This is the first custom RTX 2080 graphics card we’ve looked at since analysing NVIDIA’s 2080 Founders Edition, so it’s been good to see what can be achieved outside of the standard parameters.
Having experienced the AORUS XTREME under the GTX 10-Series and been impressed, this new graphics card has plenty of anticipation attached to it. We’re pleased to report that AORUS has done a great job with this version too.
Although AORUS has moved away from the metal shroud they once used (in favour of a plastic cover) the physical design of the cooler is pleasing to the eye. RGB LED lighting is commonplace in 2018, but the team has gone one step further by “reinventing” the way in which lighting is implemented. By adding LEDs to a single blade on each of the fans we’re able to enjoy a new take on this type of illumination. If lighting is your thing then you’ll love this card and to take full advantage, we’d advise placing it inside a case which allows the graphics card to be rotated – so the full extent of RGB glory can be showcased.
Aesthetics aside, XTREME provides some rock solid performance in-game. Gamers who are focusing on 1440p as their native resolution would be advised to consider this model over the RTX 2080 Ti – especially if you’re wanting to save some cash.
While XTREME features a modest factory overclock straight out of the box, we were also able to better these figures with a manual overclock – proving there is headroom to maximise on performance. We were able to nudge up both GPU and memory clocks to 1970MHz and 1968MHz. This in turn translates to around 5 or more fps in-game (depending on the title) and will assist in better performance for tasks like video editing.
AORUS are using a revised version of last season’s XTREME cooler and it emits little noise when the card is fully loaded and on auto. Unfortunately the thermal performance is on par with the Founders Edition – meaning that temperatures will soar to 70C. Is this something to worry about? Probably not, but we do expect a custom design to perform better than NVIDIA’s reference.
Pricing still remains fairly high for the RTX 20-series and gamers will need deep pockets to afford such a graphics card. The 2080 XTREME can be purchased for £828 GBP - $879 USD - $1500 AUD – similar performance to the GTX 1080 Ti but costing considerably more. However, to sweeten the deal, AORUS do offer a generous 4 years warranty.
The RTX 2080 XTREME adds flair to NVIDIA’s new high-performance graphics cards – bringing a solid dose of performance and overclocking headroom!
VIDEO REVIEW
Pros
+ Aggressive styling
+ Well-designed
+ Excellent performance
+ Impressive RGB LED lighting
+ Allows for decent manual overclock
+ 7 Video out ports
+ Arrives with USB 3.1 Type-C port
Mediocre
+- Other RTX 2080s are cooler
Cons
- Plastic shroud
- Heavy
- Expensive
+ Aggressive styling
+ Well-designed
+ Excellent performance
+ Impressive RGB LED lighting
+ Allows for decent manual overclock
+ 7 Video out ports
+ Arrives with USB 3.1 Type-C port
Mediocre
+- Other RTX 2080s are cooler
Cons
- Plastic shroud
- Heavy
- Expensive
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