Tag: GeForce RTX 5080

  • Asus 16″ Gaming Laptop: 160W GPU, 64GB RAM

    Asus 16″ Gaming Laptop: 160W GPU, 64GB RAM

    Key Takeaway

    – New 2026 ROG Zephyrus G16 adds a GeForce RTX 5080 option alongside the existing RTX 5070 Ti SKU.
    – RTX 5080 runs at up to 160W (10W-20W higher TDP than the 5070 Ti).
    – RTX 5080 offers 16% better gaming performance, with a larger advantage in VRAM-heavy games (16 GB vs. 12 GB).
    – New SKU includes 64 GB of RAM but costs $4,799—29% more than the 5070 Ti model.


    Quiet Update for ROG Zephyrus G16

    Asus have quietly updated there latest ROG Zephyrus G16 with a new SKU in the US. Previously, the company sold the laptop exclusively with a GeForce RTX 5070 Ti GPU and 32 GB of RAM. While featuring a boosted TGP to 140 W, this variant would likely trail its GeForce RTX 5090-backed predecessor that we reviewed in mid-2025 (curr. $4,599 on Amazon). It seems they have made an adjustment to there lineup.

    A New Graphics Card Option

    Now, Asus has rectified this discrepancy somewhat by adding a GeForce RTX 5080 option for the ROG Zephyrus G16 (2026). Paired with the same Core Ultra 9 386H processor as its GeForce RTX 5070 Ti counterpart, the GeForce RTX 5080 benefits from an even higher TDP, too. Specifically, Asus allows the GeForce RTX 5080 to run at 10 W higher in Turbo Mode, which increases to 20 W upon switching to Manual Mode.

    Power and Performance Boost

    As a result, the new ROG Zephyrus G16 can provide up to 160 W to the GeForce RTX 5080, of which 25 W is assigned to Nvidia’s Dynamic Boost technology. According to our benchmarks, jumping from the GeForce RTX 5070 Ti to the GeForce RTX 5080 should yield a 16% performance improvement when gaming. This gap could extend in more VRAM-intensive games though, with the GeForce RTX 5080 featuring a third more VRAM than the GeForce RTX 5070 Ti at 16 GB and 12 GB apiece.

    Price and Configuration Details

    Unfortunately, Asus currently charges 29% more for the privilege thanks to a $4,799 MSRP. In part, this $1,100 price gap can be attributed to Asus including 64 GB of RAM, too. Please see our video below for more details about how last year’s ROG Zephyrus G16 shaped up against its smaller 14-inch counterpart. Asus have provided these specs for the new model.

    • SKU: ROG Zephyrus G16 (2026) with GeForce RTX 5080
    • GPU: GeForce RTX 5080 with up to 160 W TDP (25 W Dynamic Boost)
    • Processor: Core Ultra 9 386H
    • RAM: 64 GB
    • VRAM: 16 GB GDDR7
    • MSRP: $4,799


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  • Acer 18-Inch Gaming Laptop: 240Hz Display & RTX 5080

    Acer 18-Inch Gaming Laptop: 240Hz Display & RTX 5080

    Key Takeaway

    – New Predator Helios Neo 16S offers over double the battery life of the previous model, featuring Intel’s Panther Lake platform.
    – Predator Helios Neo 18 gets a more powerful RTX 5080 option, with the Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus delivering ~7% better CPU performance than the 275HX.
    – The 18-inch model uses a 2,560 x 1,600 IPS panel (240 Hz, 100% DCI-P3, 500 nits) instead of a Mini LED option.
    – RTX 5080 laptop GPU in the Neo 18 tops out at 115 W (140 W with Dynamic Boost).
    – UK pricing: £3,499 for the new 18-inch SKU with 32 GB RAM and 1 TB storage—£200 more than a comparable 2025 model.


    A new spin on the Predator Helios Neo 16S

    So Acer just begun selling a fresh version of their Predator Helios Neo 16S over in Europe. This new model, it apparantly boasts over twice the battery life compared to the review unit they put out recently. This lateast release is one of them 16-inch gaming laptops that are now featuring Intel’s new Panther Lake platform. At the same exact time, the company has also finally released a more powerful version of theyre Predator Helios Neo 18, so theres options for people who want a bigger screen.

