..the XC3 family is restrained in most respects - style and size - and does most things right.
GeForce RTX 3080 is an excellent GPU for those who want to game at really high framerates at QHD and have a smooth experience at 4K. It's no wonder that Nvidia's partners have flocked to the Ampere call and released a wide range of boards capable of dealing with 320-360W TDPs.
EVGA splits its RTX 3080 strategy into two camps. The XC3 family is restrained in most respects - style and size - and does most things right. The pater familias, XC3 Ultra Gaming, includes a metal backplate, two-zone lighting, decent real-world boost speeds, all wrapped up in a sleek card that's neither too loud nor too hot.
Other than a distinct lack of stock, which is out of partners' hands for the time being, there's little to criticise for EVGA's mid-pack offering. Perhaps it would be nice to have a higher power target as the cooler is readily capable, and some AIB needs to be brave enough to offer overclocked memory out of the gate, but as a solution from a long-time Nvidia partner, the XC3 Ultra Gaming is a safe bet if you don't fancy the cheaper, distinctive Founders Edition card.
The Good
The Bad
Good form factor
Quiet and cool
RGB implemented well
Smooth fan transition
Distinct lack of stock
Still £50-£80 more than FE
Can handle more power easily
EVGA GeForce RTX 3080 XC3 Ultra Gaming
HEXUS.where2buy
TBC.
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