ASUS STRIX GAMING GTX 1080 Graphics Card Review

John Williamson / 8 years ago

A Closer Look

The ASUS STRIX GAMING GTX 1080 opts for a really sophisticated appearance and neutral colour scheme. Instead of adding various colours which cannot be changed directly onto the cooling shroud, ASUS decided to keep things simple and add customization through optional LED lighting. This broadens the product’s appeal and means it should easily compliment a wide range of system builds. Additionally, the unusual angled lines contribute to a more distinctive visual design and helps the GPU to stand out from the crowd.

ASUS’ DirectCU III technology revolves around five large heatpipes which make direct contact with the graphics card. Furthermore, the enormous heatsink is able to dissipate heat extremely well in combination with the company’s triple Wing-Blade fans. These fans feature angled blades to maximise airflow and reduce turbulence. Subsequently, the graphics card runs 30% cooler than the reference model and it’s also a whopping three times quieter. As you might expect, the graphics card supports a 0dB idle fan mode. It’s impossible to exaggerate how impressive the cooling hardware is and the level of engineering almost defies belief.

From this angle, we can see the densely packed heatsink and understated yet gorgeous STRIX branding. In terms of dimensions, the card measures 11.73 ” x 5.28 ” x 1.57″.

To offer the best overclocking headroom, ASUS have deployed their 8+2 Phase Super Alloy Power II delivery. Not only that, this collection of premium components extends the product’s lifespan and ensures the power is distributed in a more efficient manner. On another note, the power circuitry is 50% cooler than previous designs which should enhance reliability by a significant margin. This graphics card like all other ASUS products is constructed using an automated manufacturing process and flux-free production. It also removes human error and upholds the highest standard of quality control.

If you want to reduce the graphics card’s thermal output even further, it’s possible to connect two four-pin PWM fans to internal headers. The theory behind this is graphics cards run fairly warm when gaming and create much heat than most processors running at modest voltages. This isn’t the most efficient setup and you might feel attaching the case fan’s to the GPU will be beneficial. Personally, I think the default cooling system is more than ample and didn’t really see a huge difference when connecting two Noctua 3000RPM IndustrialPPC fans.

The GPU contains a stunning, chic backplate which reduces unwanted drooping and looks fantastic. I’m particularly keen on the beautiful ROG logo which comes to life when the system is powered on.

ASUS’ Aura lighting system is absolutely brilliant and you can choose from a wide range of effects including breathing, strobing, colour cycle and it’s possible to sync the colours with music. Also, the software allows you to change the GPU colours based on temperature variation. If you find the lighting too distracting, it’s easy enough to disable the colours all together and enjoy a more understated design.

Whatever colour you decide on, the end result is breathtaking and I’m in awe of the stark contrast between the illuminated sections and black cooling shroud. It’s difficult to capture on camera how amazing the colours are and they really make any PC look spectacular.