We’ve been talking about the RTX 5080 Noctua Edition for a few months now. For this card, ASUS takes the GeForce RTX 5080 GPU with 16 GB GDDR7 and adds the very best in air cooling: three Noctua NF-A12x25 G2 fans, a “MaxContact” copper vapor chamber, six 8 mm heat pipes and premium phase-change thermal pads.
ASUS RTX 5080 Noctua Edition: €1,730 for the card!
As a result, the card stays cool and discreet, even when the GPU is drawing 360W. In practice, the fans shut down below 50°C, then restart at 55°C, offering a truly silent PC for light use. But when you look at the asking price, the word “light” is no longer appropriate. Indeed, the card’s price has been spotted in the UK. Asus lists its card at £1,499.99, or around €1,730, which puts it above the TUFs and even the ROG Astral, and above several competing watercooled models. In absolute terms, it’s the most expensive air-cooled 5080, but also the quietest and coolest (according to ASUS, of course).
Asus’ own figures on this card in operation give an initial indication of the card’s potential. At maximum load (360 W), the GPU remains 6.2°C cooler than the ROG Astral and 6.1°C cooler than the TUF, while VRAM temperature drops by 1.7°C and 3.1°C respectively. Noise levels were measured at 21.4 dBA, a noticeable difference nonetheless, making the card almost inaudible when housed in a good case. So clearly, if your absolute priority is silence and thermal control without the need for a liquid cooling system, the RTX 5080 Noctua Edition may be the card to aim for. Then, if you’re constantly using your card, especially in games, with an open case ( Airflow type, for example) on the desktop, this solution combines audible comfort and stability on paper. You’ll just have to get used to Noctua’s aesthetics, which are a little off-putting.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for the best performance/price ratio, you’ll have to pass on this one if the price is confirmed. Now, the figures delivered by Asus have yet to be confirmed in real tests… We’re looking forward to it.
