MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming Review | 118 Data compared
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SPECS
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MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming Review | 118 Data compared

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  • 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 this product ranks in the Graphics cards category and whether it is worth buying.

5.4

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the graphics card's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best graphics cards on the market.

Score components:

90.0%

5.4

Technical Score

10.0%

?

User score

Good
5.4

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of technical performance for products in the Graphics cards category across these key areas: Performance, Memory, Platform & Features, Connectivity & Media, Power & Cooling, Design.

When it matters: When you want to compare graphics cards based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

44.0%

3.9

Performance

24.0%

5.0

Memory

12.0%

8.2

Power & Cooling

11.0%

7.3

Platform & Features

5.0%

7.8

Design

4.0%

8.7

Connectivity & Media

Good
?

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the graphics card.

When it matters: When you want to understand how a graphics card performs in real use and how reliable it is in terms of performance, temperatures, noise, stability, and long-term ownership.

Score components:

70.0%

?

User reviews

30.0%

?

Popularity

  • 3.2
    Gaming

    Score components:

    45.0%

    2.2

    Floating-point performance

    25.0%

    4.9

    VRAM

    20.0%

    1.0

    Ray tracing cores / units

    10.0%

    7.6

    PCI Express (PCIe) version

  • 5.5
    Video editing

    Score components:

    35.0%

    7.0

    AV1 encode

    30.0%

    4.9

    VRAM

    20.0%

    2.2

    Floating-point performance

    15.0%

    7.6

    PCI Express (PCIe) version

  • 3.3
    1080p

    Score components:

    55.0%

    2.2

    Floating-point performance

    25.0%

    4.9

    VRAM

    10.0%

    1.0

    Ray tracing cores / units

    10.0%

    7.6

    PCI Express (PCIe) version

  • 3.1
    1440p

    Score components:

    50.0%

    2.2

    Floating-point performance

    30.0%

    4.9

    VRAM

    15.0%

    1.0

    Ray tracing cores / units

    5.0%

    7.6

    PCI Express (PCIe) version

  • 3.2
    4K

    Score components:

    40.0%

    2.2

    Floating-point performance

    35.0%

    4.9

    VRAM

    20.0%

    1.0

    Ray tracing cores / units

    5.0%

    7.6

    PCI Express (PCIe) version

  • No image
No image

Best prices in UK

    N/A~ £570

Best rankings

?

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

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 graphics card MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of technical performance for products in the Graphics cards category across these key areas: Performance, Memory, Platform & Features, Connectivity & Media, Power & Cooling, Design.

When it matters: When you want to compare graphics cards based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

44.0%

?

Performance

24.0%

?

Memory

12.0%

?

Power & Cooling

11.0%

?

Platform & Features

5.0%

?

Design

4.0%

?

Connectivity & Media

5.4
MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming has a technical score of 5.43 points, which is lower than that of 78% of products in this category.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the graphics card.

When it matters: When you want to understand how a graphics card performs in real use and how reliable it is in terms of performance, temperatures, noise, stability, and long-term ownership.

Score components:

70.0%

0.0

User reviews

30.0%

1.0

Popularity

?
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.
1.0
MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming has a popularity of 1 points, which is lower than 57.7% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the graphics card's overall rating with its cost.

When it matters: When you are looking for a graphics card that offers a strong balance of performance, features, and price.

Score components:

60.0%

5.4

Overall score

40.0%

7.5

Price

6.1
MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming has a quality-to-price ratio of 6.1 points, which is lower than 85.9% of products in this category.
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

7,213 points
MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming scores 7,213 points in 3DMark Time Spy, which is lower than 80.1% of graphics cards.
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

1,800 points
MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming scores 1,800 points in 3DMark Port Royal, which is lower than 80% of graphics cards.
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

12,406 points
MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming scores 12,406 points in PassMark G3D, which is lower than 80.6% of graphics cards and equal to 0.2% of graphics cards.
PassMark (DirectCompute) result
What it is: PassMark score for DirectCompute performance tests
When it matters: When compute workloads matter alongside gaming performance.

