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Final Analysis
It doesn't have to be a bad thing if a graphics card isn't the fastest offering out there. After all, the performance achieved by KFA2/Galax and its GeForce GTX 1080 Ti EXOC easily beats Nvidia's Founders Edition board. Compared to the factory-overclocked competition, a comparatively low weight, shorter length, and narrower cooler turn out to be advantages. Add to those assets suitable clock rates and a moderate power target, and you have the makings of a great compromise for a dual-slot card.
Even under load in a closed case, the GeForce GTX 1080 Ti EXOC doesn't gasp for fresh air. Moreover, it includes convincing voltage circuitry cooling that even draws heat away from the chokes and capacitors.
We do recommend leaving the factory clock rates in place. Enthusiasts who push too hard will quickly figure out that the physical limitations of a dual-slot cooler are less forgiving than the 2.5-slot competition. Be that as it may, this is still a GeForce GTX 1080 Ti. It's quicker than Nvidia's version and quieter to boot. Thus, the result is something most enthusiasts should be able to live with, unless exhausting heated air is a must, such as in small form factor enclosures.
Shortly after this review went live on Tom's Hardware DE, we were informed that KFA2/Galax adjusted its suggested retail price to €689. That price was a good match for the card's performance, leading to an award conferred retroactively. Now the only issue Tom's Hardware US readers will have involves availability. As of this writing, the GeForce GTX 1080 Ti EXOC is listed on KFA2's website, but not Galax's (the only outlet selling KFA2/Galax hardware to customers in the U.S.). We're currently checking with the company to see when it plans to list the 1080 Ti EXOC for sale there.
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