    Recap of the Helios Neo 18 updates

    To get you up to speed, Acer updated the Helios Neo 18 back in March using Intel’s Arrow Lake HX Plus processors. Just so you dont get it mixed up with the Helios 18 that we reviewed in July 2025, this Helios Neo 18 model was previously offered with up to Intel’s Core Ultra 9 275HX processor. Acer claimed that the PHN18-I71 variants would become available in June, but interestingly models featuring the Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus and the GeForce RTX 5060 actually reached Europe back in May already.

    Now theres a RTX 5080 option

    Now, Acer has complemented these existing models with a new alternative that uses the GeForce RTX 5080. Based on our own benchmarking, the Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus should provide the Predator Helios Neo 18 with about 7% more CPU performance than what youd get from the Core Ultra 9 275HX. As far as we can currently tell, the GeForce RTX 5080 laptop GPU continues to top out at 115 W, or it can reach 140 W whenever Dynamic Boost is activated on the system.

    Display specs and final pricing details

    Also, Acer has included a 2,560 x 1,600-pixel IPS panel, choosing to not go with the Mini LED option that was in its 2025 edition this time around. For reference here, this new panel combines a fast 240 Hz refresh rate with quick 3 ms response times, full 100% DCI-P3 colour space coverage, and it also offers 500 nits of peak brightness for good visibility. Acer charges £3,499 for its new 18-inch gaming laptop which comes with 32 GB of RAM and a 1 TB of storage, making it £200 more expensive than what an equivalent 2025 SKU would cost you.


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  • NVIDIA 007 First Light GeForce RTX 5080 Giveaway

    NVIDIA 007 First Light GeForce RTX 5080 Giveaway

    Key Takeaway

    – Nvidia is promoting 007 First Light with a giveaway for a GeForce RTX 5080 (Founders Edition) as a launch celebration.
    – To enter: comment #007FirstLightRTX on the linked X post or via Nvidia’s official Instagram post.
    – Prize details: only one RTX 5080 unit, global-sounding terms with no posted official T&Cs yet.


    Overview

    First Light on PS5 might not be perfect, but it does translate to PC with a decent performance, though some folks argue it needed a bit more time in the oven. Yet, Nvidia wants to celebrate the launch and is giving away a GeForce RTX 5080 to mark the moment. The official system requirements claim you can push everything to the max at 4K with this GPU.

    How to enter

    To join the giveaway, just drop a comment with #007FirstLightRTX on the linked X post. If X is too toxic for you, you can also enter via Nvidia’s official Instagram account in the same way. The prize is a GeForce RTX 5080 Founders Edition with a custom shroud, and it appears to be a single unit up for grabs. If you missed a shot at a similar RTX 5090, this is your chance to jump back in.

    Terms and conditions

    As of now, Nvidia has not published any terms and conditions, so it’s unclear which regions apply. At the moment, a reasonable assumption is that it is global unless stated otherwise. The entry barrier is described as virtually non-existent, so attempting a join is low risk.

    • The winner is a single RTX 5080 Founders Edition with a distinct shroud.
    • Global eligibility is presumed in the absence of stated restrictions.
    • Entries are submitted via social posts on X or Instagram.

    Notes

    Nvidia GeForce has posted across X and Instagram to promote the giveaway, but no source links or image details are provided here, and there are no buy links or mentions of notebookcheck in this summary.

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  • Nvidia Graphics Card Defects Spike 1,003% Amid AI, DRAM Crisis & 16-Pin Issue

    Nvidia Graphics Card Defects Spike 1,003% Amid AI, DRAM Crisis & 16-Pin Issue

    Key Takeaway

    1. Nvidia’s warranty claims increased by 1,003% in 2025, reaching $894 million, with warranty claim rates rising significantly.
    2. The warranty claim rate for Nvidia’s GPUs in Q4 2025 was 0.9%, nine times higher than in Q4 2024, indicating higher defect rates.
    3. Potential causes include issues with the 16-pin 12VHPWR power connector and increased use of GPUs for artificial intelligence, leading to higher wear.
    4. The DRAM crisis has also contributed to increased costs for replacing defective graphics cards under warranty.
    5. AMD experienced a more moderate increase in warranty claim rates, rising by two-thirds to 0.69%.