Importance: LOW

7,611 points
MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming scores 7,611 points in PassMark DirectCompute, which is lower than 72.5% of graphics cards and equal to 0.2% of graphics cards.
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

8.87 TFLOPS
MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming delivers 8.87 TFLOPS floating-point performance, which is lower than that of 77.9% of graphics cards and equal to that of 0.2% of graphics cards.
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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

8 GB
MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming has 8 GB of VRAM, which is less than 57.5% of graphics cards and equal to 25.1% of graphics cards.
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

GDDR5X
MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming uses GDDR5X memory, which is older than on 84.2% of graphics cards and equal to 1.6% of graphics cards.
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

256 bit
MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming uses a 256 bit memory bus, which is wider than that of 49.7% of graphics cards and equal to that of 35.9% of graphics cards.
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

320 GB/s
MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming reaches 320 GB/s memory bandwidth, which is lower than that of 66.4% of graphics cards and equal to that of 3.1% of graphics cards.
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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

3.0
MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming supports PCIe 3.0, which is older than on 77.7% of graphics cards and equal to 20.3% of graphics cards.
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

x16
MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming uses x16 PCIe lanes, which is more than 23.4% of graphics cards and equal to 76.6% of graphics cards.
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

12.1
MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming supports DirectX 12.1, which is older than on 77.4% of graphics cards and equal to 4.4% of graphics cards.
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

1.4
MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming supports Vulkan 1.4, which is more advanced than on 20.7% of graphics cards and equal to 79.3% of graphics cards.
vendor-name or prompt-tail contamination removed; Vulkan version unresolved.
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

4.6
MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming supports OpenGL 4.6, which is more advanced than on 1.9% of graphics cards and equal to 98.1% of graphics cards.
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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

4
MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming supports up to 4 displays, which is more than 8.3% of graphics cards and equal to 88.9% of graphics cards.
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

7680x4320
MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming supports a maximum digital resolution of 7680x4320, which is higher than that of 9% of graphics cards and equal to that of 91% of graphics cards.
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

3
MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming offers 3 DisplayPort outputs, which is more than 21% of graphics cards and equal to 76.8% of graphics cards.
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

1.4
MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming supports DisplayPort 1.4, which is older than on 80.6% of graphics cards and equal to 13.3% of graphics cards.
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

8.1 Gbps
MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming supports DisplayPort link rates up to 8.1 Gbps, which is slower than on 65% of graphics cards and equal to 22.7% of graphics cards.
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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

180 W
MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming has a TDP of 180 W, which is lower than that of 58.2% of graphics cards and equal to that of 4.1% of graphics cards.
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

250 W
MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming draws 250 W under peak load, which is higher than 56.8% of graphics cards and equal to 4.8% of graphics cards.
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

600 W
MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming recommends a 600 W PSU, which is lower than that of 54.3% of graphics cards and equal to that of 7.9% of graphics cards.
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

215 W
MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming has a board power limit of 215 W, which is lower than that of 54.4% of graphics cards and equal to that of 0.7% of graphics cards.
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

180 W
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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

279 x 140 x 42 mm
MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming measures 279x140x 42 mm, which is more compact than 63% of graphics cards and equal in size to 0.4% of graphics cards.
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

279 mm
MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming is 279 mm long, which is shorter than 54.2% of graphics cards and equal in length to 0.5% of graphics cards.
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

140 mm
MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming is 140 mm tall, which is taller than 79.3% of graphics cards and equal in height to 5.5% of graphics cards.
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

2 slot/s
MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming occupies 2 slot/s, which is slimmer than 53.4% of graphics cards and equal in width to 42.5% of graphics cards.
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

1,100 g
MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming weighs 1,100 g, which is heavier than 54.2% of graphics cards and equal in weight to 1.1% of graphics cards.
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MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming vs the average graphics card

  • Supports ECC memory
    MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming supports ECC memory, the average graphics card does not.
    What it is: Supports error-correcting code memory for higher reliability
    When it matters: When stability and error correction matter more than pure gaming value.

