Great news for the world of PC gaming enthusiasts has recently been announced, as Nvidia has unveiled their GeForce RTX Ampere 30 Series GPUs. The best part of this announcement is that these graphics cards have proven to be much more powerful (in terms of specifications) that what was initially speculated via rumors and leaks. Out of the three announced Ampere models, the most value-for-price option appears to be the RTX Ampere 3080. With a CUDA Core count of 8,704, a boost clock speed of 1.71 GHz, 8 GB of newly updated GDDR6X VRAM, 2nd generation Ray Tracing cores, 3rd generation Tensor cores, and an impressive 30 TFLOPs of FP32 compute performance, the RTX 3080 is a powerhouse of graphical processing that simply dwarfs the specifications of current-generation, equivalently priced, GPUs. In fact, even comparing the RTX 3080 to the RTX 2080 Ti makes the RTX 2080 Ti seem outdated. The RTX 3080 has an improved 8 nm processing node, PCIe 4.0 compatibility, 123% more FP32 processing power, and 100% more CUDA cores than the RTX 2080 Ti; all while being $500 cheaper. If you, too, are excited for the release of the RTX 3080, then you won’t have to wait long, as it is set to release on September the 17th in North America and Europe. To help you choose the best aftermarket card in regards to cooling, boost clock speeds, software, and pricing, we’ve compiled a list of all recently announced RTX 3080 AIB graphics cards. Do note, that there are still some manufacturers that have yet to release the full list of specifications (like boost clock speed and price) for their GPU models.
RTX 3080 Aftermarket Card List – All Announced Models (A-Z)
ASUS GeForce RTX 3080 ROG STRIX Gaming OC
The list may be in alphabetical order, but what better way to start than with the tech manufacturing giant ASUS, who is ready to release three different RTX Ampere 3080 models; one of which being the higher end: ROG STRIX Gaming OC. Living up to the OC in its name, this graphics card will feature an overclocking mode with an increased boost clock speed of 1,740 MHz (up from the 1,710 MHz of the reference card). Additionally, an RGB display will light up the side of the GPU, as well as underneath the fans, so it can be mounted any way you please. ASUS will include Armor Crate software for RGB customization – colors and effects – while the overclocking can be tuned via GPU Tweak II. Additional software that will be included: A 6-month subscription for WTFast, a gaming network optimization software, a free X-Split subscription, professional streaming software, and QuantumCloud, which uses your GPU’s processing power and in return provides you with an insignificant sum of money via PayPal. In terms of cooling, the ROG STRIX will feature three, upgraded, axial-tech fans with 13 blades on the center fan (which spins in an alternate direction, for less turbulence), and 11 blades on the two side fans. These will be PWM controlled, so they will not spin when the GPU’s temperature is below 55 degrees C. The heatsink is quite large, at 2.9 slots in height, and it is situated n a polished-surface heat spreader for maximum contact with the GPU’s die. The backplate is also ventilated for better airflow. Finally, five ports will be available: two HDMI 2.1, and three DisplayPort 1.4a. Only thing left to learn is the price, which ASUS should announce as the launch date approaches.
ASUS GeForce RTX 3080 TUF Gaming / OC
The other two models ASUS will be unveiling, come September the 17th, are the RTX Ampere 3080 TUF Gaming and TUF Gaming OC. These two GPUs will be identical in most aspects, except for the fact that the TUF Gaming OC will have a boost clock speed of 1,740 MHz (similar to the ROG STRIX) while the other will have the baseline boost clock speed of 1,710 MHz. In terms of RGB lighting, there is a thin strip and a small ASUS TUF logo on the side of the GPU, which can be customized via Armor Crate. In fact, all included software will be identical to those of the previously mentioned ROG STRIX. The cooling is also almost identical to the ROG STRIX: three PWM controlled fans, a ventilated backplate, and a max-contact heat spreader. Only difference here will be the heatsink, which is slightly smaller (2.7 Slots), though a separate VRAM dedicated heatsink is also included with the TUF Gaming models. The connectivity will also be identical to the ROG STRIX. Currently the only thing we don’t know about these models is their price, but if we had to guess, the TUF Gaming should cost close to the reference card price of $699, and the TUF Gaming OC should cost only slightly above that.
EVGA GeForce RTX 3080 ICX3
EVGA has a long list of Nvidia 30 Series models ready to release on September the 17th, four of which belong to the RTX Ampere 3080 GPU. These models will differ mainly in their method of cooling, which is definitely unique for some.
The EVGA Hybrid, for example, utilizes a single fan attached to the graphics card and liquid AIO cooling provided by a 120mm radiator.
The Hydro Copper will cool the GPU and VRAM with the use of a waterblock, for silent and efficient liquid cooling. The other two models, the FTW3 and XC3, will use more conventional, tri-fan cooling.
