Review and Testing of the MSI GeForce RTX 4080 SUPER EXPERT
As part of this review, we will look at the MSI GeForce RTX 4080 SUPER EXPERT video card, which is based on the GeForce RTX 4080 SUPER GPU. We will test this card in various games and compare its performance with other video cards on the market.
| APPEARANCE AND CHARACTERISTICS |
This subsection of our review highlights the main aspects of the MSI GeForce RTX 4080 SUPER EXPERT, such as appearance and hardware configuration.
| APPEARANCE AND CHARACTERISTICS |
The packaging of the MSI GeForce RTX 4080 SUPER EXPERT graphics card stands out with its design that highlights RTX technologies, including NVIDIA Ada architecture, support for ray tracing and DLSS. The back of the box lists the main characteristics and functions of the card. When you open the box, you will find the graphics card protected by foam packaging, as well as a set of accessories and manuals that can be useful for both gamers and casual users. The kit includes a stand to prevent card deflection, which is especially important for such large video cards.
The MSI GeForce RTX 4080 SUPER EXPERT video card package includes not only the video card itself, but also a number of important accessories. In particular, the packaging includes an anti-flex bracket that helps prevent the card from deforming due to its weight and size.
A 16-pin power adapter is also provided, which is necessary to connect the video card to the system power supply.
The video card itself has impressive dimensions and weighs about 2 kg, occupying three slots in the system. The card is equipped with two 102mm fans that provide efficient airflow through the heatsink. It also features a full-length metal back panel with a matte gold finish, adding to its aesthetics and functionality.
For cooling, MSI's new Flow Frozr cooler is used, similar to the design of NVIDIA's Founders Edition coolers. The card uses 0dB Zero Frozr technology, in which the fans only start spinning when a certain temperature is reached, which reduces noise levels when idle. The design also uses a vapor chamber that covers the GPU and memory modules for improved cooling.
The card's design includes a vapor chamber that effectively distributes heat from the GPU and VRAM across the entire heatsink area. The board features a compact design with electronic components that minimizes inductance and impedance, improving power transfer efficiency.
As for video outputs, on the rear panel of the card there is one HDMI 2.1 port and three DisplayPort 1.4a, providing ample connectivity to various displays and support for modern visualization standards.
| ARCHITECTURE |
The MSI GeForce RTX 4080 SUPER EXPERT is based on NVIDIA's Ada Lovelace architecture and is a significant improvement over its predecessor, the RTX 4080.
Architecture and Performance
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Main Architecture : The RTX 4080 SUPER OC is built on a 5nm process technology and is based on the AD103 GPU. It is an advanced version of the Ada Lovelace architecture, known for its efficiency and performance.
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Shader Units, TMUs, and ROPs : The graphics card has 10,240 shader units, 320 TMUs, and 112 ROPs, while the RTX 4080 has 9,728 shader units, 304 TMUs, and 112 ROPs. Increasing the number of cores improves overall performance.
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Tensor and RT Cores : Both models are equipped with 320 Tensor Cores and 80 RT Cores, which are important for tasks related to AI and ray tracing, respectively.
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Clocks : The RTX 4080 SUPER OC has a base clock of 2295 MHz and a boost clock of 2550 MHz, which is slightly higher than the RTX 4080 with its base and boost clocks of 2205 MHz and 2505 MHz.
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Memory Configuration : Both cards feature 16GB of GDDR6X memory, but the RTX 4080 SUPER OC increases memory speed to 23Gbps compared to the RTX 4080's 22.4Gbps.
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Bus Width and Bandwidth : Memory bus width is 256 bits for both cards, with the RTX 4080 SUPER OC having a slightly higher bandwidth of 736.3 GB/s compared to the RTX 4080's 716.8 GB/s.
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Thermal Power (TDP) and Power Efficiency : The RTX 4080 SUPER OC supports a total graphics power (TGP) of 320W, similar to the RTX 4080. This power efficiency is an important aspect of the Ada Lovelace architecture.
The MSI GeForce RTX 4080 SUPER EXPERT features an increased core count, higher clock speeds and improved memory speeds over the RTX 4080. These improvements contribute to faster overall performance, making it a suitable choice for gamers and professionals who require high-performance graphics. The use of NVIDIA's Ada Lovelace architecture ensures that this card is not only powerful, but also efficient, balancing high performance and power consumption.
| TECHNOLOGIES Flow Frozr |
MSI's Flow Frozr technology includes a range of innovative cooling solutions designed to optimize GPU performance. The main idea is to create an effective heat dissipation system that ensures stable operation of the video card even under high loads.
