PNY GeForce GTX 1080 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

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

5.5

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%

5.1

Technical Score

10.0%

8.7

User score

Good
5.1

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the graphics card's technical performance, covering key areas such as gaming and rendering performance, ray tracing, memory configuration, power efficiency, cooling, connectivity, features, and build quality.

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

Score components:

44.0%

4.2

Performance

24.0%

4.3

Memory

12.0%

6.9

Power & Cooling

11.0%

6.7

Platform & Features

5.0%

6.8

Design

4.0%

8.2

Connectivity & Media

Good
8.7

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%

8.4

User reviews

30.0%

9.5

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.2
(240)
amazon
4.2
(19)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.2
(20)
Amazon_logo.png
3.8
(14)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

Excellent
  • 4.0
    Gaming

    Score components:

    45.0%

    2.1

    Floating-point performance

    25.0%

    2.8

    VRAM

    20.0%

    ?

    Ray tracing cores / units

    10.0%

    7.6

    PCI Express (PCIe) version

  • 4.9
    Video editing

    Score components:

    35.0%

    7.0

    AV1 encode

    30.0%

    2.8

    VRAM

    20.0%

    2.1

    Floating-point performance

    15.0%

    7.6

    PCI Express (PCIe) version

  • 3.4
    1080p

    Score components:

    55.0%

    2.1

    Floating-point performance

    25.0%

    2.8

    VRAM

    10.0%

    ?

    Ray tracing cores / units

    10.0%

    7.6

    PCI Express (PCIe) version

  • 3.5
    1440p

    Score components:

    50.0%

    2.1

    Floating-point performance

    30.0%

    2.8

    VRAM

    15.0%

    ?

    Ray tracing cores / units

    5.0%

    7.6

    PCI Express (PCIe) version

  • 3.8
    4K

    Score components:

    40.0%

    2.1

    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 rankings

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

Verdict

The PNY GeForce GTX 1080 is a high-performance graphics card built on NVIDIA's 16nm Pascal architecture, featuring 2560 CUDA cores, a base clock of 1607 MHz, and a boost clock of 1733 MHz. It is equipped with 8GB of GDDR5X memory on a 256-bit interface, delivering a substantial 320 GB/s bandwidth and 10 Gbps effective memory speed. Main characteristics include support for DirectX 12, Vulkan, and NVIDIA technologies like G-SYNC, Ansel, and VR Ready certification, while drawing a maximum of 180W via a single 8-pin power connector. Key pros are its exceptional power efficiency compared to previous generations, strong 1440p and VR gaming performance, and multi-monitor support up to a 7680 x 4320 digital resolution. However, notable cons include its lack of hardware-accelerated ray tracing or DLSS support found in newer RTX series, limited 4K performance in modern demanding titles, and a large physical footprint that may not fit in smaller PC cases.

Technical Specifications of PNY GeForce GTX 1080

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the graphics card's technical performance, covering key areas such as gaming and rendering performance, ray tracing, memory configuration, power efficiency, cooling, connectivity, features, and build quality.

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

Score components:

44.0%

4.2

Performance

24.0%

4.3

Memory

12.0%

6.9

Power & Cooling

11.0%

6.7

Platform & Features

5.0%

6.8

Design

4.0%

8.2

Connectivity & Media

5.1
PNY GeForce GTX 1080 has a technical score of 5.11 points, which is lower than that of 76.8% 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%

8.4

User reviews

30.0%

9.5

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.2
(240)
amazon
4.2
(19)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.2
(20)
Amazon_logo.png
3.8
(14)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

8.7
PNY GeForce GTX 1080 has a user score of 8.73 points, which is higher than that of 73.7% of products in this category.
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.
9.5
PNY GeForce GTX 1080 has a popularity of 9.5 points, which is higher than 76.7% 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%

5.5

Overall score

40.0%

7.5

Price

6.1
PNY GeForce GTX 1080 has a quality-to-price ratio of 6.1 points, which is lower than 79.1% 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

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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

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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

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PassMark (DirectCompute) result
What it is: PassMark score for DirectCompute performance tests
When it matters: When compute workloads matter alongside gaming performance.