    Importance: LOW

    MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming supports ECC memory, the average graphics card does not.
  • 0.5 slot/s slimmer design
    MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming occupies fewer slots than the average graphics card (2 slot/s vs 2.5 slot/s). The average graphics card occupies 2.5 slot/s.
    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

    MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming occupies fewer slots than the average graphics card (2 slot/s vs 2.5 slot/s). The average graphics card occupies 2.5 slot/s.2 slot/s vs 2.5 slot/s
  • 2 more GPUs supported
    MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming supports more GPUs in multi-GPU mode than the average graphics card (2 vs 0). The average graphics card supports 0 GPUs in multi-GPU mode.
    What it is: Maximum number of GPUs supported in a multi-GPU setup
    When it matters: When you are planning a rendering or compute setup with more than one card.

    Importance: LOW

    MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming supports more GPUs in multi-GPU mode than the average graphics card (2 vs 0). The average graphics card supports 0 GPUs in multi-GPU mode.2 vs 0
  • 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
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • More compact card size
    MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming is more compact than the average graphics card (279x140x 42 mm vs 285x127x 52 mm). The average graphics card has a size of 285x127x 52 mm.
    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

    MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming is more compact than the average graphics card (279x140x 42 mm vs 285x127x 52 mm). The average graphics card has a size of 285x127x 52 mm.279x140 x 42 mm vs 285x127 x 52 mm
  • 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 ECC memory
    MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming supports ECC memory, the average graphics card does not.
  • 2 more GPUs supported
    MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming supports more GPUs in multi-GPU mode than the average graphics card (2 vs 0). The average graphics card supports 0 GPUs in multi-GPU mode.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 7.7% lower PSU requirement
    MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming has a lower PSU requirement than the average graphics card (600 W vs 650 W). The average graphics card has a PSU requirement of 650 W.
  • 0.5 slot/s slimmer design
    MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming occupies fewer slots than the average graphics card (2 slot/s vs 2.5 slot/s). The average graphics card occupies 2.5 slot/s.
  • More compact card size
    MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming is more compact than the average graphics card (279x140x 42 mm vs 285x127x 52 mm). The average graphics card has a size of 285x127x 52 mm.

