After a big hype and a long period of waiting, the graphics card that was supposed to provide us with an outstanding gaming performance at 4K resolution is finally here. And with the recent benchmarks, it turns out that the RTX 3080 indeed offers monstrous performance as it was advertised. But like always, every new graphics card comes with plenty of variations from different brands. And each one of these AIB cards offers a new design and additional features such as compacted size, better thermal performance, higher clock speed … etc.
So in order to help you to decide which one will suit your budget and needs, we have reviewed each and every available AIB RTX 3080. And you can be confident that whichever brand you choose from the list below, you will get the 4K gaming performance that you spent ages waiting for.
PS: The numbers are here only for numbering, and they don’t represent a ranking.
1-Asus ROG RTX 3080 (Best Premium)
At some budgets, aesthetics become as important as performance. And if you are one of those that care about both the look and performance of each component, then you should stick with us to learn more about the Asus ROG RTX 3080.
When it comes to the GPU market, Asus ROG is one of the most reliable GPU options. And with the RTX 3080, Asus has brought us a new premium-looking version. But before we talk about the look, let’s give you brief details about the performance.
The Asus ROG RTX 3080 features a gaming mode with a default boost clock of 1710MHz. However, with the OC mode, it can reach up to 1740MHz. Even though the boost clock on the OC mode is slightly higher than the default mode, you won’t notice a significant gain in terms of gaming performance.
Besides, the Asus ROG RTX 3080 comes with 3x DisplayPorts 1.4, along with 2x HDMI 2.1 ports. It also requires x3 8-Pins Power Connectors and a Power Supply with at least 750 Watts. Plus, for excellent thermal performance, this model is equipped with Axial-Tech fans, which are static pressure optimized.
What is remarkable with these fans is that they stop spinning once they reach a temperature below 55C.
On top of these great features, the Asus ROG RTX 3080 comes with a beautiful sleek design and a stunning RGB bare on the top side of the GPU. Therefore, if you want to take your gaming experience a step forward, then the Asus ROG RTX 3080 could be your way to go.
Check it Out Here on Amazon.
2-EVGA RTX 3080 FTW3 (Best Overall)
EVGA is another excellent option when it comes to RTX graphics cards. From the cooling to the in-game performance, EVGA has always covered everything. That’s why we consider EVGA RTX 3080 FTW3 a great value GPU.
Starting with the clock speed, the EVGA RTX 3080 FTW3 comes with a 1800MHz Boost Clock, which results in a similar performance to the Founders Edition. And in terms of connectivities, this GPU has a 1x HDMI 2.1 port and 3x DisplayPorts.
Moreover, for efficient airflow, the EVGA RTX 3080 FTW3 is equipped with 3x HDB fans (Hydraulic Dynamic Bearing), and it features ICX3 Technology.
For those who are not familiar with EVGA ICX Technology, basically, it’s a technology that detects hot spots and provides the necessary cooling performance. In other words, the fans will spin at different speeds according to the heat generated by each area.
Lastly, the EVGA RTX 3080 FTW3 comes with a thick backplate and a customizable RGB logo at the edge of the graphics card. It also has 2 additional RGB zones. On top of the stunning RGB lighting, this graphics card has an eyeball catching fans design with the EVGA logo on them.
Though, for those who are not familiar with overclocking but wish to have a higher clock speed, there is the EVGA RTX 3080 FTW3 Ultra that comes with a clock speed of 1800MHz along with an additional cost.
Specifications:
- Boost Clock: 1710 MHz
- Triple HDB Fans
- 1 x HDMI 2.1 & 3 x DisplayPort 1.4a
- 10GB 320-Bit GDDR6X
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3-MSI RTX 3080 GAMING X TRIO (Best Performance)
Most tech enthusiast tries to get the best hardware at any cost. And if you are one of those who accept only top tiers graphics cards, then you may be interested in the MSI RTX 3080 GAMING X TRIO.
Currently, the MSI RTX 3080 GAMING X TRIO is the fastest in this list, with a boost clock of 1815Mhz. Plus, this card has a stunning look with a plastic shroud on the fans and some LED lighting effects. The RGB zones are located around the middle fan, as well as an MSI logo and LED bare at the top edge of the GPU.
Furthermore, the MSI RTX 3080 GAMING X TRIO is a massive graphics card with a large design, so before you make the last call make sure that it fits the specifications of your build.
Also, this GPU comes with a 3x DisplayPort and 1x HDMI 2.1 port, along with a graphene backplate. The graphene backplate is less efficient than the standard aluminum backplate, but it does the job pretty much well.
Overall, the MSI RTX 3080 GAMING X TRIO is a bit pricey compared to some of the variations mentioned here. However, the cost is justified with its premium look and in-game performance.
Specifications:
- Boost Clock: 1815 MHz
- Triple Frozr Fans
- 1 x HDMI 2.1 & 3 x DisplayPort 1.4a
- 10GB 320-Bit GDDR6X
Check it Out Here on Amazon.
