GPU PCB Analysis: Founders Edition RTX 3080 Build Quality & VRM Capabilities



We're reviewing the PCB quality of the RTX 3080 Founders Edition to determine whether it's worth it to buy the NVIDIA model instead of partner models (from a PCB & VRM standpoint).
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In determining the PCB quality, VRM efficiency, capabilities and layout of the power phases, MOSFET, and capacitor quality, we can better make a call on whether the Founders Edition PCB is worth it as compared to reference and aftermarket PCBs. The VRM quality somewhat dictates overclocking potential, especially on high power consumption devices like the RTX 3080 and RTX 3090, and also determines the efficiency of power delivery. The unique layout of the VRM on this board is also no accident, so we'll show why the RTX 3080 cards often have the VRM split on either side of the GPU.
Find Buildzoid on Actually Hardcore Overclocking: www.youtube.com/channel/UCrwObTfqv8u1KO7Fgk-FXHQ
Watch our 3080 Founders Edition cooler study, looking at CPU & RAM impact from the cooling: www.youtube.com/watch?v=zWczw89sMe0
RTX 3090 FE tear-down: www.youtube.com/watch?v=9JWqRjqqNko
RTX 3090 review: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xgs-VbqsuKo
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TIMESTAMPS
00:00 — RTX 3080 Founders Edition PCB Analysis
01:18 — What's Missing & Why
02:23 — Power Delivery & Mem
06:29 — Vcore & Uncore Power
08:47 — Voltage Controllers
12:55 — Power Stages
14:58 — VRM Efficiency & Other Rails
21:10 — Capacitors & Filtering
23:54 — Power Monitoring & Shunt Resistors
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Host: Buildzoid
Video: Keegan Gallick