To evaluate the function \( f(x) = 2x^2 - 8 \) at \( x = 3 \), we substitute \( 3 \) for \( x \):
\[ f(3) = 2(3)^2 - 8 \]
Calculating \( (3)^2 \):
\[ (3)^2 = 9 \]
Now substitute this back into the equation:
\[ f(3) = 2(9) - 8 \]
Multiplying \( 2 \) and \( 9 \):
\[ f(3) = 18 - 8 \]
Now, subtract \( 8 \) from \( 18 \):
\[ f(3) = 10 \]
Thus, the value of \( f(3) \) is:
\[ \boxed{10} \]