Find The Best GTX 1080 Graphics Cards For The Gaming Beast In You
If you are looking to upgrade your system with a GTX 1080 graphics cards, then look no further. Don’t waste your precious time trying to find the best GTX 1080 graphics card in the market. We have put together some of the best sellers and the top models on the market in our review below. Read on for more details.
EVGA GeForce GTX 1080 Graphic Card
When you absolutely don’t want any compromise in your gaming graphics cards, you should absolutely only get one that’s as good as the EVGA GeForce GTX 1080. It is by far the most sophisticated GPU with the NVIDIA Pascal architecture at its core.
Whether it is VR games or other high-definitions games that you love, this card will rock them all with its unbelievable speed and power. It employs the best in next-gen game technologies, the NVIDIA Game-Works technologies which in addition to a cinema-like quality employs 360-degree image capture for stunning visuals. You will love its maximum digital resolution of 7680 x 4320 that gives you crystal clear images in high-definition.
EVGA precision X OC and an RGB LED ensures that you have complete control over the colors produced. The EVGA precisionX in combination with the EVGA OC scanner lets you do more with overclocking. What’s even better is that it has automatic overclocking features to help you if are completely new to pushing the limits of your graphics card. The base clock capacity is 1721 MHz and the boost clock capacity is 1860 MHz.
With all these great features built into it, you can enjoy up to three times the speed of other similar cards in the segment. Latency issues can take the fun out of VR games but you will love playing your games with this graphics card as it has the lowest latency rate. This, in addition to the VR audio, gives you a truly immersive VR game-play.
The card is kept cool with the ACX 3.0 cooling technology. The fans come with double ball bearings which improve their lifespan by 400%. The fans also have a swept blade design for good airflow use very low power. The SHP 2.0 version has more heat pipes and a copper contact area for improved cooling. There is nothing that you will not love about this card.
2- ASUS GeForce GTX 1080 8GB ROG STRIX Graphics Card
Get ready to rock your games with the ASUS GeForce GTX 1080. It is completely 4K and VR ready and has two HDMI ports for your headset and your monitor.
The lights on this graphics card are powered by the Aura RGB lighting technology. So both the backplate and the shroud can be configured for a rich color display. These breed of ROG Strix cards can produce about a billion different colors. What’s even better is that it comes with 6 different effects to show if the card is idle or is on high-load. You can even make the lights synchronize with the music of the game or add a cool breathing effect with light fade in and fade out.
Forget annoying fan sound as this card used the ultra-silent Direct CUIII cooling technology. This technology uses three 0dB fans and heat pipes that are in direct contact with the GPU for a super-efficient heat transfer. The result of these features is that the graphics card is 30% cooler than competing models and is 3 times quieter.
The card’s fans sure keep the temperature down but you can use targeted cooling with ASUS’s Fan Connect. This graphics card comes with two 4-pin GPU-controlled headers which you can connect to the system. So you can get double the amount of cooling and not worry about overheating when you play high-definition games.
This card is made with Super Alloy Power II components that not only make it durable but gives it a host of other advantages. It makes your card lose less power, reduces buzzing sound by two-times lesser even when the card is working using its full capacity and keeps your card about 50% cooler than other cards. All this with a boost clock speed of 1835 MHz.
The user-friendly GPU Tweak II user interface makes tweaking a breeze for both beginners and experienced users. Just click a button to instantly maximize the performance using the game booster function.
3- MSI Gaming GeForce GTX 1080 GAMING X+ 8G
If you are looking for an affordable graphics card, then the MSI gaming GeForce GTX 1080 can be the best GTX 1080 for your needs. It is a great mid-range card with a tonne of features to giving you a great gaming experience.
This card is quite a beast as it lets you run your graphics at full 1080p and quench your thirst for gaming. The RAM is an 8GB GDDR5X and can easily handle even 4k monitors at 60 fps. This gaming X model comes with a backplate and an RGB system. You can push the limits of your PC with the overclocking features which is much higher than its regular gaming models.
You can achieve a good amount of overclocking but without the heat thanks to its efficient cooling system. The MSI TORX 2.0 fan technology is behind its superior cooling system. Due to the fan’s design, there is about 22% more air pressure but an amazingly silent operation.
Even when you use the maximum settings, the card keeps its cool and never goes beyond 60 degrees. In fact, the fans stop working when the temperature goes below 60 degrees. The Zero Frozr technology stops the fan when there is low-load. So in addition to the fans being much quieter than other cards, you can even enjoy absolute silent gameplay. The fans come with double ball bearings made of stainless steel for a long-lasting performance.