Importance: LOW

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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

8.873 TFLOPS
PNY GeForce GTX 1080 delivers 8.873 TFLOPS floating-point performance, which is lower than that of 80.6% of graphics cards and equal to that of 0.1% 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
PNY GeForce GTX 1080 has 8 GB of VRAM, which is less than 57.6% 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
PNY GeForce GTX 1080 uses GDDR5X memory, which is older than on 83.5% of graphics cards and equal to 1.5% 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
PNY GeForce GTX 1080 uses a 256 bit memory bus, which is wider than that of 49.5% of graphics cards and equal to that of 36.1% 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
PNY GeForce GTX 1080 reaches 320 GB/s memory bandwidth, which is lower than that of 66.6% of graphics cards and equal to that of 2.9% 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
PNY GeForce GTX 1080 supports PCIe 3.0, which is older than on 77.6% 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
PNY GeForce GTX 1080 uses x16 PCIe lanes, which is more than 31.5% of graphics cards and equal to 68.6% 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

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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
PNY GeForce GTX 1080 supports Vulkan 1.4, which is more advanced than on 26.6% of graphics cards and equal to 73.4% of graphics cards.
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
PNY GeForce GTX 1080 supports OpenGL 4.6, which is more advanced than on 4.8% of graphics cards and equal to 95.2% 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
PNY GeForce GTX 1080 supports up to 4 displays, which is more than 7.8% of graphics cards and equal to 89.2% 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
PNY GeForce GTX 1080 supports a maximum digital resolution of 7680x4320, which is higher than that of 44.4% of graphics cards and equal to that of 55.6% 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
PNY GeForce GTX 1080 offers 3 DisplayPort outputs, which is more than 20.9% of graphics cards and equal to 77.3% 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
PNY GeForce GTX 1080 supports DisplayPort 1.4, which is older than on 77.3% of graphics cards and equal to 16.2% 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

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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
PNY GeForce GTX 1080 has a TDP of 180 W, which is lower than that of 58.1% 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

180 W
PNY GeForce GTX 1080 draws 180 W under peak load, which is lower than 59.3% of graphics cards and equal to 4.2% 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

500 W
PNY GeForce GTX 1080 recommends a 500 W PSU, which is lower than that of 76.2% of graphics cards and equal to that of 9.6% 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

216 W
PNY GeForce GTX 1080 has a board power limit of 216 W, which is lower than that of 51.6% of graphics cards and equal to that of 1.2% 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

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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

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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

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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

111.2 mm
PNY GeForce GTX 1080 is 111.2 mm tall, which is shorter than 87.6% of graphics cards and equal in height to 0.5% 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
PNY GeForce GTX 1080 occupies 2 slot/s, which is slimmer than 49.2% of graphics cards and equal in width to 47.3% 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

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PNY GeForce GTX 1080 vs the average graphics card

  • 23.1% lower PSU requirement
    PNY GeForce GTX 1080 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

    PNY GeForce GTX 1080 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
  • 15.8 mm lower card height
    PNY GeForce GTX 1080 is shorter than the average graphics card (111.2 mm vs 127 mm). The average graphics card has a height of 127 mm.
    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

    PNY GeForce GTX 1080 is shorter than the average graphics card (111.2 mm vs 127 mm). The average graphics card has a height of 127 mm.111.2 mm vs 127 mm
  • 1 more DVI outputs
    PNY GeForce GTX 1080 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

    PNY GeForce GTX 1080 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
    PNY GeForce GTX 1080 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

    PNY GeForce GTX 1080 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
    PNY GeForce GTX 1080 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

    PNY GeForce GTX 1080 supports multi-GPU linking, the average graphics card does not.
  • 9.1% higher user score
    PNY GeForce GTX 1080 has a higher user score than the average graphics card (8.73 vs 8.000).
    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.
    PNY GeForce GTX 1080 has a higher user score than the average graphics card (8.73 vs 8.000).8.73 vs 8
  • Supports NVLink
    PNY GeForce GTX 1080 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

