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MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming Review | 118 Data compared

Avg. price: ~£570
VRAM: 8 GB
Memory bus width: 256 bit
Thermal Design Power (TDP): 180 W

MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming review. Compare 118 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among graphics cards and if it is worth buying.

4.8

Poor

4.8

Poor

?

6.7
Gaming
Score components:
45.0%
?
Floating-point performance
25.0%
2.8
VRAM
20.0%
?
Ray tracing cores / units
10.0%
7.6
PCI Express (PCIe) version
6.0
Video editing
Score components:
35.0%
7.0
AV1 encode
30.0%
2.8
VRAM
20.0%
?
Floating-point performance
15.0%
7.6
PCI Express (PCIe) version
6.7
1080p
Score components:
55.0%
?
Floating-point performance
25.0%
2.8
VRAM
10.0%
?
Ray tracing cores / units
10.0%
7.6
PCI Express (PCIe) version
6.4
1440p
Score components:
50.0%
?
Floating-point performance
30.0%
2.8
VRAM
15.0%
?
Ray tracing cores / units
5.0%
7.6
PCI Express (PCIe) version
6.2
4K
Score components:
40.0%
?
Floating-point performance
35.0%
2.8
VRAM
20.0%
?
Ray tracing cores / units
5.0%
7.6
PCI Express (PCIe) version

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Best prices in UK

N/A~ £570

Best rankings

#82 in Best GTX Graphic Cards
#281 in Best MSI Graphic Cards
#505 in Best 8 GB Graphic Cards
#1469 in Best Graphic Cards For Video Editing
#1837 in Best Graphic Cards

Verdict

The MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming is a high-end graphics card featuring the NVIDIA Pascal architecture with 2560 CUDA cores and 8GB of GDDR5X memory on a 256-bit bus. It offers versatile performance through triple clock modes, including an OC Mode with a boost frequency of 1847 MHz and 10,108 MHz memory speeds. Its primary strengths lie in the Twin Frozr VI cooling system and TORX 2.0 fans, which ensure exceptionally quiet operation and low temperatures, even under heavy 4K or VR workloads. Major pros include a premium metal backplate, customizable RGB lighting, and a factory overclock that significantly outperforms the Founders Edition. However, its considerable width may present fitment issues in smaller cases, and some users found the proprietary Gaming App software slightly cumbersome for advanced tuning.

Technical Specifications of MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming

Overall score

4.8

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?

Popularity

What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the graphics card.

When it matters: When you prefer a graphics card that has already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.

Performance

3.2

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3DMark Time Spy benchmark score

What it is: Benchmark result from 3DMark Time Spy, a synthetic DirectX 12 test often used as a quick gaming-performance reference.

When it matters: When you need a fast rough performance sort before digging into game-specific reviews and frame-rate data.

Importance: LOW

?

3DMark Port Royal score

What it is: Benchmark result from 3DMark Port Royal, a synthetic test focused on ray tracing performance.

When it matters: When ray tracing matters in the games you actually play and you want one quick way to separate stronger and weaker RT cards.

Importance: LOW

?

PassMark (G3D) result

What it is: Overall GPU performance score in PassMark G3D benchmark

When it matters: When you need one broad score to sort cards into rough performance tiers.

Importance: LOW

?

PassMark (DirectCompute) result

What it is: PassMark score for DirectCompute performance tests

When it matters: When compute workloads matter alongside gaming performance.

Importance: LOW

?

Floating-point performance

What it is: Theoretical floating-point compute performance of the GPU.

When it matters: When rendering, AI, or heavy compute work needs strong single-precision throughput.

Importance: LOW

?

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Memory

4.4

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VRAM

What it is: Total video memory available on the graphics card

When it matters: When you play at high settings, use texture mods, or work with large creative projects.

Importance: HIGH

Memory type

What it is: Type of graphics memory used (GDDR6, HBM2e, etc.)

When it matters: When memory technology is part of the buying decision because it affects bandwidth class, power use, and product positioning.

Importance: LOW

GDDR5X

GDDR version

What it is: Generation of GDDR memory used by the graphics card.

When it matters: When you want to separate older memory generations from newer ones before comparing bandwidth, power behavior, and market tier.

Importance: LOW

Memory bus width

What it is: Width of the memory interface bus in bits

When it matters: When you care about steadier performance at higher resolutions, heavier texture settings, or ray-traced workloads that stress memory traffic.

Importance: HIGH

Maximum memory bandwidth

What it is: Maximum data transfer rate between GPU and its memory

When it matters: When 4K gaming, ray tracing, or creator work can choke a slower memory subsystem.

Importance: HIGH

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Platform & Features

6.0

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PCI Express (PCIe) version

What it is: Version of PCI Express interface supported

When it matters: When you are pairing the card with an older motherboard and want to avoid leaving bandwidth or future compatibility on the table.

Importance: LOW

PCIe lanes

What it is: Number of PCI Express lanes used for communication

When it matters: When limited lane width could bottleneck the card in some systems.

Importance: LOW

DirectX version

What it is: Highest supported DirectX API version

When it matters: When you play newer Windows games that depend on the latest graphics features.

Importance: LOW

?

Vulkan version

What it is: Highest supported Vulkan API version

When it matters: When modern games, emulators, or creative apps lean on Vulkan support.

Importance: LOW

?

OpenGL version

What it is: Highest supported OpenGL API version

When it matters: When older games or pro apps still depend on OpenGL compatibility.

Importance: LOW

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Connectivity & Media

8.2

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Max displays supported

What it is: Total number of external displays supported simultaneously

When it matters: When you run a multi-monitor desk for sim racing, trading, or editing.