You can also enhance your gameplay with the cool effects of the LED lights. With the help of the MSI gaming app, you can change the settings for each LED. Make them dance to the game sounds or music or even turn them off when not needed.
There is one 6 pin and one 8 pin connector for connecting to the power source. There is also an HDMI port and 3 Display Ports giving you enough flexibility in terms of connectivity. This card will unleash the gaming beast in you.
4- Gigabyte GeForce GTX 1080 Windforce Graphics Cards
There is no point in buying cheap graphics cards when you can get amazing features at an affordable price point. This is exactly what you get when you buy the Gigabyte Windforce.
This graphics card is powered by the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080 and an 8GB RAM for a power-packed gaming performance. The RAM type too is GDDR5X which in combination with a 256-bit memory will not let you down even when you play the latest high-definition games that can take quite a toll on your PC’s abilities.
In addition to the above, the card is built-in with the latest NVIDIA Pascal architecture and uses FinFet manufacturing for the ultimate power and performance. The NVIDIA Game Works technologies ensure that you can play the latest high-definition games, VR games and handle multiple monitors. It is capable of 360 capture in both VR and non-VR modes.
Be VR ready with this graphics card as it is compatible with most VR headsets. But the best part is that it lets you play without any latency and gives you a true plug and play experience.
As graphics cards can produce a lot of heat an efficient cooling system is absolutely necessary to keep your card at peak performance. The three fans come with unique triangle-edged and 3D striped blades that allow for a smooth and quick airflow. In fact, the air flow is 23% more efficient than older fan models. Pure composite heat pipes effectively transfer heat away from the GPU for efficient cooling.
This card is so powerful that it can handle even up to 8k display at 60Hz. It comes with 3 DP1.4 ports, 1 HDMI port and a dl-dvd-I port for connecting the display. One click overclocking feature and an intuitive interface lets you start gaming right out of the box.
5- ZOTAC GeForce GTX 1080 Graphic Card
If you are tired of your old graphics card and want a game-changing experience, then it’s time to switch to the Zotac GeForce GTX 1080.
This AMP edition is powered by the NVIDIA Pascal architecture to let you enjoy advanced gaming without the high cost of high-end graphics cards. Equipped with a single Dual-link DVI-I port, 3 Display ports, and an HDMI port, there are enough ports for connectivity.
True to its name, the cooling system keeps the graphics card cool with the use of its Ice-storm technology. Despite its slim design, it has been made to be very efficient with the use of differently sized heat pipes for better heat transfer. The aluminum fin array helps in further dissipation of heat.
The dual-mounted fans then blow the air out quickly with their wide 100mm blades without too many rotations. The result is a much quieter but a more efficient cooling system. Even though the fans are durable, their lifespan is optimized by the Freeze technology. So if you take a break from your game or are idle, the system will simply turn off the fan. This is the same technology that makes this graphics card silent even when using maximum power.
NVIDIA VR Works technologies make the card VR-ready and compatible with all leading VR headsets. But the best part about its VR capabilities is its low-latency and plug & play compatibility. Adding to this is its superior VR audio and haptics which give you the ultimate VR gaming experience you can get in a mid-range card.
The card uses the Spectra technology to add light and color to its already handsome features. Simply use the firestorm application to control the LEDs and customize your card. Firestorm has a very friendly user interface and lets you control everything from clock speed to fan control to GPU monitoring and much more. Power boost ensures that your card stays stable no more how much you push its limits.
6- PNY GeForce GTX 1080 8GB XLR8 Gaming Overclocked Graphic Card
The PNY GeForce GTX 1080 XLR8 Gaming OC lets you push the limits of your computer with its superior overclocking ability. With this graphics card, you can enjoy next-gen gaming and VR gaming to its fullest.
It has a base clock frequency of 1709 MHz and a boost clock frequency of 1848 MHz. As it comes with factory overclocked settings, you don’t need a separate software to tweak the settings. This is as simple as it gets and is very useful if you are completely new to overclocking.
This graphics card is powered by none other than the powerful NVIDIA Pascal architecture for the best in power and performance. NVIDIA’s GeForce 1080 is behind this powerful graphics card that uses Finfet manufacturing technology to give you a smooth and ultra-fast game play. A maximum resolution of 7680 x 4320 means it can handle high-resolution displays, multiple monitors and VR games with ease. It comes with an 8GB GDDR5X RAM and a 256-bit interface for quick delivery of graphics.
