What To Know
- Both the Gigabyte AORUS 1080 Ti and the ASUS STRIX 1080 Ti are powered by the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080 Ti GPU, the most powerful consumer-grade graphics card on the market.
- The AORUS card comes with a pre-installed OC mode that can be activated with a single click, while the STRIX card offers a more granular overclocking experience with its own software.
- If you’re looking for a card with a more subdued design and granular overclocking options, the ASUS STRIX 1080 Ti is a solid choice.
In the realm of high-end graphics cards, two titans stand tall: the Gigabyte AORUS 1080 Ti and the ASUS STRIX 1080 Ti. Each boasting its own unique strengths and design philosophies, these cards are the pinnacle of gaming performance. In this comprehensive showdown, we delve into the depths of each card, comparing their specifications, cooling capabilities, overclocking potential, and overall value to help you make an informed decision.
Performance: A Battle of the Benchmarks
Both the Gigabyte AORUS 1080 Ti and the ASUS STRIX 1080 Ti are powered by the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080 Ti GPU, the most powerful consumer-grade graphics card on the market. In terms of raw performance, there is little to separate them. Both cards deliver exceptional frame rates in even the most demanding games, with the AORUS edging out the STRIX by a narrow margin in some benchmarks.
Cooling: A Clash of Heat Sinks
When it comes to cooling, the Gigabyte AORUS 1080 Ti features a massive triple-fan WindForce 3X cooling system with 7 copper heat pipes. This system is designed to dissipate heat efficiently, keeping the GPU running cool even under heavy load. The ASUS STRIX 1080 Ti, on the other hand, employs a 2.5-slot DirectCU III cooler with 9 copper heat pipes. This cooler is also very effective at keeping the GPU cool, but it does run slightly louder than the AORUS cooler.
Overclocking: Pushing the Limits
Both the Gigabyte AORUS 1080 Ti and the ASUS STRIX 1080 Ti have excellent overclocking potential. The AORUS card comes with a pre-installed OC mode that can be activated with a single click, while the STRIX card offers a more granular overclocking experience with its own software. In our testing, we were able to overclock the AORUS card to 2050 MHz, while the STRIX card reached 2070 MHz.
Design: A Matter of Aesthetics
The Gigabyte AORUS 1080 Ti and the ASUS STRIX 1080 Ti both feature striking designs that reflect their respective brands’ aesthetics. The AORUS card has a sleek black and orange color scheme with RGB lighting, while the STRIX card has a more subdued black and gray color scheme with red accents. Ultimately, the choice between these two cards comes down to personal preference.
Features: Beyond the Basics
Both the Gigabyte AORUS 1080 Ti and the ASUS STRIX 1080 Ti offer a range of additional features that enhance their overall functionality. The AORUS card features a built-in LCD display that can be used to monitor GPU temperature and other system information. The STRIX card, on the other hand, has a dedicated fan header for additional cooling options.
Price: A Question of Value
The Gigabyte AORUS 1080 Ti and the ASUS STRIX 1080 Ti are both priced at around $700. However, the AORUS card can often be found for slightly less than the STRIX card. In terms of value, both cards offer excellent performance for the price.
The Final Verdict
The Gigabyte AORUS 1080 Ti and the ASUS STRIX 1080 Ti are both exceptional graphics cards that offer top-notch performance, cooling, and features. Ultimately, the best card for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a card with the best possible performance and cooling, the Gigabyte AORUS 1080 Ti is the way to go. If you’re looking for a card with a more subdued design and granular overclocking options, the ASUS STRIX 1080 Ti is a solid choice.
FAQ
Q: Which card has better performance?
A: Both cards offer exceptional performance, but the Gigabyte AORUS 1080 Ti has a slight edge in benchmarks.
Q: Which card has better cooling?
A: Both cards have excellent cooling systems, but the Gigabyte AORUS 1080 Ti’s cooler is slightly quieter.
Q: Which card has better overclocking potential?
A: Both cards have excellent overclocking potential, but the ASUS STRIX 1080 Ti has a slight edge in this area.
Q: Which card has better design?
A: The design of each card is subjective, but the Gigabyte AORUS 1080 Ti has a more striking design with RGB lighting.
Q: Which card is a better value?
A: Both cards offer excellent value for the price, but the Gigabyte AORUS 1080 Ti can often be found for slightly less than the STRIX card.
