Best bang for the buck RTX 2080ti under $1600.

[industromaxx]

Since I'm being reimbursed for my dead GTX 1080ti, I thought about buying a Aorus RTX 2080ti Xtreme Waterforce WB 11g. Though, I am quite unsure if it's actually worth $1500+ for overall cooling and performance compared to an Asus RTX 2080ti OC Edition, or a EVGA RTX 2080ti FTW3 Ultra Gaming ICX2. Could I get your suggestions on what I should consider when it comes to these cards. Or, what your opinions are on the best RTX 2080ti card that you can buy under $1600 for overall cooling and performance?

[jones177]

I use a FTW3 Ultra and I am happy with it. I also have a EVGA XC and it does run too hot with any overclock.

 

If I bought another 2080 ti it would have to be a 3 fan, 3 slot card like the FTW3 Ultra or a Hybrid. 

 

For really good performance a card has to stay below around 62c. Before 62c my the FTW3 Ultra is running a 2085mhz. After 62c it runs at an average of 2040mhz in benches and games. Any overclock that raises the heat has to be countered with cooling or the card will down clock. It can easily get too loud.

 

The hottest part of the FTW3 Ultra is not the GPU or VRM but the vram, especially the ones between the GPU and the VRM. I would not buy another card that does not have heat sensors. 

 

 

[Mark Kaine]

12 minutes ago, jones177 said:

I use a FTW3 Ultra and I am happy with it. I also have a EVGA XC and it does run too hot with any overclock.

 

If I bought another 2080 ti it would have to be a 3 fan, 3 slot card like the FTW3 Ultra or a Hybrid. 

 

For really good performance a card has to stay below around 62c. Before 62c my the FTW3 Ultra is running a 2085mhz. After 62c it runs at an average of 2040mhz in benches and games. Any overclock that raises the heat has to be countered with cooling or the card will down clock. It can easily get too loud.

 

The hottest part of the FTW3 Ultra is not the GPU or VRM but the vram, especially the ones between the GPU and the VRM. I would not buy another card that does not have heat sensors. 

 

 

Isn't that like all cards with cheapo air cooling? If you really care about these few mhz you need an AIO or similar. 

[jones177]

17 minutes ago, Mark Kaine said:

Isn't that like all cards with cheapo air cooling? If you really care about these few mhz you need an AIO or similar. 

Yes and No.

 

I have bought EVGA 2 slot, 2 fan, SC cards since the GTX 970(980. 980 ti, 1080 and 1080 ti). I never did heavy overclocking on them. They all ran cool and quite.

Since I have been at that configuration for years I bought the EVGA XC 2080 ti and it runs hot to the point that I keep it stock.

 

Basically for what I do with a card I did not need an AIO or similar cooling but now I do. 

 

 

 

 

 

[tankyx]

So I would say, stay away from the cheaper ones. I got the EVGA RTX2080ti Black and the cooler is clearly not able to handle the GPU heat. I modded it with a G12+X52 combo and now the card is boosting up to 2100MHz at 50c instead of throttle at 1800MHz.

Basically, I would recommend an hybrid from EVGA or a 3 Slot card. But 3 slots cards look idiotic to me, they are so massive.

 

https://www.newegg.com/gigabyte-geforce-rtx-2080-ti-gv-n208taorusx-w-11gc/p/N82E16814932075

This might be a good choice if you can push your budget.

[Mark Kaine]

38 minutes ago, jones177 said:

Yes and No.

 

I have bought EVGA 2 slot, 2 fan, SC cards since the GTX 970(980. 980 ti, 1080 and 1080 ti). I never did heavy overclocking on them. They all ran cool and quite.

Since I have been at that configuration for years I bought the EVGA XC 2080 ti and it runs hot to the point that I keep it stock.

 

Basically for what I do with a card I did not need an AIO or similar cooling but now I do. 

 

 

 

 

 

Basically that's what I meant tho, current generation of cards seem to run a lot hotter... I hope NV 7nm cards will run cooler and more efficient again but who knows. 

 

And generally yeah, I have a MSI gaming X 1060 and it's cool as heck at 70% fan speed, OC and under full load... any cooler and the thing might freeze on me  

[Dean.P.]

Wait for the rumored 2080ti super, I personally have the 2080ti Ventus OC with added fans beneath for intake and 3 noctuas on the side for exhaust as it does get very hot. With a heavy OC it runs at 55C but it's fairly loud 

[jones177]

9 minutes ago, Dean.P. said:

Wait for the rumored 2080ti super, I personally have the 2080ti Ventus OC with added fans beneath for intake and 3 noctuas on the side for exhaust as it does get very hot. With a heavy OC it runs at 55C but it's fairly loud 

If a Super comes I will probably get it but I will go Hybrid. 

 

 I use an old HAF X with a 4 200mm fans. When I update the case I will go with noctua fans. 

[industromaxx]

Since I've never owned a liquid cooled GPU with a water block, what thermals can you expect from it compared to a stock fan cooled GPU, or a hybrid?

[Velcade]

If you're budget is really 1600, EVGA makes great hybrid cards.  I have their FTW3 hybrid 2080ti and it bangs.

 

Just make sure you have the space for the 120mm AIO.

[i_build_nanosuits]

12 minutes ago, industromaxx said:

Since I've never owned a liquid cooled GPU with a water block, what thermals can you expect from it compared to a stock fan cooled GPU, or a hybrid?

you can expect very low temps, until the pump dies on you

[Dean.P.]

24 minutes ago, jones177 said:

If a Super comes I will probably get it but I will go Hybrid. 

 

 I use an old HAF X with a 4 200mm fans. When I update the case I will go with noctua fans. 

I'm considering putting liquid metal on the die but I'm not sure how much it will really help tbh

 

11 minutes ago, industromaxx said:

Since I've never owned a liquid cooled GPU with a water block, what thermals can you expect from it compared to a stock fan cooled GPU, or a hybrid?

Umm I haven't either but I believe if it's a good one it should not go above 50-55C, for a 240mm rad with push and pull noctua industrial fans probably 45C max 

[jones177]

33 minutes ago, Dean.P. said:

I'm considering putting liquid metal on the die but I'm not sure how much it will really help tbh

I think with some cards it does nothing but with others you get a gain. It may depend on the materials used.

 

In this video notice that the LM does not spread on the cooler.

 

 

[Dean.P.]

52 minutes ago, jones177 said:

I think with some cards it does nothing but with others you get a gain. It may depend on the materials used.

 

In this video notice that the LM does not spread on the cooler.

 

 

Yeah it really depends on the mounting I suppose, also the more heat being produced the more effective the LM should be due to its higher heat transfer