The announcements for Nvidia’s RTX Ampere 3000 series GPUs have finally arrived, and arguably the most value option in their lineup is the new GeForce RTX Ampere 3080 GPU. This graphics card will undoubtedly make those who have recently invested in an RTX 2080 Ti double guess their decision, because for $500 less this GPU will come equipped with 100% more CUDA cores and a 123% increase in FP32 compute performance – not to mention the new Ampere architecture with the Samsung 8nm processing method, GDDR6X VRAM, PCIe 4.0 compatibility, 2nd generation Ray Tracing and 3rd generation Tensor cores. The release date of this RTX Ampere 3080 model is set for September the 17th, which means we still have some time to analyze the available aftermarket models that will be released in order to make the best choice in regards to pricing, cooling, boost clock speeds, and software. It is for this reason that we have compiled a list of all announced aftermarket RTX Ampere 3080 GPUs (in alphabetical order), so that you can compare what each manufacturer has to offer and choose what’s right for you.
Note: Many aftermarket manufacturers have not yet announced the full specifications of their RTX 3080 products.
- Related: RTX 3070 Aftermarket Card List
- Related: RTX 3090 Aftermarket Card List
- Related: Best CPUs for RTX 3080 Builds
RTX 3080 Aftermarket (AIB) Card List
| Manufacturer | Model | Fan Design | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| ASUS | ASUS RTX 3080 ROG STRIX Gaming OC | Triple Fan | TBC |
| ASUS RTX 3080 TUF Gaming | Triple Fan | TBC | |
| ASUS RTX 3080 TUF Gaming OC | Triple Fan | TBC | |
| EVGA | EVGA RTX 3080 XC3 | Triple Fan | TBC |
| EVGA RTX 3080 FTW3 | Triple Fan | TBC | |
| EVGA RTX 3080 Hybrid | Hybrid | TBC | |
| EVGA RTX 3080 Hydro Copper | Waterblock | TBC | |
| GALAX (KFA2) | Galax RTX 3080 SG | Triple Fan | 699 |
| GIGABYTE | GIGABYTE RTX 3080 Eagle OC | Triple Fan | TBC |
| GIGABYTE RTX 3080 Gaming | Triple Fan | TBC | |
| GIGABYTE AORUS RTX 3080 Master | Triple Fan | TBC | |
| GIGABYTE AORUS RTX 3080 Xtreme | Triple Fan | TBC | |
| Inno3D | Inno3D RTX 3080 iChill X3 | Triple Fan | 709 |
| Inno3D RTX 3080 iChill X4 | Triple Fan | 739 | |
| Inno3D RTX 3080 TWIN X2 OC | Dual Fan | TBC | |
| MSI | MSI RTX 3080 VENTUS 3X OC | Triple Fan | TBC |
| MSI RTX 3080 Gaming X TRIO | Triple Fan | TBC | |
| Palit | Palit RTX 3080 Gaming PRO | Triple Fan | TBC |
| Palit RTX 3080 Gaming PRO OC | Triple Fan | TBC | |
| ZOTAC | ZOTAC RTX 3080 Trinity | Triple Fan | TBC |
ASUS RTX 3080 ROG STRIX Gaming OC
First up, we have ASUS, with their ROG STRIX OC. This model uses an axial-tech triple fan design and a reversed rotational direction on the center fan, (which has 13 blades, while the side fans have 11 blades) allowing for better airflow throughout the enlarged heatsink. Indeed, a 2.9 slot heatsink will be included, which additionally benefits from the heat spreader that has a polished surface for maximal contact with the GPU die. To further improve the cooling of the GPU, a wide, ventilated, backplate and shortened PCB will also be used. ASUS’s ROG STRIX features an RGB lighting display on the side of the GPU, which can be synced via ASUS’s ArmourCrate software. GPU Tweak II (graphics card tuning), a 6-month WTFast subscription (network optimization), X-Split (streaming software), and a somewhat questionable QuantumCloud software (uses GPU power in return for minimal monetary returns) are all included with the purchase. Finally, this GPU will feature an increased boost clock speed of 1740 MHz – up from 1710 MHz – and two HDMI 2.1 and three DisplayPort 1.4a slots.
ASUS RTX 3080 TUF Gaming & TUF Gaming OC
Much like the ROG STRIX model, the TUF Gaming and TUF Gaming OC feature axial-tech fans that utilize dual ball bearings and have blades that are optimized for reduced turbulence. Due to their PWM controller, these fans will not spin when the temperatures are low (under 55 degrees Celsius) – and their center fan spins in the opposite direction of the two side fans. The heatsink uses the same max contact technology as the STRIX, though it is slightly smaller, with its 2.7-slot design. A unique feature for the two TUF Gaming models is their separate, dedicated, VRAM heatsink. The backplate here is also ventilated, including a Dual BIOS switch, and their RGB lighting only includes a small TUF logo. The software included, as well as the HDMI and display ports are all identical to those of the STRIX. The price for the TUF Gaming OC is set to be $50 more than the regular TUF Gaming variant, in exchange for a boost clock speed increase to 1740 MHz.