    Significant Rise in Nvidia’s Warranty Claims

    Recently, some reports from Warranty Week showed that Nvidia has had a massive jump in warranty claims, climbing from just $81 million in 2024 to a staggering $894 million in 2025. This huge increase of about 1,003 percent hints at bigger issues behind the scenes rather than just increased sales. The data on the rate of warranty claims also shows that more GPUs are failing at a faster pace.

    Warranty Claim Rates and Industry Comparisons

    The report shows, in the last quarter of 2025, Nvidia had to spend 0.9% of its GPU sales on warranty claims. That is — listen to this — nine times more than what was spent in the same period in 2024. AMD, on the other hand, saw a less drastic increase, with a rate of 0.69%, which still grew by about two thirds from the previous year. Many experts are saying that the rise in defect rates for graphics cards might be caused by several different reasons.

    Possible Causes for the Increase in GPU Failures

    Some think that the notorious 16-pin 12VHPWR power connectors used on Nvidia’s high-end cards like the GeForce RTX 5080 ($1,499) are part of the problem, especially because similar connectors have been used for a while now. These connectors have been known for melting and causing issues, which is not a new problem. Yet, many believe that caused the increase in faults may be more than just this issue alone, and they’re looking at other reasons as well.

    The Shift to AI and Its Impact

    Another point to consider is the increasing use of graphics cards in artificial intelligence tasks. Unlike gaming, where GPUs are used just a few hours a day, AI applications can keep the cards running at full capacity all the time. This constant workload can lead to more wear and tear, making these GPUs more prone to failing. As a result, the repair and replacement costs for Nvidia are rising, adding more pressure on their warranty services.

    The Broader Market Dynamics

    Adding to the challenge is the ongoing DRAM shortage crisis, which has driven up the costs of graphics cards. When a card breaks under warranty, the higher cost of replacement makes the situation even more expensive for manufacturers. All these factors combined suggest that the rise in warranty claims is influenced by technological issues, changing use cases, and market conditions, making it a complex problem to deal with.

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  • HP Omen 35L Update: Intel Arrow Lake & Radeon RX 9000 Series

    HP Omen 35L Update: Intel Arrow Lake & Radeon RX 9000 Series

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Omen 35L features Intel’s new Core Ultra 200 Plus Arrow Lake processors, replacing the previous Raptor Lake options.
    2. It includes a variety of CPU choices, installed on an Intel Z890 motherboard with multiple connectivity options, including Thunderbolt 4.0 and various USB ports.
    3. Graphics card options range from GeForce RTX 5060 to RTX 5080, as well as Radeon RX 9060 XT and RX 9070 XT, supporting up to 128 GB of DDR-4800 or 64 GB of DDR5-6000 RAM.
    4. The system supports up to 2 TB PCIe Gen 5 or Gen 4 SSDs, but does not allow for SATA HDD configurations.
    5. Power supply options include units up to 1,000 Watts with an 80-Plus Gold rating, alongside 850-Watt and 600-Watt options, with a launch date set for May and pricing yet to be announced.


    Alongside the leading Omen Max 45L, HP has given a refresh to the somewhat more budget-friendly Omen 35L. It, too, features Intel’s new Core Ultra 200 Plus Arrow Lake processors. Many might see it as a minor upgrade since its previous version used Raptor Lake processors, which often outperformed their Arrow Lake rivals in various scenarios.

    Processor and Motherboard Details

    The CPU options vary from the Core Ultra 7 270K Plus to the Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus, both of which are installed on an Intel Z890 motherboard, equipped with a full Thunderbolt 4.0 port. Additional ports include four USB 2.0 ports, two USB Type-C ports with a speed of 10 Gbps, four USB-A ports operating at 5 Gbps, and an Ethernet jack that can reach up to 2.5 Gbps.

