Best RTX 2080 Ti Graphics Card In 2023 – Top 8 Rated Reviews

The Nvidia GeForce RTX2080 Ti graphics card is a monster. It uses amazing ray tracing technology and AI-driven Tensor cores for any graphics driven task. Not only that, it can produce over 60-fps in 4K resolution when gaming.

If you would like to experience high-end gaming, you need to invest in one of these GPUs. It will, of course, need to be paired with a powerful processor and gaming monitor.

Having been around now since September 27th, 2018, it is still an absolute powerhouse, available with a range of specs.

So, let’s go through the best RTX 2080 Ti graphics cards currently on the market and find the perfect one for you…

Top 8 Best RTX 2080 Ti Graphics Card In 2023 Review

1 Asus ROG Strix OC – Best RGB Lit RTX 2080 Ti Graphics Card

This card brings unbelievable capabilities and power. As you may expect, the card itself is massive. Taking up 2.7 PCIe slots means that you will lose three slots in your case. Measuring 12-inches (30cms) in length, it ain’t short either.

As we’ve come to expect from ROG Strix products, there is extensive customizable RGB lighting. The ROG logo is illuminated, along with some other key areas around the shroud. This can all be synced with other ROG components, putting on quite the light show.

Give the software a Tweak II…

Basic software features such as hardware monitoring are available from the main interface. Within the menus, there are three different modes, including OC Mode, Gaming Mode, and Silent Mode.

Each mode makes an adjustment to both the clock and fan speeds. We found the OC mode quiet enough, though, so it pretty much makes gaming and silent modes redundant. If you want to play with the RGB lighting, it uses its own software, though, called Asus Aura.

Making 4K gaming possible…

If you want to experience real 4K gaming, this is where it all begins. Even with the graphics settings on typical benchmark titles pushed to ultimate, the frame rates are impressive. Averaging well over 60-fps, we will give you some examples.

Witcher 3: Wild Hunt managed 71.9 fps, While Far Cry 5 pushed out 78 fps. The best result we saw was from Battlefield 1 with an incredible 109.8 fps. The normally GPU-crushing Shadow of the Tomb Raider was the only title under 60 fps, but only just, at 59.

2 EVGA FTw3 Ultra – RTX 2080 Ti Graphics Card with Best Air Cooling

EVGA has come out blazing with its own custom PCB (Printed Circuit Board). They have also raised the power limit to 300W, which should be music to overclocker’s ears. And the music gets better too.

The circuit board also contains a 16-phase VRM (Voltage Regulator Module) to pair with the increased wattage. To deal with this increased power draw, the cooling has been pimped with a beefy heatsink and triple fan design.

This thing is big…

Like the Asus ROG, this EVGA card is huge. It measures 2.75 slots, so once again, say goodbye to 3 slots from your PC case. At least there are some great connection options that make use of that slot area.

DVI connections finally appear to have joined the Apple headphone jacks at the tech graveyard. Port options include three DisplayPort 1.4, an HDMI 2.0b, and a USB Type-C, useful for connecting VR equipment.

Now we know why…

Making a significant contribution to this card’s gargantuan size is the heatsink. With fins that protrude from both sides, when joined with the oversized heat pipes, this results in exceptional cooling.

Along with the heatsink, there are three fans mounted on the top. The fans run asynchronously, which is pretty tricky. Basically, one of the fans runs at a speed based on the GPU temperature, while the other two fans’ speed depends on the power/memory temperature.

3 Asus Dual-Fan OC Edition – Best Budget 4K Gaming RTX 2080 Ti Graphics Card

We have already brought you an Asus version of this awesome graphics card. They have done well to have two included on our list. This is still a factory overclocked card, however, featuring a dual fan design instead of the triple.

With the reduction in fans, you would expect this card to be smaller. And it is smaller. But only 1.5-inches (3cms) shorter. And it still takes up 2.7 slots. So why would you choose one of these cards over the other?

On a budget?

Well, to start with, the dual is cheaper. Like a lot cheaper. But what do you have to sacrifice in order to save those coins? The fancy RGB lighting is probably one of the first things you would notice is missing. That’s something most could live without.

The area that matters most is the boost clock. In both OC and Gaming Modes, you lose 15 MHz. OC boosts at 1650 MHz and Gaming at 1635 MHz. The difference is noticeable, however not monumental given the price difference.

Many benefits…

You still have the benefit of the same software package for managing your graphics card. We rather like the Tweak II software, and it can provide those who enjoy pushing the limits full control in an attractive, user-friendly layout.

