What is the best RTX 3080? Comparison and buying guide

Like every year, NVIDIA is here to announce its new graphics cards, here via the RTX 3000 series, and in particular the new RTX 3080 . This time, the firm surprised many people with GPUs which pass a real cap of power, but especially which are at a price much more suitable than before. But as usual, many different models are offered by manufacturers, and it is not always easy to know which reference to take. That’s why we offer you our comparison of the best RTX 3080s , with a buying guide at the end of this article , to help you narrow down your choice, as well as better understand the differences between the models.

Comparison table of the best RTX 3080

GEFORCE RTX 3080		GPU FREQUENCY (BOOST)	TDP	DIMENSIONS (LXWXH)	VIDEO PORTS
Asus Tuf RTX 3080 10G Gaming		1785 MHz	320 W	299.9 x 126.9 x 51.7 mm	3x DisplayPort 1.4a 2x HDMI 2.1
Asus Rog Strix RTX 3080 10G Gaming		1905 MHz	320 W	318.5 x 140.1 x 57.8 mm	3x DisplayPort 1.4a 2x HDMI 2.1
Gigabyte RTX 3080 Gaming OC 10G		1800 MHz	320 W	320 x 129 x 55 mm	3x DisplayPort 1.4a 2x HDMI 2.1
MSI RTX 3080 Gaming X Trio		1815 MHz	340 W	323 x 140 x 56 mm	3x DisplayPort 1.4a 1x HDMI 2.1
EVGA RTX 3080 FTW3 Ultra		1800 MHz	320 W	300 x 136.8 mm	3x DisplayPort 1.4a 1x HDMI 2.1
MSI RTX 3080 Ventus 3X OC		1740 MHz	320 W	305 x 120 x 57 mm	3x DisplayPort 1.4a 1x HDMI 2.1
Gigabyte Aorus RTX 3080 Master 10G		1845 MHz	320 W	319 x 140 x 70 mm	3x DisplayPort 1.4a 3x HDMI 2.1
PNY RTX 3080 XLR8		1710 MHz	320 W	317 x 115 x 60 mm	3x DisplayPort 1.4a 1x HDMI 2.1
Palit RTX 3080 Gaming Pro		1710 MHz	320 W	294 x 112 x 60 mm	3x DisplayPort 1.4a 1x HDMI 2.1
Zotac RTX 3080 Trinity		1710 MHz	320 W	318 x 121 x 58 mm	3x DisplayPort 1.4a 1x HDMI 2.1

Top 10 Best RTX 3080: Comparison and Reviews

With the shortage of components and the covid crisis, stocks of the latest graphics cards are running low and are causing the prices to skyrocket which you can see on this page. Nvidia occasionally drops from 3080 FE to 719 €, but most of the time you will find custom versions well above the advertised msrp.

1. Asus TUF RTX 3080 10G Gaming

In terms of graphics cards, Asus still displays good quality products, and this is once again the case with its TUF RTX 3080 10G Gaming version. The advantage of this GPU is that it is slightly superior to NVIDIA’s Founder Edition , especially on temperatures. Indeed, although at rest, it tends to have a temperature a little higher, the gain is when the card must spit its power, with between 5 and 8 degrees less than the FE. Even when the ventilation is pushed to the limit, it offers rather pleasant results, since the card does not exceed 33 decibels. Only small downside, this RTX 3080 from Asus is slightly longer than the Founder Edition, 33 cm compared to the 28.5 cm long of the FE.

2. Asus ROG Strix RTX 3080 10G Gaming

As usual, Asus does not offer just one, but several versions of the same graphics card reference, each offering its advantages. The biggest point of the ROG Strix version of the RTX 3080 is that it boasts some of the best performance of this GPU, especially in games . It is still also interesting to note the very little difference that there is with the RTX 3090 in this area, where even in some rare games, the GPU can have a better framerate than the RTX 3090. Not to mention that feels the overclock power that this RTX 3080 contains, which can already easily reach 2 GHz. The aesthetics of the card is also to be noted as a good point, since it gives a sober side, while adding a little touch of RGB which works well. On the other hand, it is still quite impressive in terms of its size, when we compare it to other models, and who says more performance, says more power, it is therefore better to go with an 850 watts for this GPU, instead of ‘a 750 W recommended at the base.

3.Gigabyte RTX 3080 Gaming OC 10G

Gigabyte is one of the trio of big graphics card manufacturers, along with MSI and Asus. On this RTX 3080 Gaming OC 10G, the brand gives us a GPU that will be ironically noticed by the silence it brings, because the card barely exceeds 29 decibels, even at full load . Also, although it has higher temperatures than other models at rest, when it has to show its worth under load, the heatsinks follow, with a cap of 70 degrees., lower than other models of this reference. One of the only complaints we can make with this Gigabyte RTX 3080 is its dedicated software, the AORUS Engine, which offers relatively few functions, and not even one to be able to control the component in RGB. However, its price is around that of the Founder Edition, while it is strong against more expensive models.

4.MSI RTX 3080 Gaming X Trio

MSI returns once again for the RTX 3080, with a rather imposing model. Where the graphics card stands out is in its raw power, striving to deliver the best possible performance in gaming . We also feel it with a fairly significant overclocking capacity, which can be raised above 2.1 GHz. Also, MSI has been offering for a while now, two software that are benchmarks in the industry, such as Dragon Center to control the RGB LEDs of the graphics card, as well as slightly performance, and Afterburner, used for ergonomic and very advanced control of your GPU. On the other hand, although the noise emitted by the fans should not bother you at the base, if you tweak your RTX 3080 a little to push it fully, the fans will know how to point out their presence, being able to reach up to in the 51 decibels. Finally, plan a fairly large PC case for this card, which is just as important.

