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The GeForce RTX 3080 headlines the Ampere lineup of Nvidia GPUs as one of its premium models, and is therefore one of the fastest gaming graphics cards on the market. My testing confirms that the RTX 3080 is also quite a demanding graphics card, so it needs a proper cooling solution and robust power delivery system to fully maximize its performance. After reviewing a plethora of aftermarket RTX 3080 graphics cards, Tech4Gamers has curated this list of the very best RTX 3080 variants that you can buy right now.
Here is a comparison table with the best RTX 3080 graphics cards that we picked.
Best RTX 3080 Graphics Cards
Based on our thorough testing, the following are the best RTX 3080 graphics cards on the market:
- Best Overall RTX 3080: ASUS TUF Gaming NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 V2
- Best Cooled RTX 3080: GIGABYTE AORUS GeForce RTX 3080 Master
- Best Water Cooled RTX 3080: GIGABYTE AORUS GeForce RTX 3080 Xtreme WATERFORCE
- Best RTX 3080 for Overclocking: ASUS ROG Strix NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080
- Best RTX 3080 for Gaming: EVGA GeForce RTX 3080 FTW3 Ultra Gaming
- Best White RTX 3080: ASUS ROG Strix NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 V2
ASUS TUF Gaming NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 V2
Best Overall RTX 3080
Specifications: | Fans: 3 | Video Memory: 12GB GDDR6X | Maximum Display Support: 4 | Display Ports: 2x HDMI 2.1, 3x Display Port 1.4a | Recommended PSU: 850W | RGB: Yes | Size: 11.8 ” x 4.99 ” x 2.03 ” Inch
Pros
- Military Grade Components
- Impressive Cooling
- ASUS Aura Sync RGB
- OC Performance
Cons
- Massive Size Covering 2.7 Slots
- High Power Demand
Design and Build Quality: The ASUS TUF Gaming NVIDIA Geforce RTX 3080 V2 has the classic ASUS TUF design, three fans, and a huge enclosure that covers three slots. The ASUS TUF Gaming NVIDIA Geforce RTX 3080 V2 has three fans cooperating with ASUS’s Axial-Tech fan design to reduce temperatures.
Cooling: Six heat pipes are used in the ASUS TUF Gaming NVIDIA Geforce RTX 3080 V2 along with a huge fin stack that assists in venting heat through the sides, keeping the VRM components cool. Dual bearings on the Axial-Tech fans provide premium performance and a much longer lifespan.
Performance: The ASUS TUF Gaming Geforce RTX 3080 V2 uses high-end PCB TUF components. ASUS has combined top-of-the-line MOSFETs with military-grade capacitors. The card has a GPU Boost Clock of 1785 MHz in normal Gaming Mode, and it features an OC Mode with a Boost Clock of 1815 MHz.
What Makes It The Best Overall RTX 3080 Graphics Card?
Due to its capable performance and high-end durable VRM components, the ASUS TUF Gaming NVIDIA Geforce RTX 3080 V2 is our pick as the best overall RTX 3080 graphics card.
| Performance: 8/10 | Value: 8/10 |
| Features: 9/10 | Design: 8/10 |
GIGABYTE AORUS GeForce RTX 3080 Master
Best Cooled RTX 3080
Specifications: | Fans: 3 | Video Memory: 12GB GDDR6X | Maximum Display Support: 4 | Display Ports: 2x HDMI 2.1, 1x HDMI 2.0, 3x Display Port 1.4a | Recommended PSU: 850W | RGB: Yes with LCD | Size: L=319 W=140 H=70 mm
Pros
- Very Quiet
- High-End Durable Components
- LCD Display
- Low Temperatures
Cons
- Massive Size
- Need 3x 8-pin Connectors
Design and Build Quality: The GIGABYTE AORUS GeForce RTX 3080 Master has three fans, the first of which is 100mm in size and the other two of which are 115mm each. A metal backplate is included with the GIGABYTE AORUS GeForce RTX 3080 Master to elevate aesthetics and improve the overall structure.
