The world of GPUs has always been very vast and varied, and for the average user it is very difficult to understand which video card is best suited to his needs. Thanks to these reviews, we at Game Legends will therefore help you make a more informed decision that can effectively guide you to the right purchase. So let’s go today to talk about the  MSI GeForce RTX 2080 Gaming X Trio a GPU with great potential that is positioned between its “younger sister” (NVIDIA RTX 2080 Founders Edition) and the “older” (NVIDIA RTX 2080 Ti). Are you ready to find out more?

Packaging

Externally the product comes with the classic MSI packaging with dimensions, however, a little more generous than normal. On the box we find the MSI logo clearly visible, together with the NVIDIA certifications, while inside we find the GPU, some cables useful for connecting the video card, an additional support bar, the instruction booklets and a black envelope marked MSI containing promotional postcards and a nice comic.

Design

At first glance the MSI RTX 2080 GAMING X TRIO gives a not indifferent feeling of solidity , a sensation probably also due to the gargantuan size of this GPU. Overall, this video card proves to be very resistant: in fact, there is also a metal backplate that protects the fragile internal components from twisting and at the same time helps to support their weight. Cooling down the MSI RTX 2080 GAMING X TRIO are three massive MSI TorX fans and a large heatsink . In addition, the company has also included thermal pads useful for keeping the temperatures of use low.

Specifications

• Graphics Engine:  NVIDIA ^®  GeForce® RTX 2080
• Memory:  8GB GDDR6
• Bus Standard:  PCI Express x16 3.0
• Core Clock Speed ​​(MHz):  1860 MHz / 1515 MHz
• Maximum Screens: 4
• Multi-GPU Technology:  NVIDIA® NVLINK ™ (SLI-Ready), 2-way
• HDCP Support:  2.2
• Energy Consumption (W):  260 W
• Output:  DisplayPort x 3 (v1.4) / HDMI 2.0bx 1 / USB Type-C x1
• Recommended Power Supply (W):  650W
• Virtual Reality Ready: Yes
• Maximum Resolution:  7680 x 4320

The MSI RTX 2080 GAMING X TRIO offers the buyer several video and USB outputs (DisplayPort x 3 (v1.4) / HDMI 2.0bx 1 / USB Type-C x1) which are certainly useful for taking advantage of the headsets for reality virtual and to manage any additional screens. Furthermore, thanks to the fully customizable RGB LEDs through the use of the Mystic Light software, the buyer can create the most congenial lighting effects. Obviously it is possible to overclock this GPU using the MSI Afterburner software , but there is something new: OC Scanner. Thanks to this function, the software identifies the best overclock settings while keeping the GPU stable, thus preventing the less accustomed to inadvertently do damage.

Performance

During gaming sessions the MSI RTX 2080 GAMING X TRIO offers very good performance with resolutions up to 2K , but struggles to maintain 60 FPS with higher resolutions, if not making compromises with the graphics settings of the game. While operating at full capacity , the MSI GPU maintains a stable temperature of 70 ° C , thanks to the three powerful fans that are activated as needed (the two external ones are set to start when the temperature exceeds 56 ° C, while the third part only when the temperature exceeds 60 ° C). If instead we analyze the noise of this card we can only be amazed: in fact, even at full speed the fans of the MSI RTX 2080 GAMING X TRIO do not produce annoying noises ., thus making us able to fully appreciate the soundtracks and effects we reproduce.

Price

You pay for quality, and MSI knows this.  The RTX 2080 GAMING X TRIO is in fact sold for about 870 euros , but if you don’t want to play at all costs in 4K and considering the clock frequency slightly higher than its “younger sister”, the Founders Edition (which is sold at same price) this GPU proves to be an excellent investment.