In the world of premium gaming hardware, the GeForce RTX 3080 stands as a pinnacle of modern graphics processing. In particular, ASUS and EVGA are two brands with top-tier RTX 3080 offerings, designed to cater to the needs of the most demanding gamers. Both graphics cards boast substantial power, leveraging Nvidia’s impressive Ampere architecture to push the boundaries of high-fidelity gaming.
Our comparison focuses on the nuances between the ASUS ROG Strix GeForce RTX 3080 Gaming OC and the EVGA GeForce RTX 3080 FTW3 Ultra Gaming. Each card brings its own unique strengths to the table—one might prioritize cooling and acoustics, while the other could offer superior overclocking potential or customer service. As such, it becomes crucial to dissect their differences to inform your decision when investing in a critical component of your gaming rig.
| Graphics Card | ASUS ROG Strix GeForce RTX 3080 Gaming OC | EVGA GeForce RTX 3080 FTW3 Ultra Gaming |
| Core Speed | ||
| Memory | 10 GB GDDR6X | 10 GB GDDR6X |
| Output Ports |
We assess aspects like thermal design, build quality, and software features that are pertinent to user experience. Our insights emerge from both spec sheets and hands-on encounters, ensuring our advice isn’t just theoretical but also grounded in real usage scenarios. Join us as we navigate the intricate choices between these two tech giants’ masterpieces, all to find that one GPU which can take your gaming to the zenith.
Contents
Technical Specifications
In the matchup between the ASUS ROG Strix GeForce RTX 3080 and the EVGA GeForce RTX 3080, understanding their technical specifications is crucial. Each brings distinct features to the table which we’ll look into, from GPU chipset differences to memory configurations.
GPU Architecture and Chipset
The ASUS ROG Strix and EVGA FTW3 variants of the RTX 3080 are both built on NVIDIA’s Ampere architecture. This advanced GPU design significantly elevates graphics performance. Both graphics cards include the same GA102 chipset, which is fundamental in driving their cutting-edge capabilities.
Memory Configuration
Clock Speed and Overclocking Capabilities
| Clock Speed (Base/Boost) | OC Capabilities | GPU Turbo Speed |
| ASUS: 1440 MHz / 1935 MHz EVGA: 1440 MHz / 1800 MHz |
Higher potential in ASUS with advanced cooling | ASUS reaches a higher turbo speed, enhancing performance |
We’ll find that the ASUS ROG Strix GeForce RTX 3080 exhibits an edge in both base and boost clock speeds compared to the EVGA model. It also offers superior overclocking (OC) capabilities due to its advanced cooling technologies. The ASUS card peaks with a higher turbo speed, which can translate into more fluid gaming experiences and better performance for graphic-intensive tasks.
Design and Build Quality
When we consider the Asus ROG Strix and the EVGA GeForce RTX 3080 graphics cards, two factors immediately stand out: the robust build quality and the meticulously engineered cooling solutions, which are critical for the performance and durability of these high-end GPUs.
Cooling Solutions
Physical Dimensions and Aesthetics
| Aspect | Asus ROG Strix RTX 3080 | EVGA RTX 3080 FTW3 Ultra |
| Width | 2.9 slots | 2.75 slots |
| Height | 5.5” (approx.) | 4.38” (approx.) |
| Design Aesthetic | RGB lighting, colored accents | RGB lighting, more subdued |
| Backplate Material | Metal | Metal |
The Asus ROG Strix RTX 3080 is slightly wider, taking up 2.9 slots compared to the 2.75 slots of the EVGA model. This, along with its height, makes the Asus version somewhat bulkier, which could be an important consideration depending on your setup. In terms of aesthetics, the Asus card offers a more colorful and aggressive design with prominent RGB lighting, whereas EVGA’s approach leans towards understatement with a cleaner look that may appeal to users who prefer a more professional appearance. Both models feature a sturdy backplate, adding rigidity and protection to the PCB.
Performance and Advancements
In evaluating the ASUS ROG Strix GeForce RTX 3080 Gaming OC against the EVGA GeForce RTX 3080 FTW3 Ultra Gaming, we see noteworthy advancements in performance metrics like floating-point operations and texture rates. Let’s dig into specifics.
Gaming and Rendering Efficiency
When it comes to gaming and rendering performance, both ASUS and EVGA have put forth impressive efforts.
Real-world gaming scenarios emphasize this distinction. Users benefit from higher frame rates and smoother rendering during peak loads. Features like Ray Tracing bring about remarkable depth and realism to 3D environments. Moreover, NVIDIA’s DLSS technology boosts image quality without compromising performance. It’s these details that can elevate the gaming experience from great to exceptional.
Enhanced Features and Technologies
| Feature | ASUS RTX 3080 | EVGA RTX 3080 |
| Resizable BAR (Smart Access Memory) | Supported | Supported |
| Max GPU Load Temperature | Noticeably lower | Higher |
| Texture Rate | Higher | Slightly lower |
Our focus on enhanced features like Smart Access Memory (SAM) and Resizable BAR reveals that both GPUs handle extended data buffer access efficiently, which in turn can lead to performance gains in certain scenarios.
Considering load GPU temperature, the ASUS variant seems to maintain cooler operational temperatures, suggesting better efficiency under stress. This can have positive implications for both longevity and performance stability.
Technology advancements across both models enhance gaming immersion and boost processing capabilities. We observe that these improvements come not only in the form of raw power but also in intelligent design choices that cater to the demands of modern high-fidelity gaming.
Ports and Connectivity
In choosing a graphics card, connectivity is crucial for ease of integration and performance with various displays and VR devices. We’ll highlight the differences between ASUS and EVGA RTX 3080 models in terms of ports and connectivity.
Display and Video Output Compatibility
Both ASUS ROG Strix GeForce RTX 3080 and EVGA GeForce RTX 3080 offer a variety of ports for display and video output. Typically, you’ll find that both include multiple DisplayPort 1.4a outputs and at least one HDMI 2.1 port. This HDMI port supports up to 8K resolution at 60Hz, or 4K at 120Hz, crucial for high-resolution gaming and future-proofing for new displays.
Multi-Display Support and Additional Connectors
Support for multi-display setups is paramount for immersive gaming and productivity. ASUS ROG Strix and EVGA FTW3 Ultra graphics cards support NVIDIA’s NVLink technology, allowing for a seamless experience across multiple monitors. While both cards facilitate superb multi-display environments, slight variations in additional connectors might influence your choice depending on your specific setup.
As for specific connectors, here’s what we typically see:
| ASUS ROG Strix RTX 3080 | EVGA RTX 3080 FTW3 Ultra | Comments |
| 3x DisplayPort 1.4a | 3x DisplayPort 1.4a | Equally equipped for DisplayPort outputs. |
| 2x HDMI 2.1 | 1x HDMI 2.1 | ASUS offers an additional HDMI port. |
| 1x USB-C (VirtualLink) | None | ASUS provides USB-C connectivity for VR. |
| PCIe Interface support | PCIe Interface support | Both leverage PCIe 4.0 for fast data transfer. |
In terms of display and video output, our ASUS and EVGA RTX 3080 cards are mostly aligned, offering robust options for modern gaming rigs and workstations. The main difference lies in ASUS providing an extra HDMI port and maintaining a USB-C port, potentially offering more versatility for various display configurations.