5.Evga RTX 3080 FTW3 Ultra

EVGA generally presents itself as one of the entry-level brands for graphics cards, but it seems that for the RTX 3080, the brand wants to enter the big leagues. As much to say it right away, this reference is for you if you are a hacker , since it is intended to be overclocked, in particular via a dedicated software like EVGA’s fantastic Precision X, which is quite practical, complete and ergonomic. The majority of its design is quite interesting, as on all its RGB part. However, it is quite greedy in terms of power demand, and in the end, it is quite surprising to see such a high price from EVGA, which we hope will return to its advantageous standard prices.

6. MSI RTX 3080 Ventus 3X OC

As with others, MSI is not breaking its habit of releasing multiple versions of a new graphics card. What the firm is aiming for on its RTX 3080 models is above all satisfactory basic performance . However, this is not the kind of card that should be limited to this power, because thanks in particular to the dedicated Afterburner software, you can simply tweak your GPU, in order to achieve the graphics, sound and thermal performance that you want. longed for. Even so, the downside is that this MSI RTX 3080 tends to heat up easily when put to the test.

7. Gigabyte Aorus RTX 3080 Master 10G

With the Aorus RTX 3080 Master 10G, Gigabyte wants to offer us an attractive graphics card on a lot of aspects. Already, the basic performances are rather interesting , with for example a boost frequency reaching 1845 MHz. For lovers of sobriety and RGB, the firm offers a design that manages to mix the two well. Finally, one of the most notable points of this GPU is the number of video ports present, since it has six in total, for three DisplayPorts, and three HDMI. But like many, unfortunately its imposing size is not to be overlooked.

8. PNY RTX 3080 XLR8

PNY is one of the more affordable brands on graphics cards, and obviously it’s not going to miss the mark for the RTX 3080. As entry-level cards often do, it shows it’s made for the. overclocking , but it is good to note that it remains rather stable in its frequency at the base. Its sober RGB design also knows how to satisfy the growing demand for these two aspects. On the other hand, it is necessary to provide a good big PC case to be able to accommodate it, and since it is an entry-level model for the RTX 3080, it is not surprising (but still a shame) not to return to semi-passive mode.

9. Palit RTX 3080 Gaming Pro

In the brands offering the RTX 3080, there is one much less known than others but which can make a name for itself, it is Palit. The manufacturer has decided to focus its expertise on the thermal and sound aspect , rendering on a GPU very rarely exceeding 73 degrees, with its three fans which know how to be silent. Another good aspect is that compared to other custom models, this RTX 3080 is relatively short, but its size mainly affects its thickness, which in itself is less important when it is necessary to put it in its case. On the other hand, surprisingly, but in terms of overclocking, this card is easily limited.

10. Zotac RTX 3080 Trinity

To conclude this top 10, here is another entry-level brand, Zotac, which comes to offer us its version of the RTX 3080. In itself, there is not much to say about it, given that it is very simple, and that’s what makes it attractive, since this is transmitted in its sober design, but especially in its more affordable price than other models . Obviously behind, it is still a very solid RTX 3080, which knows how to provide an incredible graphics quality in game. The only small defect that we can find is its imposing size, but given its price, we can excuse it.

RTX 3080 Buyer’s Guide

With all these editions of graphics cards from all these manufacturers, one is entitled to wonder: is it just the same GPU with a different design and price? Or does each manufacturer bring added value? So let’s see that!

RTX 3080 FE (Founder Edition) and custom model

We can divide each new series of graphics card into two categories: Founder Edition and custom models. The Founder Edition has the particularity of being the version marketed by NVIDIA at the release of the new generation, as a limited edition, and the custom models are the custom GPUs of each manufacturer, obviously always based on the basic architecture.

The price difference

The price advantage is for the Founder Edition. Indeed, among the custom models of manufacturers, there are several ranges which offer their advantages and their disadvantages, while remaining around the price of the FE. However, the latter has a better quality / price ratio .

Founder Edition vs custom model

First, as said before, the particularity of the Founder Edition is that it is directly produced and marketed by the NVIDIA company itself. Therefore , the RTX 3080 FE offers the basic design thought by the company, as well as an optimized ventilation system . Also, the Founder Edition does not overclock out of the box, unlike many custom models, which allows you to run your own overclock. And the limited rating of the FE knows how to attract collectors, and can be resold at a good price later.

NVIDIA technologies on RTX

While NVIDIA was mainly aiming for increasingly greater performance, starting from the RTX range, the firm decided to focus more on new very interesting technologies, which aim in particular to improve the visual experience of the user.

• Ray Tracing: The technology most highlighted by NVIDIA, so much so that the name RTX comes from there, it is ray tracing. This is a rendering of light, which offers a much more photorealistic result in video games for example. In itself, ray tracing has been around for a long time, but the feat here is to make this technology real time. The latter consumes a lot of resources, and the so-called “RTX-compatible” games are relatively few at the moment, but the technology will tend to become more and more democratic, and the visual rendering is really worth it.