    Graphics Card Choices

    For graphics, users can select from options like the GeForce RTX 5080, RTX 5070 Ti, RTX 5070, RTX 5060 Ti, and RTX 5060, as well as the Radeon RX 9070 XT and RX 9060 XT. Similar to the Omen 45L, the Omen 35L supports a maximum of 128 GB of DDR-4800 or 64 GB of DDR5-6000 RAM.

    Sadly, the Omen 35L does not allow for a SATA HDD configuration right out of the box. However, a user can choose up to a 2 TB PCIe Gen 5 SSD or a 2 TB PCIe Gen 4 SSD. HP maintains the system’s cooling with five 120 mm fans: two located at the front, one at the back, and two on top. And yes, RGB lighting is included as well.

    Power Supply Options

    HP offers a selection for the Omen Max 35L, allowing for a power supply unit (PSU) of up to 1,000 Watts with an 80-Plus Gold rating. Other available options include 850-Watt and 600-Watt units, both also certified as 80-Plus Gold. Like its bigger brother, the Omen Max 35L is set to launch in May, with pricing details to be announced later.

     

  • Asus ProArt P16 Laptop Upgrade: New RTX 5080 and 64GB RAM

    Asus ProArt P16 Laptop Upgrade: New RTX 5080 and 64GB RAM

    Key Takeaways

    1. Asus has updated the ProArt P16 laptop to include the new GeForce RTX 5090, priced at approximately $4,218 in China and $3,999.99 in the US with 2 TB SSD.
    2. The RTX 5090 model features an AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 APU, 64 GB of RAM, and a 4 TB SSD in China.
    3. A more affordable version with the GeForce RTX 5080 is available for about $3,655, offering a performance drop of around 10% compared to the RTX 5090, but at a 13% lower price.
    4. Asus has not provided information on the availability of the GeForce RTX 5080 model outside of China.
    5. The previous versions of the ProArt P16 were equipped with GeForce RTX 5060 and RTX 5070 prior to the recent updates.


    The Asus ProArt P16 has gotten another update, just under a month after we reviewed it featuring an Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090. To give some background, Asus had previously refreshed this 16-inch creator laptop with the GeForce RTX 5060 and GeForce RTX 5070 in the spring (currently priced at $2,899 on Amazon).

    New Specs and Pricing

    Now, Asus has launched the GeForce RTX 5090 version in China, priced at CNY 29,999 (around $4,218). This version includes an AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 APU, 64 GB of RAM, and a 4 TB SSD. Interestingly, Asus has a similar model available in the US for $3,999.99, but it comes with only 2 TB of storage instead of the 4 TB offered in China. You can check out our video below for our first impressions of the ProArt P16’s RTX 5090 update.

    Cheaper Option Available

    Moreover, Asus is providing the same laptop with the more affordable GeForce RTX 5080. In our tests, the GeForce RTX 5080 falls short compared to the GeForce RTX 5090 by about 10%. Still, this new GeForce RTX 5080 model is over 13% cheaper, listed at CNY 25,999 (approximately $3,655), while keeping the same memory and APU setup.

    Availability Concerns

    Currently, Asus hasn’t shared any details about the GeForce RTX 5080’s availability outside China. Their latest press release also doesn’t clarify this matter. That said, we would be quite surprised if Asus decided to limit this option only to the Chinese market.

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  • Asus Launches ROG NUC (2025) Gaming Mini-PC with RTX 5080 GPU

    Asus Launches ROG NUC (2025) Gaming Mini-PC with RTX 5080 GPU

    Key Takeaways

    1. Asus has expanded the availability of the ROG NUC (2025) to the Eurozone and the UK, in addition to the US.
    2. The official price for the ROG NUC (2025) in the UK is now £1,999.99, down from higher import costs.
    3. In the Eurozone, the ROG NUC (2025) is priced at €2,156.90 directly from Asus.
    4. Asus has introduced the NUC 15 Performance, which features similar hardware but a simpler design compared to the ROG NUC (2025).
    5. Prices for Asus’ GeForce RTX 5080 laptop variant are being reduced, with some retailers offering it for €2,846 instead of the listed €3,415.


    Asus has recently broadened the reach of its ROG NUC (2025) after some retailers started selling the impressive mini-PC worldwide over a week ago. Interestingly, Asus has also introduced the NUC 15 Performance, which shares similar hardware but features a more simplified design compared to the ROG NUC (2025).