Cooling: The GIGABYTE AORUS GeForce RTX 3080 Master heatsink uses angular and uneven fin heights to direct airflow through the fins and increase the contact surface. To efficiently disperse heat, many heat pipes are employed. The fan blades contain 3D strip bends to further amplify the smoothness of the airflow.
Performance: GIGABYTE went on to equip the GIGABYTE AORUS GeForce RTX 3080 Master with a superior power phase design to allow the MOSFET to run at lower temperatures and give protection against high-temps to enable overclocking capabilities. The GPU is fitted with premium Ultra Durable chokes and capacitors to aid in a longer lifespan.
What Makes It Best Cooled The RTX 3080 Graphics Card?
GIGABYTE’s innovative cooling solutions and unique approach to the RTX 3080 by including an actual LCD make it one of the best RTX 3080s in the market, combined with its exceptional air cooling solution which makes it the best cooled RTX 3080 graphics card.
| Performance: 10/10 | Value: 7/10 |
| Features: 9/10 | Design: 8/10 |
GIGABYTE AORUS GeForce RTX 3080 Xtreme WATERFORCE
Best Water Cooled RTX 3080
Specifications: | Fans: 2, 240mm Radiator | Video Memory: 12GB GDDR6X | Maximum Display Support: 4 | Display Ports: 2x HDMI 2.1, 1x HDMI 2.0, 3x Display Port 1.4a | Recommended PSU: 750W | RGB: Yes | Size:L=252 W=135 H=40 mm
Pros
- Low Temps
- Unique RGB Pattern
- Water-Cooled
- PCB Protection
Cons
- Super Expensive
- High Power Draw
Design and Build Quality: A 240mm radiator and two 120mm RGB fans are included in the closed-loop setup of the RTX 3080 Xtreme WATERFORCE. The GIGABYTE AORUS GeForce RTX 3080 Xtreme WATERFORCE also comes with a metal backplate to retain aesthetics and strengthen the overall design.
Cooling: The 240mm radiator is equipped with dual 120mm RGB fans utilizing the double ball bearing structure for better heat endurance and efficiency. Using a large copper base plate directly touches the GPU, VRAM, and other components, making the heat dissipation process quicker than air-cooled graphics cards.
Performance: To facilitate overclocking, GIGABYTE equipped the GIGABYTE AORUS GeForce RTX 3080 Xtreme WATERFORCE with a robust power phase design that enables the MOSFET to operate at lower temperatures and provides protection against high voltages. The GPU also has superior Ultra Durable certified chokes and capacitors to help it last longer.
Buying a water-cooled graphics card variant is a great way to lower your GPU temperatures drastically as compared to the competition. The problem, however, is that they are often exorbitantly expensive and require optimal case compatibility for the ultimate experience.
– Awais Khan
What Makes It The Best Water-Cooled RTX 3080 Graphics Card?
Thanks to its exceptional cooling performance and an overall unique approach; GIGABYTE’s AORUS GeForce RTX 3080 Xtreme WATERFORCE is worth the price tag and is our pick for the best water-cooled RTX 3080 graphics card.
| Performance: 10/10 | Value: 7/10 |
| Features: 9/10 | Design: 9/10 |
ASUS ROG Strix NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080
Best RTX 3080 for Overclocking
Specifications: | Fans: 3 | Video Memory: 12GB GDDR6X | Maximum Display Support: 4 | Display Ports: 2x HDMI 2.1, 3x Display Port 1.4a, HDCP Support| Recommended PSU: 850W | RGB: Yes | Size: 318.5 x 140.1 x 57.78 mm
Pros
- Best for Overclocking
- RGB Lighting
- Impressive Cooling
- Great Performance
Cons
- Massive
- Very Expensive
Design and Build Quality: The ASUS ROG Strix NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 has a new look, more metal parts, and the newest Axial-Tech fans. With 13 blades on the center fan and 11 blades on both side fans, the new Axial-Tech fans bring the ASUS ROG Strix NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 to a new level of cooling.
Cooling: The ASUS ROG Strix NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 uses many heat pipes and a manufacturing technique that improves surface smoothness. The heat pipes are unusually flat for best contact with the heat fins. Huge fin stacks on the card help to vent heat through the sides, keeping the VRM parts cool.