    PNY GeForce GTX 1080 supports NVLink, the average graphics card does not.
  • Supports multi-GPU linking
    PNY GeForce GTX 1080 supports multi-GPU linking, the average graphics card does not.
  • Supports NVLink
    PNY GeForce GTX 1080 supports NVLink, the average graphics card does not.
  • 1 more DVI outputs
    PNY GeForce GTX 1080 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
    PNY GeForce GTX 1080 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
    PNY GeForce GTX 1080 has a lower TDP than the average graphics card (180 W vs 215 W). The average graphics card has a TDP of 215 W.
  • 15.8 mm lower card height
    PNY GeForce GTX 1080 is shorter than the average graphics card (111.2 mm vs 127 mm). The average graphics card has a height of 127 mm.
  • 30.7% lower boost clock speed
    PNY GeForce GTX 1080 has a lower boost GPU clock than the average graphics card (1,733 MHz vs 2,500 MHz). The average graphics card has a boost GPU clock of 2,500 MHz.
  • 20 fewer compute units
    PNY GeForce GTX 1080 has fewer compute units than the average graphics card (20 vs 40). The average graphics card has 40 compute units.
  • 32.9% lower pixel rate
    PNY GeForce GTX 1080 has a lower pixel rate than the average graphics card (110.9 GPixel/s vs 165.2 GPixel/s). The average graphics card has a pixel rate of 165.2 GPixel/s.
  • 61.2% lower FP32 performance
    PNY GeForce GTX 1080 has a lower FP32 performance than the average graphics card (8.9 TFLOPS vs 22.86 TFLOPS). The average graphics card has FP32 performance of 22.86 TFLOPS.
  • 26.4% lower texture rate
    PNY GeForce GTX 1080 has a lower texture rate than the average graphics card (277.3 GTexel/s vs 376.8 GTexel/s). The average graphics card has a texture rate of 376.8 GTexel/s.
  • 16.3% lower base clock speed
    PNY GeForce GTX 1080 has a lower base GPU clock than the average graphics card (1,607 MHz vs 1,920 MHz). The average graphics card has a base GPU clock of 1,920 MHz.
  • 24 fewer TMUs
    PNY GeForce GTX 1080 has fewer TMUs than the average graphics card (160 vs 184). The average graphics card has 184 TMUs.
  • 99.5% lower FP16 performance
    PNY GeForce GTX 1080 has a lower FP16 performance than the average graphics card (0.1 TFLOPS vs 29.5 TFLOPS). The average graphics card has FP16 performance of 29.5 TFLOPS.
  • 61.6% lower compute throughput
    PNY GeForce GTX 1080 has a lower compute throughput than the average graphics card (8.9 TFLOPS vs 23.105 TFLOPS). The average graphics card has compute throughput of 23.105 TFLOPS.
  • 47.4% slower memory speed
    PNY GeForce GTX 1080 has a lower effective memory speed than the average graphics card (10,000 MHz vs 19,000 MHz). The average graphics card reaches an effective memory speed of 19,000 MHz.
  • 4 GB less VRAM
    PNY GeForce GTX 1080 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
    PNY GeForce GTX 1080 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
    PNY GeForce GTX 1080 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.
  • 28.5% slower VRAM clock
    PNY GeForce GTX 1080 has a lower VRAM clock than the average graphics card (1,251 MHz vs 1,750 MHz). The average graphics card runs its VRAM at 1,750 MHz.
  • 62.5% smaller L1 cache
    PNY GeForce GTX 1080 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
    PNY GeForce GTX 1080 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
    PNY GeForce GTX 1080 does not support DLSS, the average graphics card does.
  • Older PCIe version
    PNY GeForce GTX 1080 supports an older PCIe version than the average graphics card (3 vs 4.0).
  • 7 older
    PNY GeForce GTX 1080 was released earlier than the average graphics card (2,016 vs 2,023).
  • No mesh shaders
    PNY GeForce GTX 1080 does not support mesh shaders, the average graphics card does.
  • No sampler feedback
    PNY GeForce GTX 1080 does not support sampler feedback, the average graphics card does.
  • 67.1% fewer transistors
    PNY GeForce GTX 1080 has fewer transistors than the average graphics card (7,200 million vs 21,900 million). The average graphics card has 21,900 million transistors.
  • No AV1 encoding
    PNY GeForce GTX 1080 does not support AV1 encoding, the average graphics card does.
  • No AV1 decoding
    PNY GeForce GTX 1080 does not support AV1 decoding, the average graphics card does.
  • No DSC support
    PNY GeForce GTX 1080 does not support DSC, the average graphics card does.
  • Older DisplayPort version
    PNY GeForce GTX 1080 supports an older DisplayPort version than the average graphics card (1.4 vs 1.4a).
  • Older HDMI version
    PNY GeForce GTX 1080 supports an older HDMI version than the average graphics card (2.0b vs 2.1).
  • Older HDCP version
    PNY GeForce GTX 1080 supports an older HDCP version than the average graphics card (2.2 vs 2.3).
  • Older NVDEC generation
    PNY GeForce GTX 1080 has a lower NVDEC generation than the average graphics card (3 vs 6). The average graphics card offers NVDEC generation 6.
  • 2 fewer fans
    PNY GeForce GTX 1080 has fewer fans than the average graphics card (1 vs 3).
  • No fan stop
    PNY GeForce GTX 1080 does not support fan stop, the average graphics card does.
  • 16 °C higher load temperature
    PNY GeForce GTX 1080 has a higher load temperature than the average graphics card (83 °C vs 67 °C). The average graphics card has a load temperature of 67 °C.
  • No RGB lighting
    PNY GeForce GTX 1080 does not include RGB lighting, the average graphics card does.
  • 30.7% lower boost clock speed
    PNY GeForce GTX 1080 has a lower boost GPU clock than the average graphics card (1,733 MHz vs 2,500 MHz). The average graphics card has a boost GPU clock of 2,500 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

    PNY GeForce GTX 1080 has a lower boost GPU clock than the average graphics card (1,733 MHz vs 2,500 MHz). The average graphics card has a boost GPU clock of 2,500 MHz.1733 MHz vs 2500 MHz
  • 2 fewer fans
    PNY GeForce GTX 1080 has fewer fans than the average graphics card (1 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

