Two things have become clear since Nvidia unleashed the GTX 1080Ti on the world. First, the cardboard is surprisingly effective; it is arguably the first patron-grade image platform able to reliably pump out 60 frames in 2D at 4K resolutions. Second, it’s that the chip is hot. Open-air cards are pushing into two-and-a-half and three-slot widths more than ever. Enter MSI’s 1080 Ti DUKE OC. It’s a graceful, three-fan answer that now not only runs cool and quiet but does so in only two well-known slots.
Like each 1080 Ti, the DUKE OC packs an expansive 11GB of 352-bit GDDR5X VRAM, which is more than enough for any sport in the marketplace. The RAM is a twin channel, permitting it to hit an excellent 11016MHz frequency. 3584 CUDA underlies the card, and MSI ships the DUKE OC with an assured center clock of 1531MHz, boosting to 1645MHz (and past). On the rear are two DisplayPort, HDMI, and a single Dual Layer DVI connection, ideal for multi-show setups or virtual fact headsets. Before we get into overall performance, I have to say that I love the classy turn of this card after MSI’s ARMOR and Gaming X.
Both playing cards looked awesome. Still, the glossy, darkish, and angular aesthetic makes it healthy inside any case or color scheme. With RGB permeating the PC hardware landscape, I look to long-term peripherals to combine with anything I want. The DUKE accomplishes that, and for a reason. That emblem is likewise RGB enabled; it does not most effectively fit in; however, it will complement my machine’s general appearance.
My check device features an i7-7700k strolling at 4.5GHz in an MSI Z270 Gaming M7 motherboard, 16GB of DDR4 3200MHz G.Skill RAM, a 500GB Samsung 960 EVO M.2 SSD, 2TB of internal storage, and a 1050-watt Corsair HX1050. And, of course, the DUKE OC. The thrilling element of Pascal is that overall performance is identical from Ti to Ti, considering some very modest differences. We’re looking for thermal and noise management in our performance analysis and how well every card can keep its clock fees.
We run performance assessments throughout various MMOs, RPGs, and out-of-genre titles to do this. We aim to look at how games carry out at their maximum level – we’re PC game enthusiasts, so the highest possible preset and manually changed every placing to its leading feasible choice: cutting side visuals for a cutting face card. At 4K resolutions, we turned off anti-aliasing as it is largely unnecessary at this type of high decision. Turning down several letters outcomes in fantastically better body fees, consider our outcomes in the range of viable” for insurance al constancy.
Let’s take a glance.
As we predicted, the DUKE performed much further than the Ti cards we’ve looked at, with considerable upgrades over the Founder’s Edition variation. Compared to ZOTAC’s 1080 Ti AMP Edition, overall performance outcomes largely fall within numerous frames – almost all indistinguishable from the bare eye. The improvements over the Founder’s Edition are amazing. In our testing, the DUKE could maintain a reasonably steady clock pace of around 1900MHz with no overclocking because of GPU Boost 3. Zero.
The reference card, effective in its right, tended to top around 1800MHz and mechanically thermally throttle right down to 1500-1600MHz. Since the DUKE hasn’t had as many thermal demanding situations, its overall performance became more consistent in prolonged play sessions. Our card became easily overclocked to 2GHz and a 150MHz memory offset and did not use a voltage bump. Impressive!
The card runs at the hotter aspect, averaging properly around 75C as soon as it’s warmed up. It’s now not the best card, but it’s an improvement over the Founder’s Edition and infrequently ever throttles due to temperatures. MSI’s DUKE is likewise fairly quiet. Due to Zero Frozr generation, the fans received spin in any respect unless it holds a temperature above 60C. That seems a bit hot, and I became concerned that the three enthusiasts might go from 0 to blaring on a dime. When they do kick on, it’s audible but no longer unreasonably so, and, in our revel in, the game audio had already begun via that factor, which enables to mask the decibels produced via the cardboard. Like all 1080 Tim, that card is focused on 1440p and 4K resolutions.
The DUKE effortlessly sped through maximum video games. We threw it in 4K and each recreation in 1440p. Priced at $749.Ninety-nine, it faces a few steep competition, and I’d like to see that drop through ten or twenty bucks. The extra price is virtually a reply to purchasing modesty – it has two slots and a modest, understated aesthetic to fit any case. It chews through excessive-resolution video games with tolerable temperatures and noise. That out-of-the-field enhancement to 1900 MHz makes a distinction. The shortage of thermal throttling manner, custom fan curves, and even additional overclocking comes down to choice. MSI has been on a roll with its 1080 Ti collection, and that is no exception. When it comes to electricity and overall performance, the DUKE OC can provide.
