msiGaming GeForce GTX 1080 8GB GDDR5X SLI DirectX 12 VR Ready Graphics Card (GTX 1080 GAMING X 8G)

MSI with their Gaming series has always occupied a great space of getting the GPU you want, at a price you can afford with proper cooling, serving as a nice middle ground between the highest-end offerings that come pre-mounted with water blocks, and the low-end, rear exhaust blower cards. Compared to other cards with the same GPU, this card is affordable and reliable enough for a decent overclock, while still staying cool enough to stay under my personal target of 60C. I upgraded to this card from the GTX 970 version, and let me say, this card is a MONSTER. From the hefty back plate, to the giant fans on the front, this card is going to take up a lot of space in your PC, especially if you have anything other than a Full ATX tower. All of that PCB isn't just for show, as this GPU can take any game you want, any at all, and run them perfectly at 1080p; right now, today, there will be no compromises when it comes to graphical settings. If there is an Ultra preset for the game, this card will hit that target and go beyond, even keeping a smooth 60 fps while super-sampling to a 2x resolution scale or better. With MSI's Gaming App or MSI Afterburner, you can control the clock speeds for both the VRAM and the GPU, and the fan speeds to find the ideal balance between graphical performance, noise, and temperature. Also, if you're the type that love the "gaming" red and black aesthetics, this card is pleasing to the eye, and even comes with customisable RGB lighting. All in all, if you're looking to buy a GTX 1080, you've got the money to spend, but this is the air-cooled card that's going to get you the best value for those dollars.

PROLet’s talk first, this charismatic GPU tends to catch your heart and possibly not let go!! I bought my first GPU mid February, had it shipped 13th of February. Built my first ever gaming PC. I instantly fell in love with this beast that can handle exactly what I needed it to do. Run PUBG. PUBG will run smooth. No problem what so ever. Okay, enough with the talk let’s get started.Equipped with the best cooling for any GPU out there. Running any game glancing over at MSI afterburner I notice my gpu never goes over 85 degrees. That is good. TWIN FRZR you did an amazing performance.Despite the best cooling, it is quiet. Like REALLY quiet. On idle mode, web surfing, this GPU will not make a noise -- thought my life was on mute for a second.Everything that it has to do works with no, ZERO, malfunctions. Runs MSI DRAGON CENTER, MSI MYSTIC LIGHT, and MSI DRAGON EYE all works and do what it needs to do.CONMight be a little bit price overwhelming, but hey, all GPU’s are like that right now aren’t they? I’d get another one if I needed….. or even if I don’t need it I just made a second purchase of the same exact GPU through Amazon, got it delivered 20th. Waiting to have time for myself to do an SLI so I can have two beasts in a case.Going with the first CON, this will make you open your wallet!!!! BECAUSE I AM IN LOVE WITH MSI RIGHT NOW.OTHERAfter purchasing the GPU I would recommend purchasing the MSI Accessory Graphics Card Bolster. To be honest, all GPU slants, or sags. This can be fixed with a holder, or a bracket, but hey couple dollars more and you get an official bracket made especially from a company that manufactures your GPU, so they know what they are dealing with.Also, I am still mad at myself for not finding out or looking into MSI graphics card before doing the whole “purchase” for my first PC because I did not get an MSI Mother board, instead I chose a different brand, and this is the worst part of my purchase. If I had a second life, or extra cash in my bank, I would definitely purchase an MSI board to go along with my beast. It would be beauty and the beast all in a case.I am writing this review to enter into the MSI Reward Program

Installed this in my computer about a week ago, and I have to say that I absolutely love it!Let me just say, this graphics card is an absolute beast! It absolutely ravages almost any game that I throw at it. When it comes to the pros of this card, the list could go on and on.Pros:- Great killer performance! Runs almost everything well above 60 fps. If you're looking for something that blows almost every game out of the water and is also a good future proof card, then this is your best bet.- The looks! The design and shape of this graphics card is absolutely jaw dropping and never ceases to amaze me. Along with the sharpness of the card is the beautiful LEDs that MSI has blessed this card with! The red LEDs at the end of the card really compliment the red theme.- The temperature control. Of course, we can't forget the brilliantly implemented Twin Frozr cooling system. Even under extreme load, this card stays moderately cool for the best gaming experience.- The ports. There are many ports on the back of this card, giving you room for expansion and offering a good variety.Cons:- The only problem I have with this card is that, at times, I minor noticeable noise comes out of the card at first under load. However, this sound is not annoying at all and it hasn't interfered with my card or gaming experience in any way.In short, if you're looking for a card that has a killer performance, a great design, a brilliant cooling system, a great assortment of ports, and much more, I would highly recommend adding this card to your rig. Trust me, you won't regret it.