Importance: LOW

Max digital resolution

What it is: Maximum supported digital display resolution

When it matters: When you plan to drive 4K or 8K panels at their native resolution.

Importance: LOW

?

DisplayPort outputs

What it is: Number of DisplayPort video outputs

When it matters: When your setup needs several high-refresh monitors without adapters.

Importance: LOW

DisplayPort version

What it is: Version of DisplayPort standard supported

When it matters: When your monitor setup depends on newer DisplayPort features for higher refresh rates, higher resolution, or better cable flexibility.

Importance: LOW

DisplayPort link rates

What it is: Supported data link rates for DisplayPort connections

When it matters: When you are pushing high resolution and refresh rate over DisplayPort.

Importance: LOW

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Power & Cooling

8.3

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Thermal Design Power (TDP)

What it is: Typical power consumption under full load (TDP)

When it matters: When you need a realistic idea of power draw before choosing a PSU or case.

Importance: MEDIUM

Power consumption while under peak load

What it is: Peak power draw of the graphics card under maximum load.

When it matters: When transient-heavy gaming loads could stress your power supply.

Importance: LOW

Recommended PSU wattage

What it is: Recommended wattage of the system power supply

When it matters: When you are checking whether your current power supply is enough.

Importance: LOW

Board power limit

What it is: Maximum configurable power limit for the GPU board

When it matters: When you care about how far the card can be pushed through tuning or factory power settings.

Importance: LOW

?

PCIe power spec

What it is: PCIe power delivery specification followed

When it matters: When you are checking whether the slot and external cables match the card's intended power-delivery standard.

Importance: LOW

?

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Design

7.8

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Size

What it is: Physical size of the GPU card

When it matters: When you need the card to fit a compact case without blocking nearby hardware.

Importance: LOW

?

Length

What it is: Physical length of the GPU card

When it matters: When front radiators or drive cages leave only limited GPU clearance.

Importance: LOW

Height

What it is: Physical height of the GPU card

When it matters: When side panels, brackets, or tight case layouts reduce vertical clearance.

Importance: LOW

Slot width

What it is: Number of PCIe slots occupied by the card

When it matters: When you need room for another PCIe card or better airflow under the GPU.

Importance: LOW

Weight

What it is: Total weight of the graphics card

When it matters: When sag, bracket support, or shipping stress matters in your build.

Importance: LOW

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MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming vs the average graphics card

Why is MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming better than the average graphics card?

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5.72x faster VRAM clock
MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming has a higher VRAM clock than the average graphics card (10010 MHz vs 1750 MHz). The average graphics card runs its VRAM at 1750 MHz.
What it is: Speed at which the GPU memory operates
When it matters: When you want more context on how quickly the card's VRAM can move data.
Importance: LOW
MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming has a higher VRAM clock than the average graphics card (10010 MHz vs 1750 MHz). The average graphics card runs its VRAM at 1750 MHz.10010 MHz vs 1750 MHz
23.1% lower PSU requirement
MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming has a lower PSU requirement than the average graphics card (500 W vs 650 W). The average graphics card has a PSU requirement of 650 W.
What it is: Recommended wattage of the system power supply
When it matters: When you are checking whether your current power supply is enough.
Importance: LOW
MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming has a lower PSU requirement than the average graphics card (500 W vs 650 W). The average graphics card has a PSU requirement of 650 W.500 W vs 650 W
1 more DVI outputs
MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming has more DVI outputs than the average graphics card (1 vs 0). The average graphics card has 0 DVI outputs.
What it is: Number of DVI display outputs available
When it matters: When you still use an older monitor that depends on DVI.
Importance: LOW
MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming has more DVI outputs than the average graphics card (1 vs 0). The average graphics card has 0 DVI outputs.1 vs 0
16.3% lower TDP
MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming has a lower TDP than the average graphics card (180 W vs 215 W). The average graphics card has a TDP of 215 W.
What it is: Typical power consumption under full load (TDP)
When it matters: When you need a realistic idea of power draw before choosing a PSU or case.
Importance: MEDIUM
MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming has a lower TDP than the average graphics card (180 W vs 215 W). The average graphics card has a TDP of 215 W.180 W vs 215 W
Supports multi-GPU linking
MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming supports multi-GPU linking, the average graphics card does not.
What it is: Supports NVIDIA SLI or AMD CrossFire multi-GPU setup
When it matters: When you still run legacy multi-GPU gaming or rendering workflows.
Importance: LOW
MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming supports multi-GPU linking, the average graphics card does not.
Supports NVLink
MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming supports NVLink, the average graphics card does not.
What it is: Supports NVIDIA NVLink or bridge connection for multi-GPU setups
When it matters: When a professional or niche multi-GPU workflow needs a bridge connection.
Importance: LOW
MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming supports NVLink, the average graphics card does not.
5.72x faster VRAM clock
MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming has a higher VRAM clock than the average graphics card (10010 MHz vs 1750 MHz). The average graphics card runs its VRAM at 1750 MHz.
Supports multi-GPU linking
MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming supports multi-GPU linking, the average graphics card does not.
Supports NVLink
MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming supports NVLink, the average graphics card does not.
1 more DVI outputs
MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming has more DVI outputs than the average graphics card (1 vs 0). The average graphics card has 0 DVI outputs.
23.1% lower PSU requirement
MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming has a lower PSU requirement than the average graphics card (500 W vs 650 W). The average graphics card has a PSU requirement of 650 W.
16.3% lower TDP
MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming has a lower TDP than the average graphics card (180 W vs 215 W). The average graphics card has a TDP of 215 W.

