NVIDIA Founders Edition 3080/3090 are NOT Reference PCBs

[For Science!]

This seems really strange to me, but I noticed that the new EKWB waterblocks for the NVIDIA 3080 and 3090 have clear statements that the founders edition are NOT reference PCBs. While this kinda makes sense that the FE cards probably refer to those weird ones where somebody took a bite out of them, it's a strange paradigm to think that the Founders Edition is not synonymous with Reference.

 

So if you are intending to watercool, the Founder's Edition may not be the "most widely supported PCB design" of this generation.... In my memory this has not happened as of yet, and makes me wonder if there may be a 2nd series of cards sold by NVIDIA that don't have a chunk taken out of them.

 

https://www.ekwb.com/shop/ek-quantum-vector-rtx-3080-3090-d-rgb-nickel-plexi

Quote

PLEASE NOTE:

• This block is made for reference PCB 3080 and 3090 cards. Founders Edition does NOT have a reference PCB.

 

[Cyracus]

Jensen wouldn't direspect "big papa" like that

[m9x3mos]

If that is the case, which cards that are 3090 are reference. I want to buy one but I also want to water cool it as well. 

[For Science!]

2 hours ago, m9x3mos said:

If that is the case, which cards that are 3090 are reference. I want to buy one but I also want to water cool it as well. 

You’ll have to wait and see

[Mick Naughty]

Guess I’ll just buy what ever card the block supports. All the same in the end. 

[For Science!]

More information coming from https://videocardz.com/newz/first-water-blocks-for-geforce-rtx-3090-and-rtx-3080-are-here

 

Quote

There are two board designs: PG133 (Founders Edition) and PG132 (reference design). The latter will be used by board parters for their semi-custom designs (NVIDIA reference PCB and custom cooling solution).

Has NVIDIA ever designed a board and not actually used it for their own cards? seems a bit a waste of time especially if they aren't marking up the FE this time around.

[tikker]

Hmm that's interesting. I've always taken reference card / PCB to mean Nvidia's design. I really hope they get a block or I'm going to have to reconsider when to buy...

[For Science!]

6 minutes ago, tikker said:

Hmm that's interesting. I've always taken reference card / PCB to mean Nvidia's design. I really hope they get a block or I'm going to have to reconsider when to buy...

Yeah....just that this time I guess they designed two boards. Maybe the PCB with a bite taken out was too exotic for AIBs to stomach.

[tikker]

8 minutes ago, For Science! said:

Yeah....just that this time I guess they designed two boards. Maybe the PCB with a bite taken out was too exotic for AIBs to stomach.

Looks like they may arrive later perhaps.

 

[bowrilla]

7 hours ago, For Science! said:

More information coming from https://videocardz.com/newz/first-water-blocks-for-geforce-rtx-3090-and-rtx-3080-are-here

 

Has NVIDIA ever designed a board and not actually used it for their own cards? seems a bit a waste of time especially if they aren't marking up the FE this time around.

The reason might be their cooler design which result in this triangular cutout of the PCB as you've pointed out. Maybe their reference PCB is square. I hope it's just a short because those 3080/3090 PCB leaks looked small as hell. Could actually be a viable replacement for my Zotac 1080Ti Mini. There hasn't been a 2080 or 2080 Ti that got even close to it.

[ff2009]

I just hope Nvidia doesn't put a cheap VRM on the reference PCB. 

From the prices I have seen in my country, seems like those PCBs should be really bad. Usually 699 dollar CPU/GPUs cost 824€ with taxes and the RTX 3080 can be found for 724€ for pre-order. 

 

I am afraid we will get sketchy VRM and/or terrible thermal performance. 

[Mick Naughty]

Doubt it. Nvidia does great with all the pcbs. Do enough to not leave much on the table. 

[downloadedskill]

Seems like the only guarantee we have is the FE cards will eventually get blocks. Potentially as of launch. I've already sold my 2080 super and neeeeeeed a card again. So looks like I'm going FE and waiting for a block. Plus it looks like from leaked prices the FE models will be the cheapest at launch.

[Mick Naughty]

They seems like a good price and the blocks may be cheaper like always. 
But may actually do third party if that means I’ll get a full pcb. Not digging the small still like the 3080fe as of now. But it does make things easier. 

[downloadedskill]

5 minutes ago, Mick Naughty said:

They seems like a good price and the blocks may be cheaper like always. 
But may actually do third party if that means I’ll get a full pcb. Not digging the small still like the 3080fe as of now. But it does make things easier. 

Yea I'd prefer a fullsize PCB as well but it doesn't seem like we are getting much as far as details on AIB PCB's.

[bowrilla]

I find the FE cards to be a lot more interesting because of the shroter PCB. Will benefit ITX builds a lot. The reference PCB seems to be longer and AIBs usually go by bigger is better.

[Maticks]

Managed to pull out some supported cards.

 

EKWB seems to have a Block for the Founders 3080 and a Block for the Reference PCB.

 

ASUS ROG Strix 3080

ASUS TUF 3080

Gainward 3080 Phoenix 

Gainward 3080 Phoenix GS

 

Inno3D has cards but that brand is unlikely to be what people buy.

 

If pre-ordering and wanting to put a water block on it, it appears your choices are best to be one of these if you want an EKWB at this stage.

Think it is going to be hard to work out whats a Reference PCB on launch with stock levels if you want one now and don't preorder who knows if you will see stock till after Xmas.

 

From what i can see AIB's are using standard screw mounts, Founders Edition is using its own clip system over the top of the screws.

From Jayz video it looks like once you open this thing, selling it at a later stage with the stock cooler on it again might be limited experience.

It seems you might need to destroy it to unmount it. If thats important to you at a later stage an AIB might be best.