Today, we’re going to cover ten of the best RTX 2080 Ti graphics cards on the market. All manufactured by reputable brands like ASUS, EVGA, Zotac, and more.
Update: There are currently shortages of some popular graphics cards right now so you may need to preorder to get the one you want.
The RTX 2080 Ti graphics card is widely regarded as one of the best cards for 4K gaming and for features like ray tracing and packed with CUDA cores, it’s certainly one of the most powerful options available.
With AMD’s lack of a response to Nvidia’s top-line cards, the RTX 2080 Ti is looking like the biggest fish in the pond. At least until their competitors can roll out their new Navi cards.
Since the RTX 2080 Ti is one of the priciest graphics cards currently available, you’ll want to be sure that you’re getting the best one available. We’ll go over the things that set them apart, including their price, performance, and more.
Here is a list of all the 2080 Ti graphics cards that we think are worth buying right now.
Which is the Best RTX 2080 TI for My Gaming PC?
1. ASUS ROG STRIX RTX 2080 Ti: Best Overall
Specifications:
- Factory boosted clock speed of 1890 MHz
- Max-contact Technology heatsink improves heat transfer
- 12 RGB panels compatible with AURA Sync
- Triple fan cooler enhances temperatures
ASUS ROG STRIX cards are known for two things: being large, and being powerful.
Their RTX 2080 Ti is both of those things, so if you have enough clearance in your system and you’re confident in your ventilation. Then there isn’t much of a reason to pick any other card.
With a factory clock speed of 1890 MHz, this card is already overclocked to a level that many other graphics cards would struggle with.
Despite its immense speed, the ASUS RTX 2080 Ti can keep temperatures consistent thanks to its use of Max-contact Technology in its heatsink.
Related: Why do GPU temperatures matter?
This card even comes equipped with RGB panels that work with AURA Sync.
2. MSI GeForce RTX 2080 Ti Gaming X Trio: Runner Up
Specifications:
- Boosted up to 1755 MHz
- Immense triple fan cooler
- Brushed metal backplate
- Heatpipes are concentrated close to each other
MSI’s Gaming X cards are usually their best, and nothing has changed with this release of the RTX 2080 Ti.
This card is more reliable and clocked higher than some of MSIs more affordable choices, like the Duke variant that we review later on in this guide.
This model comes out of the factory with an OC of 1755 MHz. This should give you enough power to run nearly any game at 4K with impressive settings.
RGB lighting is in abundance on this card so if you are looking for a card to sync with the rest of the RGB on your rig, this could be a good choice.
Furthermore, the triple fan cooler after which the Trio is named is also one of our favorite parts. It keeps temperatures extremely low under load, vital for maximum performance.
In addition, it comes with a concentration of heat pipes to further reduce the temperature. Overall, this is MSI’s best RTX 2080 Ti for air cooling.
Related: Air vs liquid cooling – quick guide
3. Zotac RTX 2080 Ti: Best Value
Specifications:
- Boost clock rate of 1665 MHz
- Triple fan cooling
- Metal jacket reinforcement
- OC Scanner compatibility
If you’re new to overclocking your GPU, but you’d like to squeeze every bit of performance out of your RTX 2080 Ti. Then this one from Zotac should work for you.
While it already comes with an aggressive overclock of 1665 MHz straight out of the factory. It can also be further improved.
This card is compatible with the OC Scanner software, which will go over your system and recommend an ideal overclock for this card.
At the very least, this can give you a starting point from which you can further adjust your OC.
To handle the higher clock speed, this model is equipped with three cooling fans, which work well.
In addition, this GPU was also produced with durability in mind. The reinforced metal jacket helps prevent video card sag and other potential damage.
While this model may look a little boring compared to other 2080 Ti cards, it is one of the more affordable options at the time.
Related: When is the best time to buy PC components?
4. MSI RTX 2080 Ti Sea Hawk X: Best Water Cooled
Specifications:
- Liquid cooling for maximum efficiency
- Relatively thin compared to other cards
- Boost clock speed of 1755 MHz
- Basic metal backplate
The Sea Hawk line of cards from MSI is known as one of the more popular choices of liquid-cooled GPUs on the market. It’s the best RTX 2080 Ti for those who prefer it to water cooling to air.
Since this card doesn’t need bulky fans, you’ll find that it’s thinner than other models, making it perfect for builds that only support 2-slot cards.
Of course, the ability to fit this card into 2-slot-compatible systems doesn’t mean that you’ll be putting it into any small form factor builds, or even an external graphics card setup anytime soon. The bulk of the liquid cooler and the rigidity of the tubes means you’re going to need plenty of space.
However, liquid cooling certainly has its advantages, and this card can maintain a stable factory overclock of 1755 MHz. This beats a lot of the competition in its price range.
If you have the room for it, and you’re comfortable with a liquid-cooled card, the Sea Hawk X is a great choice.
5. MSI RTX 2080 Ti Duke: Top Air Cooled
Specifications:
- Boost clock speed of 1665 MHz
- Features a triple fan cooler for more consistent temperatures
- RGB strip near the top of the card
- Sleek metal backplate with dragon
The Duke line of GPUs from MSI is normally one of the more affordable options in their line. Unfortunately, that’s not the case here.
However, at the time of this writing, the demand for a 2080 Ti has driven the price through the roof.
Selling for over 2000 dollars on average, this card simply isn’t worth it. When selling for closer to MSRP, however, the Duke is an excellent choice for those who want excellent cooling and reasonable performance.
