It seems Nvidia has resurrected the RTX 3080 12GB SKU in order to empty an overstock of GA102 dies. The 3080 12GB was reportedly taken off the production line two months ago. 

Nvidia's 12GB RTX 3080 model was released in January at the request of AIB partners. The specs of the 3080 12 GB indicate that it was designed to use up defective GA102 dies that had all 12 memory controllers operating but were worthless for 3080 Ti and 3090s. Because this GPU model was announced during the GPU crisis, AIB partners would have been interested in it.

The RTX 3080 12GB has a 384-bit wide bus, 12GB of VRAM, and a memory throughput of 912GBps. The number of SMs reduced from 80 to 70, lowering the number of CUDA cores from 1,280 to 8960. This model has 256 additional cores than the 10GB model. In benchmarks, the 3080 12GB's enhanced memory system makes it a gaming beast, in performance. When compared to the 3080 Ti, the RTX 3080 12GB is a steal in terms of cost.

Once this GPU is more widely available, Nvidia could reduce the price of the 3080 10GB while keeping the 12GB model at a higher price. This strategy should boost Nvidia's card sales and profitability.  The 3080 12GB might be offered for the lowest price since January. Before the supply ran out two months ago, a 3080 12GB could be had for $729. We wouldn't be surprised if Nvidia priced the 3080 12GB at this level or lower when it goes on sale.

Supposedly GeForce RTX 3080 12GB production has resumed because to an abundance of GA102.