GeForce GTX 1080 11Gbps & GeForce GTX 1060 9Gbps Custom Card Roundup

When the GeForce GTX 1080 Ti launched, NVIDIA introduced the world to its 11Gbps GDDR5X video memory, resulting in increased memory bandwidth and speed. That same advanced G5X VRAM is now available on custom GTX 1080 graphics cards at 11Gbps. But we didn't stop there; our partner's GTX 1060cards have been similarly bumped-up with 9Gbps GDDR5 memory. That means better framerates and quicker asset and texture loading times on the both the GTX 1080 and GTX 1060's upgraded memories, resulting in ideal gaming experiences.

Since NVIDIA enjoys an expansive list of worldwide partners, there are many custom GTX 1080 11Gbps and GTX 1060 9Gbps graphics cards to browse. Additionally, there are numerous styles and types—some cards are geared towards intense overclocking, with all-powerful heatsinks and fans, while others focus on areas such as silent running, smaller form factors, and artistic creativity (to name just a few).

Because of the amount of choices, you'll find it useful to focus in on your particular needs. Do you want a card that has the most overclocking potential? Do you prefer a 2-slot card over a 2.5 version? Is it more to your tastes that the color and shape of the graphics card match your PC's motif? Do you have a soft spot for LED logos with custom lighting profiles and adjustable effects? The more you can distill what's most critical to your setup, the easier your adventure for a new GTX 1080 11Gbps or GTX 1060 9Gbps will be.

And don't worry, we include at-a-glance vital info for each graphics card in every entry, including data such as the manufacturer's website, recommended retail price, number and type of required power connectors, memory and core clock speeds, card size, and links to professional reviews, when possible. You should also be aware that a large majority of custom cards send their exhaust inside your chassis, rather than out of it. Due to that, if you're running a setup such as a Mid-ATX chassis with stock accessories, you'll want to tidy up your cables and add a few extra case fans to ensure optimal airflow.

When it comes to finalizing your purchase, shopping online is a better bet than hitting the brick-and-mortar outlets, as they typically offer better deals, and you're more apt to stumble across a price cut or special promo. The more websites you check out and compare, the better.

*Please note, all prices are those as of publishing, and are subject to change. Cards without current pricing are listed as TBD.

Custom GTX 1080 11Gbps Cards

• Base Clock: 1721 MHz
• Boost Clock: 1860 MHz
• Memory Speed: 11.1 Gbps
• Power Connectors: One 6-Pin, One 8-Pin
• Size: 2.5-Slot
• MSRP: TBD
• Manufacturer's Product Page

ASUS went with a 2.5-slot cooler on the ROG Strix GeForce GTX 1080 OC Edition, and they claim this design allows for a 40% increase in the surface area of the card's heatsink, resulting in up to 30% more heat dissipation and three times quieter performance. Additionally, the heatsink's copper heat-spreader contacts the GPU directly via ASUS's MaxContact technology. ASUS claims that this enhanced surface area provides up to two times more contact with the GPU than the standard design, which unlocks better thermal transfer.

Three patented wing-blade fans are perched over the heatsink, ready and willing to provide the airflow needed to send hot air away from the card. ASUS claims these uniquely created fans provide 105% more air pressure than traditional designs. The fans are also IP5X-certified dust resistant, which, according to the manufacturer, ensures optimal cooling even under high-usage gaming sessions. For those looking for full control over their system fans, ASUS offers FanConnect II—a pair of hybrid-controlled headers with 4-pins each that interact with both the CPU and GPU; ASUS claims the connected fans then behave automatically based off which component (CPU or GPU) has the current higher heat.

This particular graphics card is manufactured with Auto-Extreme Technology, an ASUS-exclusive production process that involves 100% automation, removing human error from the equation. ASUS further claims that this setup incorporates premium materials and hardware, such as 8+2 phase super alloy II components, to further bolster the card's reliability, power efficiency, and overall ruggedness. And lighting enthusiasts will be happy to hear that there are loads of options to modify (via the Aura Sync tech), including effects such as breathing, strobing, color cycling, music effect, and GPU temperature.

