XT is the most direct competitor, though it struggles with ray tracing.

　　

How long will it last?

Although the 12GB RTX 3080 is a disappointing graphics card, it’s not a bad one. Like the 10GB base model, this one will last you at least the next few years at 4K and likely several years at lower resolutions.

　　

Should you buy it?

No. The 12GB RTX 3080 would be among the best graphics cards if the 10GB version and RTX 3080 Ti didn’t exist. They do, and they hit a much better balance between price and performance.