This card is still more than capable of pushing out well over 60 fps in many AAA gaming titles. All while in ultra settings, mind you. So if you’re more budget-conscious and don’t mind losing a few frills, this card might be for you.

4 MSI Sea Hawk X – Best Factory Water Cooled RTX 2080 Ti Graphics Card

This is the only card on our list with factory water cooling. In actual fact, this particular card from MSI has dual cooling. The GPU is water-cooled, while the memory and VRMs are air-cooled.

For those of you that are unaware, water cooling is not only efficient and a very effective cooling solution, it also operates in virtual silence. This allows you to spend time listening to the game like you’re supposed to and not to noisy fans.

Playing it cool…

For the air cooling, a single 120 mm fan takes on the responsibility. It’s not just any fan either; it’s a Torx fan. These are already known across the industry for their extremely low noise during operation.

The water cooler is closed-loop and doesn’t require any additional maintenance or assembly. Part of this loop is the low-profile radiator that is easy to install and does a great job of reducing airflow demand.

Power of the Dragon…

What better way to manage your graphics card’s performance than with some awesome software? MSI uses the Dragon Center to take control of monitoring and adjusting all aspects of the card.

MSI is currently working on integrating all their components into the same software system. That means if you run an MSI Motherboard, for example, then the Dragon Center will take control of it too.

5 Gigabyte Auros Xtreme – Beefiest RTX 2080 Ti Graphics Card

Gigabyte takes an already incredible graphics card and takes things up a notch. With a larger cooler and fancy lighting, just in case the raw performance alone of the Founders edition wasn’t enough for you already.

It isn’t the longest card on our list here at 11.25-inches (28.6 cms) but is certainly not short. The large fans required a tall shroud, meaning that this card takes up a full three slots. Easily one of the beefiest cards we’ve seen.

Bigger means cooler…

The thickness of the card is due to the heatsink and fan shroud. Three 100 mm fans in a stacked configuration top the unit, slightly overlapping each other. By spinning in opposite directions, they create complimentary airflow rather than turbulence.

To help cover the components below them, the heatsink is split into two similarly sized, different shaped sections. A mixture of straight and angular fin designs maximize surface area, along with channeling airflow and reducing noise.

Does this convert into performance?

If you’re looking at one of these graphical masterpieces, then you are most likely looking at increasing your 4K gaming performance. We are pleased to report that the results are phenomenal.

This beast comfortably pushes out frame rates over 60 fps in 4K on ultra settings. In fact, with some of the titles, we were seeing closer to the 90 fps mark. Considering current gaming monitors only support 60 Hz, you should be covered in the future.

6 Nvidia Founders Edition – The Original RTX 2080 Ti Graphics Card

Here it is. The platform that all the other graphics cards we have here are built off. Sure there can always be bigger cooling systems and fancy RGB lighting added to this existing structure. But no matter how many ice cream flavors there are, vanilla is always the best right?

Sure, you may have slightly lower clocking speeds and a smaller cooling system than some of the other third-party products. But without this card right here, they would have nothing to have built their products off of.

Elegant and simple…

Appealing design is purely subjective. It’s hard to argue, however, that the sleek, understated, simple lines used in the Founders edition aren’t attractive. The clean use of aluminum finishes combined with some black touches is all set off with the Nvidia green text splashed across the shroud.

The figures supplied to base all the other RTX 2080 Ti graphics cards on are more than substantial. Boasting 11 GB of GDDR6 memory, along with 4532 CUDA cores and Nvidia Turing architecture, it creates some pure magic.

Continuing to advance technology…

One of the first things true enthusiasts will notice is that the blower-style cooling is no longer. Instead, it has been replaced with dual axial fans. Underneath, the heatsink also features a dual vapor chamber resulting in improved cooling and reduced noise.

The major step achieved by the RTX 2080 Ti is that it now makes 4K gaming possible. Using one of these graphics cards on a 1080p or even 1440p rig would be more than overkill. It’s now time to move into the next era of gaming.

7 MSI Gaming X Trio – Best Feature Packed RTX 2080 Ti Graphics Card

MSI is well known for its gaming-dedicated components, and their graphics cards are usually well sought after. Well, MSI has thrown everything they have to offer at their product, and we are pleased they have.

Packed into this card are TRI-FROZR cooling, RGB LED lighting, and factory overclocking. What else could you possibly need? With the experience MSI has in this field, we believe we are looking at a major contender.

