Based on NVIDIA's Pascal architecture and featuring a factory overclocked core, the ASUS Republic of Gamers Strix Gaming GeForce GTX 1080 Graphics Card provides major improvements in performance, memory bandwidth, and power efficiency over its predecessor, the high-performance Maxwell architecture. It also introduces innovative graphics features and technologies that redefine the computer as the platform for playing AAA games and taking full advantage of virtual reality via NVIDIA VRWorks.
There are two DisplayPort 1.4 outputs in addition to two HDMI 2.0b outputs and a DVI-D Dual-Link output. The GTX 1080 is not just about high-resolution gaming. Computationally intensive programs can utilize the GPU's 2560 cores to accelerate tasks using CUDA or other APIs. This GPU also has Aura RGB lighting with Modular Shroud so you can personalize your gaming style.
For cooling, ASUS implemented their DirectCU III Cooler. It features Triple Wing-Blade fan design and two 10mm direct-GPU contact heat-pipes, which transport heat away from the GPU. 0 dB technology allows for the card to be completely silent when the GPU remains at a set temperature. This type of cooler is most useful in medium to large towers where airflow inside the case is not a concern.
VRWorks Audio uses the NVIDIA OptiX ray-tracing engine to trace the path of sounds across an environment in real-time, fully reflecting the size, shape, and material of the virtual world.
NVIDIA PhysX for VR detects when a hand controller interacts with a virtual object, and enables the game engine to provide a physically accurate visual and haptic response. It also models the physical behavior of the virtual world around the user so that all interactions -- whether an explosion or a hand splashing through water -- behave as if in the real world.
NVIDIA's SLI HB bridge doubles the available transfer bandwidth compared to the NVIDIA Maxwell architecture. Delivering smooth gameplay, it's an effective way to enjoy surround gaming and it's only compatible with the GeForce GTX 1080 graphics cards.
Note: The benefits of SLI will vary based on component configuration.