MSI Unveils its Unique Take on the RTX 4080 Super Founders Edition, Sporting an Impressively Large Design

64

They say that imitation is the highest form of flattery, and MSI seems to hold the Nvidia Founders Edition design in high esteem. The basic push/pull fan configuration concept seen on Nvidia’s RTX 30- and 40-series FE cards has been adopted and reworked by MSI for its own RTX 4080 Super 16G Expert.

Read More: LG Unveils the World’s First Wireless Transparent OLED TV

MSI appreciates how Nvidia Founders cards efficiently move air through the GPU within the chassis, a strategy consistently used since the RTX 30 series. Although Nvidia has expanded and refined the design for the 40 series, it remains a widely popular choice.

Nvidia RTX 4080 review: the math doesn't always add up | Digital Trends

Despite borrowing the basic concept from FE, MSI introduces a distinct visual identity. While Nvidia uses a sleek stealth black design for its new Super cards, a notable highlight at CES, MSI has gone for a more professional look with its Expert range – living up to its name.

Similar to many RTX 4080 and RTX 4090 cards, this MSI card surprises with its larger-than-expected size upon closer inspection. Among the plethora of graphics cards at MSI’s CES 2024 booth, the Expert series stands out, although its recognition may not suit everyone’s preferences.

The Expert range will coincide with the release of the upcoming Super cards. Nvidia’s schedule outlines the launch of the RTX 4070 Super on January 17th, followed by the RTX 4070 Ti Super on January 24th, and concluding with the RTX 4080 Super on January 31st.

While we appreciate MSI’s take on the Founders Edition, it falls short when compared to the allure of Nvidia’s all-black RTX 4080 Super FE. Sorry MSI, but the appeal of stealth builds has a special place for me.