Craig Bowen 
Graphic cards, or GPUs, are essential for our computers today. This part makes our PCs more efficient, especially when processing high-end visuals. Gamers must purchase GPUs as part of their rig, but even casual PC users are recommended to have an entry-level GPU as part of their system.
However, GPUs are expensive, so many are looking for the most cost-efficient GPU for their build. Look no more; the king has arrived: NVIDIA’s GeForce GTX 1080. This is it if you want the most cost-efficient GPU in the market. Let’s talk about what makes it so good.
The Powerhouse
The GTX 1080 is considered a powerhouse because of its ability to process high-end visuals in a blink of an eye. In addition, it has a memory speed of ten gigabytes per second. Some of today’s high-end GPUs have nearly the same memory speed but double the price. Furthermore, it has a frame buffer of eight gigabytes. The closest to its line (GTX 980) only has four gigabytes, making the GTX 1080 twice more efficient.
Let’s also not forget about the GTX 1080’s vapor chamber cooling technology, the hardware used by many of NVIDIA’s high-end GPUs today. This superior cooling tech is unparalleled and considered the best for many hardcore gamers who want to overclock their systems. This powerhouse of a GPU has everything you’ll ever need. But let’s see what it can do in today’s modern gaming systems.
Performance
The performance of this GPU is pretty much one of the best in the market, and it can play almost any modern game at 1080p ultra settings. For example, a demanding game such as Grand Theft Auto V runs 87 frames per second on this GPU. A newer game such as Control can run at a steady 50 to 60 FPS at ultra graphics.
This performance can’t be found anywhere else in the market. Remember that the GTX 1080 is technically five years old by now. Any other GPU with the same price point can barely run modern games with the same settings. Furthermore, this GPU is still technically better than entry-level GPUs released last year and this year. The best part is that you can easily purchase this GPU despite the worldwide semiconductor.
Accessibility
Its accessibility is one of the main reasons it’s such a good GPU. Almost any custom PC builder website has this in stock, even when GPUs are rare because of the semiconductor shortage. There’s a good chance that your local computer store also has this GPU in stock because many business owners are stockpiling it, knowing that it will sell regardless of the market state.
NVIDIA has made a decent amount of this GPU, and the GTX 1080 TI variant can also be easily purchased on sites like Amazon. Furthermore, you can buy the used GTX 1080 on eBay at a discounted price because of its reliability. Don’t worry. It’s one of the most resilient GPUs in the market.
Price
Priced at a humble $500, this GPU is one of the cheapest in the market for what it can do. It can outperform many of its competitors found at the same price point. Furthermore, no other GPU can function at the same price point. It works well, and it’s cheap. What else can you ask for?
Popularity
Let the masses talk about this GPU’s greatness. It is currently considered the most used GPU by Steam’s survey, and it looks like it’s not being dethroned anytime soon. Many influencers are still discussing this GPU today, using it as a benchmark for entry-level GPUs. Its performance is still considered top-notch, and it’s still something that experienced builders suggest to people for budget gaming rigs.
Overall, it’s the GPU of the masses. People like it because it’s reliable and cost-efficient. Despite being five years old, even the most modern gaming rigs still sport this GPU.
The Bottomline
The GTX 1080 is the undisputed king. If you want more performance in your rig, consider purchasing the GTX 1080 TI instead. It’s not as cost-efficient as the humble GTX 1080, but you’ll undoubtedly see an increase in graphical fidelity by having it.
If you plan to build a budget gaming rig today, consider this your main GPU option. Its features won’t disappoint you; you’ll be shocked at what this five-year-old GPU can still do today.