• Base Clock: 1708 MHz
• Boost Clock: 1847 MHz
• Memory Speed: 11 Gbps
• Power Connectors: One 8-Pin
• Size: 2-Slot
• MSRP: $569.99
• Manufacturer's Product Page
• Reviews: Tweak Town

The EVGA GeForce GTX 1080 SC2 11Gbps Gaming is armed with the iCX technology cooling system, which involves a brand new PCB, LED, thermal modules, and Precision XOC software. EVGA claims that iCX features nine additional sensors and numerous MCUs on the PCB, and asynchronous fan control, which allows you to adjust fan curve and separate the left and right fan speeds on the cooler. If you prefer to let the fans take care of themselves, EVGA claims the speed of the left fan is based off the temperature of the GPU, and the right fan's speed is based off the heat generated from the power and memory section. Plus, you can always monitor the overall temps and fan behaviors inside EVGA's Precision XOC software, which is a free download. For those with a windowed side-panel on their case, there's a handy at-a-glance thermal display on top of the card that changes color based off heat.

In the heatsink kingdom, EVGA claims they optimized the airflow and fin design, using fin holes to route the airflow more efficiently, and L-shaped fins to better increase their contact to the surface. EVGA also includes a die-cast, form-fitted baseplate to the back of the card.

You can also check out EVGA's other 11Gbps GTX 1080 options with similarly equipped coolers, such as the EVGA GeForce GTX 1080 FTW2 Gaming (with a 1721 MHz base clock, 1860 MHz boost clock, and 11 Gbps memory), EVGA GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming (with a 1607 MHz base clock, 1733 MHz boost clock, and 11 Gbps memory), and the EVGA GeForce GTX 1080 FTW2 DT Gaming (with a 1607 MHz base clock, 1733 MHz boost clock, and 11 Gbps memory).

GALAX put some serious work into altering the GTX 1080 EXOC SNPR Black 11Gbps's PCB. The manufacturer claims their card offers optimized modules and circuits, high-quality components for superior performance (including a 5+2 phase power supply, 5-phase core, and 2-phase memory), and unique SMD inductors to help keep noise levels low. GALAX also claims that their aluminum RGB-lit backplate adds better heat dissipation and extra protection for the card. There are two generously sized 100 mm LED fans on top of the shroud, and according to the manufacturer, they'll remain off and stay utterly silent until the GPU temp goes above 45° C.

The same card is also available under the KFA2 brand (for Europe only).

• Base Clock: 1759 MHz
• Boost Clock: 1898 MHz
• Memory Speed: 11 Gbps
• Power Connectors: Two 8-Pin
• Size: 2.5-Slot
• MSRP: TBD
• Manufacturer's Product Page
• Reviews: Tweak Town

Gigabyte's AORUS cooling system is designed to take care of not only the GPU, but the MOSFET and VRAM as well. There are two copper cooling plates that make up the configuration, one on the bottom of the aluminum heatsink, and one on the card's backplate. Gigabyte claims the copper base on the heatsink contacts the GPU and VRAM directly, and connects into the fin array's composite heatpipes, while the back plate's version adds an extra layer of heat removal, making for a well-rounded solution. The heatsink itself is comprised of angular and unequal fins, which Gigabyte claims makes the contact surface more prominent, and increases cooling capacity.

Three 100 mm, double-ball-bearing stack fans (dubbed Windforce) send the hot air off the heatsink and away from the card; the middle fan spins in the opposite direction of its two neighbors. Gigabyte claims these fans and their configuration result in larger and smoother airflow, with 10% better cooling performance. Gigabyte also claims that their 3D-Active fan tech keeps the fans stopped for low-power gaming, and will only kick back on when required. The AORUS GTX 1080 Xtreme Edition 8G 11Gbps also includes four separate areas of LED lights and lighting effects to fine-tune.

Other extras are a fully automated production process (which Gigabyte claims removes sharp protrusions of the solder connectors, keeping your hands scratch-free), LED indicators on the card's power connector ports, 12+2 phase power phases, Titan X-grade chokes and capacitors, an aerospace-grade PCB coating, which the manufacturer claims keeps the board resistant to dust, hair, dropped screws, and abrasion. Tying everything together is a four-year warranty, which you can obtain by registering on the AORUS website.

As a secondary option with a related cooler, Gigabyte has the AORUS GeForce GTX 1080 8G 11Gbps, with a base clock of 1708 MHz, a boost clock of 1847 MHz, and a memory clock of 11 Gbps.