Platform & Features

Connectivity & Media

Power & Cooling

Why is MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming worse than the average graphics card?

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20 fewer compute units
MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming has fewer compute units than the average graphics card (20 vs 40). The average graphics card has 40 compute units.
37.2% lower pixel rate
MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming has a lower pixel rate than the average graphics card (103.7 GPixel/s vs 165.2 GPixel/s). The average graphics card has a pixel rate of 165.2 GPixel/s.
16.3% lower base clock speed
MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming has a lower base GPU clock than the average graphics card (1607 MHz vs 1920 MHz). The average graphics card has a base GPU clock of 1920 MHz.
24 fewer TMUs
MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming has fewer TMUs than the average graphics card (160 vs 184). The average graphics card has 184 TMUs.
47.3% slower memory speed
MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming has a lower effective memory speed than the average graphics card (10008 MHz vs 19000 MHz). The average graphics card reaches an effective memory speed of 19000 MHz.
4 GB less VRAM
MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming has fewer VRAM than the average graphics card (8 GB vs 12 GB). The average graphics card has 12 GB VRAM.
93.8% smaller L2 cache
MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming has fewer L2 cache than the average graphics card (2 MB vs 32 MB). The average graphics card has 32 MB L2 cache.
28.6% lower memory bandwidth
MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming has a lower memory bandwidth than the average graphics card (320 GB/s vs 448 GB/s). The average graphics card has a memory bandwidth of 448 GB/s.
62.5% smaller L1 cache
MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming has fewer L1 cache than the average graphics card (48 vs 128). The average graphics card has 128 L1 cache.
3.2x larger process node
MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming has a higher process node than the average graphics card (16 nm vs 5 nm). The average graphics card uses a process node of 5 nm.
Older PCIe version
MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming supports an older PCIe version than the average graphics card (3 vs 4.0).
7 older
MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming was released earlier than the average graphics card (2016 vs 2023).
No mesh shaders
MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming does not support mesh shaders, the average graphics card does.
Worse SAM support
MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming offers worse SAM support than the average graphics card (no vs yes).
Older encoder generation
MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming uses an older encoder generation than the average graphics card (4 vs 8). The average graphics card uses encoder generation 8.
No sampler feedback
MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming does not support sampler feedback, the average graphics card does.
67.1% fewer transistors
MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming has fewer transistors than the average graphics card (7200 million vs 21900 million). The average graphics card has 21900 million transistors.
No AV1 encoding
MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming does not support AV1 encoding, the average graphics card does.
No AV1 decoding
MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming does not support AV1 decoding, the average graphics card does.
No DSC support
MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming does not support DSC, the average graphics card does.
Older DisplayPort version
MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming supports an older DisplayPort version than the average graphics card (1.4 vs 1.4a).
Older HDMI version
MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming supports an older HDMI version than the average graphics card (2.0b vs 2.1).
Older HDCP version
MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming supports an older HDCP version than the average graphics card (2.2 vs 2.3).
1 fewer fans
MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming has fewer fans than the average graphics card (2 vs 3).
13 °C higher idle temperature
MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming has a higher idle temperature than the average graphics card (51 °C vs 38 °C). The average graphics card has an idle temperature of 38 °C.
5 °C higher load temperature
MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming has a higher load temperature than the average graphics card (72 °C vs 67 °C). The average graphics card has a load temperature of 67 °C.
13 mm higher card profile
MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming is taller than the average graphics card (140 mm vs 127 mm). The average graphics card has a height of 127 mm.
3.2x larger process node
MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming has a higher process node than the average graphics card (16 nm vs 5 nm). The average graphics card uses a process node of 5 nm.
What it is: Size of the manufacturing process in nanometers
When it matters: When process node differences may affect power, heat, and overall efficiency.
Importance: MEDIUM
MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming has a higher process node than the average graphics card (16 nm vs 5 nm). The average graphics card uses a process node of 5 nm.16 nm vs 5 nm
20 fewer compute units
MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming has fewer compute units than the average graphics card (20 vs 40). The average graphics card has 40 compute units.
What it is: Total number of shader multiprocessors or compute units
When it matters: When you want a better sense of the GPU's overall parallel hardware resources before relying on game benchmarks alone.
Importance: HIGH
MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming has fewer compute units than the average graphics card (20 vs 40). The average graphics card has 40 compute units.20 vs 40
1 fewer fans
MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming has fewer fans than the average graphics card (2 vs 3).
What it is: Total number of cooling fans
When it matters: When you compare cooler designs and want one more clue about thermal potential.
Importance: MEDIUM
MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming has fewer fans than the average graphics card (2 vs 3).2 vs 3
47.3% slower memory speed
MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming has a lower effective memory speed than the average graphics card (10008 MHz vs 19000 MHz). The average graphics card reaches an effective memory speed of 19000 MHz.
What it is: Effective memory data rate combining clock and bus width
When it matters: When you compare how quickly each card can push data through its memory subsystem.
Importance: MEDIUM
MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming has a lower effective memory speed than the average graphics card (10008 MHz vs 19000 MHz). The average graphics card reaches an effective memory speed of 19000 MHz.10008 MHz vs 19000 MHz
4 GB less VRAM
MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming has fewer VRAM than the average graphics card (8 GB vs 12 GB). The average graphics card has 12 GB VRAM.
What it is: Total video memory available on the graphics card
When it matters: When you play at high settings, use texture mods, or work with large creative projects.
Importance: HIGH
MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming has fewer VRAM than the average graphics card (8 GB vs 12 GB). The average graphics card has 12 GB VRAM.8 GB vs 12 GB
37.2% lower pixel rate
MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming has a lower pixel rate than the average graphics card (103.7 GPixel/s vs 165.2 GPixel/s). The average graphics card has a pixel rate of 165.2 GPixel/s.
What it is: Number of pixels the GPU can render per second
When it matters: When you play at high resolutions or care about older raster-heavy games.
Importance: MEDIUM
MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming has a lower pixel rate than the average graphics card (103.7 GPixel/s vs 165.2 GPixel/s). The average graphics card has a pixel rate of 165.2 GPixel/s.103.7 GPixel/s vs 165.2 GPixel/s
No AV1 encoding
MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming does not support AV1 encoding, the average graphics card does.
What it is: Supports hardware encoding of AV1 video codec
When it matters: When you stream or export video and want efficient AV1 encoding on the GPU.
Importance: LOW
MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming does not support AV1 encoding, the average graphics card does.No vs yes
Older PCIe version
MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming supports an older PCIe version than the average graphics card (3 vs 4.0).
What it is: Version of PCI Express interface supported
When it matters: When you are pairing the card with an older motherboard and want to avoid leaving bandwidth or future compatibility on the table.
Importance: LOW
MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming supports an older PCIe version than the average graphics card (3 vs 4.0).3.0 vs 4.0