EVGA RTX 3080 ICX3
EVGA seems to be going all-in with their new Nvidia 3000 series models, and the RTX 3080 is set to feature four different designs. The Hydro Copper, which will be cooled via a waterblock, the Hybrid, which has one fan and includes an AIO cooler with a 120mm radiator, the FTW3, three fans and ARGB lighting throughout, and the XC3, which will also have three (independently controlled) fans but no RGB lighting. The fanned models will include asynchronous fans with premium, low noise, hydro-dynamic bearings, a heatsink with through-hole fins, a unified copper block for GPU and VRAM which includes semi-circular heatpipes for 65% more contact with the GPU die, an air-through PCB, and a ventilated backplate with micro-thin heatpipes. Included with the new EVGA 3080 is their Precision X1 software, for in-game overclocking, fan control, OC scan, and advanced GPU monitoring.
Galax RTX 3080 SG
Galax’s (KFA0) RTX 3080 SG makes use of a three-fan design, with silent fan operation (similar to PWM controls), as well as a fan blade design named “Wings”. These three 92mm fans are also translucent and RGB compatible, so this GPU is best mounted front facing forward, in terms of aesthetics. In return for not having the usual side RGB displays, the Galax SG instead opts for increased ventilation. Still, there is a small RGB display with the quote “What’s your game?” on the side of the GPU, so you won’t be missing out if you do mount it in the conventional manner. In order to gain an edge over its aftermarket competitors, Galax has also included a unique 80mm fan, that features the same “Wings” blade design, and can be clipped on the ventilated backplate in order to pull hot air away from the heatsink. If your case has the free space, it is definitely worth using for the added cooling. Xtreme Tuner is Galax’s 1-click overclocking software, which also includes RGB customization, and system monitoring; and can even be used via a smartphone, through their Xtreme Tuner mobile application. Finally, the 1-click OC speed will be 1,725 MHz, a slight increase from the base 1,710 boost clock. The Galax / KFA2 GeForce RTX 3080 SG is surprisingly set to cost only $699.
GIGABYTE AORUS RTX 3080 Master & Xtreme
The PC hardware manufacturer GIGABYTE is also going to be releasing four distinct GPU models for the Nvidia RTX Ampere 3080. Unfortunately, we do not yet know the exact specifics between the RTX 3080 Master and the RTX 3080 Xtreme, other than the fact that the former will cost $50 less than the latter, as well as their common features. These two GPUs will have three double ball bearing fans: two of which will be 115mm in diameter, while the third (the side fan) will be 100mm. This middle fan will spin in an opposite direction to the side fans, and will have a “Wind Claw” mount design which will reinforce and channel the airflow toward the heatsink. The heatsink itself will have an angular and unequal fin design so that it can better channel the airflow from the PWM controlled fans and enlarge the contact surface to the die. A large copper plate with composite heatpipes will be used to spread the heat emanating from the GPU, and similarly to the aforementioned ASUS and EVGA models, these GPUs will also have ventilated backplates. One (or both) of the two models looks like it will feature a small OLED display on the side of the GPU which will display the temperature of the graphics card. Finally, both models will also include GIGABYTE’s AORUS engine software. Boost clock speeds are yet to be confirmed.
GIGABYTE RTX 3080 Gaming & Eagle OC
The next two GPUs that GIGABYTE is set to release, are the RTX 3080 Gaming OC and the RTX 3080 Eagle OC – the Gaming OC being the slightly more expensive model. Both these GPUs will use GIGABYTE’s WINDFORCE 3X cooling system: with two 90mm fans, and one 80mm side fan. The mid-fan will spin in the opposite direction to the other two, and all three fans will use a “3D Active Fan” technology, similar to PWM controls. The fan blades themselves feature a “3D stripe curve” and a triangular fan-edge for smoother airflow dispersion. These appear to be the only aftermarket GPU fans that make use of sleeve bearings, and they make use of a graphene nano lubricant which GIGABYTE claims will make the sleeve bearings last twice as long, and be quieter than double ball bearing fans. Seven composite copper heat pipes, an extended heatsink, and a ventilated backplate are also included, to help dissipate heat and cool the system. The Gaming OC has a small RGB display with GIGABYTE’s logo on the side, while the Eagle OC only has a small RGB display on the front of the GPU. The other difference between the two is a Dual Bios option included with the Gaming OC, which comes together with a silence mode switch. The Gaming OC will also include a 4-year warranty, versus the 3-year warranty of the Eagle OC. Once again, both GPUs will make use of GIGABYTE’s AORUS engine software. Whether or not the boost clock speeds will differ is yet to be announced.
