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GIGABYTE GeForce RTX 5080 GAMING OC 16G vs MSI GeForce RTX 3060 VENTUS 2X 12G OC

Researched, not hands-on tested.How we review ›

all judged against graphics cards at a similar price

The GIGABYTE GeForce RTX 5080 GAMING OC 16G scores 6.9/10 overall, ahead of the MSI GeForce RTX 3060 VENTUS 2X 12G OC at 6.3/10.

The GIGABYTE GeForce RTX 5080 GAMING OC 16G leads on performance and build and warranty.

The MSI GeForce RTX 3060 VENTUS 2X 12G OC leads on size and fit.

They score the same on video memory, software support and efficiency and noise.

The biggest difference is size and fit, where the MSI GeForce RTX 3060 VENTUS 2X 12G OC scores 8/10 to the GIGABYTE GeForce RTX 5080 GAMING OC 16G's 4/10.

GeForce RTX 5080 GAMING OC 16G

GIGABYTE GeForce RTX 5080 GAMING OC 16G

6.9/10verdict: buy

This is a factory-overclocked RTX 5080 for buyers who want a quiet, well-cooled high-end card and have a case with room for it. It suits gaming and local AI work that fits within 16GB of video memory. It needs a roomy case, and it has one 16-pin 12V-2x6 power connector with an 850W power supply recommended by Gigabyte.

Typically about £1,510 in the UK when we researched itCheck price at Amazon UK (opens in a new tab, affiliate link)

Affiliate link. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Details

MSI GeForce RTX 3060 VENTUS 2X 12G OC

MSI GeForce RTX 3060 VENTUS 2X 12G OC

6.3/10verdict: good, not the best

This card is for builders who want an RTX 3060 with 12GB of memory in a compact dual-slot package. It suits small desktops and homelab machines that have one spare 8-pin power cable and a quiet-running priority. It also suits anyone who wants enough video memory for smaller local AI models without moving up to a larger card.

Typically about £295 in the UK when we researched itCheck price at Amazon UK (opens in a new tab, affiliate link)

Affiliate link. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Details

Scores, criterion by criterion

CriterionWeightGIGABYTE GeForce RTX 5080 GAMING OC 16GMSI GeForce RTX 3060 VENTUS 2X 12G OC
Performance30%8/105/10
Video memory25%7/107/10
Software support15%6/106/10
Efficiency and noise15%7/107/10
Size and fit10%4/108/10
Build and warranty5%8/106/10
Overall6.9/106.3/10

Specifications

SpecGIGABYTE GeForce RTX 5080 GAMING OC 16GMSI GeForce RTX 3060 VENTUS 2X 12G OC
GPUGeForce RTX 5080, 10752 CUDA cores, core clock 2730 MHz (reference 2617 MHz)NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060, 3584 CUDA cores, PCI Express Gen 4
Video memory16GB GDDR7, 256-bit bus, 30 Gbps memory clock12GB GDDR6, 192-bit bus, 15 Gbps
Board powernot listed170W board power (manufacturer rating); recommended PSU 550W
Length and slotsL=340 mm, W=140 mm, H=70 mm; PCB form ATX235 x 124 x 42 mm, dual slot
Display outputsDisplayPort 2.1b x3, HDMI 2.1b x1DisplayPort 1.4 x3, HDMI x1 (HDMI 2.1, 4K@120Hz), maximum 4 displays
Power connectorOne 16-pin (12V-2x6) power connector8-pin x1

Strengths and weaknesses

GIGABYTE GeForce RTX 5080 GAMING OC 16G

  • + Quiet fans and low temperatures, per owners and TechPowerUp
  • + 4-year warranty with a reinforced metal backplate
  • + 16GB GDDR7 on a 256-bit bus
  • − Large at 340 mm long and 70 mm high
  • − 16GB is fixed, which caps larger AI models
  • − Gigabyte doesn't publish board power

Skip it if:

  • Anyone building in a compact or small-form-factor case.
  • Buyers running local AI models that need more than 16GB of video memory.
  • Buyers who want a published board power figure before choosing a power supply.
Read the full GIGABYTE GeForce RTX 5080 GAMING OC 16G review ›

MSI GeForce RTX 3060 VENTUS 2X 12G OC

  • + 12GB of GDDR6 on a 192-bit bus
  • + Compact 235 mm dual-slot body, single 8-pin connector
  • + Owners praise quiet cooling
  • − Owners are split on value, with some calling it overpriced
  • − Only one HDMI output alongside three DisplayPort outputs

Skip it if:

  • Buyers running local AI models that need more than 12GB of video memory
  • Anyone who wants several HDMI outputs rather than three DisplayPort and one HDMI
  • Buyers who want published warranty or sustained performance figures before they commit
Read the full MSI GeForce RTX 3060 VENTUS 2X 12G OC review ›

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