What is EVGA GTX 1080 Ti ftw3?

Introduction

The EVGA GTX 1080 Ti FTW3 is a flagship graphics card that has captured the attention of gamers and professionals alike since its release. Built upon NVIDIA's powerful Pascal architecture, this card offers unprecedented performance and features that cater to high-end gaming and compute-intensive tasks. In this article, we delve deep into the specifications, technologies, and real-world performance of the EVGA GTX 1080 Ti FTW3 to understand what sets it apart from its competitors. For those interested in the technical aspects and purchasing options, the GTX1080 TI 11G model provides a closer look at its capabilities.

Architecture and Specifications

The EVGA GTX 1080 Ti FTW3 is based on NVIDIA's Pascal architecture, which revolutionized the graphics industry with its efficiency and performance. The card features 3584 CUDA cores, a base clock speed of 1569 MHz, and a boost clock of 1683 MHz. It comes equipped with 11GB of GDDR5X memory running at 11 Gbps on a 352-bit memory interface, resulting in a memory bandwidth of 484 GB/s.

These specifications allow for seamless 4K gaming experiences and high frame rates in virtual reality applications. The card's thermal design power (TDP) is 250W, and it requires a minimum of a 600W power supply. The use of advanced cooling solutions ensures that the card maintains optimal temperatures even under heavy loads.

iCX Technology

One of the standout features of the EVGA GTX 1080 Ti FTW3 is the incorporation of EVGA's proprietary iCX technology. This innovative cooling solution combines a comprehensive approach to thermal management with multiple sensors and micro control processors. It includes nine additional sensors placed at critical points of the card to monitor real-time temperatures.

The iCX technology allows for asynchronous fan control, where each of the three fans can adjust its speed independently based on the temperature readings. This ensures that the GPU, power, and memory areas are cooled efficiently, reducing thermal hotspots and prolonging the lifespan of the card.

Performance Benchmarks

In terms of performance, the EVGA GTX 1080 Ti FTW3 excels in all benchmarks. In popular titles such as \"Battlefield V\" and \"Shadow of the Tomb Raider,\" the card consistently delivers frame rates exceeding 60 FPS at 4K resolutions with high settings. In DirectX 12 and Vulkan API games, the card showcases impressive efficiency and utilization of advanced graphical features.

Synthetic benchmarks like 3DMark's Fire Strike Ultra and Time Spy also reflect the card's superior performance. The GTX 1080 Ti FTW3 achieves scores that surpass the standard GTX 1080 by a substantial margin, solidifying its position as a top-tier choice for enthusiasts seeking the best possible graphics performance.

Overclocking Capabilities

The EVGA GTX 1080 Ti FTW3 is renowned for its overclocking potential. With robust power delivery and cooling solutions, users can push the card beyond its factory settings to achieve even higher performance levels. Utilizing software like EVGA Precision XOC, overclocking enthusiasts can fine-tune parameters such as GPU core clock, memory clock, and voltage.

Many users report stable overclocks with core clock increases of 150 MHz or more, resulting in tangible improvements in gaming and rendering tasks. The overclocking headroom is partially attributed to the quality of the components and the efficiency of the iCX cooling system, which keeps temperatures in check during intense workloads.

Design and Build Quality

Aesthetically, the EVGA GTX 1080 Ti FTW3 sports a sleek design with a dark color scheme and customizable RGB lighting. The card features a sturdy metal backplate that not only enhances its visual appeal but also provides structural support and assists in heat dissipation.

The attention to detail in the build quality is evident, with high-grade components used throughout. The use of 10+2 power phases ensures stable power delivery, which is crucial for maintaining performance stability during overclocking and extended gaming sessions.

Connectivity Options

The GTX 1080 Ti FTW3 offers a range of connectivity options, including three DisplayPort 1.4 outputs, one HDMI 2.0b port, and one Dual-Link DVI-D port. This array of outputs allows for multi-monitor setups, supporting resolutions up to 7680x4320 at 60Hz. Such versatility makes it suitable for immersive gaming experiences and professional applications that require extensive screen real estate.

Thermal and Acoustic Performance

Thermal management is a critical aspect of high-performance GPUs, and the EVGA GTX 1080 Ti FTW3 excels in this area. Under full load, the card maintains temperatures well below thermal throttling thresholds, thanks to the triple-fan iCX cooling system and optimized heat sink design.

Acoustically, the card operates quietly, even during intensive tasks. The asynchronous fan control allows for lower fan speeds when full cooling capacity is not required, reducing noise levels. This feature is particularly beneficial for users who value a silent computing environment.

Comparison with Other Models

When compared to other GTX 1080 Ti variants, the FTW3 stands out due to its superior cooling technology and build quality. While reference models provide baseline performance, the FTW3's enhanced features offer better thermal performance, higher overclocking potential, and a more robust power delivery system.

Competing cards from other manufacturers may offer similar specifications but often lack the comprehensive features provided by EVGA. The combination of iCX technology, premium components, and excellent customer support make the GTX 1080 Ti FTW3 a compelling choice for discerning users.

Price to Performance Ratio

The GTX 1080 Ti FTW3 offers a competitive price-to-performance ratio, considering its advanced features and capabilities. While it sits at the higher end of the price spectrum, the investment is justified for users seeking top-tier performance and durability. For those evaluating their options, the GTX1080 TI 11G provides a balance between cost and performance.

Use Cases in Professional Applications

Beyond gaming, the EVGA GTX 1080 Ti FTW3 is well-suited for professional applications such as 3D rendering, video editing, and computational tasks. Software that leverages CUDA cores, like Adobe Premiere Pro and Blender, benefits from the card's processing power, significantly reducing rendering times and improving workflow efficiency.

In the field of machine learning, the card can accelerate training processes for certain models, although it lacks specific tensor cores found in newer architectures. Nonetheless, its high CUDA core count and memory bandwidth make it a valuable asset for developers and researchers working with GPU-accelerated applications.

Future-Proofing and Longevity

As technology advances rapidly, investing in a graphics card that remains relevant over time is essential. The GTX 1080 Ti FTW3's robust specifications ensure that it can handle upcoming game titles and software updates for the foreseeable future. Its support for DirectX 12 and Vulkan APIs ensures compatibility with modern game engines and rendering techniques.

Moreover, the card's durable construction and efficient cooling system contribute to its longevity. Users can expect consistent performance without significant degradation over time, making it a sound investment for long-term use.

Conclusion

The EVGA GTX 1080 Ti FTW3 stands as a testament to high-performance graphics solutions, offering exceptional capabilities for both gamers and professionals. Its combination of powerful hardware, innovative cooling, and high-quality build make it a standout option in the crowded GPU market. For those seeking a top-tier graphics card that delivers on all fronts, the GTX1080 TI 11G remains an excellent choice that meets the demands of modern computing.