Since starting our compute-focused workstation GPU benchmarking a few months ago, we have added 18 GPUs to our database. Our ZOTAC RTX 2080 Ti Twin Fan GPU review here is the first time we are taking a look at a second card from the same chipset.
ZOTAC uses the GeForce RTX label to define this line of GPU which comes in eight models: the RTX 2080 Ti ArcticStorm (for water cooling), RTX 2080 Ti Triple Fan, RTX 2080 Ti Amp Core, RTX 2080 Ti Amp Extreme, RTX 2080 Ti Amp Extreme Core, RTX 2080 Ti Amp MAXX, RTX 2080 Ti Blower and the one we will review today as the Zotac RTX 2080 Ti Twin Fan. Several of the listed models have built-in overclocks and LED’s, our review sample has only one LED lighting up the ZOTAC logo and stock speed settings.
Our goal with this review is simple, we wanted to see if it was worthwhile to buy the lowest cost NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 Ti card we could find in late April 2019, instead of the Founders Edition that we reviewed previously. The reasoning is simple. In this segment, the raw GPU compute and memory features dictate a large amount of performance. If one can save a few hundred dollars on a GPU with simply a different cooler, it may be a worthwhile option. That premise underpins this investigation.
ZOTAC RTX 2080 Ti Twin Fan Overview
Here we see the full ZOTAC RTX 2080 Ti Twin Fan video card, the primary cooling system is two active fans sitting above a large heatsink. If you like the understated look, Zotac has nailed it with this card.
Here we see the front of the ZOTAC RTX 2080 Ti Twin Fan. The ZOTAC RTX 2080 Ti is a large graphics card, measuring 10.55” in length, 4.45” tall and 1.5” thick. ZOTAC uses two 90mm fans fitted to the full card size heat sink.
The back of the ZOTAC RTX 2080 Ti shows a large backplate fitting to the card which helps to cool and stiffens the card so as to not flex around. We are glad that in its quest for cost savings, Zotac did not forego the backplate as many vendors did with their GTX 1080 Ti designs.
The top of the ZOTAC RTX 2080 Ti Twin Fan measures 1.5” thick which fits into a two slot configuration. At the far end, we see two 8-pin power connectors to power the card up to 250watts. The ZOTAC GAMING logo is lit by LEDs and can have the colors changed or turned off.
Video outputs include three DisplayPort 1.4, one HDMI 2.0b, and one USB Type-C port that is used for VR applications.
Large air vents at the back of the ZOTAC RTX 2080 Ti Twin Fan aid in cooling with proper airflow.
Overall, the hardware is quite understated. This is far from the GPUs in this class with three slot coolers and RGB light shows. If your GPU is meant to sit in a server in the closet or a workstation without a translucent panel, this is really all that you need.
Next, let us take a look at the ZOTAC RTX 2080 Ti Twin Fan key specifications and continue on with our performance testing.
