Finest RTX 4080 graphics card 2022

With the success of the RTX 4090 not so way back now, it’s time for its lower-powered sibling of the RTX 4000 series. So we convey you the vary of the perfect RTX 4080 graphics playing cards.

The brand new card was introduced with two fashions the 16GB and 12GB fashions. Nevertheless, the decrease, 12GB card got unlaunched after criticism of being a unique card altogether.

So now you solely should deal with one possibility to select from whereas the opposite is saved for an additional date. So in the event you nonetheless don’t need to spend over $1,000 on a brand new GPU you’re going to have to attend a bit longer.

With the brand new technology of playing cards, you additionally get a brand new specification for its energy specification. Which does imply even the perfect RTX 4080 goes to be using the 12VHPWR energy connector.

So that you then have the choice of an octopus energy adapter for a standard power supply. Or decide in for a brand new ATX 3 PSU. So in the event you’re unsure you may test our best PSU for the RTX 4080 picks.

Our prime picks

01

Total winner

Finest RTX 4080

ASUS ROG STRIX RTX 4080 GAMING OC

02

Runner Up

Finest MSI RTX 4080

MSI RTX 4080 SUPRIM X

03

Price range choose

Finest low cost RTX 4080

PNY XLR8 RTX 4080 VERTO EPIC-X

How will we select the perfect RTX 4080?

Now when a brand new graphics card comes on the market are a number of customized AIBs to select from, in the event you’re not choosing the Founder’s Version. So there are just a few variations that distinguish them from one another that may have an effect on their performance and if they’re worthy.

So selecting out which of those is healthier takes some data. And that’s what we offer, with experience within the discipline and hands-on expertise with some merchandise we all know what to search for.

One key distinction is the cooling resolution of the playing cards. Since there may be not a number of change allowed between playing cards other than design and frequency. So the TBP is a giant focus of this technology with the RTX 4090 size we’ve seen, we anticipate one thing related for the 4080.

Having been by way of many launches and realizing the merchandise we will use that. In addition to utilizing evaluations we will apply them to the brand new stuff to know the way they carry out.

How we check

With so many choices accessible it’s not all the time potential to get hands-on with every one. However after we will we get to check out their claims and efficiency. Placing them by way of good testing and trials.

Whereas hands-on you can too get a really feel and assess the GPU. With the ability to see how the bodily card is constructed and completed.

So we will see how massive it’s by way of fitting into builds. The heft behind it with the rising cooling options. In addition to what the standard is like and if the cardboard will bend or really feel low cost for a way a lot you’re paying for it.

Finest RTX 4080 shopping for ideas

So what’s it you need to search for when evaluating the completely different fashions? There are just a few options to contemplate between them that may make it easier to make up your thoughts.

Cooling resolution

A significant component between the fashions would be the design of the playing cards. This can embody the cooling solution carried out by the corporate. So it may be examined to see the way it performs towards the usual.

Ensuring it does what it’s meant to do. As maintaining the cardboard cool will imply maintaining the efficiency stage. Overheating will trigger the cardboard to throttle right down to hold itself alive. So it is necessary that the cooling retains up with the warmth produced.

The RTX 4080 has a TBP (whole board energy) of 320 W. Which means the cardboard consumes that a lot power which finally ends up transformed to warmth attributable to inefficiencies.

Normally, on GPUs, there are alternatives for air or water cooling. And seeing the cardboard is a decrease ranking and never increased than the final gen, there isn’t a necessity for liquid normally. So it may be unusual to choose from. However there may be normally a water block so as to add into your loop or all-in-one to assist with the dimensions of the cardboard.

Dimensions

One other massive issue is how massive the cardboard is. Because the TBP grows so does the cooling which in flip makes it greater which may get in the best way of a number of choices. As it may be tougher to suit them into some cases.

The Founder’s Version card itself is barely dual-slot. Measuring 336 mm lengthy, 140 mm huge, and 61mm peak. However the customized choices may not be the identical dimension. And in reality, are usually a lot greater so it’s a consideration.

Particularly as a few of these choices are nonetheless utilizing the identical massive dimension because the 4090. Possible reusing the identical stuff to save cash. So you should have triple and quad slot playing cards to choose from. These will likely be affected by compact areas so area is a crucial issue.