The FTW3 differs mostly due to its ARGB displays, which it has plenty of. These displays are included on the front plate (an EVGA logo) on the side plate (the model of the GPU a smaller FTW3 logo), opposite to the I/O ports (EVGA logo), and on the backplate (EVGA logo). This ARGB lighting, and any overclocking capabilities (boost clock speed still unannounced) will be tuned via EVGA’s new Precision X1 Software.
The XC3 will lack the ARGB of the FTW3, but it does have similar cooling: Three, premium, hydro-dynamic bearing fans that are independently controlled and asynchronous, a heatsink with through-hole fins, a GPU and VRAM encompassing copper block with semi-circular heatpipes, an air-through PCB, and a ventilated backplate which makes use of micro-thin copper heatpipes for better heat dissipation. Price for each model is yet to be determined.
Galax KFA2 GeForce RTX 3080 SG & EX Gaming
Galax will also be offering two Nvidia RTX Ampere 3080 GPUs: The RTX 3080 SG and the recently announced KFA2 EX Gaming. The KFA2 SG will have a boost clock speed of 1,710 MHz, with a 1-Click overclock feature that boosts the frequency to 1,725 MHz. The KFA EX Gaming, on the other hand, has the highest boost clock speed of any announced aftermarket RTX Ampere 3080 model: 1,755 MHz, and a 1-Click overclock speed of 1,770 MHz. These speeds can be reached by using Galax’s Xtreme Tuner Plus software, which is also used to tweak the RGB lighting. Both these models make use of RGB displays on the outer ring of their three fans, as the fan-blades are translucent. There is also a “What is your game?” quote on the side that utilizes RGB, if you’d prefer to mount the GPU conventionally. The EX Gaming also has a bulkier exterior, and comes in three different colors: white, pink, and black. The tri-fan cooling system is also similar, with three 11-bladed “Wings” designed fan-blades for both variants – though the SG has three 92mm fans, whereas the EX Gaming has a 102mm middle fan. Where the SG has a slight edge is its use of an oddly unique clip on 80mm fan which can be attached to its ventilated backplate to assist in removing hot air from the heatsink. For connectivity, both models include four ports in total: three DP 1.4a and one HDMI 2.1. Prices are yet to be announced, but if rumors are true that the KFA2 SG will cost the baseline $699 price, then it is definitely a value option to consider.
GIGABYTE AORUS GeForce RTX 3080 Master & Xtreme
GIGABYTE couldn’t be absent from the AIB market of the Nvidia 30 Series Ampere GPUs, and thus they will also be releasing four models, two of those being the RTX 3080 Master and Xtreme. GIGABYTE has not yet released much info regarding what makes each of the two unique, but if we were to guess it, would probably have to do with boost clock speeds. Both these models appear to have RGB accents on the side and on the backplate, including an OLED screen which will provide the GPU’s temperature, and perhaps even more system metrics. The AORUS Engine will be the software for tweaking both RGB and GPU or fan controls. When it comes to cooling, once again the info we have for both models is identical. Both will use a three-fan design, two fans being 115mm in diameter, while the third (side) fan will be 100mm. The fans will have double ball-bearings, PWM controls, and they will spin in alternate directions in order to avoid turbulence. These fans will also be mounted on, what GIGABYTE named as, Wind Claw mounts, which reinforce and channel the airflow toward the heatsink. The heatsink itself will have an angular and unequal fin design, to better channel the airflow, while the copper plate heat spreader will have composite heatpipes to more efficiently move the heat toward the enlarged heatsink. The backplate will also be ventilated for better airflow. Price and boost clock speeds are yet to be confirmed.
Inno3D GeForce RTX 3080 iChill X3 / X4
Inno3D will join the RTX Ampere 3080 AIB market battle with three of their own models, two of which include the iChill X3 and iChill X4. These GPUs have nearly identical exteriors and RGB lighting, as well as cooling solutions. Firstly, both models have an extravagant RGB display on the side of the GPU, which is not only customizable through Inno3D’s TunelIT, but also with Aura Sync, Mystic Light, and RGB Fusion. The iChill X3 allows you to add additional flare with the use of an acrylic RGB tail fin that can be attached right above the RGB display. Two tail fins are included, and one is blank so you can customize it to your style. The iChill X4 trades these acrylic tail fins for a small, 45mm, rotary fan attached to the side of the GPU, intended for cooling the MOSFETs. Other than that, both GPUs will include a triple, 90mm, fan setup; using Inno3D’s Scythe blades, 8 heatpipes, and a 1,881mm lengthwise heatsink that incorporates ultra-thin cooling fins and a copper base for better MOSFET and VRAM heat transfer. The studded surface backplate will also be ventilated. Price and boost clock speeds have not yet been released, but we do know that the iChill X4 will be slightly more expensive than the X3.
