What Is The Best GPU Cooler For a GTX 1080 Ti

[Denganim20]

Hey guys I plan to get a EVGA GeForce GTX 1080 Ti SC2 graphics card, and want to know, what is the best GPU cooler I should get to cool this card during demanding games? I would be happy if the cooler was not past $130-150. Appreciate it!

edit: Turns out I found the SC2 Hybrid graphics card with the GPU cooler already attached, and is $800. Could you guys confirm if this is a good cooler to use?

 

[TJ Hooker]

Are you looking specifically for a water cooler? Any particular reason? From what I've seen, a water cooled 1080 To doesn't really perform any better than an air cooled one.

 

[envy14tpe]

The hybrid model is an excellent GPU. Check out this review: https://overclock3d.net/reviews/gpu_displays/evga_gtx_1080_ti_ftw3_hybrid_review/17

 

[Denganim20]

Are you looking specifically for a water cooler? Any particular reason? From what I've seen, a water cooled 1080 To doesn't really perform any better than an air cooled one.

I just wanted a water cooler because I was under the impression it cools the GPU better than air coolers, but I think I'll settle on the GTX 1080 Ti SC2 Hybrid.

 

[TJ Hooker]

Well yeah, a liquid cooled GPU will typically run cooler than an air cooled one. But, like I said, that doesn't seem to get you any difference in performance compared to a card with a good air cooler.

 

[envy14tpe]

Performance wise...the 1080ti models will all be very close as to fps. When it comes to quietness and cooling...now they separate. The hybrid models will be the best at cooling. According to the link I sent, the hybrid is 20-30C cooler than air coolers. Gives you more headroom for overclocking and known to be less noisy than air coolers.

 

[TJ Hooker]

@envy14tpe when I said little difference in performance, I was including overclocking. As in, there's not much difference in max overclock with water vs air from what I've read (although I'll admit it's not something I've looked into extensively). So if you like having lower temps just because, or a quieter card, water may be a good choice. But it terms of actual performance, probably little difference.

 

[envy14tpe]

@envy14tpe when I said little difference in performance, I was including overclocking. As in, there's not much difference in max overclock with water vs air from what I've read (although I'll admit it's not something I've looked into extensively). So if you like having lower temps just because, or a quieter card, water may be a good choice. But it terms of actual performance, probably little difference.

I do care about noise, and it is one of the features I always consider when buying a card. The Hybrid models will be quieter and cooler than the air coolers. Is that worth the extra cost? -comes down to the individual. Personally if I was spending that much I would consider making a custom loop to cool my cpu n gpu.

With that said, the EVGA hybrid is an excellent GPU as is, and you could swap the fan for one that is even better.

 

[Denganim20]

@envy14tpe when I said little difference in performance, I was including overclocking. As in, there's not much difference in max overclock with water vs air from what I've read (although I'll admit it's not something I've looked into extensively). So if you like having lower temps just because, or a quieter card, water may be a good choice. But it terms of actual performance, probably little difference.

I do care about noise, and it is one of the features I always consider when buying a card. The Hybrid models will be quieter and cooler than the air coolers. Is that worth the extra cost? -comes down to the individual. Personally if I was spending that much I would consider making a custom loop to cool my cpu n gpu.

With that said, the EVGA hybrid is an excellent GPU as is, and you could swap the fan for one that is even better.

The cooler only adds about 30 bucks, and I'm not too good in developing a custom water loop, and want to ensure everything I do water cooling wise is secure and works well. In short I am ok with buying an added water cooler, and I appreciate the help! I do plan to wait for the price of graphics cards to go down a bit, and for some deals on them to make them more affordable, but I know what to get now so I'm happy.

 

[envy14tpe]

Yeah, the no hassle approach is to get the Hybrid model. Plug it in and leave it alone..never issues.