Value

One different massive decider is the value of the graphics card. Though there may be an MSRP supplied by Nvidia, some AIBs will ask for extra relying on what options additionally they add. So they could not actually all are available in on the identical worth.

It’ll solely be the FE mannequin that may are available in at $1,199/£1,269. With the opposite ones charging extra. One issue of which is whether it is overclocked. This is able to give it extra efficiency than the opposite choices and so one other function to contemplate however normally comes at an additional price.

Specs

Now when taking a look at graphics playing cards. These are what make the cardboard what they’re. Differentiating them from others with what they’ve to supply.

Clock charge

Also referred to as the frequency, it’s how briskly the processor works. It’s how rapidly these directions get processed and get the scenes as much as your show.

So when evaluating among the choices this is without doubt one of the specs that will likely be differing with completely different fashions. Due to this fact evaluating the identical GPU is a crucial alternative to choose from.

While between completely different tiers of GPU it’s much less of an element. As these have greater elements that have an effect on the efficiency between them. Particularly when based mostly on completely different architectures.

VRAM

This received’t change between AIBs of the identical GPU mannequin. Nevertheless, it’s a issue between different fashions. Because it permits the pixel retailer and body buffer within the video memory.

Which is right to be used with excessive resolutions. Since they run increased pixel counts and so that you need increased counts and quicker bandwidth to enhance their efficiency.

So if you’re within the excessive constancy shows then you definately need one thing sturdy and highly effective to run on it.

TBP

The overall board energy offers you an thought of the facility utilization and warmth of the cardboard. So in the event you’re extra eager about saving a buck operating the cardboard then you definately need a decrease choose.

This new technology has supplied the producer’s alternative of unlocking the facility in the event that they need to. Which means even between fashions that may be increased as nicely.

Finest RTX 4080

ASUS ROG Strix RTX 4080 Gaming OC

ASUS ROG STRIX RTX 4080 GAMING OC

2,535 MHz enhance, 2,205 MHz base

One other nice choice, the ROG Strix is the perfect of its sort. Because it affords one of many main efficiency metrics of the choice. With such a large shroud that it appears to convey over from the ROG Strix RTX 4090.

However it’s a nice resolution to get probably the most out of your card. With a milled warmth spreader, the vapor chamber can transfer away loads of the GPU warmth. Getting it away saves your card from throttling and lasts longer with a greater lifespan.

This additionally means it may be overclocked even additional, because the OC mannequin affords enhancements and leaves it unlocked for you for extra. Though all that cooling does stack up by way of dimension and weight, one thing to contemplate when attempting to suit the cardboard into any case.

Nevertheless, the burden is there as assist as nicely. Because the shroud, body and backplate are diecast. This implies there ought to be minimal bending throughout the cardboard, leaving it in a more moderen situation.

The design can also be up to date from the earlier technology. With a minimal RGB addition but additionally extra open for airflow to maneuver that warmth away from the GPU.

MSI RTX 4080 Suprim X

MSI RTX 4080 SUPRIM X

Execs

• 
  
  
  Glorious cooling resolution to maintain temperatures down
• 
  
  
  Overclo cked possibility permits for prime tier efficiency

Cons

• 
  
  
  A extra premium alternative of card that may price greater than the remainder of the choice

One other top-place spot is for the MSI Suprim X RTX 4080. This card is concentrated on the standard and construct supplies of MSI’s lineup. Asking for a premium for the top-spec alternative of GPU.

It brings with it a high-quality construct with a brushed steel end and a number of straight edges which might be completed to the next high quality. And the cooling has additionally been improved from the final technology. With upgraded followers and airflow to offer the perfect air-cooling of its pack.

The Suprim additionally includes a vapor chamber, shifting the warmth from the GPU die and VRAM to maintain it underneath wraps. Which is helped by means of the core (warmth pipes) that are additionally flat to the plate to seamlessly match onto the cardboard.

It additionally improves the pipe pathing to suit extra into the area and transfer the warmth away. In addition to together with V-shaped cutouts on the finish of the heatsink for an additional space for the air to depart and enhance effectivity and airflow.

