ASUS RTX 3080 OC TUF Review

Introduction

Usually when we get the partner cards for a new product launch we get the ASUS Strix. That makes a lot of sense given it's comfortably the model in the ASUS range that has the most eyes upon it, and consistently finds itself near the top of any performance graphs too.

However, if you dig into sales figures for the last generation it shows that the TUF graphics cards offered enough performance without the price hike that the flashy options on the Strix comes with to sell by the absolute bucket load. It might be a no frills sizzle offering, but when the base product is so good - and we know the Ampere RTX 3080 is outstanding - then as long as it has a good cooler then that's enough for the majority of people. Graphics cards are for making the thing on your screen look good, looking good in your case is very much a secondary consideration.

Thus with the RTX 3080 cards we have the ASUS TUF model in for our initial batch of reviews, although those of you who like a little more than a card plus cooler will be pleased to know it's the factory overclocked model. Without further ado, let's cast our eye over the specifications and then see it in the flesh. Onwards!

Technical Specifications

As one of the more affordable options in the ASUS Ampere RTX 3080 range, the TUF follows the Nvidia setup very closely, except for the addition of the triple fan cooler. This particular model has a factory overclock, although neither the packaging nor the specifications table on their website specify exactly how much quicker this is than the default TUF. Thankfully their press kit does reveal that the TUF OC has a 1815 MHz boost clock, up 105 MHz from the Founders Edition card.