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The Gigabyte AORUS GeForce GTX 1080 Ti Waterforce WB Xtreme Edition 11G is a 2017 graphics card for a custom open-loop liquid-cooling system. Its factory-installed full-cover water block cools the GPU, memory and other critical components, but the card does not include a pump, reservoir, radiator, tubing or coolant. Gigabyte lists the model as legacy, so buyers are most likely to encounter used cards or remaining stock.
What launched, and how is the WB model different?
AORUS announced two liquid-cooled GTX 1080 Ti models worldwide on June 26, 2017. The Waterforce WB Xtreme Edition 11G is the open-loop card; the separate Waterforce Xtreme Edition 11G uses a sealed all-in-one cooler. AnandTech reported the formal announcement on June 30, 2017, noting that Gigabyte had not announced launch pricing at that time (AnandTech).
The exact open-loop model is GV-N108TAORUSX WB-11GD. Gigabyte’s product page marks it “Legacy,” which means it is not a current-generation retail card (Gigabyte specifications).
Does the WB card need a custom water loop?
Yes. “WB” identifies a water-block version intended to connect to a user-built loop, not an included radiator assembly. Its pre-installed full-cover block has a copper base plate that directly cools the GPU, VRAM and other vital components. The loop still needs a pump, reservoir, radiator, tubing, coolant and compatible fittings. If you want a simpler installation without assembling an open loop, the non-WB Waterforce Xtreme Edition is the distinct closed-loop alternative; it includes a sealed all-in-one radiator.
#1 Best Overall
- Core Clock (MHz): 1746 in OC Mode and 1721 in Gaming Mode
- WATERFORCE All-in-one Cooling System. Built for Extreme Overclocking 12+2 Power Phases
- Integrated with 11GB GDDR5X 352-bit memory interface
- RGB fusion – 16.8M customizable color lighting
- Advanced Copper Back Plate Cooling
What are the card’s specifications?
| Specification | Gigabyte AORUS GTX 1080 Ti Waterforce WB Xtreme Edition 11G |
|---|---|
| GPU | GeForce GTX 1080 Ti; 3,584 CUDA cores |
| Memory | 11GB GDDR5X, 352-bit interface |
| Core clock | Gaming mode: 1,607 MHz base / 1,721 MHz boost; OC mode: 1,632 MHz base / 1,746 MHz boost |
| Memory clock | Gaming mode: 11,232 MHz; OC mode: 11,448 MHz |
| Interface | PCI Express 3.0 x16 |
| Power | Two 8-pin connectors; Gigabyte recommends a 600W PSU |
| Dimensions | 266.7 × 149.27 × 28.25 mm; ATX PCB |
| Cooling connection | G1/4-inch fittings; full-cover WATERFORCE block and copper back plate |
| Video outputs | 1 × dual-link DVI-D, 3 × HDMI 2.0b, 3 × DisplayPort 1.4 |
| Maximum digital resolution | 7,680 × 4,320; up to four views |
| Other features | RGB Fusion 2.0, AORUS VR Link, 12+2 power phases and metal back plate |
Specifications are from Gigabyte’s legacy product listing (Gigabyte product page). Gigabyte also advertised a four-year AORUS Care claim subject to online registration requirements; confirm applicable terms for the card and region rather than assuming coverage transfers with a used purchase.
What fittings, power supply and case space does it require?
- Fittings: The block uses G1/4-inch ports. Select fittings that match both the block’s ports and the tubing or hardline used in the rest of the loop.
- Power supply: Provide two 8-pin PCIe power connectors. Gigabyte’s recommended PSU capacity is 600W; this is the manufacturer’s recommendation, not a guarantee that every system with a 600W unit is adequate. Account for the CPU, other components and PSU quality.
- Physical clearance: The card is 266.7 mm long and 28.25 mm high. Check case clearance and nearby-slot access, plus space and mounting support for the loop’s radiator, pump and reservoir.
- Loop components: The GPU block alone is not a cooling system. Plan a complete loop and confirm that the block’s port orientation works with your tubing route.
Which water blocks are listed as compatible?
EKWB lists the exact card model, GV-N108TAORUSX WB-11GD revision 1.0, as compatible with the EK-FC1080 GTX Ti Aorus RGB – Nickel full-cover block and the EK-FC1080 GTX Ti Aorus Backplate – Black. EKWB marks both entries end-of-life (EOL), so treat them as used or remaining-stock leads and verify the card revision before buying (EKWB cooling configurator).
Rank #2
- Core Clock (MHz): 1708/1594 (Boost/Base) in OC Mode and 1683/1569 (Boost/Base) in Gaming Mode
- WINDFORCE Stack 3X 100mm Fan Cooling System with Advanced Copper Back Plate Cooling
- RGB Fusion – 16.8M customizable color lighting
- Protection Metal Back Plate
- Built for Extreme Overclocking 12+2 Power Phases
Watercool’s HEATKILLER compatibility table also names this exact card as compatible with its custom-loop products (Watercool compatibility table). Compatibility listings do not establish that parts are currently sold or that a particular used block is in good condition.
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Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →How does VR Link affect display connections?
AORUS VR Link adds a front-facing HDMI connector, allowing a headset to stay connected while rear display outputs are in use. The GTX 1080 Ti’s display controller limits simultaneous output use to four displays. In VR mode, the DVI-D port is excluded; users can select from the card’s three DisplayPort and three HDMI connections, including the front-facing VR Link HDMI (AnandTech).
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Built-in GeForce GTX 1050 Ti with 4GB GDDR5 128bit memory. custom-designed 90mm fan cooler
- New NVIDIA pascal architecture delivers improved performance and power efficiency
- Supports for the latest DirectX 12 Features
- Model Name: GTX1050TI 4GB GPU
- Product Warranty: 1 Year
Rank #4
- Real Base Clock: 1480 MHz/Real Boost Clock: 1582 MHz; Memory Detail: 11264MB GDDR5X
- The EVGA GeForce GTX 1080 Ti is the latest addition to the ultimate gaming platform, this card is packed with extreme horsepower, next-gen 11 Gbps GDDR5X memory, and a massive 11 GB frame buffer
- What you see is what you get! - No additional software required to achieve listed clock speeds
- DX12 OSD Support with EVGA Precision XOC,3 Year Warranty & EVGA's 24/7 Technical Support
- Operating System Support:Windows 10 32/64bit,Windows 8 32/64bit,Windows 7 32/64bit
Rank #3
- 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.
What should a used-card buyer verify?
- Match the full model number, including the WB designation, and check the PCB revision against any replacement block’s compatibility listing.
- Ask whether the card has been used in a loop, how it was stored, and whether the block or fittings show corrosion, residue or signs of leakage.
- Confirm that the block is intact and that its ports, screws and back plate are present; replacement parts may be difficult to source because listed EKWB components are EOL.
- Price the card together with any missing loop hardware. A WB card may require substantially more than the GPU purchase to become usable.
- Do not treat a marketplace asking price as the launch MSRP or a reliable current valuation. AnandTech reported no announced launch price in June 2017; a Walmart Marketplace listing once displayed USD 1,029, but that seller price is volatile and requires a live check (Walmart Marketplace search).
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.