• Base Clock: 1759 MHz
• Boost Clock: 1898 MHz
• Memory Speed: 11.4 Gbps
• Power Connectors: One 6-pin, One 8-pin
• Size: 2.5-Slot
• MSRP: N/A (Europe Import Only)
• Manufacturer's Product Page

The Europe-only Inno3D iChill GeForce GTX 1080 11Gbps X4 goes all-in on fan cooling. It uses four of them total, with three 92 mm turbine designs and a single 50 mm fan on top of the card, near the display connector area. Inno3D claims this vast cooling setup maximizes the airflow to the GPU and memory. If you prefer to clean and dust you card often, the entire fan shroud is removable without any additional tools, and the front-most 92 mm fan can be taken off as well. Underneath the fan assembly is an aluminum heatsink with 123 fins, and a set of high-heat flux heatpipes. Inno3D also added a 6-pin power port to accompany the usual 8-pin one, which the manufacturer claims adds to the stability and dependability of the overclocks.

Rounding off the card is Inno3D's intelligent fan stop technology, which, according to Inno3D, saves power and cuts down noise by placing all the fans in idle mode when unneeded. You can check on the current GPU load by having a glance at the LED indicator built into the card, which glows red for intense gaming, green for low-power gaming, and blue for low-power applications.

Inno3D also has the iChill GeForce GTX 1080 11 Gbps X3, which drops the smaller top fan, and has a base clock of 1759 MHz, a boost clock of 1898 MHz, and a memory clock of 11.4 Gbps.

• Base Clock: 1683 MHz
• Boost Clock: 1822 MHz
• Memory Speed: 11 Gbps
• Power Connectors: One 6-Pin, One 8-Pin
• Size: 2-slot
• MSRP: TBD
• Manufacturer's Product Page

The MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming X+ 8G uses the manufacturer's Twin Frozr VI thermal design. The cooling unit holsters a pair of double-ball-bearing TORX 2.0 fans, which have traditional fan blades as well as dispersion blades, which MSI claims generates 22% more air pressure for better heat removal and quieter operation. Speaking of silent running, MSI claims their ZeroFrozr technology removes fan noise under low-load situations; it does this by halting the fans entirely when the card drops beneath 60° C. The black and red fan shroud contains various LED strips, and you can tweak their effects, such as by having them respond to music a certain way, or simply flashing or breathing on timed intervals. If you'd like to disable the lights altogether, that's an option too.

On top of the GTX 1080 Gaming X+ 8G's PCB is a long aluminum heatsink with various smoothed heatpipes and specialized deflectors, which MSI claims enlarges the surface area and creates lower temperatures. The heatpipes sprawl out from a nickel-plated copper baseplate, which contacts the GPU with a premium thermal paste. There are other features tucked beneath the heatsink on the PCB too, such as an anti-bending strip, a memory cooling plate, and an embedded PWM heatsink with microfins. MSI further claims that their hardware uses high-quality military class components for enhanced reliability.

There's also the MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming+ 8G, which uses the same cooler design, but comes equipped with a base clock of 1620 MHz, a boost clock of 1759 MHz, and a memory speed of 11 Gbps.

• Base Clock: 1708 MHz
• Boost Clock: 1847 MHz
• Memory Speed: 11 Gbps
• Power Connectors: One 6-Pin, One 8-Pin
• Size: 2.5-Slot
• MSRP: N/A (Europe Import Only)
• Manufacturer's Product Page

Available only to those in Europe, Palit's GeForce GTX 1080 OC Super JetStream 11Gbps comes with a dual BIOS program, which Palit claims automatically activates an in-built protection program when an error is detected. This makes it ideal for hardcore overclockers looking to push their speeds to the absolute limit, without needing to worry about lasting damage to the components. The modified PCB also comes with a DrMOS MOSFET and an 8-phase PWM.

The card is outfitted with two 100 mm fans, with a blade design inspired by jet engines. Palit claims this TurboFan blade technology improves performance, air pressure, and operates quieter than traditional fans. Additionally, the fans spin in opposite directions, which the manufacturer claims reduces airflow conflicts and assists with superior heat removal. According to Palit, their 0dB tech turns the fans off until the demand is high, such as intense gaming sessions or when the GPU heat gets above 50° C. Underneath the two fans is a sizable aluminum heatsink with copper heatpipes.

• Base Clock: 1771 MHz
• Boost Clock: 1911 MHz
• Memory Speed: 11.2 Gbps
• Power Connectors: Two 8-Pin
• Size: 2.5-Slot
• MSRP: $619.99
• Manufacturer's Product Page

While 11 Gbps memory is fast to begin with, ZOTAC pumps that value up even more on their GeForce GTX 1080 AMP Extreme+ (11.2 Gbps, to be precise). The base and boost clocks get some similar OC treatment too, with 1771 MHz and 1911 MHz, respectively. Of course, strong overclocks need strong cooling, and for that, ZOTAC employs their IceStorm cooler. It incorporates variably sized heatpipes and a large aluminum fin array on the heatsink. There are three dual-bladed EKO fans, which ZOTAC claims stay quiet even under heavy demand, and increase airflow by up to 30% compared to traditional fans. ZOTAC also claims that the fans will stay idle when there's no need for the GPU—such as when you're surfing the web or not at your PC—thereby reducing wear and tear.

