The next generation ofNvidia GeForce graphics cardsare getting nearer to production, with rumors of a launch by the end of the year. Evidence of this is substantiated by the release of the firstNvidiaGeForce RTX 3080 photo, speculated to be of engineering samples of the 3080. The photo features a line of several GeForce RTX 3080 cards, each in various states of assembly. The photo reveals unique fan configuration for the 3080, with a single visible fan on one side of the card and a unique heat dispersion assembly around it.
Production of theNvidia GeForce RTX 3080 cardsis certain to reignite speculation that the new generation of cards, or at least some of them, might be launching sooner than expected. Some rumors have say the 3080 could launch as soon a June, this month, though no such announcement has been made as of yet. A fall release for the cards remains much more likely. Production is simply early to ensure adequate stock available come launch.
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Most interesting about the photo is absolutely the card’s fan configuration. While only one fan is visible, a second is said to be hidden underneath the other side with a cutout in the PCB to allow for airflow from theCPUintake area. These fans are described as bi-directional, designed to efficiently deliver airflow through the card. Heat will be a significant issue with these cards as they continue to push for increasingly larger performance increases.
Nvidia reference models for its latest cards tend to be unique and creative in their designs. But the 3080 card will certainly be setting a high bar for creativity going forward. It’s going to take PC enthusiasts some time to understand everything that Nvidia is working to achieve with thiscutting edge graphics card.
One obvious and immediate worry from PC enthusiasts is that the card’s design will ultimately raise its price. TheRTX 2080’s price at launch started at $699, with higher binned cards ramping up from there. The RTX 3080 could definitely jump from there, or it could be similarly priced. With Nvidia, it’s often hard to tell.
Ultimately, today’s leak doesn’t mean much for more casual PC gamers and fans. Awareness of the Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 is already widespread, after all. This photo is more for more hardcorePC enthusiastswho love to analyze hardware and speculate about design. Nevertheless, these graphics cards are getting closer. It’s only a matter of time before release date and pricing information is shared regarding theNvidia 3080card and the others also releasing this year.
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