The key elements of Flow Frozr technology are:
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Dual Ventilation System (Push-Pull Airflow) : Uses two fans, one of which blows cool air onto the radiator and the other exhausts hot air, which increases cooling efficiency and reduces component temperatures.
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V-Shaped Fins : The heatsink fins feature a V-shaped cutout that directs airflow for more efficient heat dissipation.
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Zero Frozr Technology : Fans stop when GPU temperatures are low, reducing noise during periods of low load, and automatically turn on when temperatures rise.
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Core Pipe Heatpipe : Heatpipes are optimized for maximum contact with the GPU die, distributing heat across the entire surface of the heatsink.
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Vapor Chamber : Effectively captures heat from the GPU and memory, quickly transferring it to the heat pipes and heatsink.
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Quality Materials : Using aluminum alloy for the body and precision casting improves rigidity, durability and thermal conductivity.
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Optimized Design : MSI integrates premium components and optimized design into its graphics cards to achieve maximum reliability and stability while maintaining high performance.
MSI's Flow Frozr technology is an advanced cooling system designed to optimize thermal management in graphics cards. The principle of this technology is to create an efficient air flow through the components of the video card to minimize the temperature and increase performance.
The Flow Frozr is based on a dual airflow strategy that uses two fans operating in a push and pull mode. This means that one fan supplies cool air to the radiators while the other exhausts hot air outside. This approach allows for more efficient heat removal from the GPU and other heat-producing components.
The Flow Frozr system also includes innovative solutions such as Zero Frozr, which controls fan operation based on GPU temperature. At low temperatures, fans can stop completely, ensuring quiet when idle. When the temperature rises, such as during gaming or demanding tasks, the fans automatically activate to provide the necessary cooling.
The V-fin design of the heatsink improves airflow and heat dissipation. The Core Pipe heatpipe design maximizes contact area with hot components, distributing heat more evenly across the entire surface of the heatsink.
Using a vapor chamber enhances the heat sink effect by quickly absorbing heat from the GPU and memory and transferring it to the heat pipes. This ensures more efficient and uniform heat removal from the main heat-generating components of the video card.
As a result, Flow Frozr provides high cooling efficiency, reduces noise levels and improves the overall performance of the graphics card, providing more stable and durable performance in demanding gaming and professional applications.
| HEATING AND POWER CONSUMPTION |
Energy efficiency testing of the MSI GeForce RTX 4080 SUPER EXPERT video card was carried out assembled in a closed DeepCool CH510 WH case.
As a result of tests performed using the FurMark program, the MSI GeForce RTX 4080 SUPER EXPERT video card showed excellent thermal efficiency and energy efficiency. At full load, the device reached a maximum temperature of 71 degrees Celsius, while its power consumption was 326 watts. The video card was almost silent during the stress test.
| TEST PART |
| GAMES |
| Hogwarts Legacy |
Video cards were tested at a resolution of 3840x2160 with maximum graphics quality settings.
| The Last of Us Part I |
| Resident Evil 4 |
| Baldur's Gate III |
| Diablo IV |
| Ratchet & Clank Rift Apart |
| Starfield |
Video cards were tested at a resolution of 3840x2160 with maximum graphics quality settings.
| Alone in the Dark |
| Dragon's Dogma 2 |
| Horizon Forbidden West |
Video cards were tested at a resolution of 3840x2160 with maximum graphics quality settings.
The MSI GeForce RTX 4080 SUPER EXPERT graphics card stands out for its advanced cooling technologies, high performance and high-quality design. Flow Frozr technology effectively manages thermal conditions, ensuring low operating temperatures and quiet operation even under high load. The combination of innovative cooling architecture, high clock speeds and quality build makes it an excellent choice for demanding users and gamers looking for high performance and reliability.
On the other hand, it is necessary to take into account factors such as the size of the video card and its cost, which may influence the buyer's choice. Despite its premium features, the graphics card may be too large for some systems and has a high price tag, making it less affordable for a wide range of consumers. However, for those looking for cutting-edge technology and willing to invest in top-end performance, the MSI GeForce RTX 4080 SUPER EXPERT is an excellent choice.
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