Inno3D RTX 3080 iChill X3 & X4
Inno3D joins the fray of the RTX 3080 AIB market with their stylish iChill X3 and X4 models. These models make use of three 90mm fans, though the type of bearings these fans will have and whether or not they will spin independently or have PWM controls is yet to be announced by Inno3D. What we do know, is that they are asymmetrical and make use of Inno3D’s Scythe blades. Both the iChill X3 and iChill X4 make use of 7 heatpipes, a 1,664mm in length heatsink, and a 50% enlarged surface area. The cooling fins on the heatsink use an ultra-smooth DGT surface and a copper base. Also, both use a solid die casting backplate with a studded surface and ventilation holes. Both GPUs will feature a programmable RGB display which is Aura Sync, Mystic Light, and RGB Fusion compatible. Where the two models differ is that the X4 will make use of a fourth, rotary, 45mm fan which will be mounted on the side of the GPU (used to cool the MOSFETs), whereas the X3 will feature some extra RGB pizazz with the use of acrylic RGB “tail fins” – one of which comes with the “X3” logo, the other being blank and customizable. The iChill X3 is set to release for $10 over Nvidia’s reference card price, while the iChill X4 is set to cost an extra $30.
Inno3D RTX 3080 TWIN X2 OC
The, reference card priced, Inno3D TWIN X2 OC will feature only two 90mm fans, a slightly smaller 1,517mm (in length) heatsink, and the same 7 copper heatpipes and ventilated backplate of the two aforementioned iChill models. Once again, the bearing type is unknown (other than being mentioned as “high quality”), and the RGB displays are absent. The TWIN X2 OC should also feature Inno3D’s TunnelIT software for overclocking and system monitoring. Due to its slightly smaller size and dual fan design, this GPU may be a more suitable for SFF builds
MSI RTX 3080 VENTUS 3X OC
MSI is looking to compete in the RTX 3080 AIB market with its Gaming X Trio and, slightly cheaper, Ventus 3X OC models. The latter features three (standard ball bearing?) fans with MSI’s patented TORX Fan 3.0 design, which combines traditional blades and dispersion blades in an alternating pattern that results in higher static pressure, in order to better cool the heatsink. These fans also use MSI’s “Zero Frozr”, which works like a PWM controller. To optimize heat dispersion, core pipes that are precision-machined provide maximum contact with the GPU, transferring the heat more effectively onto the heatsink. Thermal pads are also used on various board components and amplify this effect. Anti-bending brackets and an additional support bracket are included to reinforce the structure of the GPU while mounted, to keep it from bending. The PCB is also custom designed and the backplate is made of composite graphene for better passive thermal conduction and added rigidity. This GPU model does not feature an RGB display, though it still does include MSI’s Dragon Center and Afterburner software. The OC clock speeds are yet to be confirmed.
MSI RTX 3080 Gaming X TRIO
MSI’s Gaming X TRIO is very similar to their VENTUS 3X OC, though it does feature a better cooling solution. The three fans of the Gaming X TRIO make use of a TORX FAN 4.0 design, which binds two fan blades together through a linked outer ring, resulting in what MSI claims to be a more focused airflow toward the heatsink. This heatsink is optimized for silent operation, using “wave-curved 2.0” fin edges which eliminate noise, caused by the interaction between the fins and the airflow from the fans. Another added feature is the RGB lighting displays, both on the front as well as on the side of the GPU. RGB Mystic Light software is also included for RGB synchronization with other RGB compatible MSI products. Other than that, it shares all the same features as the VENTUS 3X, though it will cost an additional $70.
Palit RTX 3080 Gaming PRO & Gaming PRO OC
Another aftermarket manufacturer looking to capitalize on the popularity of the Nvidia RTX Ampere 3080 is Palit, which is set to release two models for this GPU: The Gaming PRO and the Gaming PRO OC. These models are identical, with the only difference being that the Gaming PRO OC will have a boost clock speed of 1740 MHz, versus the 1710 of the Gaming PRO. These models will include three, double ball bearing, PWM controlled fans (TurboFan 3.0) with an IP5X dust resistant rating, and a lower fan vibration. The heatpipes use a double-U shaped design in order to enlarge the surface area, and a Triple A Die (aluminum alloy armor) casted plate, which covers the circuit board for better heat dissipation. The backplate is ventilated via a honeycomb design bracket for what Palit claims will provide an increased airflow of up to 15%. The Gaming PRO and Gaming PRO OC include a stylish ARGB display, mostly on the front of the GPU, which can be customized via their ThunderMaster software. The price differential between the two models looks to be around the $20 dollar range.
ZOTAC RTX 3080 Trinity
Last but not least, we have ZOTAC’s, reference card priced, RTX 3080 Trinity. This ZOTAC model will feature three, eleven-bladed, fans (IceStorm 2.0 – bearings and fan sizes are not listed) which will be PWM and Active Fan controlled; meaning that they will not operate at low loads and can be manually controlled via ZOTAC’s FireStorm software. Three groups of aluminum, fin-stack, heatsinks are paired with seven copper heatpipes arranged in a custom layout, for optimal heat dispersion. The metal die-case backplate is also ventilated, for better thermals and structural integrity. The ZOTAC Trinity also features two ARGB displays, one on the side and one underneath the GPU, which can be synchronized via ZOTACs Spectra 2.0 and Gaming FireStorm software.
Featured Ampere Builds