The fan-shroud and backplate go with a distinct carbon aesthetic, and both are constructed from rugged metal. And thanks to ZOTAC's Spectra lighting system, you can adjust the color and effects of LED strips on the front and back of the graphics—just download and launch the free FireStorm app to make it happen.

Custom GTX 1060 9Gbps Cards

• Base Clock: 1594 MHz
• Boost Clock: 1620 MHz
• Memory Speed: 9 Gbps
• Power Connectors: One 6-Pin
• Size: 2-Slot
• MSRP: TBD
• Reviews: eTeknix
• Manufacturer's Product Page

The ASUS GeForce GTX 1060 OC Edition 9Gbps isn't as imposing in size as its ROG Strix GeForce GTX 1080 OC Edition 11Gbps sibling, but it still has plenty of power lurking beneath its smaller stature. It comes stock with a 1594 MHz base clock and a 1620 MHz boost clock, and only requires a single 6-pin power connector. The cooling duties fall onto the ASUS DirectCU II setup, which ASUS claims uses a 220% larger heatsink that's 30% more efficient and three times quieter. In the fan department, there are a pair of wing-bladed fans that ASUS claims creates more pressure on the edge of each blade, which in turn increases maximum air flow. Furthermore, the fans are IP5X-certified dust resistant, adding some extra protection from foreign contaminants and dust. ASUS claims the fans will stop entirely when the GPU temp drops below a preset level, allowing the card to stay silent when not under high demand.

Like many other ASUS graphics cards, the GTX 1060 OC Edition 9Gbps is manufactured through a 100% automation process with Auto-Extreme Technology, and according to ASUS, the card comes equipped with super alloy power II components, which they claim enhances efficiency, reduces power loss, and helps keep component buzzing-noise lessened.

• Base Clock: 1632 MHz
• Boost Clock: 1860 MHz
• Memory Speed: 9 Gbps
• Power Connectors: One 8-Pin
• Size: 2-Slot
• MSRP: $319.99
• Manufacturer's Product Page

Using many of the same features found in EVGA's GeForce GTX 1080 SC2 11Gbps Gaming, the GTX 1060 FTW2 Gaming is poised for action. EVGA claims that the card's iCX cooling system puts equal importance on the power and memory, not just the GPU. Because of that, iCX is EVGA's newest development in keeping their cards cool, following up on their older generation ACX 3.0 technology. The reconfigured PCB includes multiple MCUs and nine thermal sensors, complimented by asynchronous fan control, which EVGA claims separates the left and right fans for more in-depth adjustment on how you'd like each one to respond. If left alone, EVGA further claims that the GPU's fan speed is determined by the GPU temp, and the power and memory fan's speed is similarly based off the power and memory temperatures. Plus, if you own a case with a side-panel window, you can quickly view the thermal display's customized RGB colors on top of the card to see what temperature range it's currently operating under.

The heatsink utilizes interlaced pin fins on the baseplate, along with fin holes and L-shaped fins which EVGA claims increases the GTX 1060 FTW2 Gaming's thermal management. The rear of the card affixes a form-fitted backplate, and each of the fans rely on double-ball-bearing construction.

Looking for the same cooler but with different clock speeds and pricing? Try out the EVGA GeForce GTX 1060 SSC2 Gaming. It has a 1607 MHz base clock, an 1835 MHz boost clock, and 9 Gbps memory.

• Base Clock: 1607 MHz
• Boost Clock: 1835 MHz
• Memory Speed: 9 Gbps
• Power Connectors: One 8-Pin
• Size: 2-Slot
• MSRP: TBD
• Manufacturer's Product Page

Another fine addition to the Gigabyte AORUS family is the GeForce GTX 1060 9Gbps. This card has a metal baseplate on the PCB that secures to the heatsink, and a large copper backplate that connects to the rear. On the front of the card, where the VRAM and GPU chips are situated, two shaped, copper heat pipes connect into an oversized copper baseplate, which relies on thermal pads to contact all the vital areas. The Windforce 3X cooling system covers the top of the heatsink, which relies on three triangle-edged, 3D-stripe-curved, 80 mm fans. Gigabyte claims this design produces 23% more airflow compared to traditional fans. Plus, Gigabyte also claims that thanks to their 3D-Active Fan technology, each fan will stay off when the GPU is under a set temperature, or when your gaming demand is low. You can see whether the fans are spinning or not by looking at the fan-stop LED indicator situated atop the fan shroud.