Performance: ASUS did not compromise on VRM and PCB components either. ASUS employs top-of-the-line capacitors, chokes, and MOSFETs to supply watts in milliseconds. To prevent human error, the super Alloy Power II components are soldered to the PCB, utilizing their most recent processes, including more AI.
What Makes It The Best RTX 3080 for Overclocking?
The ASUS ROG Strix NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 does not employ low-cost VRM components or PCB layers, which will delight overclockers to no end. We have chosen it as the best RTX 3080 for overclocking since it is one of the most powerful GeForce RTX 3080s available.
| Performance: 10/10 | Value: 7/10 |
| Features: 10/10 | Design: 8/10 |
EVGA GeForce RTX 3080 FTW3 Ultra Gaming
Best RTX 3080 for Gaming
Specifications: | Fans: 3 | Video Memory: 12GB GDDR6X | Maximum Display Support: 4 | Display Ports: 1x HDMI, 3x Display Port | Recommended PSU: 750W | RGB: Yes | Size: 300 x 136.75 mm x 2.7 Slots
Pros
- Best Gaming Performance
- Silent Cooling
- OC Possible
- RGB Lighting
Cons
- Massive in Size
- Too Power Hungry
Design and Build Quality: The EVGA GeForce RTX 3080 FTW3 Ultra Gaming is built on a three-fan structure. The EVGA GeForce RTX 3080 FTW3 Ultra Gaming also has smart-cut outs in the PCB and backplate to have maximum airflow to keep all MOSFETs, Capacitors, and other VRM components cool.
Cooling: EVGA’s iCX3 interactive cooling technology has helped keep the GeForce RTX 3080 FTW3 Ultra Gaming relatively cool. To enhance heat conduction and maintain the GPU and VRAM at a comfortable temperature, EVGA increased the copper base size of the GeForce RTX 3080 FTW3 Ultra Gaming by 25%, and the heatpipe contact area by up to 65%.
Performance: The EVGA GeForce RTX 3080 FTW3 Ultra Gaming has a Boost Clock of 1800MHz alongside a Memory Clock of 1900MHz. The EVGA GeForce RTX 3080 FTW3 Ultra Gaming is ideally made for performance gaming and heavy OC like the ASUS ROG Strix, thanks to the high-end and durable VRM components used.
What Makes It The Best RTX 3080 for Gaming?
Striking the perfect balance between stock performance, cooling potential, and power consumption, the EVGA GeForce RTX 3080 FTW3 Ultra Gaming is our pick for the best RTX 3080 for gaming.
| Performance: 9/10 | Value: 8/10 |
| Features: 8/10 | Design: 7/10 |
ASUS ROG Strix NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 V2
Best White RTX 3080
Specifications: | Fans: 3 | Video Memory: 10GB GDDR6X | Maximum Display Support: 5 | Display Ports: 2x HDMI, 3x Display Port 1.4a | Recommended PSU: 850W | RGB: Yes | Size: 318.5mm x 140.0mm x 57.8mm
Pros
- Superb White Design
- Beautiful RGB
- Excellent Cooling
- 5 Display Outputs
Cons
- High Price
- High Power Consumption
Design and Build Quality: The highlight of the ROG Strix RTX 3080 V2 White Edition is its snow-white exterior that would match perfectly with an all-white build. Moreover, the RGB lighting integrated into the fans provides a superb glow to the front of the card, making it perfect for vertical installation.
Cooling: ASUS employs a massive cooling solution in the Strix RTX 3080 V2 to keep the temperatures low and clock speeds high. The custom blade design of the new Axial Tech fans helps them go like a blade through butter and boosts airflow. The gigantic 2.9-slot heatsink is linked with seven copper pipes to remove heat from the cores.
Performance: The competent VRM design of the ASUS ROG Strix RTX 3080 V2 White Edition makes it highly robust. A respectable overclock would not be a problem for the Strix RTX 3080 V2 White Edition, even if it is not an overclocking powerhouse. It also comes with an out-of-box boost clock of 1935MHz.
What Makes It The Best White RTX 3080 Graphics Card?
