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The ASUS GTX 1080 STRIX OC, EVGA GTX 1080 Superclocked, and Gigabyte GTX 1080 G1 Gaming use the same core GPU and 8GB of GDDR5X memory, but differ in factory clocks, cooler and slot design, power connectors, and physical fit. In HotHardware’s August 26, 2016 roundup, ASUS had the highest listed boost clock at 1936MHz; EVGA’s original SC was a two-slot card; and Gigabyte’s G1 used a three-fan Windforce cooler. For a used card today, confirm the exact model and condition before treating any of those launch-era comparisons as a buying verdict.
Which custom GTX 1080 is best: ASUS STRIX, EVGA SC, or Gigabyte G1?
There is no single best choice for every build. The ASUS STRIX OC leads the original comparison on listed factory boost clock and has a large 2.5-slot cooler. EVGA’s original Superclocked model is a two-slot, dual-fan design that HotHardware described as very quiet during its test. Gigabyte’s G1 Gaming uses Windforce 3X cooling. Your case clearance, available PCIe power plugs, noise priorities, and the condition of the specific used card may matter more than the clock difference.
HotHardware’s 2016 roundup compares these original models and records their launch-era specifications. Those historical MSRPs are not current used-market prices.
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Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →| Card | Base / boost clock | Memory | Historical MSRP | Design notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EVGA GeForce GTX 1080 Superclocked | 1708 / 1847MHz | 8GB GDDR5X | $649 | ACX 3.0 dual fans, full-length backplate, one 8-pin connector |
| ASUS GeForce GTX 1080 STRIX OC | 1759 / 1936MHz | 8GB GDDR5X | $799 | 2.5-slot cooler, three fans, RGB/Aura Sync lighting |
| Gigabyte GeForce GTX 1080 G1 Gaming | 1721 / 1860MHz | 8GB GDDR5X | $649 | Windforce 3X cooler, RGB lighting |
All three original cards use NVIDIA’s GP104 GPU, 8GB of GDDR5X on a 256-bit memory interface, 320GB/s memory bandwidth, and a 180W TDP, according to the roundup. The partner card changes the board, cooler, factory clock, and features—not the underlying GPU family.
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- Item Package Dimension -10.699999989086L X 3.699999996226W X 2.49999999745H Inches
- Item Package Weight - 2.1495070545 Pounds
- Item Package Quantity - 1
- Product Type - Video Card
What is different about each GTX 1080?
ASUS GTX 1080 STRIX OC
The STRIX OC’s listed 1936MHz boost is the highest of the three original cards in HotHardware’s comparison. ASUS describes its cooler as a 2.5-slot design with a MaxContact copper spreader and three wing-blade fans. It also includes FanConnect II headers, Auto-Extreme manufacturing, and Aura Sync lighting. These are manufacturer-described features; a higher advertised boost clock does not guarantee that every card will sustain that frequency in every case.
Model names and revisions matter. NVIDIA’s specifications for a later 11Gbps ROG Strix variant list a 1721MHz base clock, 1860MHz boost, 11.1Gbps memory, one 6-pin plus one 8-pin connector, and a 2.5-slot design. Those figures describe that later variant, not the original STRIX OC row above.
EVGA GTX 1080 Superclocked and SC2
The original EVGA SC pairs ACX 3.0 dual fans with a full-length backplate and one 8-pin connector. HotHardware reported very quiet operation during its test, which is an observation about that review sample rather than a guarantee about aged or differently configured cards.
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Rank #2
- This Certified Refurbished product is tested and certified to look and work like new. The refurbishing process includes functionality testing, basic cleaning, inspection, and repackaging. The product ships with all relevant accessories, a minimum 90-day warranty, and may arrive in a generic box. Only select sellers who maintain a high performance bar may offer Certified Refurbished products on Amazon.com
- Real Base Clock: 1708 MHz / Real Boost Clock: 1847 MHz; Memory Detail: 8192MB GDDR5X
- Run Longer, Play Longer with EVGA "ACX 3.0" Cooling
- What you see is what you get! – No additional software required to achieve listed clock speeds
- DX12 OSD Support with EVGA Precision XOC. Operating System Support: Windows 10 32/64bit,Windows 8 32/64bit, Windows 7 32/64bit
EVGA’s later SC2 11Gbps model is a distinct design. NVIDIA lists it as a two-slot card with one 8-pin connector; its iCX sensors, asynchronous fan control, and Precision XOC monitoring distinguish it from the original SC. Check the complete model name rather than assuming SC and SC2 specifications are interchangeable.