Platform & Features

Connectivity & Media

Power & Cooling

Graphic comparison of MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming and

Attribute category

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Third-party reviews

What customers like about MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming?

Runs exceptionally cool and quiet thanks to the Twin Frozr VI thermal design
Significant performance lead over the Founders Edition (roughly 10% faster)
Zero Frozr technology allows fans to stay completely off during low loads for silent operation
High build quality with a rigid metal backplate for structural support
Customizable RGB lighting through the mature MSI Gaming App
Easily handles 1440p gaming at high refresh rates

What customers dislike about MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming?

Limited overclocking headroom due to factory-imposed power and voltage limits
One LED section (shroud claws) is permanently locked to red, limiting color coordination
Relatively large physical dimensions, particularly the PCB width, which may not fit in slim cases
Significantly higher power draw during gaming compared to the reference design
Originally launched with a high price premium over other custom variants

Expert reviews

techpowerup.com

13/06/2016

Summary of the review

MSI GTX 1080 Gaming X 8 GB Review

The TechPowerUp review of the MSI GTX 1080 Gaming X 8 GB highlights a well-engineered card featuring the quiet and efficient Twin Frozr VI cooler, along with a strong factory overclock for high-end gaming. Key benefits include exceptional noise management, 1440p/4K capability, and a robust, RGB-enabled design. Conversely, the card's increased width and height may complicate installation in smaller cases. Additionally, the high performance comes with increased power consumption, and maximum performance profiles require using the separate MSI Gaming App. YouTube

tomshardware.com

09/12/2016

Summary of the review

Nvidia GeForce GTX 1080 Graphics Card Roundup

The MSI GTX 1080 Gaming X 8G is a balanced, two-slot graphics card that offers a reliable factory overclock without breaking the bank. Weighing 1101g and stretching 11.2 inches long, it features a heavy internal stability frame and dual ball-bearing fans that extend the card's height to over 5 inches. Performance-wise, the card holds its GPU Boost frequency steadily around 1936 MHz during gaming loops after warm-up. The horizontal fin design effectively channels hot air toward the back bracket, allowing much of it to exhaust out of the PC case rather than warming internal components. Acoustic testing is a strong point, as the semi-passive profile keeps the fans off at idle, and they only reach a highly acceptable 34.7 dB(A) under load. However, the review highlights critical thermal and design trade-offs. The solid backplate lacks thermal pads, meaning it acts strictly as visual design and structural support rather than aiding heat dissipation. Because the fans spin slowly to prioritize low noise, airflow is limited over the VRAM. This results in uncomfortably high temperatures near a central memory module, reaching 187°F...

tech-critter.com

06/09/2016

Summary of the review

MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming X 8G Review - Tech Critter

The MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming X 8G features a custom Twin Frozr VI cooler with TORX 2.0 dual-ball-bearing fans and six 8mm thick copper heat pipes, delivering excellent cooling performance and near-silent operation. Built on Nvidia's 16nm Pascal architecture, the graphics card comes factory-overclocked with three distinct performance profiles—OC, Gaming, and Silent modes. It features an added 6-pin power connector alongside the standard 8-pin connector to provide an extra 75W of power for enhanced overclocking stability. Testing showed highly stable performance, with the card hitting a beefy 2136 MHz boost clock on the GPU core and reaching a maximum load temperature of only 72°C to 74°C under heavy stress. Structurally, it includes a matte metal backplate featuring a glossy MSI Gaming Dragon print to eliminate PCB sagging caused by the heavy heatsink. The graphics card has distinct advantages and drawbacks. Its pros include an exceptional level of build quality, good aesthetics with customizable RGB lighting effects via the MSI Gaming App, and a substantial amount of overclocking headroom. Furthermore, its cooling design operates quietly even when the fans are...

bit-tech.net

06/07/2016

Summary of the review

MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming X 8G Review | bit-tech.net

The MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming X 8G is a premium, dual-slot graphics card featuring a robust 8 PWM phase power design and Military Class 4 components. Measuring 279mm long and 140mm tall, its hefty 1.1kg weight is well-supported by a rigid, standard backplate. The card utilizes the Twin Frozr VI cooling system, which includes upgraded dual Torx 2.0 fans that turn off completely under 60°C, and dedicated cooling plates for the memory, MOSFETs, and VRMs. Performance-wise, users can use the MSI Gaming App to toggle between Silent Mode, Gaming Mode, and a full-speed OC Mode that clocks the core at 1,708MHz and boost at 1,847MHz. Pros and Cons Cons: Expensive pricing at £680/$720 due to currency changes and a lack of market competition; split software ecosystem requiring the Gaming App for RGB/overclocks instead of integrating into Afterburner; and a complete lack of physical accessories included in the box.

kitguru.net

01/07/2016

Summary of the review

MSI GTX 1080 Gaming X 8G RGB Review - KitGuru

The KitGuru review gives the MSI GTX 1080 Gaming X 8G a highly positive 9.0 rating out of 10, highlighting it as an incredibly attractive, premium-tier graphics card. Based on Nvidia's 16nm Pascal architecture, this custom model is uniquely equipped with a dual-fan Twin Frozr VI cooling setup—standing out against competitor triple-fan designs from ASUS and Gigabyte. The review praises its beautiful visual aesthetics, customizable RGB lighting, and custom software that offers three performance profiles: Silent, Gaming, and OC Mode. Out of the box, the card is overclocked to a 1,683MHz base and 1,823MHz boost clock, which can be further pushed to 1,709MHz base and 1,849MHz boost in the software’s fastest OC Mode. The core pros of this card center around its impressive Twin Frozr VI thermal design, which delivers a quiet acoustic performance under general conditions, and its strong factory overclocking headroom. Additionally, the introduction of 8GB of fast GDDR5X memory provides a 43% boost in bandwidth over older GDDR5 standards, making it highly capable for high-resolution gaming. On the cons side, the review notes that the red-and-black color...

guru3d.com

01/06/2016

Summary of the review

MSI GeForce GTX 1080 GAMING X 8G review

The MSI GeForce GTX 1080 GAMING X 8G review by Guru3D highlights a highly efficient, custom-designed graphics card built on NVIDIA's 16 nm FinFET Pascal architecture. Featuring the GP104-400-A1 GPU, the card is equipped with 2,560 CUDA cores and 8 GB of cutting-edge GDDR5X memory running on a 256-bit bus, enabling an effective data rate of 10 Gbps. The review emphasizes its exceptional 9.0 TFLOPS of single-precision floating-point performance, making it an excellent option for ultra-high-resolution gaming, multiple monitor configurations, and early high-dynamic-range (HDR) display ecosystems. Architecturally, it brings robust monitor connectivity upgrades like HDMI 2.0b and DisplayPort 1.4, which comfortably drive high-bandwidth audio and video streams. Pros and Cons Breakdown Pro: Outstanding 9.0 TFLOPS single-precision computing capability. Pro: Premium, custom TwinFrozr VI dual-fan cooler that offers passive, completely silent cooling under 60°C and shaves off roughly 10°C compared to NVIDIA's reference design. Pro: Highly efficient architecture that restricts maximum power draw to a low 180-Watt TDP while maintaining massive raw horsepower. Pro: Top-tier connectivity utilizing modern DisplayPort 1.4 and HDMI 2.0b standards for up to 8K output and HDR...

hardwarezone.com.sg

26/07/2016

Summary of the review

MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming Z review: Cool, fast, and quiet

The HardwareZone review of the MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming Z 8G details an aggressively pre-overclocked graphics card that sits at the top of MSI's product stack, outperforming the reference Founders Edition model. The prominent pros of this card include its impressive out-of-the-box performance boost, delivering a 164MHz factory overclock over the base clock of the Founders Edition and up to an 8% frame rate advantage in games like Hitman. Its Twin Frozr VI cooling system is highly praised as a massive thermal success, maintaining a peak temperature of just 68°C under load while running remarkably quiet. Hardware-wise, the card features an upgraded 10 phase power design and a custom PCB coupled with an extra 6-pin connector to safely deliver up to 300W of power. Visually, it stands out with a custom, correctly oriented, illuminated RGB MSI logo on its backplate that can sync with Mystic Light-compatible motherboards. On the downside, the card's prominent cons lie in its limited manual overclocking headroom; because the factory presets are already pushed so close to the architectural limits, reviewers could only squeeze out...

overclockers.com

26/07/2016

Summary of the review

MSI GTX 1080 Gaming Z 8G Video Card Review

The MSI GTX 1080 Gaming Z 8G, reviewed by Overclockers, is a premium Pascal-based card featuring the highly efficient Twin Frozr VI cooler, 8GB GDDR5X memory, and a robust 10-phase power design, making it ideal for high-resolution gaming. Its standout performance is complemented by aesthetic features like RGB lighting and a durable backplate, ensuring both speed and visual appeal. However, the card is quite large, with a 5-inch width that may cause fitting issues in smaller cases, and requires the MSI Gaming App to unlock its full factory overclocked potential. Additionally, despite the enhanced power delivery, manual overclocking yields minimal gains over the cheaper Gaming X model.

guru3d.com

18/07/2016

Summary of the review

MSI GeForce GTX 1080 GAMING Z 8G review

The MSI GeForce GTX 1080 GAMING Z 8G review highlights a flagship graphics card powered by Nvidia's Pascal architecture, utilizing a GP104-400 GPU built on 16 nm FinFET technology with 2,560 CUDA cores and 8 GB of GDDR5X memory. Guru3D emphasizes that this top-tier "Z" model comes factory-overclocked with a base clock of 1,771 MHz, which dynamically boosts and consistently hovers around the 2 GHz marker during operation. Performance-wise, the card delivers massive gains over previous generations, driving a 25% to 40% performance leap in Ultra HD over the standard GeForce GTX 980, while handily outperforming the GTX 980 Ti and Titan X. It is well-equipped for extreme configurations, featuring a 180W rated TDP supported by a 10-phase power design fueled via a combination of one 8-pin and one 6-pin PCIe power connector to provide ample overclocking headroom. A major highlight of this card is the TwinFrozr VI cooling system, which provides up to 600W of cooling performance and keeps the card completely silent by running in a passive mode (fans off) below 60°C. Even under intensive gaming stress, the...

digitalfoundry.net

17/07/2016

Summary of the review

MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming Z review: Living the 4K dream?

The MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming Z is a custom, factory-overclocked graphics card that delivers impressive performance close to the limits of Nvidia's GP104 Pascal architecture. Built on a custom PCB, it features MSI’s Twin Frozr 6 cooler with Torx 2 fan technology, which operates up to 35% quieter and 20% cooler than Nvidia's Founders Edition. The card includes an illuminated backplate, RGB lighting, and three out-of-the-box profiles: Silent, Gaming, and OC. In testing, manual adjustments pushing the GDDR5X memory clock to 11Gbps provided an additional 15% performance delta over reference clocks. This makes it one of the few single-chip options of its era capable of running demanding titles like Overwatch and Metal Gear Solid 5 at 4K resolution at or near 60 frames per second. A major advantage of this card is its stellar acoustic and thermal management, as it maintains temperatures between 70–75°C and runs quietly even under maximum stress. It provides a stable factory core overclock out of the box, eliminating the trial-and-error risks of manual core tuning. However, a primary downside is the card's significant price...

pcmag.com

12/07/2016

Summary of the review

MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming X 8G Review

The MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming X 8G is recognized as a high-performance, well-built graphics card suitable for 4K and VR, earning an Editors' Choice award for its superior thermal efficiency, quiet operation, and customizable RGB lighting. Powered by Pascal architecture, it offers significant performance gains over the Founders Edition, roughly 10% faster in DirectX 12, complemented by effective companion software. Key drawbacks include limited initial market availability pushing prices above the $719.99 MSRP and slightly lower performance compared to top-tier competitors. Additionally, the card features a design quirk where one LED remains locked on red, restricting full aesthetic customization. PCMag

bit-tech.net

06/07/2016

Summary of the review

MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming X 8G Review

The MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming X 8G is a high-performance graphics card designed for 1440p and 4K gaming, featuring the Twin Frozr VI cooler for exceptionally quiet and cool operation. In performance benchmarks, it is 22% faster than the GTX 1070 Strix and 35% faster than the GTX 980 Ti, trading blows with top-tier competitors like the EVGA GTX 1080 FTW. While it offers three software modes (OC, Gaming, and Silent), the review notes there is no tangible difference between them, with performance varying by less than 2% and power/thermal profiles remaining virtually identical across all settings. The card's primary strengths are its top-tier gaming speeds, near-silent acoustic profile, and high-quality build including RGB LEDs and a backplate. However, these benefits come at an "insane" price of nearly £700, resulting in poor "bang for buck" compared to lower-tier cards. Other drawbacks include higher power consumption than some rival GTX 1080 models and the inconvenience of using a separate application to control RGB lighting and clock modes rather than integrating them into MSI Afterburner. To help further

tweaktown.com

14/06/2016

Summary of the review

MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming X 8G - A Totally Silent ...

The MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming X 8G is a highly impressive custom graphics card that pairs NVIDIA's 16nm Pascal architecture with MSI's advanced Twin Frozr VI cooling system. Equipped with dual Torx 2.0 fans and a massive nickel-plated copper baseplate, the card delivers a premium, robust design featuring customizable RGB lighting and a durable backplate. Performance-wise, it pushes beyond the reference Founders Edition by offering three pre-overclocked profiles, maximizing out at an OC Mode base clock of 1708 MHz and a boost clock of 1847 MHz. Testing across synthetic benchmarks like 3DMark Fire Strike and demanding games at 1080p, 1440p, and 4K resolutions demonstrates that the card delivers lightning-fast frames and excellent VR readiness. Pros & Cons Pros: The absolute standout feature is its thermal and whisper-quiet acoustic performance; the Zero Frozr technology keeps the fans completely switched off under 60°C, and even under full benchmarking loads, it remains completely silent at a cool 66°C. It also outpaces the standard Founders Edition in raw gaming speed right out of the box. Cons: The primary drawback is its limited manual...

notebookcheck.net

13/12/2016

Summary of the review

MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming X 8G Review

The MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming X 8G is a premium, high-end desktop graphics card utilizing the GP104 Pascal architecture built on a 16 nm process. Featuring 2,560 shader units, a 256-bit memory bus, and 8 GB of GDDR5X VRAM, it offers three performance profiles via software, delivering a default Gaming Mode base clock of 1687 MHz and an OC Mode boost clock of 1847 MHz. In benchmarks, the card excels across the board, outpacing Nvidia's Founders Edition by roughly 5% and dominating AMD's R9 Fury by an average of 40% to 45% in synthetic and gaming tests. It effortlessly handles maximum settings at Full HD (staying above 100 fps) and delivers playable high-detail 4K gaming in most titles, except for extremely demanding games like Deus Ex Mankind Divided and Mafia 3. Pros and Cons Pros: Outperforms the Founders Edition due to factory overclocking. The Twin Frozr VI cooling system runs very quietly and remains entirely silent during idle tasks. Excellent thermal design, maintaining a safe maximum core temperature of 72 °C under stress. Highly robust build quality featuring a...