Inno3D GeForce RTX 3080 Twin X2 OC
The third graphics card that Inno3D is working on is the Twin X2 OC. This barebones model lacks any and all RGB lighting, and makes use of only two fans – rather than the triple-fan design of the two iChill models. It will most likely have an increased boost clock speed, but the exact metric is still unknown. The fans included are of similar quality to the iChill models: 90mm, identical blade design, and PWM controls. The heatsink is somewhat smaller, being 1,517mm in length, and the heatpipes have been reduced to seven. TunnelIT will be available for GPU monitoring and tweaking of the clock speeds. Though the Inno3D Twin X2 OC’s price has not yet been released, it should be priced similarly to the reference card at $699.
MSI GeForce RTX 3080 VENTUS 3X OC
MSI could also not be absent from the RTX 3080 graphics card competition, hence why they are releasing two graphics card models, one being the VENTUS 3X OC. Because the VENTUS 3X is the least expensive option MSI will feature, this GPU is devoid of any RGB displays. It does come with their Dragon Center and Afterburner software, for GPU monitoring and overclocking, though MSI is yet to confirm what the boost clock speeds will be for this model. The thermal solution of the VENTUS 3X features a three-fan design that makes use of TORX Fan 3.0: combining traditional and dispersion blades in an alternating pattern. The cooling system also includes MSI’s Zero Froze, so the fans will not operate when the GPU is below a certain temperature, while thermal pads are placed on components known to get hot. MSI has also placed emphasis on preventing bending when the GPU is mounted, and have done so by adding reinforcement to the graphene backplate, as well as by providing an optional support bracket that you can screw to the bottom of the GPU to help it remain straight. Once again, an exact has not yet been confirmed by MSI for this model, though it shouldn’t cost much more than the reference card.
MSI GeForce RTX 3080 Gaming X TRIO
MSI’s higher end option will be the Gaming X TRIO. It is very similar to the VENTUS 3X, though it does have two RGB displays – including RGB accents in the front plate, as well as an MSI logo and thick RGB lit strip running across two thirds of the side plate. To sync the RGB lighting with other MSI hardware, this model will include MSI’s Mystic Light software. When it comes to the cooling solution, the Gaming X TRIO will utilize MSI’s new generation TORX FAN 4.0 design, which binds fan-blades in pairs by connecting them in the outer ring, in order to provide better static pressure and better cool the heatsink. The heatsink itself will be optimized for silent operation, using Wave-Curved 2.0 fins which have angled edges that eliminate any acoustics that result from the air passing through. Boost clock speed and price are TBC.
Palit GeForce RTX 3080 Gaming PRO & Gaming PRO OC
The fine folks at Palit are also looking to make a statement with their Ampere 30 Series RTX GPUs, as they are ready to release a total of four models. Two of these will be the Gaming PRO and Gaming PRO OC, while the other two will be the GameRock and GameRock Pro – though nothing has been announced for the latter two other than a picture showing that they will utilize a 3-fan design and a flashy front-plate RGB display. The Gaming PRO and Gaming PRO OC are also nearly identical, with the latter have an increased boost clock speed of 1,740 MHz. The two Gaming PRO models will have an ARGB display which will run across the middle of the three fans, mostly being visible from the front, and customizable via Palit’s ThunderMaster software. These three fans will have double ball bearings, TurboFan 3.0 (so they operate only when necessary), and an IP5X dust resistance rating. The heatpipes will be double-U shaped, and will be situated on a triple-A (aluminum alloy armor) die casted plate. Like most RTX 3080 models, the backplate will be ventilated, with a honeycomb bracket design. Price is yet to be confirmed, though the Gaming PRO should be priced around the $699 mark.
PNY GeForce RTX 3080 XLR8 Gaming Epic-X RGB
Hailing from the United States, the hardware manufacturer PNY is primed to release their XLR8 Gaming Epic-X RGB RTX Ampere 3080. This GPU will have the GeForce RTX logo lit with an RGB display on the side, as well as some slight RGB accents on the front plate. The OC clock speed appears to be the standard 1,710 MHz, so no extra boost there. In terms of cooling, the XLR8 Gaming Epic-X will make use of three fan design and a 2.7-slot heatsink. The overall length of the GPU will be 294mm, meaning it should fit in many full-sized GPU SFF cases. No other details have been confirmed by PNY yet, including the actual retail price.
ZOTAC GeForce RTX 3080 Trinity
Finally, we have ZOTAC, with the triple fanned Ampere RTX 3080 Trinity. This graphics card will feature two ARGB displays: one on the side plate (accents and the ZOTAC Gaming logo) as well as on the backplate (ZOTAC logo), which can be synced via ZOTAC’s FireStorm software. For cooling, the Trinity will use three, eleven-bladed, fans with an IceStorm 2.0 design, so they will not work under low loads. Also utilized is ZOTAC’s Active Fan feature, where two of the three fans can be controlled independently of the third. Three groups of aluminum, fin stack array heatsinks are included, which will receive heat from the GPU via seven copper heatpipes that are arranged in a custom layout. The Trinity also has a metal, die-casted and ventilated, backplate to boot. Once again, price is unknown, though we do know that the boost clock speed will be the same as the reference card (1,710 MHz); therefore, chances are the price won’t be too far off from the baseline price-tag of $699.
