Palit RTX 3080 GameRock OC Review, Thermals, Overclocking & Gaming Benchmarks In a detailed analysis of the Palit RTX 3080 GameRock OC, the video from Hardware Unboxed presents an engaging review that examines design, performance, and overclocking potential of this striking graphics card.
Design and Build Quality
The Palit GameRock OC stands out with a unique, eye-catching aesthetic that tends to divide opinions—viewers either love or hate its flamboyant design. Measuring 304mm in length and weighing over 1.5 kg, it's a hefty card with robust build quality featuring a crystal-like fan shroud and triple 90mm translucent fans equipped with IP5X dust resistance. The backplate is made of thick aluminum, adding to both durability and cooling efficiency, while the design includes extensive RGB multi-color lighting that can feel overly busy.
Thermals and Performance
Under performance testing conditions, the GameRock OC demonstrated excellent thermal management. During 30 minutes of gameplay in "Shadow of the Tomb Raider," it peaked at just 68°C in a well-ventilated chassis. The dual BIOS feature allows switching between performance and silent modes, which is unusual for cards in this price range. Power consumption saw an increase when overclocked, with peak operational readings at around 399 watts—about 17% higher than the stock setup. This suggests robust performance potential, making it one of the more efficient overclocking options available.
Overclocking Capabilities
This card showcases impressive overclocking abilities, reaching a core clock frequency of 2 GHz under load with the memory slightly exceeding the stock 19 Gbps to 20.6 Gbps. Despite its aesthetic flair, the performance reveals a highly capable graphics unit that stands toe-to-toe with other high-end RTX 3080 offerings.
Benchmark Results
The benchmarks collected reveal that while there isn’t a substantial performance difference among RTX 3080 models, the GameRock OC holds its own with respectable gains in sustained clock speeds during testing. It's most effective in high-demand graphical scenarios, making it a suitable choice for gaming at high settings.
Conclusion
Overall, the Palit RTX 3080 GameRock OC is positioned as a compelling option for gamers looking for performance coupled with distinctive styling. While its design may not appeal to everyone, the solid performance and advanced thermal management make it a noteworthy contender in the 3080 lineup. Despite lacking a confirmed MSRP, market estimates suggest it will likely fall in the $750-$800 range once available. If you've had experience with this graphics card or have questions about its performance in specific games, feel free to share your thoughts or ask! It would be interesting to hear about other users' experiences with the RTX 3080 series in general.