Comparison Asus GeForce GTX 1080 ROG-STRIX-GTX1080-A8G-GAMING vs MSI GTX 1080 Sea Hawk EK X

The frequency of the graphics processor of the graphics card. As a general rule, the higher the frequency of the GPU, the higher the performance of the graphics card, but this parameter is not the only one — a lot also depends on the design features of the graphics card, in particular, the type and amount of video memory (see the relevant glossary items). As a result, it is not unusual for a model with a lower processor frequency to be more performant of two video cards. In addition, it should be noted that high-frequency processors also have high heat dissipation, which requires the use of powerful cooling systems.

The speed at which a video card can process data stored in its video memory. In fact, the indicator determines the maximum number of operations to receive or transmit data by a memory module per unit of time. This frequency is expressed in megahertz (MHz) – millions of operations per second. High video memory frequency helps improve performance when performing resource-intensive tasks such as texture processing, graphics rendering and other graphics operations. However, the parameter is by no means the only factor that influences the overall performance of the video card – it is important to take into account the GPU architecture, number of cores, core frequency and other characteristics.

The number of HDMI outputs provided by the graphics card.

HDMI is by far the most popular interface for high-definition video and multi-channel audio (it can be used for video and audio at the same time). This connector is almost standard for modern monitors, in addition, it is widely used in other types of screens — TVs, plasma panels, projectors, etc.

The presence of several outputs allows you to connect several screens to the graphics card at the same time — for example, a pair of monitors for organizing an extended workspace. However, there are never more than 2 HDMI ports in video cards — for a number of reasons, for several screens at once, in this case it is easier to use other connectors, primarily DisplayPort.

The number of DisplayPort outputs provided by the graphics card.

DisplayPort is a digital media interface similar in many ways to HDMI, but primarily used in computers. The specific capabilities of this interface depend on the version (see below), but even in the most modest modern version of DisplayPort, it allows at least 4K at 60 frames per second and 5K at 30 fps. Another interesting feature of this standard is the ability to daisy-chain multiple screens to one port (“daisy chain” format).

In light of the latter, we can say that the number of DisplayPort outputs corresponds to the number of screens that can be connected directly to the graphics card, without using a daisy chain. Such a connection may be required, in particular, for monitors that do not support daisy chaining. If such a mode is supported, the maximum number of screens will be at least twice as high as the number of connectors. However, it is worth considering that the resolutions supported by the video adapter itself may not reach the maximum capabilities of the DisplayPort version used.

— Active(cooler). Active in this case is called forced air cooling — that is, cooling due to the outside air supplied by the cooler. The role of a cooler can be performed both by a classic fan with a radiator, and by a closed case into which air is pumped by a special impeller (“blower”). The variant with the body is typical for high-end models; it is quite complicated and expensive, but very effective, besides, hot air is usually removed not just from the graphics card case, but outside the system unit, and does not affect the rest of the system components. In general, active cooling (of all types) provides a good balance of characteristics: it turns out to be much cheaper and easier to install than water systems, and at the same time much more efficient than passive radiators. Therefore, most modern video cards are equipped with coolers or blowers.

— Passive(radiator). Passive cooling systems are called in which heat is dissipated in a natural way, without additional blowing or forced circulation of the liquid. Radiators used in such systems have the form of ribbed metal plates — this form increases the efficiency of heat removal. To further improve efficiency, radiators can be supplemented with heat pipes — closed tubes through which the coolant naturally moves. The main advantage of passive systems is the complete absence of noise; in addition, they do not consume energy and are extremely reliab...le (there is practically nothing to break in the radiators). On the other hand, such systems are less efficient than coolers and, moreover, water blocks, and therefore they are mainly used in relatively low-power video cards. There are exceptions, but in them the radiator has to be made quite bulky, which can make installation difficult.

— Liquid(water block). Cooling performed by the circulation of water (or other liquid coolant) through the tubes in contact with the components of the graphics card. Such systems are extremely efficient because water has a higher heat capacity than air; in addition, the noise level during operation of the water blocks is extremely low. Their main disadvantage is the difficulty in installation: for the operation of such a graphics card, a water cooling system is required, which in itself is quite expensive and is usually not included in the package. As a result, pure liquid cooling is the prerogative of individual high-end graphics cards aimed at enthusiasts or professional users.

— Hybrid(water block + cooler). A cooling system that includes two modules at once — air (cooler) and water (water block). The specifics of both are described in detail above; here it is worth noting that in this case, the package usually includes not just a water block on the board itself, but a full-fledged liquid cooling system (LCS) — with an external radiator, pump and other components. Thus, the graphics card comes with a fully functional, ready-to-use cooling system.

Usually, hybrid systems are designed in this way: the GPU and a number of other "hottest" elements of the board are covered by a water block, the air cooler is responsible for the rest. The main point of this division is to shift from the water block to the cooler a non-critical load that does not require maximum performance; this has a positive effect on the uniformity and efficiency of liquid cooling. On the other hand, hybrid systems are quite expensive, which is why they are used much less frequently than traditional water blocks for connecting to LSS, and only in top-level solutions.

The number of individual fans provided in the graphics card cooling system (if any, see "Cooling").

In general, the more powerful the video adapter, the more efficient cooling it needs. So one fan is typical mainly for devices of the initial and inexpensive middle class, two — from medium to advanced, and three or more are almost an unambiguous sign of a premium-level solution. At the same time, there is no strict dependence here, and models with similar characteristics may have a different number of fans (especially since the cooling efficiency is determined not only by the number of fans, but also by their diameter). But what this parameter unambiguously affects is the length of the graphics card and, accordingly, the amount of space required to install it.

The graphics card has a backlight system. This feature gives the board an original appearance, which is especially appreciated by gamers and fans of external PC modding. The backlight may have a different colour, in some models this colour may even change. At the same time, note that this feature does not affect the functionality of the graphics card, but it significantly affects the cost. So it's worth specifically looking for a graphics card with backlighting only in cases where an unusual design is no less important to you than performance. It should also be borne in mind that such adapters must be installed in the appropriate cases — open or with a viewing window, otherwise the backlight will simply not be visible.

Backlight synchronization technology provided in a graphics card with an associated design.

By itself, synchronization allows you to "match" the backlight of the graphics card with the backlight of other system components — the motherboard, case, keyboard, mouse, etc. Thanks to this matching, all components can change colour synchronously, turn on / off at the same time, etc. Specific features the operation of such backlighting depends on the synchronization technology used, and, usually, each manufacturer has its own (Mystic Light Sync for MSI, RGB Fusion for Gigabyte, etc.). The compatibility of the components also depends on this: they must all support the same technology. So the easiest way to achieve backlight compatibility is to collect components from the same manufacturer.

Maximum power consumed by the graphics card during operation. This parameter is important for calculating the total power consumed by the entire system and selecting a power supply that provides the appropriate power.