Gigabyte GTX 1080 G1 Gaming and AORUS Xtreme
Gigabyte’s G1 Gaming uses Windforce 3X. Its product specification lists 1721MHz base and 1860MHz boost in OC mode, a 280mm length, one 8-pin connector, and a recommended 500W power supply. These specifications apply to the named G1 Gaming model.
The AORUS Xtreme is another Gigabyte GTX 1080, not the same card as the G1. Its product specification lists a 1936MHz boost in OC mode, three 100mm fans, a 293mm length, 55mm height, two 8-pin connectors, and a recommended 500W PSU. The longer, taller board and second power connector make exact fit and PSU checks especially important.
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- Real Base Clock: 1556 MHz/Real Boost Clock: 1670 MHz; Memory Detail: 11264MB GDDR5X. Redesigned cooling with L-shaped contact fins to improve contact surface area for better heat dissipation
- EVGA iCX Cooling - Delivering industry-leading cooling performance to your Graphics Card. Vulkan API
- Requirements-Minimum of a 600 Watt power supply. An available 6-pin PCI-E power connector and an available 8 pin PCI-E power connector.Total Power Draw- 250 Watts
- New vented heatsink fin design and pin fins for optimized airflow. An available 6-pin PCI-E power connector and an available 8 pin PCI-E power connector. Windows 10 32/64bit ,Windows 8 32/64bit, Windows 7 32/64bit
- DX12 OSD Support with EVGA Precision XOC. Stream extreme GeForce GTX PC gaming experiences to portable device like NVIDIA SHIELD with super-smooth, low-latency performance
Will a GTX 1080 fit my case and power supply?
Check the exact card’s length, height, thickness, and power connectors against your case and PSU. A card can fit by length but still collide with a drive cage, side panel, neighboring expansion card, or power cable. Slot thickness also affects whether adjacent slots remain usable.
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- Slot room: The ASUS STRIX OC and AORUS Xtreme are 2.5-slot designs, so allow more adjacent-slot space than a two-slot card such as the later EVGA SC2.
- Length and height: Gigabyte specifies 280mm length for G1 Gaming and 293mm length plus 55mm height for AORUS Xtreme. The original EVGA SC and ASUS STRIX dimensions are not stated in the cited roundup specifications; check the exact card’s specification page or measure the available case space.
- Power plugs: Original EVGA SC uses one 8-pin connector; Gigabyte G1 Gaming uses one 8-pin; AORUS Xtreme requires two 8-pin connectors. NVIDIA’s later ROG Strix 11Gbps specification calls for one 6-pin and one 8-pin.
- PSU capacity: Gigabyte recommends a 500W PSU for both G1 Gaming and AORUS Xtreme. Verify your PSU has the required native PCIe connectors and adequate capacity for the rest of your system; do not choose by wattage alone.
For a used listing, compare its photos and full model number with the manufacturer specification. Confirm that the seller includes any required power adapter, and check the return policy and warranty terms before purchase.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How should I compare cooling, noise, and case airflow?
More fans or a larger heatsink can support cooling, but they do not by themselves establish how quiet a card will be in your build. Noise and temperature depend on the card’s condition, fan curve, workload, and case airflow. NVIDIA notes that most custom cards exhaust heat into the chassis rather than directly out of it, and recommends tidy cable routing and additional case fans where needed.
Rank #4
- Item Package Dimension- 12.9133858136L x 6.9291338512W x 3.7401574765H inches
- Item Package Quantity - 1
- Product Type - Video Card
- Accessories may not be original but will be compatible and fully functional. Product may come in generic box.
That means a high-airflow cooler still transfers heat to the rest of the system. Keep intake and exhaust paths clear, avoid blocking the card’s fans, and account for the added heat when assessing CPU and case temperatures.
What should I prioritize when buying a used GTX 1080?
- Identify the precise revision. Distinguish original cards from later 11Gbps variants and suffixes such as EVGA SC2 or Gigabyte AORUS Xtreme; their memory, clocks, connectors, and dimensions can differ.
- Check fit and plugs before price. Measure case clearance and confirm the PSU has the connectors the exact card requires.
- Assess condition and seller terms. Ask about fan operation, physical damage, included accessories, warranty coverage, and return options. A used card’s cooler wear and operating condition can outweigh modest launch-era clock differences.
- Choose features you will use. RGB lighting, fan-stop behavior, sensor telemetry, and software controls may be worthwhile if appearance, acoustics, or monitoring matter to you.
The roundup and cited product specifications describe launch-era models and later manufacturer-listed variants; they do not establish current inventory, market pricing, or the condition of any particular used listing.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