Total
Memory
Platform & Features
Connectivity & Media
Power & Cooling
Design
  • 40 fewer ray tracing cores
    MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming has fewer ray tracing cores than the average graphics card (0 vs 40). The average graphics card has 40 ray tracing cores.
  • 26.3% lower boost clock speed
    MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming has a lower boost GPU clock than the average graphics card (1,847 MHz vs 2,505 MHz). The average graphics card has a boost GPU clock of 2,505 MHz.
  • 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.
  • 144 fewer AI cores
    MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming has fewer AI cores than the average graphics card (0 vs 144). The average graphics card has 144 AI cores.
  • 36.5% lower pixel rate
    MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming has a lower pixel rate than the average graphics card (103.7 GPixel/s vs 163.2 GPixel/s). The average graphics card has a pixel rate of 163.2 GPixel/s.
  • 60.7% lower FP32 performance
    MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming has a lower FP32 performance than the average graphics card (8.9 TFLOPS vs 22.57 TFLOPS). The average graphics card has FP32 performance of 22.57 TFLOPS.
  • 27.3% lower texture rate
    MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming has a lower texture rate than the average graphics card (277.3 GTexel/s vs 381.2 GTexel/s). The average graphics card has a texture rate of 381.2 GTexel/s.
  • 16.3% lower base clock speed
    MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming has a lower base GPU clock than the average graphics card (1,607 MHz vs 1920 MHz). The average graphics card has a base GPU clock of 1920 MHz.
  • 45.2% lower PassMark score
    MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming has a lower PassMark score than the average graphics card (12,406 points vs 22,653 points). The average graphics card has a PassMark score of 22,653 points.
  • 80.4% lower ray tracing score
    MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming has a lower ray tracing score than the average graphics card (1,800 points vs 9,166 points). The average graphics card has a ray tracing score of 9,166 points.
  • 50.9% lower gaming score
    MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming has a lower gaming score than the average graphics card (7,213 points vs 14,678.5 points). The average graphics card has a gaming score of 14,678.5 points.
  • 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.
  • 99.5% lower FP16 performance
    MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming has a lower FP16 performance than the average graphics card (0.1 TFLOPS vs 29.725 TFLOPS). The average graphics card has FP16 performance of 29.725 TFLOPS.
  • 61.4% lower compute throughput
    MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming has a lower compute throughput than the average graphics card (8.9 TFLOPS vs 22.98 TFLOPS). The average graphics card has compute throughput of 22.98 TFLOPS.
  • 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.
  • 47.3% slower memory speed
    MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming has a lower effective memory speed than the average graphics card (10,008 MHz vs 19,000 MHz). The average graphics card reaches an effective memory speed of 19,000 MHz.
  • 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.
  • 91.7% smaller L2 cache
    MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming has fewer L2 cache than the average graphics card (2 MB vs 24 MB). The average graphics card has 24 MB L2 cache.
  • 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.
  • No DLSS support
    MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming does not support DLSS, the average graphics card does.
  • No ray tracing
    MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming does not support ray tracing, the average graphics card does.
  • 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).
    May 2016
  • No AI upscalers
    MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming does not support AI upscalers, the average graphics card does.
  • No mesh shaders
    MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming does not support mesh shaders, the average graphics card does.
  • 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.
  • Worse SAM support
    MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming offers worse SAM support than the average graphics card (no vs yes).
  • Older DirectX version
    MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming supports an older DirectX version than the average graphics card (12.1 vs 12 Ultimate).
  • No sampler feedback
    MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming does not support sampler feedback, the average graphics card does.
  • 68.6% fewer transistors
    MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming has fewer transistors than the average graphics card (7,200 million vs 22,900 million). The average graphics card has 22,900 million transistors.
  • Older FSR version
    MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming supports an older FSR version than the average graphics card (3 vs 3.1).
  • 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.
  • Older DisplayPort version
    MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming supports an older DisplayPort version than the average graphics card (1.4 vs 1.4a).
  • Narrower decode codec support
    MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming supports narrower hardware decode codec support than the average graphics card (H.264/H.265/VP9/MPEG-2/VC-1 vs H.264/H.265/AV1/VP9/MPEG-2/VC-1).
  • Older HDMI version
    MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming supports an older HDMI version than the average graphics card (2.0b vs 2.1).
  • Narrower encode codec support
    MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming supports narrower hardware encode codec support than the average graphics card (H.264/H.265/VP9 vs H.264/H.265/AV1/VP9).
  • Older HDCP version
    MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming supports an older HDCP version than the average graphics card (2.2 vs 2.3).
  • Older NVDEC generation
    MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming has a lower NVDEC generation than the average graphics card (3 vs 6). The average graphics card offers NVDEC generation 6.
  • 1 fewer fans
    MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming has fewer fans than the average graphics card (2 vs 3).
  • No dual BIOS
    MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming does not include dual BIOS, the average graphics card does.
  • 14 °C higher idle temperature
    MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming has a higher idle temperature than the average graphics card (51 °C vs 37 °C). The average graphics card has an idle temperature of 37 °C.
  • 15 mm higher card profile
    MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming is taller than the average graphics card (140 mm vs 125 mm). The average graphics card has a height of 125 mm.
  • 40 fewer ray tracing cores
    MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming has fewer ray tracing cores than the average graphics card (0 vs 40). The average graphics card has 40 ray tracing cores.
    What it is: Number of dedicated ray tracing processing cores or units
    When it matters: When you care about ray-traced lighting, reflections, and shadows in newer games.

    Importance: HIGH

    MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming has fewer ray tracing cores than the average graphics card (0 vs 40). The average graphics card has 40 ray tracing cores.0 vs 40
  • 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
  • 26.3% lower boost clock speed
    MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming has a lower boost GPU clock than the average graphics card (1,847 MHz vs 2,505 MHz). The average graphics card has a boost GPU clock of 2,505 MHz.
    What it is: Maximum boost frequency the GPU can reach under load
    When it matters: When you want a rough idea of peak advertised frequency, while knowing real sustained clocks still depend on cooling and power limits.