    PNY GeForce GTX 1080 has fewer fans than the average graphics card (1 vs 3).1 vs 3
  • 3.2x larger process node
    PNY GeForce GTX 1080 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

    PNY GeForce GTX 1080 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
    PNY GeForce GTX 1080 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

    PNY GeForce GTX 1080 has fewer compute units than the average graphics card (20 vs 40). The average graphics card has 40 compute units.20 vs 40
  • No DLSS support
    PNY GeForce GTX 1080 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

    PNY GeForce GTX 1080 does not support DLSS, the average graphics card does.
  • 47.4% slower memory speed
    PNY GeForce GTX 1080 has a lower effective memory speed than the average graphics card (10,000 MHz vs 19,000 MHz). The average graphics card reaches an effective memory speed of 19,000 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

    PNY GeForce GTX 1080 has a lower effective memory speed than the average graphics card (10,000 MHz vs 19,000 MHz). The average graphics card reaches an effective memory speed of 19,000 MHz.10000 MHz vs 19000 MHz
  • 4 GB less VRAM
    PNY GeForce GTX 1080 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

    PNY GeForce GTX 1080 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
  • No fan stop
    PNY GeForce GTX 1080 does not support fan stop, the average graphics card does.
    What it is: Fans automatically stop when temperature is low
    When it matters: When the PC spends a lot of time at idle and you care about keeping the desktop quiet during browsing, office work, or video playback.

    Importance: LOW

    PNY GeForce GTX 1080 does not support fan stop, the average graphics card does.No vs yes

Graphic comparison of PNY GeForce GTX 1080 and

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Third-party reviews

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about PNY GeForce GTX 1080?

  • Exceptional generational leap in performance compared to previous GTX 900 series cards.
  • Efficient power consumption (180W TDP) allowing for high performance on a single 8-pin power connector.
  • The blower-style design effectively exhausts heat out the back of the case, which is ideal for small or cramped PC chassis.
  • Remains highly capable for 1440p gaming and a viable entry-point for 4K and VR experiences.
  • The XLR8 model features a cooling solution that stays significantly cooler than Nvidia's reference design, rarely exceeding 68°C in closed cases.
  • Excellent overclocking potential, with some users and testers pushing clock speeds above 1800-2000 MHz.

What customers dislike about PNY GeForce GTX 1080?

  • The blower-style fan can become noticeably loud and intrusive under heavy load, reaching noise levels near 38-40 dB(A).
  • Does not support modern features like Ray Tracing or DLSS, which are exclusive to newer RTX series cards.
  • PNY's basic models lack a 'semi-passive' mode, meaning fans spin constantly at a minimum ~1100 RPM even when idle.
  • The decorative backplate on some models is reported to be purely aesthetic and does not assist with thermal dissipation.
  • Some users noted that PNY uses relatively inexpensive fans, which can develop motor or bearing noises over time.
  • The card's aging driver support may become a concern for newer titles as it nears a decade since its initial launch.

Expert reviews

T
tomshardware.com
09/12/2016

The PNY GeForce GTX 1080 XLR8 Gaming OC Edition is an internationally respected graphics card featuring modest factory overclocking and an oversized, aggressive cooling system built around Nvidia’s reference PCB. Priced around $630 (£580), it targets enthusiasts seeking entry-level premium performance at a lower-middle market cost. Structurally, the card measures nearly 12 inches...Read more

M
myc-media.de
07/02/2017

The PNY GTX 1080 XLR8 OC is a factory-overclocked graphics card featuring a core clock of 1,708 MHz and a boost clock of 1,848 MHz, delivering a 6.6% performance increase over the NVIDIA reference design. Built using a standard Founders Edition PCB layout with a 5 phase power supply, the card integrates 8GB of Micron GDDR5X memory. Its standout hardware feature is a massive, custom...Read more

I
igorslab.de
29/03/2017

The Gigabyte GeForce GTX 1080 Xtreme Gaming features a robust, high-quality layout using 12 power phases and a specialised "special coating" on the PCB, allowing it to easily clear 2 GHz boost clock rates with simple software adjustments. Its standout features include a unique "Stack Fan" cooling layout—where the middle 10 cm fan is slightly offset below the outer two to minimize...Read more

T
tomshardware.fr
29/03/2026

Review Overview The Tom’s Hardware round-up analyzes seventeen custom NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 and GTX 1080 graphics cards, focusing strictly on thermal solutions, noise levels, and power efficiency rather than minor factory overclock performance gaps. Among the GTX 1080 models, the Gigabyte Xtreme Gaming stands out positively for its comprehensive bundle, four-year warranty,...Read more

Video reviews

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