With a stable steel backplate, it additionally goals to face up to any bending on the lengthy card to assist enhance its lifespan. Which it additionally does with the higher-end supplies and elements it makes use of.

Colourful iGame GeForce RTX 4080 Neptune OC

Colourful iGame GeForce RTX 4080 Neptune OC

2,640 MHz enhance, 2,205 MHz base

Card: 253.5 x 170.8 x 41.5 mm, Radiator: 394 x 119.2 x 54.4 mm

Execs

• 
  
  
  Liquid cooled possibility that may hold the temperatures minimal for longevity and efficiency
• 
  
  
  Cooling permits for optimum overclocking and pushing the efficiency
• 
  
  
  Simpler to suit into PCIe slots so long as you may mount the radiator

Cons

• 
  
  
  A way more costly choice to push limits

For the largest ease of thoughts in terms of cooling, you will discover the all-in-one Colourful iGame RTX 4080 Neptune OC. One of many solely choices for a water-cooled 4080 as it’s a a lot smaller TBP than a 4090 so it could appear pointless.

However the model and dimension are nothing to overlook out on. Because the White design is kind of unusual to see nowadays and so may be of curiosity to you. In addition to having the water cooling on it signifies that the cardboard itself is barely two slots. Able to being match right into a a lot smaller construct, so long as you’ve got someplace to mount the 360mm radiator.

The cardboard includes a full-coverage copper plate to maneuver all that temperature away from the cardboard. That is performed with a liquid shifting that warmth away to the large radiator which has a higher dimension to maneuver than warmth away.

There may be additionally some addition of wave RGB lighting however it is probably not controllable so may not be to your liking. However a minimum of the cardboard ought to final you a while with the good cooling and long-term resolution.

PNY XLR8 RTX 4080 Verto Epic-X

PNY XLR8 RTX 4080 VERTO EPIC-X

2,505 MHz enhance, 2,205 MHz base

Execs

• 
  
  
  A fundamental card that provides the funds possibility for the GPU
• 
  
  
  Nonetheless nicely designed with airflow in thoughts so shouldn’t hinder perfromance

Cons

• 
  
  
  Decrease high quality construct centered on funds

Lastly, we get the PNY XLR8 Verto Epic-X RTX 4080. A little bit of a mouthful and never too memorable identify, however it’s there to get the job performed. As it can are available in near the MSRP of the 4080 as many customized playing cards will battle to do with the margins accessible.

It is usually a chonker of a graphics card, with loads of area for the cooling in it to tame the GPU and hold the temps down. A less complicated design is kind of open to permit all of the airflow out. With the backplate sealing it off, it additionally is probably going offering structural rigidity because it covers nearly all of the width and is screwed into a number of places to carry it into place.

Additionally following swimsuit with the rigidity wanted to maintain all the burden up from bending, there’s a steel backplate to maintain the cardboard inflexible. While additionally having a cutout in direction of the top of the cardboard, to let the air move out. As nicely many of the width is unobstructed to attain the identical factor.

While the entrance plate with the followers includes a sprint of RGB, attempting to be unintrusive to the design.

Last phrase

There are just a few good choices on the market to choose from. So it can also come right down to your desire of design. As there will likely be loads of benchmarks accessible on launch, it is best to be capable to test how they carry out to offer you an thought of the cardboard’s efficiency.

However in the event you’re undecided if these playing cards are the choose for you there are many different choices. Even going again to the outdated gen to seize deal, and even ready for what AMD’s RDNA 3 has to supply.

RTX 4080 FAQs

Which RTX 4080 ought to I purchase?

On the subject of selecting out the perfect RTX 4080 there are just a few choices to go for. So in terms of efficiency you’ve got the selection of the ROG Strix or MSI Suprim. However if you’d like small and funky, then you may have the Colourful Neptune. While for funds you might go for the PNY XLR8.

What’s an AIB?

AIB stands for add-in board and usually pertains to companions of the GPU producers comparable to AMD or Nvidia. They produce customized options for the graphics playing cards that aren’t Founder’s Version or ones by the corporate itself. It affords much more selection available in the market.