4-Asus Tuf RTX 3080 (Best Cooling Performance)
When it comes to RTX Cards, you should be confident that Asus will provide you with high-quality GPUs. The Asus TUF RTX 3080 is another great aftermarket GPU that offers an excellent gaming experience, along with the best cooling performance.
First of all, the Asus TUF RTX 3080 comes with a fully matte black finish all across the GPU. It’s equipped with 3 Axial-Tech, which provides excellent cooling performance, and it has x2 HDMI 2.1 ports and x3 DisplayPorts 1.4.
Also, unlike the Asus ROG RTX 3080, the Asus TUF RTX 3080 requires x2 (8-Pin Power Connectors) only. However, this GPU has a large size design compared to the Founder Edition, which makes it hard to fit into small form factor builds.
Moreover, the Asus TUF RTX 3080 features 2 BIOS configurations, Performance Mode & Quiet Mode. Although the performance mode delivers great gaming performance, the fans don’t create any disturbing noise, which will be unnecessary to switch to Quiet Mode.
Compared with other GPUs, Asus TUF RTX 3080 is one of the few models that run at very low temperatures while maintaining a fantastic performance. Therefore, if you want to build a quiet gaming system that won’t disturb you during your tough matches, then the Asus TUF RTX 3080 is the perfect choice for you.
Specifications:
- Boost Clock: 1710 MHz
- Triple Axial-Tech Fans
- 2 x HDMI 2.1 & 3 x DisplayPort 1.4a
- 10GB 320-Bit GDDR6X
Check it Out Here on Amazon.
5-Gigabyte RTX 3080 Eagle (Best Value)
The Gigabyte RTX 3080 Eagle is another excellent choice for gamers looking for a great aftermarket GPU. Plus, when it comes to gaming performance, we all agree that RTX 3080 is a revolutionary gaming GPU.
However, the aesthetics and the side features are something else to discuss. And if you are one of those who like Gigabyte GPUs, then lucky you, because the new Eagle version is here to deliver both a unique design and an incredible gaming experience.
First and foremost, the Gigabyte RTX 3080 Eagle comes with a full grey plastic shroud that covers all the GPU. Also, this graphics card is equipped with 3x Windforce, which offers excellent thermal performance.
Besides, the Gigabyte RTX 3080 Eagle features reverse fan technology where the middle fan spin in the opposite direction than the 2 others, which reduces the overall turbulence.
Moreover, unlike the Founder Edition, the new Gigabyte RTX 3080 Eagle requires x2 8 pins instead of 12 pins power connector, so you shouldn’t worry about changing your Power Supply (Hoping that you already possess at least 750Watts PSU). In addition, this GPU comes with 3x DisplayPorts 1.4a and 2x HDMI 2.1 Ports.
Hence, the Gigabyte RTX 3080 Eagle is one of our favorite aftermarket GPUs, which we highly recommend for those who want an excellent graphics card for their 4K gaming monitor.
Specifications:
- 10GB 320-Bit GDDR6X
- Core Clock 1755 MHz
- 2 x HDMI 2.1 3 x DisplayPort 1.4a
- Triple Windforce Fans
- RGB Fusion 2.0
Check it Out Here on Amazon.
6-Zotac RTX 3080 (Great Looking)
We can’t deny the fact that our joy is complete when we combine high performance with an outstanding look. And the new Zotac RTX 3080 is what we call a pure beauty that will take both your gaming performance and aesthetics a step further.
The Zotac RTX 3080 is a similar version of the variations listed above with a triple trinity fan design and massive stacks of aluminum fins. The fans cover the entire GPU, which provides excellent thermal performance. Also, the large heatsink will have an important role in reducing the overall temperature.
Furthermore, the Zotac RTX 3080 comes with a stunning design along with a beautiful sharp shroud and a thick backplate with RGB Zotac on it. It also has some astonishing RGB effects on the side of the GPU.
Overall, this GPU is an excellent option if you like Zotac’s product or you prefer its new design over the other variations. However, in terms of gaming performance, you should experience similar results compared to the different GPUs mentioned above.
Specifications:
- 10GB 320-Bit GDDR6X
- Core Clock 1710 MHz
- 1 x HDMI 2.1 3 x DisplayPort 1.4a
- Triple Fans
Check it Out Here on Amazon.
Conclusion
Again, all the AIB GPUs mentioned above offer almost the same gaming performance. You may notice 1 to 3 frames, more or less depending on the model you choose, but this will have no impact on your overall gaming experience. In contrast, the main difference will be in design, fan noise, and thermal performance.
Now that you have an idea about the best aftermarket options that are worth the money. All that you need to do is to choose the one based on your personal preferences. And if you get your hand on one of these GPUs, don’t forget to leave us a comment letting us know your experience with it.
If you wish to learn more about which CPU and motherboard suit your top-tier graphics card, you can visit our detailed guide about the best CPU & Motherboard Combo.