With one DL-DVI port, 1 HDMI port 2.0b port, and 3 Display Port 1.4 ports, there is enough ports for connectivity. You can not only play the latest high-definition games but also play all the cool VR games too. This is because the graphics card is VR-ready and compatible with all the leading headsets to give you the best VR gaming experience.
The triple XLR8 fans keep the card cool even when they are working at their fullest capacity. Four 6mm copper heat pipes act as a heat sink and effectively transfer the heat away from the GPU. In addition to the above, there is an anodized back plate that covers the entire length of the card. This not only protects physical protection to the graphics card but also allows for a uniform cooling. This graphics card is backed by a 3-year manufacturer’s warranty.
7- NVIDIA GEFORCE GTX 1080 Founders Edition
If you don’t mind spending money on a founders Edition graphics card, then you must absolutely consider the GeForce GTX 1080 Founders Edition.
This Founders edition is built by NVIDIA who have been building graphics cards for many years and are pioneers in the field. From lightning speeds to cool working temperatures to efficient performance and a quiet operation, this card ticks all the boxes of a high-end graphics card.
It is constructed using only the best of materials that can withstand the test of time and high performance. It has a low-profile body which has been strengthened using a die-cast and tessellated aluminum frame. The backplate can be modified for a more even cooling and to add more protection to the card. The end product is finally heat treated to be sturdy, durable and reliable even under testing conditions.
The cooling system is unlike other cards in the segment. It uses a thermal solution which allows the card to maintain its temperature even while working at maximum capacity. A radial fan and a vapor chamber blowsout all the heated air away from the GPU to keep all internal components cool at all times. The fan speed is optimized so that you can enjoy an almost silent operation.
This graphics card like the regular GeForce GTX cards are VR ready, give you the least amount of latency for powerful game play and give you complete plug and play convenience. Pascal technology supports high-resolution displays and can handle even multiple monitors. With the NVIDIA Game Works technology, your game play is not only seamless but is so rich as if you are in a movie. The 360 –degree motion capture only makes it all the more exciting.
With all the extra features and a superior construction, the Founders Edition does not only give you a great gaming experience but is also well worth the money. The only hitch may be that they may sell out faster than you can anticipate.
How To Select The Best GTX 1080 Graphics Card?
Range
If you want to use your computer only for surfing the web, sending e-mails and using social networking sites, then a mid-range graphics card is more than sufficient. But if you want to play high-definition games then you will need a high-end graphics card. They are more expensive than mid-range cards but you can also find affordable ones that don’t break the bank. GTX 1080 cards are high-end cards that let you use high display settings.
Frame Rate
The frame rate is measured in frames per second (fps) and is the number of images that the card can display in a second. If you want to play the latest high-definition and VR games then look for a card which has a frame rate of at least 60 fps for a great gaming experience.
RAM
RAM or Random Access memory is what powers the graphics card’s performance. So look for a card that has at least 8GB RAM. But you should also ensure that your system has at least twice the memory of the graphics card. Also GDDR5 type of RAM is the best choice.
Cooling System
Graphics cards for gaming handle a lot of graphics and hence produce a lot of heat. Therefore look for a graphics card that comes with a sophisticated cooling system such as specially designed fan blades, heat sink and heat pipes for efficient heat dissipation.
Output Options
GTX 1080 cards are high-end cards that should have the standard output ports such as DVI ports, Display-ports and at least a single HDMI port for connecting to the display.
Budget
Everything finally boils down to the price of the graphics card. High-end graphics cards can be expensive. But if you can forego cosmetic features like LED effects and such then you can also find budget-friendly ones in the $500 to $550 range.
Finally read up on other reviews once you have narrowed down on your choice. It also helps to get recommendations from other gaming enthusiasts to make sure you make the right choice.
You might also like our articles on Asus RT-ACRH13 Reviews, Top 23 video projectors under $500 and Internet of Things
Important Note
Notwithstanding the information provided here, it is important to read instructions carefully before installation for optimum performance.
Resources
- https://linustechtips.com/main/topic/669143-choosing-gtx-1080/
- http://www.wikihow.com/Install-a-Graphics-Card
- http://computer.howstuffworks.com/graphics-card3.htm
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Graphics_processing_unit
- http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/graphics-beginners,1288.html
- http://www.pcgamer.com/best-gpu-2016/