The triple fans help keep the Duke cooler than many of its competitors under the same conditions.
In addition, the Duke features a more muted aesthetic when compared to other GPUs. So, if you have more subdued colors in your build, it should work for you.
The backplate is simple, but the MSI dragon motif is a classy touch. Furthermore, there is an RGB strip along the top which isn’t necessary but appreciated.
6. Zotac GeForce RTX 2080 Ti AMP Extreme: Best RGB
Specifications:
- Boosted to a clock speed of 1815 MHz
- Heavy RGB lighting
- IceStorm 2.0 heatsink improves temperatures
- Wraparound backplate for superior durability
Another high-end choice is the Zotac AMP Extreme RTX 2080. Designed to surpass the previous model we reviewed from this manufacturer.
A glance at the shroud will show you that this card is heavily-laden with RGBs, making it a great choice for windowed cases.
The inclusion of the IceStorm 2.0 heatsink means that this card can stay cool, even when it’s running at its max clock speed of 1815 MHz.
However, you typically won’t have to overclock this card yourself unless you’re playing an incredibly demanding title.
This card also features a wraparound backplate which is designed to provide superior protection to the heatsink.
7. EVGA GeForce RTX 2080 Ti FTW3 Ultra Gaming: Best Boost Clock
Specifications:
- 1755 MHz factory overclock
- Three-slot design may reduce compatibility
- Triple fan cooler design
- Good RGB coverage
EVGA is known for their reliability, and this card is no exception.
If you’re willing to pay a little more for better customer service, software, and build quality, this is the card for you.
Even though the FTW3 card isn’t the fastest RTX 2080 Ti graphics card around, it still boosts a respectable clock speed of 1755 MHz.
One of the only downsides of this card is that it takes up three slots instead of two. So, if your system can’t handle thick cards, then it won’t work for you.
However, this isn’t too much of a problem, as many RTX 2080 Tis straddle the line between 2 and 3 slots anyway. So, you would struggle with an SLI connection.
Even though the RGBs aren’t as prevalent as in some of the brightest cards. They are still noticeable enough to work well in a windowed case.
8. Gigabyte GeForce RTX 2080 Gaming OC
Specifications:
- 1665 MHz factory clock boost
- Triple fan cooling with Windforce
- Uses the AORUS engine
- Plain design
The RTX 2080 Ti Gaming OC from Gigabyte is one of the more affordable graphics cards on this list. But it is still powerful enough to hold its own.
Related: Find the best power supply for the RTX 2080 Ti
While it may be clocked slightly slower than some of the top-end variants, this card maintains consistent temperatures and runs smoothly.
We have to admit that we were surprised by this card’s reliability, as we’re used to Gigabyte cards having more manufacturing issues than other GPUs.
Unfortunately, the inclusion of the AORUS engine is as disappointing as ever, and we eagerly await the day that Gigabyte revamps their software.
While the outside is a little plain, that is to be expected from cheaper cards such as this one.
9. Gigabyte Aorus GeForce RTX 2080 Ti Xtreme 11G
Specifications:
- Features a factory OC of 1770 MHz
- RGB fans and logos
- Windforce 3X stacked cooler
- Uses the AORUS engine
Gigabyte’s top spec model, you can tell by the price and the specs that it isn’t the type of budget card that you’d expect from the manufacturer.
This version of the RTX 2080 Ti is the one that we’d recommend the most if you insist on purchasing from Gigabyte.
The factory overclock of 1770 MHz is fast enough to run most games at 4K with excellent settings. In addition, the Windforce 3X cooler helps reign in the temperatures.
Furthermore, this is a beautiful graphics card, as the shroud and the fans themselves feature extensive RGB placement.
One of our only complaints with this card is that it uses the AORUS engine. It is one of the worst pieces of video card software around.
10. Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080 Ti Founders Edition
Specifications:
- Clocked up to 1635 MHz
- Reference model
- Dual cooling fans
- Sleek shroud and backplate design
Finally, we have the reference model from Nvidia, and this card is impressive.
But you’ll have to find it available for the right price.
Founders Edition cards usually sell fast, so if you’re unable to get your hands on one before it goes out of production, you’re going to have to pay high prices.
The dual cooling fans manage to keep this card as cool as the three that you’ll find on every other model. However, that’s partly due to the slower factory clock speed.
This card is clocked at 1635 MHz, which may not be blazingly fast, but it’s still more than powerful enough for the majority of games.
As with most Founders Edition cards, this model features a sleek housing that adheres to Nvidia’s typical styling cues, with a combination of rounded sides and flat angles.
Which One Should You Choose?
Choosing the best GPU depends on your needs, budget, and your build.
If you prefer a GPU with liquid cooling, then your best bet will be the Sea Hawk X from MSI.
But if you’re looking for a reference RTX 2080 Ti, then you’ll want to go to Nvidia themselves.
For top performance regardless of size, we’d recommend the ASUS ROG STRIX variant.
Finally, for customers who desire reliability above all else, the best choices are the cards from EVGA and Zotac.
When buying a new video card, always be sure to take your time and do your research.
Never pull the trigger on such a pricey purchase without first considering whether or not you’ll be 100% satisfied with the GPU that you get.
If your budget won’t quite stretch far enough to purchase a 2080 Ti you can always look at the RTX 2080 (take a look at our best 2080 guide). This model can be picked up for about $500 less the Ti version.
Also, if you want a complete system then you can always look for a prebuilt RTX 2080 laptop, we have put together a list of the top rated 2080 laptops.
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