There's a wealth of lighting areas to tinker with as well—two spots on top of the card and one on the rear. Gigabyte's RGB Fusion contains 16.9 million customizable colors, along with various lighting effects, such as static, flashing, dual flashing, and breathing. To help you ensure your power cable is correctly fastened, there's an LED indicator close to the power port, which flashes if an abnormal PSU is detected, stays steady bright if there's no power at all, and goes unlit if the cable and power are normal. Gigabyte claims they've added extra durability, reliability, and overall lifespan to this particular GTX 1060, with 6+1 power phases and Titan X-grade chokes and capacitors.

• Base Clock: 1556 MHz
• Boost Clock: 1771 MHz
• Memory Speed: 9 Gbps
• Power Connectors: One 8-Pin
• Size: 2.5-slot
• MSRP: N/A (Europe-import only)
• Manufacturer's Product Page

With three scythe-bladed fans and a long, aluminum heatsink, the Inno3D iChill GeForce GTX 1060 9Gbps X3 V2 means business. It goes with a 1556 MHz base clock and a 1771 MHz boost clock, and you can likely overclock it even more with a bit of fine-tuning and some strong airflow inside your case. This card is available only in Europe.

• Base Clock: 1569 MHz
• Boost Clock: 1784 MHz
• Memory Speed: 9 Gbps
• Power Connectors: One 8-Pin
• Size: 2-slot
• MSRP: TBD
• Manufacturer's Product Page

MSI's GeForce GTX 1060 Gaming X+ 6G's hardware and cooler are identically equipped compared to the manufacturer's GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming X+ 8G. Double-ball-bearing Torx 2.0 fans with traditional and dispersion blades, ZeroFrozr tech which MSI claims stops fan noise when the card is under 60° C, adjustable LED effects, aluminum heatsink with smooth heatpipes and a nickel-plated copper baseplate, premium thermal compound, PCB enhancements such as an anti-bending strip, memory cooling plate, and a PWM heatsink covering the length of the card—they're all here. The GTX 1060 Gaming X+ 6G even comes with Military Class 4 components—Hi-C CAPs, super ferrite chokes, and Japanese solid caps—which MSI claims makes for top-tier reliability and overclocking potential.

As another option, MSI offers the GeForce GTX 1060 Gaming+ 6G. It has the same parts and cooler as the GTX 1060 Gaming X+ 6G, but uses a base clock of 1518 MHz, a boost block of 1733 MHz, and a memory of 9 Gbps.

• Base Clock: 1607 MHz
• Boost Clock: 1835 MHz
• Memory Speed: 9 Gbps
• Power Connectors: One 6-Pin
• Size: 2-Slot
• MSRP: $279.99
• Manufacturer's Product Page

If you have a smaller case, such as a MicroATX tower, it's not always easy to find a graphics card that will fit into it without some extra work. ZOTAC recognizes that dilemma, and as such, they claim that their 210 mm-long GeForce GTX 1060 AMP+ 9Gbps will fit into 99% of all setups. Even with the small footprint, the card is still plenty powerful, with overclocked base and boost clocks (1607 MHz and 1835 MHz). A more compact version of ZOTAC's IceStorm cooler sits atop the PCB, and it relies on a pair of 90 mm fans and an aluminum heatsink to remove the heat. The GTX 1060 AMP+ also uses the manufacturer's Freeze technology, which ZOTAC claims stops the fans from spinning when there's no action happening on the GPU.

Custom GTX 1080 11Gbps or GTX 1060 9Gbps: either way, you've got a winner

Regardless of which custom GTX 1080 11Gbps or GTX 1060 9Gbps you choose, you'll be treated to exceptional in-game performance, power efficiency, and cooling. You'll also have GeForce Experienceand heaps of NVIDIA technologies in supported titles.

If you find yourself stuck on which graphics card to select even after whittling down your most important needs, you can always leave a comment in the section below for feedback from fellow enthusiasts, or check out reputable tech forums or websites for advice, such as Tom's Hardware, PC Part Picker, PC World, and PC Gamer, to name just a handful.