overclock3d.net

09/06/2016

Summary of the review

MSI GTX1080 Gaming X Review

The Overclock3D review praises the MSI GTX 1080 Gaming X for exceptional performance and the efficient Twin Frozr VI cooler, which keeps the card at 69°C under load with silent operation, offering a consistent 1930MHz boost clock. The card delivers performance close to SLI setups, with notable pros including its robust build and excellent out-of-the-box performance. However, the review identifies a significant aesthetic drawback: only the small, central Dragon logo offers RGB lighting, while the prominently red plastic shroud restricts build customization. This limited RGB implementation, despite the advertised capabilities, makes color matching challenging for users wanting a theme other than black and red.

uk.pcmag.com

02/08/2016

Summary of the review

MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming X 8G Review

The MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming X 8G is a premium, well-built graphics card that delivers outstanding performance for 4K gaming and virtual reality (VR) workloads. Built on Nvidia's "Pascal" architecture, this card outperforms the standard Founders Edition across various DirectX 11 and DirectX 12 gaming benchmarks, often yielding a 10% performance advantage in DX12 titles. It utilizes the highly refined Twin Frozr VI dual-fan cooling system, which includes "Zero Frozr" technology to keep the fans completely completely silent when the GPU temperature sits below 60 degrees Celsius. Additionally, the card comes with highly accessible software packages, including the MSI Gaming App for one-click overclocking presets (OC, Gaming, and Silent modes) and the Afterburner utility for deeper manual tuning up to a stable 2,025MHz. Key Pros & Cons Pro: Runs remarkably cool and quiet even under heavy load. Pro: Outperforms the Nvidia GTX 1080 Founders Edition. Pro: Includes mature, highly useful system-monitoring and overclocking software. Con: Suffered from poor market availability and supply shortages at launch. Con: One set of built-in fan LED lights is permanently locked to the colour...

laptopmedia.com

29/06/2016

Summary of the review

MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming X review

The MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming X stands out for its effective Twin Frozr VI cooling, maintaining 67-71°C, and near-silent, factory-overclocked performance (up to 1961 MHz) with Zero Frozr technology. Pros include excellent thermal management, RGB lighting, a sturdy backplate, and diverse operating modes. However, the card’s larger, non-reference PCB may limit installation in small cases, and manual overclocking headroom is somewhat restricted. Additional cons involve its premium pricing compared to the base GTX 1080 MSRP. YouTube

hexus.net

17/06/2016

Summary of the review

Review: MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming X

The HEXUS review of the MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming X highlights a premium, well-constructed card featuring the effective Twin Frozr VI cooler, which keeps the GPU under 69°C while running quietly. Operating on a custom PCB with 1,683MHz/1,822MHz (base/boost) speeds, it offers strong 4K performance and good overclocking potential over 2,000MHz. Conversely, the card is priced at a high £630 premium, and its factory overclock is relatively conservative compared to competitors. Additionally, the review notes that utilizing full overclocking presets and RGB control requires a separate, non-native MSI Gaming App.

pc-experience.de

13/01/2017

Summary of the review

MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming X 8G unboxed - PC-Experience

summary of the review: Review Summary The MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming X 8G is evaluated as an ultra-stable, high-end graphics card engineered with premium components that elevate it above standard reference models. Built on a massive 12-layer, flame-retardant FR5 PCB with a 10-phase PWM architecture (8 for the GPU, 2 for memory), it maximizes signal quality and provides robust power delivery that prevents the common annoyance of coil whine. Its innovative Twin Frozr VI cooling system features a semi-passive design that keeps the fans completely off under 50°C for silent operation during basic desktop tasks. Even under intense gaming workloads, the fans efficiently maintain cooling without producing disruptive noise, while its unique dust-removal feature reverses fan rotation at startup to clear away debris. However, the graphics card suffers from notable drawbacks given its premium price point. The packaging lacks essential accessories, missing a full game bundle, physical adapters, and a comprehensive instruction manual, leaving users with only a basic pamphlet. At the time of testing, the hardware also lacked driver support for 4K Netflix streaming despite having the proper...

computerbase.de

12/08/2016

Summary of the review

GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming X im Test: MSI Twin Frozr VI trifft auf Pascal - ComputerBase

The MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming X is a highly capable custom graphics card built around Nvidia's Pascal (GP104) architecture. Structurally, it features a massive, outlandishly long and high custom PCB powered by a 10-phase power delivery system and a combination of 8-pin and 6-pin PCIe connectors capable of drawing up to 300W. In real-world performance tests like Rise of the Tomb Raider, the card sustains a stable clock speed of 1,873 MHz in its default "Gaming" mode and reaches 1,898 MHz in "OC" mode. While its out-of-the-box maximum clock speed of 1,924 MHz sits lower than many competitors—failing to break the 2 GHz barrier right away—it compensates with a distinct, highly custom configuration that features customizable RGB lighting. Pros and Cons Pros: Excellent Cooling Performance: The Twin Frozr VI cooling system utilizes six heatpipes and two massive 95mm fans to keep temperatures locked between a cool 68°C and 70°C under load. Zero-Noise Idle: The fans remain completely stationary during Windows idle tasks for completely silent operation. Versatile Silent Profile: Engaging the "Quiet" mode drops power usage by 15 watts...