MSI design features…

First, let’s talk about the cooling system. MSI calls it TRI-FROZR, which includes Torx 3.0 fans. Double ball bearings provide silent operation and an extended life. Using advanced aerodynamic techniques, the heatsink is optimized for efficient heat dissipation.

Although it’s purely aesthetics, nothing screams gamer more than RGB lighting. MSI uses what’s called Mystic, and the exclusive software allows for excellent colors and effects. It can even be synchronized with other components.

Advanced hardware and software…

MSI has one of the best supporting software packages we’ve seen. Known as the Dragon Center, it has the perfect balance of both simple and advanced features. With a single click, your system can be optimized for ultimate gaming performance.

The Afterburner overclocking utility offers complete management and monitoring of all critical aspects of your GPU performance. All of this, as well as Predator in-game recording, makes for a full and comprehensive package.

8 Gigabyte Gaming OC – Most Understated RTX 2080 Ti Graphics Card

The second offering on our list from Gigabyte. It’s not the most exciting card to look at. In saying that, it’s certainly not unattractive either. This won’t be an issue for those who are more interested in the capabilities anyway.

Some may find the predominantly black, plain design appealing. And to break it up, the Gigabyte logo on the side of the shroud is RGB lit. Anyway, enough on the looks, let’s see what this card can do.

Windforce 3X cooling…

Featuring three 82 mm unique blades, alternate spinning fans give a hint at the cooling performance. Combined with six composite, direct touch heat pipes, efficient heat dissipation is possible, resulting in higher performance at lower temperatures.

All of this added technology in regards to cooling allows for Gigabyte to shave 7°C off the Founders edition temperatures. It still manages to achieve these results while using about the same amount of power as the Founders edition, too, even with factory overclocking.

Gaming in name and performance…

As with the name, how does this all relate to gaming performance? Well, we are pleased to report that owning this graphics card will allow you to comfortably game at 4K consistently over 60 fps.

As with all the graphics cards on our list today, your components will need to match the performance of your newly acquired GPU. This may mean an update to some faster RAM or possibly even a new GPU.

Best RTX 2080 Ti Graphics Card Buying Guide

As you have seen, there are many variations of the fantastic RTX 2080 Ti graphics card. They are all built off the Founders edition platform, mainly with third party improvements on cooling and aesthetics using some form of RGB. Plus some factory overclocking.

To purchase one of these cards, we have seen the biggest jump ever in price from one generation to the next. However, if you can afford to purchase one of these technological masterpieces, you won’t be disappointed.

How Do I Choose One?

When these GPUs were first released, believe it or not, you would have been lucky to get your hands on any of them. The demand saw availability extremely low, and having a choice would have been considered a further luxury.

Luckily these GPUs have been released for just over two years now, and it is possible to make your own decision rather than taking whatever is available. With that being said, the difference in performance is ever so slight between each product.

Features And Performance

With the performance being so similar across these products, the area that will take the most consideration is the features. Will you be considering overclocking your GPU? If so, the supporting software will play a big role in your decision.

Maybe you are after some out of this world RGB lighting displays to compliment the rest of your rig? Not all of the cards have RGB, but the ones that do differ from a simple lit-up logo to full-on showboating.

In our next section, we will reveal what we think is the best RTX 2080 Ti graphics card and why. Not that there can really be any losers in this situation.

Got The Right Support For An RTX 2080?

If you’re not certain, take a look at our Best CPU for Gaming Reviews!

Some might want to show off their RTX 2080 to the max? Streamlinists should check out our Best Mini ITX Cases Reviews, and heavy-weights can read our Best Full Tower Case Reviews. If the latter is you, then don’t miss our Best Hard Drive Duplicator Docking Station Reviews!

But what real use is an RTX 2080 graphics card without a suitable model from our Best Ultrawide Monitor Reivews? And, finish that off with our Best Sound Card Reviews.

You might also wanna read our Best LGA 1155 Motherboard Reviews and our Best Right Angle HDMI Adapter Reviews for 2023?

Ok, back to the best RTX 2080 GPU…

So, What Is The Best RTX 2080 Ti Graphics Card?

As discussed, performance is very similar across the board. This means that we have based our decision on which product offers the best features.

And the product we believe offers the most useful and effective features is the…

EVGA FTw3 Ultra

With its excellent air cooling, customizable RGB lighting, and huge overclocking potential, we feel EVGA covers all bases comfortably.

Happy gaming!