Review and testing of the MSI GeForce RTX 3080 Suprim X 12G LHR video card. Comparison of GeForce RTX 3080 12GB and GeForce RTX 3080 10GB

Nvidia recently introduced an updated version of the GeForce RTX 3080 with increased memory. The new video card is based on the familiar GA102 graphics processor, but in a different configuration. We will talk about the advantages of GeForce RTX 3080 12GB in this review. Let’s get acquainted with the GeForce RTX 3080 Suprim X 12G LHR video card, check its nominal and overclocking potential, compare it with the old version of GeForce RTX 3080 and Radeon RX 6800 XT.

The standard version of the GeForce RTX 3080 has 68 active SM multiprocessor units with 8704 stream cores, 272 tensor cores and 68 RT cores. The memory works on a 320-bit bus, the memory volume is 10 gigabytes. The new version received 70 active SMs, which gives 8960 streaming cores, 280 tensor cores and 70 RT cores. The memory bus was expanded to 384 bits, which allowed installing 12 gigabytes of memory. For both versions of GeForce RTX 3080, identical Boost Clock frequencies are set, but the base value of the novelty is lower. The GDDR6X memory operates at an effective data exchange frequency of 19000 MHz, which is identical to other variants of the GeForce RTX 3080 series. Nvidia already has a GeForce RTX 3080 Ti in its lineup with a 384-bit bus and 12 gigabytes of memory. With the same memory configuration, the older version wins by having more computing units.

We will get acquainted with the new product using the example of MSI’s top video card of the Suprim line. This model is equipped with a powerful air cooling system and operates at high frequencies. We compare it with the previous version MSI GeForce RTX 3080 Suprim, which works at the same factory frequencies. This will allow you to objectively determine the advantages of the new GPU and memory configuration in the GeForce RTX 3080 12GB.

MSI GeForce RTX 3080 SUPRIM X 12G LHR

The video card comes in a large white box with a custom image on the front. There is a carrying handle at the top.

It is worth noting the rich equipment. In the box there is a large mat, a set of additional instructions and other printed products.

An important addition is an adjustable support. A huge video card weighing several kilograms can bend, which will lead to deformation of the textolite. And although the manufacturer took care of the rigidity of the structure, providing Suprim with a backplate and a stiffening rib, the additional support minimizes the possibility of deformation of the bulky product.

The stand has a height-adjustable foot to support the edge of the video card.

Before us is a real 32 cm long graphic monster that occupies three expansion slots. The exterior design has some continuity with the MSI Gaming, but the Suprim looks more elegant.

The massive radiator is covered by a plastic casing with a metal insert in the center. Fans are inscribed in octagonal holes. Arrow-shaped body elements complete the design.

The reverse side is covered with a metal plate. There is an illuminated logo on the side with a dragon emblem.

There are three eight-pin power connectors in the corner. Next to them is a small BIOS switch for choosing the Gaming or Silent firmware, which differ in the operating mode of the fans. The Silent profile provides reduced revolutions for less noise.

A large LED strip with the Suprim logo runs along the side.

This is a full-fledged RGB backlight with the possibility of fine-tuning through the MSI Dragon Center application. Backlight synchronization with other MSI components is possible.

To examine the TRI FROZR 2S cooling system in more detail, first remove the backplate. This is a solid metal plate that dissipates heat away from hot areas of the board. For this, thermal pads are provided in the area of ​​memory chips and under the VRM elements.

The design of the radiator has remained unchanged in relation to the MSI GeForce RTX 3080 Suprim X 10G. A single heatsink is used for the GPU and other components on the board. It is a massive block of plates with large contact surfaces at the bottom. All elements are carefully matched to each other and have a nickel-plated protective coating.

The plate that contacts the graphic crystal has a mirror finish. A heat pipe runs around this base, which is involved in removing heat from the hot GDDR6X chips. On the sides, planes are provided for contact with transistors, chokes and capacitors of the power supply system.

Seven heat pipes are used in the design. At the base, they are compressed and tightly fitted to each other due to their rectangular shape.

On the outside, three large TorX Fan 4.0 fans are mounted on the radiator.

The impeller diameter of such fans is 95 mm. Pairs of curved blades are connected by an outer half-ring, which partially resembles the design of modern fans in ASUS video cards. A durable ball mill is used.

The radiator consists of a large number of closely spaced plates. For better blowing of this design, special elements are provided – wavy edges of the plates and guide deflectors.

The MSI GeForce RTX 3080 Suprim X 12G and GeForce RTX 3080 Suprim X 10G use the same board design, differing only in the number of soldered memory chips. The board has 20 phases, 16 of which are for the GPU power system.

Processor marking GA102-220-A1. It belongs to chips with LHR (Low Hash Rate) protection, which reduces Ethereum mining performance. Unsoldered 12 Micron memory chips labeled IOT77 D8BWW.

The base frequency of the GPU is at the standard level of 1260 MHz with an average Boost Clock of 1890 MHz instead of 1710 MHz. The memory does without overclocking, the data exchange frequency is equivalent to 19000 MHz. The power limit has been increased from 350 to 390 W.

First, let’s look at the frequency and temperature parameters in Gaming mode. Boost frequencies exceeded 1900 MHz in most tests. In the 3DMark Time Spy 4K stress test, the frequencies varied between 1905 and 1920 MHz. In the Days Gone game at 4K format, the frequencies were kept at the level of 1830-1905 MHz.

Operating frequencies up to 2025 MHz were only observed in Forza Horizon 5 tests. Short-term peak Boost values ​​could reach 2025-2055 MHz.

In games, the GPU temperature did not exceed 71 °C with fan speeds up to 1900 rpm. The temperature of the hot spot of the Hot Spot crystal reached 78 °C, the memory heated up to 82 °C. These indicators were obtained in an open case. In the heat of summer in a closed case, the heat will increase, but overall we have good figures for a top-end graphics accelerator with a power of 390 W.

Switching to the Silent firmware limits the fan speed to 1500-1600 rpm. The GPU temperature increases to 77 °C.

High-quality PCB and powerful cooling ensure the high overclocking potential of MSI Suprim. In this instance, it was possible to increase the GPU frequency by 130 MHz with memory acceleration to 21800 MHz. Power limit increased to maximum.

In the 3DMark Time Spy stress test, the frequencies were at the level of 2010 MHz. Days Gone saw drops to 1900 MHz. In Forza Horizon 5, the GPU clocked around 2145 MHz. Peak Boost values ​​reached 2175 MHz. It is worth noting that the memory confidently ran up to 22000 MHz and higher, but in some tests, instead of an increase in performance, a drop in rare 1% low events could be observed. Therefore, we settled on the optimal for performance GDDR6X configuration with a value of 21800 MHz.

Cooling is improved by increasing the fan speed to 2000 rpm. The video card confidently passed all tests without a single failure in this mode. Operating temperatures remained at the level of initial indicators.