gamestar.de

03/06/2026

Summary of the review

MSI Geforce GTX 1080 Gaming X 8G - Besser als die Founders Edition? - GameStar

The GameStar review identifies the MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming X 8G as a superior, factory-overclocked alternative to the Founders Edition, offering increased performance with its Twin Frozr VI cooler. The card demonstrates higher frame rates, such as 160 FPS in Battlefield 4 (Full HD), and features a sturdy backplate, though it is larger and requires higher power input than the reference design. Pros Superior cooling with lower noise levels via the Twin Frozr VI system. Higher factory overclocks resulting in improved gaming performance. Robust build quality including a custom backplate. Cons Significantly larger dimensions (width/height) than the reference card. Higher power consumption with a 8-pin + 6-pin connector requirement. Higher cost compared to the standard edition.

tomshardware.fr

29/03/2017

Summary of the review

Comparatif : 17 GeForce GTX 1080 et 1070 en test Le Comptoir du Hardware

This comprehensive Tom's Hardware review evaluates 17 custom variants of the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 and GTX 1080, assessing their out-of-the-box clock speeds, power consumption, acoustics, and cooling design efficiency under load. While the factory-overclocked models perform similarly in in-game frame rates, notable disparities emerge in hardware construction and thermal engineering. Elite models like the Gigabyte GTX 1080 Xtreme Gaming and KFA² GTX 1080 Hall of Fame (HoF) excel by offering highly efficient cooling solutions, rigid reinforcement, and custom double-phase power deliveries that sustain ultra-stable boost frequencies up to 2025 MHz under heavy loads. Additionally, models such as the MSI Gaming X series are praised as noise champions for delivering near-silent operation (around 34.7 dBA) due to their over-engineered axial fans and semi-passively controlled thermal designs. Conversely, several reviewed graphic cards suffer from pronounced engineering and aesthetic defects. The EVGA GTX 1080 FTW features a flawed structure where critical voltage regulator modules (VRMs) are trapped directly beneath the fan hubs where airflow is lowest, causing VRM temperatures to hit a critical 107°C and pushing neighboring, un-overclocked VRAM modules to an...

tech.everyeye.it

20/09/2016

Summary of the review

MSI GTX 1080 Gaming X 8G: recensione e video recensione Everyeye Tech

The MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming X 8G is a high-performance custom graphics card based on NVIDIA's Pascal architecture, which dominates the high-end consumer market against AMD's Polaris alternatives. This specific variant delivers enough processing power to effortlessly maximize gaming experiences at both Full HD (1080p) and 2K (1440p) resolutions. It is also capable of driving 4K gaming, though users will need to accept a few graphical compromises to maintain smooth frame rates at that ultra-high resolution. A major advantage of this custom MSI design is its thermal and acoustic efficiency, as it successfully maintains standard operating temperatures while keeping fan noise reduced to an absolute minimum. However, a significant drawback is its steep pricing, with the graphics card starting at a hefty retail cost of approximately €850. In summary, while the card offers top-tier gaming performance, quiet acoustics, and excellent cooling, its premium price tag presents a substantial barrier to entry for budget-conscious users.

laptopmedia.com

29/06/2016

Summary of the review

MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming X review – silence, high performance and factory overclock

The LaptopMedia review of the MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming X highlights exceptional thermal control and acoustic performance, featuring the Twin Frozr VI cooler that keeps temperatures at 67–69°C under load with virtually silent operation. The card offers impressive performance, including a stable 1961 MHz factory overclock and robust MSI Gaming App software, though some users may experience limited headroom for manual overclocking beyond 2.1 GHz. Key strengths include the Zero Frozr fan technology and high-quality construction, while noted drawbacks include an exceptionally hot backplate and an unexplained, hidden second power connector. The review concludes that the card offers a superior balance of silence and power, despite the minor design constraints.

multiplayer.it

06/07/2016

Summary of the review

MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming X 8G - Recensione

The MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming X 8G is a premium custom graphics card built on NVIDIA’s 16nm Pascal architecture (GP104 chip) that delivers exceptional performance jumps over the previous Maxwell generation. Equipped with 2560 CUDA cores, 8GB of fast GDDR5X memory, and a factory-overclocked boost clock reaching up to 1847 MHz, this GPU outperforms a dual GTX 980 SLI setup. In real-world gaming benchmarks at 1440p resolution, it easily maintains ultra-smooth framerates, exceeding 60 FPS in demanding titles like The Witcher 3 and Rise of the Tomb Raider, and hitting over 80 FPS in GTA V. It also handles 4K gaming remarkably well, keeping demanding multiplayer experiences like The Division comfortably above 30 FPS at very high settings. A major pro of this card is its redesigned Twin Frozr VI cooling system, featuring wider dual 100mm fans that improve airflow by 22% and lower full-load temperatures to a chilly 73°C—a 10°C drop compared to the Founders Edition. The card remains completely silent during light gaming or idle tasks as the fans shut off entirely below 60°C. On the downside,...

laptopmedia.com

29/06/2016

Summary of the review

MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming X review – stilte, hoge prestaties en fabrieksmatige overclock

The LaptopMedia review highlights the MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming X as a high-performance card featuring the Twin Frozr VI cooling system, which delivers efficient, near-silent operation under 70°C. It boasts exceptional 1440p and 4K performance, with a pre-installed app enabling a factory overclock to 1961 MHz, alongside a solid, RGB-lit design. While offering strong performance, the review notes that the card has limited manual overclocking headroom beyond 2.1 GHz and features a mysterious, unexplained power connector under the backplate. Overall, the review validates the card for its superior balance of cooling and speed.

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