ASUS ROG Strix GeForce RTX 4080 Super OC Edition: specs and what to check

The ASUS ROG Strix GeForce RTX 4080 Super OC Edition is a large graphics card for desktop PCs. It carries NVIDIA's RTX 4080 Super GPU with 16GB of GDDR6X memory and a three-fan cooler, and it is built for high-resolution, high-refresh gaming and demanding creative work.

The GPU and its technology

The card is based on NVIDIA's Ada Lovelace architecture. It includes 4th generation Tensor Cores and 3rd generation RT Cores. Tensor Cores handle AI work, including DLSS 3, an upscaling and frame-generation technology that NVIDIA says gives up to four times the performance of brute-force rendering in supported games. RT Cores accelerate ray tracing, a lighting technique that models how light behaves in a scene, and NVIDIA rates them for up to twice the ray-tracing performance. These are manufacturer figures, and real results depend on the game and settings.

Clock speeds

ASUS lists 2670 MHz in OC mode and 2640 MHz in default mode. The OC Edition label means ASUS ships it with a factory overclock above NVIDIA's reference speeds. Clock speed is only one factor in performance, so the difference between the two modes is small.

Memory

The card has 16GB of GDDR6X video memory. GDDR6X is a faster memory type than standard GDDR6. Video memory stores textures and other assets, so high-resolution gaming, large texture packs and creative software typically benefit from a bigger pool.

Cooling design

The 3.5-slot design is built around three Axial-tech fans, with a large blade assembly optimised for their airflow. The listing mentions a Steam Chamber and a metal exoskeleton. A vapour chamber such as this moves heat quickly away from the GPU to the fins, and the metal exoskeleton adds rigidity to a heavy card. Power Detection helps you see whether the power connector is seated correctly, and Aura Sync lets the lighting match other compatible components.

Size and compatibility

The card measures 11.8 inches long and 4.7 inches wide and weighs 4.9 lb, and it takes up 3.5 expansion slots. That is a lot of space. It connects over PCIe 4.0, and the outputs are HDMI 2.1a and DisplayPort 1.4a, enough for modern high-resolution and high-refresh displays.

Who it suits

It suits builders with a roomy case who want a high-end GPU for 4K or high-refresh gaming, ray tracing and DLSS 3, and who are happy to use a large, heavy card.

What to check before you buy

• Case space: check the length, the 3.5-slot thickness and the clearance around the radiator or cables.
• Power supply: high-end cards need a strong power supply and the right connectors; read the ASUS manual for the requirements.
• Support: a heavy card often benefits from a support bracket if your case allows.
• Motherboard slot: you need a free full-size PCIe x16 slot.
• Display inputs: match your monitor to HDMI 2.1a or DisplayPort 1.4a.
• Games and apps: DLSS 3 only helps in titles that support it.

The short version

• RTX 4080 Super OC Edition with 16GB GDDR6X.
• 2670 MHz in OC mode and 2640 MHz in default mode.
• 4th generation Tensor Cores, 3rd generation RT Cores and DLSS 3.
• Three Axial-tech fans in a 3.5-slot cooler with a metal exoskeleton.
• PCIe 4.0, HDMI 2.1a and DisplayPort 1.4a.

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