Top 6 best GTX 1080 Ti Graphics Card of 2019

6. MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Ti Gaming X 11G OC

We first received the MSI GeForce GTX 1080 TI Gaming X 11G OC and was impressed with the packaging MSI provided and the massive fans mounted on top. And as typical of MSI, the instructions were abyssmal at best, however manageable. This GPU has everything it takes to be considered amongst the top 1080TI GPU, except it’s strange lighting. Fundamentally there are two LEDs and one of them is constantly red, but you can only change the other’s color. Which is strange…because why would you want this mismatched color scheme on your GPU?  Besides the lighting, the massive fans do a solid job keeping the GPU cool at all times even under stressful gaming situations.  And the software MSI packaged with the GPU is actually useful and can be displayed as an overlay while you’re in game, a useful feature we wish more GPU provides. MSI’s very own Afterburner overclocking software is best in the industry. Although there are more pros and cons, the $779 price tag leaves much to be desired.

Buy MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Ti Gaming X 11G OC for $759

5. MSI GeForce GTX 1080 TI DUKE 11G OC

This is the “grown-up” version of the Gaming X. It’s sharp looking, angular, all black, sleek/technological looking, has carbon fiber tattoos, triple fans, and doesn’t mess around when it comes to benchmark results.  This isn’t a replacement the Gaming X, instead it’s a standalone version with unique features that sets it apart from other cards on this list including the Gaming X, also from MSI. Released around May of 2017, MSI introduced one of the thinnest and sleekest profile 1080ti graphics card on the market. The Duke is one of the coolest running card on this list with it’s massive 8mm heatpipes that connect with a reinforced plate that acts both as a extended heat-sink AND prevent the card from flexing. It’s an impressive card that’s clearly optimized for the best possible cooling and it’s thin profile allows it to be SLI configured even in smaller rigs. Despite the performance, the RGB lighting was a complete disappointment. The only thing that lights up is the “DUKE” lettering…that’s it. So if you’re on the market for a card to compliment all the other cool RGB parts in your rig, you will be sorely disappointed. But if you’re looking for a high performing card that’s slim profile and has amongst the best cooling of any 1080ti on the market, this is for you.

Current best is $739 no tax + free shipping

4. EVGA GTX 1080 Ti SC2

The old mantra was that the louder it was, the more horsepower it was likely to be delivering. For GPU in modern age, noise level is no longer a good measurement of performance. The EVGA GTX 1080 Ti SC2 is easily one of the quietest 1080 TI GPU on the market and also delivers the power.

The clocking speeds of the EVGA GTX places the GPU in the mid-range of the 1080 Ti lineup.  While it’s ahead many other mid-range models, compared to the ROG or Aorus 1080 Ti, the EVGA still lags in performance. The SC2 comes with 1556MHz base clock speed and a boost frequency of 1670MHz. Its memory comes in at 11016MHz.

The standout feature of the EVGA GTX 1080 Ti SC2 is its iCX cooling system which consists of 9 thermal sensors (allowing constant temperature monitoring), redesigned airflow chambers (for efficient heat dissipation), and independently-controlled vents. The EVGA GTX 1080 Ti SC2 can turn the cooler off completely when not in use. It can also turn the cooler on and adjust speeds independently depending on data fed by the 9 thermal sensors. All this comes together to deliver precise cooling and whispering quiet operation.

If noise level has always been your gripe, the EVGA GTX 1080 Ti SC2 is the GPU for you.

Buy EVGA GTX 1080 Ti SC2 for $720

3. Gigabyte GeForce GTX 1080 Ti Waterforce Xtreme Edition 11G

Coming on 3rd place is The Aorus Waterforce is a GTX 1080 Ti.  The Aorus’ self-contained liquid cooling was designed for gamers who absolutely can’t tolerate noise (even quieter than the EVGA SC2). The Aorus’ GPU has some pretty RGB lighting built in and a water block attached. There are also a flexible 120mm tubes connected to the radiator/fan assembly for rapid heat dissipation out of your case. Priced at $819 you’re shelling out a lot for the silent performance. Our conclusion is that it’s a great GPU and practically unnoticeable when operating, however the price tag puts this GPU out of reach for the average gamer. Another nice bonus of the Aorus is that all of the heat gets funneled to the radiator instead of being internally stored like other traditional Fan-cooled GPU. The Aorus is definitely not for everyone, but for those who can afford it, the performance paired with the silent performance is the best money can buy at the moment.

Buy Gigabyte GeForce GTX 1080 Ti Waterforce Xtreme Edition 11G for $849

2. ZOTAC GTX 1080 Ti AMP Extreme

If style and swag are your priorities, then ZOTAC just engineered the perfect GPU just for you!

Having a length of 325mm, this GPU takes the prize for being the largest GTX 1080 Ti on the market. The yellow accents mixed with mostly matte black casing adds a unique styling. The back plate reveals Zotac’s PowerBoost chips – an engineering marvel and also a bit of a show-off display to demonstrate the power hidden within this GPU. The styling and engineering of the Zotac is industrious, heavy in the hand, and overall you get a sense of quality just from the weight and sturdy construction.

Aesthetics aside, the Zotac isn’t just a beautiful graphics card, it also delivers on performance. It hits the gate running at 1645MHz base clock and goes up to 1759MHz boosted, and its build permits some heavy overclocking.

After our review, it’s clear that the ZOTAC wasn’t built for the average consumer. It was built for the type of gamer/entrepreneur that doesn’t take no for an answer and doesn’t compromise. If you require both raw performance, beauty, and engineering wonder, look no further than the Zotac GTX 1080 Ti AMP Extreme. Currently priced at $770, it’s not a bad buy considering what you get for it.

Buy ZOTAC GTX 1080 Ti AMP Extreme for $770

1. Asus ROG Strix GeForce GTX 1080 Ti OC Edition

And our favorite GPU…is the Asus ROG Strix GeForce GTX 1080 Ti OC Edition.

Asus built a GPU that speaks to it’s users on many level. It’s wicked fast, beautiful to gaze at (especially through glass tower), and thanks to Asus’ proprietary Fan technology, able to run at barely a whisper. Priced at $779 the Asus Strix isn’t exactly friendly on the wallet. However it backs up the high price tag with hard to miss features such as two 3-pin fan connectors on GPU allow temp to dictate speed of case fans. Another unique feature is if you already have an Asus Motherboard with RGB lightning, you can synchronize it with the Asus Strix. It’s matted black on both sides, have beautiful RGB lights, can play GTA 5 on ultra on 4K display at 80+ FPS without a hitch, and comes from a brand that’s known for making quality parts and provide exceptional customer service.

The Asus ROG Strix GeForce GTX 1080 Ti OC Edition isn’t cheap, however it’s one of our favorite because it has the highest value right out of the box compared to other models in that price range.

Buy Asus ROG Strix GeForce GTX 1080 Ti OC Edition for $755