The ASUS ROG Strix RTX 3080 V2 White Edition delivers exceptional aesthetics with a beautiful all-white exterior, combined with a superb cooling solution and a strong power delivery system, making it the best white RTX 3080 graphics card.
| Performance: 9/10 | Value: 8/10 |
| Features: 8/10 | Design: 10/10 |
Gaming Benchmarks
The RTX 3080 is truly a top-tier graphics card, and that’s why it still performed remarkably well in our gaming benchmarks against other GPUs. Of course, its power consumption is not as good as the latest RTX 40-series cards, but it is still a good option.
How We Tested & Picked These RTX 3080 Graphics Cards
Before you make a graphics card purchase, remember to factor in the following key considerations.
- VRM: VRM regulates the power supply voltage to a voltage that suits the GPU better; it could be lowering the PSU 12V to 1.3V or 3.3V, depending on the GPU. With the help of VRMs, users can overclock their graphics cards to get more performance from them.
- Power Limit: Varying Graphics Card variants utilize different power demands despite having the same chipset. Variants differ from one another in terms of cooling methods and OC settings, as was previously described. Manufacturers must raise or lower the overall power drain to adjust the card settings.
- Cooler: The cooling system is one of your GPU’s most crucial components. When using your Geforce RTX 3080, the number of fans, heat pipes, and high-quality thermal paste will all assist you in achieving lower operating temperatures. A twin fan construction may be adequate for temperatures, but a triple fan GPU variation will be even better.
- Performance: As I indicated earlier, the larger the power limit, the better performance; this statement might not seem accurate every time, but I guarantee you that it makes sense. It is important to check out the OC settings and power limitations while searching for the best aftermarket GeForce RTX 3080.
- Temperatures: Different GeForce RTX 3080 graphics card models have varying operating temperatures. Some may perform well even with extreme overclocks, while others may perform poorly without OC settings. While 80 degrees may be excessive for some variants, it may be normal for others.
Frequently Asked Questions
According to sources, GPUs are returning to the market after the fall of Bitcoins, allowing gamers to buy their preferred GPU at a discount. However, gamers should exercise caution when buying used items.
The RTX 3080 can run with 8700K and greater CPUs with minor CPU constraints. Ryzen 7 2700X or higher GPUs can also produce decent performance with this GPU. You can also go for an older Intel or AMD CPU; you might find surprisingly decent performance at 1440p and 4K, but remember that the older CPUs will cause significant bottlenecking in many newer games.
Depending on the type of frames you want to extract, 4K is the best choice if you’re comfortable playing at less than 144 FPS in most games. If you like playing at smoother rates, however, you might want to choose 1440P.
Both GPUs perform very differently. If you want to play 4K games at higher frame rates, the GeForce RTX 3080 would be a fantastic choice. Alternatively, you could get the GeForce RTX 3070, which is more affordable, to play 2K games at high FPS.
We have covered more RTX 3000 series graphics cards as well:
- Best RTX 3090 Ti Graphics Cards
- Best RTX 3090 Graphics Cards
- Best RTX 3070 Ti Graphics Cards
- Best RTX 3070 Graphics Cards
- Best RTX 3060 Ti Graphics Cards
- Best RTX 3060 Graphics Cards
- Best RTX 3050 Graphics Cards
Recent Updates
- February 18, 2024: Added gaming benchmarks of the RTX 3080 against the RTX 4070 Super, RTX 3080 Ti, RX 6800 XT, and RX 7700 XT at 1080p, 1440p and 4K after testing on the latest AAA titles.
- December 27, 2023: One of the products was out of stock, so we replaced it with a better alternative.
- November 17, 2023: Few text changes to improve readability. No products were changed.
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[Hardware Reviewer]
Awais Khan is a Tech Geek, conscientious, reliable, and hardworking individual who pays attention to detail with excellent time management skills. Alongside that, he is an expert in PC Hardware; dealing with Benchmarks, Analysis, and testing before sharing information with readers. Whenever free, Awais occasionally shares Gaming Videos on his YouTube Channel.
Get In Touch: awais@tech4gamers.com
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