    Importance: HIGH

    MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming has a lower boost GPU clock than the average graphics card (1,847 MHz vs 2,505 MHz). The average graphics card has a boost GPU clock of 2,505 MHz.1847 MHz vs 2505 MHz
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • No DLSS support
    MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming does not support DLSS, the average graphics card does.
    What it is: Supports NVIDIA DLSS upscaling technology
    When it matters: When you play NVIDIA-supported games and want better frame rates at higher settings.

    Importance: LOW

    MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming does not support DLSS, the average graphics card does.
  • No ray tracing
    MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming does not support ray tracing, the average graphics card does.
    What it is: Hardware support for real-time ray tracing effects
    When it matters: When you care about ray-traced lighting, reflections, and shadows and want to avoid buying a card that only handles traditional raster graphics well.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming does not support ray tracing, the average graphics card does.
Total
Overall
Performance
Memory
Platform & Features
Connectivity & Media
Power & Cooling
Design

Graphic comparison of MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming and other products in the Graphics cards 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

T
techpowerup.com
13/06/2016
Summary of the review
MSI GTX 1080 Gaming X 8 GB Review
T
tomshardware.com
09/12/2016
Summary of the review
Nvidia GeForce GTX 1080 Graphics Card Roundup
T
tech-critter.com
06/09/2016
Summary of the review
MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming X 8G Review - Tech Critter
B
bit-tech.net
06/07/2016
Summary of the review
MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming X 8G Review | bit-tech.net
K
kitguru.net
01/07/2016
Summary of the review
MSI GTX 1080 Gaming X 8G RGB Review - KitGuru
G
guru3d.com
01/06/2016
Summary of the review
MSI GeForce GTX 1080 GAMING X 8G review
H
hardwarezone.com.sg
26/07/2016
Summary of the review
MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming Z review: Cool, fast, and quiet
O
overclockers.com
26/07/2016
Summary of the review
MSI GTX 1080 Gaming Z 8G Video Card Review
G
guru3d.com
18/07/2016
Summary of the review
MSI GeForce GTX 1080 GAMING Z 8G review
D
digitalfoundry.net
17/07/2016
Summary of the review
MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming Z review: Living the 4K dream?
P
pcmag.com
12/07/2016
Summary of the review
MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming X 8G Review
B
bit-tech.net
06/07/2016
Summary of the review
MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming X 8G Review
T
tweaktown.com
14/06/2016
Summary of the review
MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming X 8G - A Totally Silent ...
N
notebookcheck.net
13/12/2016
Summary of the review
MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming X 8G Review
O
overclock3d.net
09/06/2016
Summary of the review
MSI GTX1080 Gaming X Review
U
uk.pcmag.com
02/08/2016
Summary of the review
MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming X 8G Review
L
laptopmedia.com
29/06/2016
Summary of the review
MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming X review
H
hexus.net
17/06/2016
Summary of the review
Review: MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming X
P
pc-experience.de
13/01/2017
Summary of the review
MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming X 8G unboxed - PC-Experience
(Translated)Show original
C
computerbase.de
12/08/2016
Summary of the review
GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming X im Test: MSI Twin Frozr VI trifft auf Pascal - ComputerBase
(Translated)Show original
G
gamestar.de
03/06/2026
Summary of the review
MSI Geforce GTX 1080 Gaming X 8G - Besser als die Founders Edition? - GameStar
(Translated)Show original
T
tomshardware.fr
29/03/2017
Summary of the review
Comparatif : 17 GeForce GTX 1080 et 1070 en test Le Comptoir du Hardware
(Translated)Show original
T
tech.everyeye.it
20/09/2016
Summary of the review
MSI GTX 1080 Gaming X 8G: recensione e video recensione Everyeye Tech
(Translated)Show original
L
laptopmedia.com
29/06/2016
Summary of the review
MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming X review – silence, high performance and factory overclock
(Translated)Show original
M
multiplayer.it
06/07/2016
Summary of the review
MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming X 8G - Recensione
(Translated)Show original
L
laptopmedia.com
29/06/2016
Summary of the review
MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming X review – stilte, hoge prestaties en fabrieksmatige overclock
(Translated)Show original

Video reviews

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