Best GTX 1080 to buy? Best life-span/build quality & performance?

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N

Nemski

Commendable
Nov 16, 2016
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0
1,510
Hi guys,

Just thought it would be useful to get everyone's opinion on which GTX 1080 is best to buy? Budget is no issue for me as I'd rather spend more money to ensure I have a reliable, long lasting card that will perform well. High performance is pretty much guaranteed with this card anyway so the longevity & build quality of this card is more important to me.

This card will be replacing my old GTX 670 that has lasted me 5 years without any issues at all.

From the research I've done already, It seems that the Asus Strix & EVGA versions are considered the best, but what about the EVGA hybrid version? Surely this water cooling system would beat the others?

I'd appreciate any help on this topic! Cheers!

Also, for the record - I couldn't care less about aesthetics when building my PC's so you can rule that area out.
 
Solution
n0ns3ns3
there is no simple answer. If you have a case with decent airflow and not very high ambient (around 25C), liquid will not extend lifespan of the components. not significantly anyway.
Liquid is done for the following reasons:
* it is fun
* lower system temperature (for example my GTX 1070 stays in 38-42C under load as opposed to 65C with air).
* Lower noise if done right
* Allows to fit powerful components into compact builds
* No huge heatsinks in computer case.
* Can be beautiful
* It's fun :)
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n0ns3ns3

n0ns3ns3

Illustrious
May 25, 2016
8,065
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EVGA is my favorite as it has the best service/warranty.
Hybrid is somewhat questionable.
Basically, you'd be better getting EVGA SC model and if you want to go liquid, buy EK Predator 240 (360 better if it can fit into your case) and a full cover prefilled block.
Both CPU and GPU will be happy with this cooling and it's really simple to install.
https://www.ekwb.com/shop/aio/predator check the video on that page
 
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N

Nemski

Commendable
Nov 16, 2016
4
0
1,510


Thanks for this! Would you say liquid cooling would extend the life-span of this card? Or would the difference be pretty much negligible?
 
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n0ns3ns3

n0ns3ns3

Illustrious
May 25, 2016
8,065
4
42,715
there is no simple answer. If you have a case with decent airflow and not very high ambient (around 25C), liquid will not extend lifespan of the components. not significantly anyway.
Liquid is done for the following reasons:
* it is fun
* lower system temperature (for example my GTX 1070 stays in 38-42C under load as opposed to 65C with air).
* Lower noise if done right
* Allows to fit powerful components into compact builds
* No huge heatsinks in computer case.
* Can be beautiful
* It's fun :)
 
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Solution
Justin Millard

Justin Millard

Reputable
Nov 22, 2014
1,197
0
5,660
Didn't EVGA have trouble with graphics cards catching on fire recently? Make sure any card you buy from them isn't one of the dual fan models that were having trouble (Classifieds and 3 fan models were fine).

I quite like MSI Armour series. Good cooler with no flashy lights. Seems solid. Gigabyte Xtreme is also good (probably better), but you might want to tone down the overclock slightly for longevity.

You can also set your own fan curves and temperature targets if you want to limit how hot everything gets.
Some people even like cards with easy to replace fans. Lots of options.

Also keep in mind a GTX 1080 Ti will be out early next year. If budget is no barrier it might be worth the two-three months waiting.

Edit: to back up the post that said MSI Gaming X. The Armour version is the same cooling with less colours and lights (according to the MSI reps I talked to anyway).
 
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n0ns3ns3

n0ns3ns3

Illustrious
May 25, 2016
8,065
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EVGA fixed the issue with both BIOS (fan curve update) and couple of additional thermal pads.
Any card shipping now has those installed.
MSI is nothing but marketing. It is the same low tier manufacturer that it was 10 years ago. Try to contact them on coil whine on a new card and you'll get "it's normal, **** off". Not to mention a complete lack of acceptable quality control even on high end components.
There are very few manufacturers that have engineering, quality control and service. MSI, ASRock and Gygabyte are not among them.
EVGA has it all when it comes to GPUs and PSUs. Asus has it when it comes to MB and GPUs (may be something else)
 
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mcnumpty23

mcnumpty23

Polypheme
Jul 15, 2011
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sorry but forgetting the thermal pads doesnt give me a lot of faith in evga "engineering, quality control and service"

and fixing it by making peoples fans run faster and expecting the average user to be able to fit thermal pads them selves isnt an ideal solution

cross shipping new cards to those people affected and some sort of compensation should have been the response
 
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Justin Millard

Justin Millard

Reputable
Nov 22, 2014
1,197
0
5,660
I'm still not sure of some of those EVGA 1080 models. The memory still gets hot even with those improvements, but at least it won't catch on fire.
The thermal pads helped with VRM temps though.

Still Classified and tri fan models from EVGA still have fantastic reputation. Those models are a safe buy.
 
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n0ns3ns3

n0ns3ns3

Illustrious
May 25, 2016
8,065
4
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They do offer cross shipping. The do offer full warranty cover even on the process of doing the thermal pads.
Faster spinning fans still remain near silent - why would anyone care.
Every SC/FTW/Classified card is factory tested to work on advertised clocks in thermal chamber.
Unlike the MSI that menages to send out 700$ defective MB https://youtu.be/4ADq61Y4CdA?t=7m54s
The problem with EVGA cards requires "special" conditions and synthetic load to occur. Normal gamer would not have it. And yet, company takes responsibility and offers not only BIOS update that fixes the issue, but also physical mod including cross shipping. Yeah, that's very bad service. MSI probably wouldn't even admit that there is a problem.
 
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mcnumpty23

mcnumpty23

Polypheme
Jul 15, 2011
15,519
0
66,960


the simple fact remains evga had the problem in the first place didnt they?

cant say i have seen any reported issues like that from the msi cards

if you like evga fine

i like msi and have had not 1 single issue with my msi card

pointless discussing it any further have a great day

 
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B

bystander

Champion
Dec 9, 2009
15,141
6
57,965
None of the manufacturers will help you with coil whine. As far as EVGA goes, the problem was on a batch of GTX 1070's. The catching on fires never happened in customer systems, but from an online video, which likely set things up to catch fire. The problem with overheating was real, however.

Either manufacturer will get you a similar quality card. The main benefit from EVGA is their customer service is known to be the best. A few years ago, I had an experience with RMAing an EVGA card, and they had a new card in my hands within 5 days of the problem, counting shipping time from me, and them.

I've used both brands, and currently have a MSI 1070 without issues.
 
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n0ns3ns3

n0ns3ns3

Illustrious
May 25, 2016
8,065
4
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That's funny.
my card do have a bit of coil whine and EVGA support suggested/agreed to RMA if I (not them) find this coil whine annoying.
If you go through support forum, my case is not exception.
 
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