    Expanding Availability

    Now, both the Eurozone and the UK are joining the US in welcoming the official launch of the ROG NUC 2025 (curr. $2,799 on Amazon). Before this, customers could only import the mini-PC from Amazon US, resulting in significantly higher costs. For example, Amazon UK was offering the ROG NUC (2025) for £2,086 as an import from Amazon US, featuring an Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX processor, a Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 Ti laptop GPU, 16 GB of RAM, and a 1 TB SSD.

    New Pricing

    However, this model is now available directly from Asus for £1,999.99. In the Eurozone, the same model is priced at €2,156.90. Additionally, retailers have started to reduce prices on Asus’ GeForce RTX 5080 laptop variant. Although this SKU is listed at €3,415, it can already be found for €2,846 at Computer Universe and Cyberport. For more detailed information about the latest gaming-focused mini-PC from Asus, it’s best to check their official website.

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  • Win the Asus ROG Strix Scar 16 Laptop with RTX 5080 GPU

    Win the Asus ROG Strix Scar 16 Laptop with RTX 5080 GPU

    Key Takeaways

    1. Nvidia is giving away a high-end gaming laptop, the Asus ROG Strix Scar 16, to one lucky winner and a friend.
    2. No Terms and Conditions are provided, leaving entry eligibility and country restrictions unclear.
    3. There is no specified end date for the giveaway, so it’s best to enter as soon as possible.
    4. The laptop features an Nvidia GeForce RTX 5080 GPU, Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX CPU, 16-inch 2.5K display, 32 GB RAM, and 2x 2TB SSDs.
    5. Performance reviews highlight impressive gaming capabilities but note that the laptop can be very loud under heavy use.


    Nvidia has just launched its newest giveaway, and this time they’re offering something really exciting: a complete gaming laptop! This isn’t just any laptop; it’s a powerful ROG Strix Scar 16 from Asus. One fortunate gamer, along with a friend, has the chance to win this high-end device. To join in on the fun, make sure to check out the instructions on Nvidia’s post on X.

    Missing Details

    Typically, Nvidia provides Terms and Conditions for their giveaways, but this time they’re not included. This means it’s unclear who can actually enter the giveaway, as many are often limited to certain countries. Additionally, there seems to be no specified end date for the contest, so it’s advisable to enter as soon as possible.

    Laptop Specifications

    The Asus ROG Strix Scar 16 comes equipped with Nvidia’s GeForce RTX 5080 laptop GPU. While other specs aren’t detailed in the giveaway announcement, a quick look at Asus’ own website shows that it features an Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX CPU, a 16-inch 2.5K mini-LED display with a refresh rate of 240 Hz, 32 GB of DDR5-5600 RAM, and 2x 2TB NVMe SSDs set up in RAID 0 configuration.

    Performance Review

    In our evaluation of the ROG Strix Scar 16, which had a slightly different setup (using an RTX 5090 GPU instead of the RTX 5080), we were impressed by its colorful OLED screen, outstanding gaming performance, and easy access for upgrades. However, one downside is that the laptop can become extremely loud when under heavy usage, and this issue is likely to be present in various models too.

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  • Sycom Unveils GeForce RTX 5080 LC Hydro with AIO Cooler and Fans

    Sycom Unveils GeForce RTX 5080 LC Hydro with AIO Cooler and Fans

    Key Takeaways

    1. Cooling System: The Sycom RTX 5080 LC Hydro features a complete water cooling system with two 120mm Noctua fans and a 240mm radiator, resulting in five fans for optimal cooling.

    2. Performance Boost: The graphics card boasts a 7% increase in boost clock speeds, reaching up to 2,820MHz, while maintaining temperatures below 64.9 degrees Celsius.

    3. Quiet Operation: The cooling system operates at a low noise level of 34.8dB under heavy loads, allowing for quieter gaming experiences.

    4. Maintenance-Free Design: The water cooling system is designed to be maintenance-free, minimizing the risk of leaks and corrosion through strict quality control.

    5. Availability: The Nvidia GeForce RTX 5080 Silent Master is only available in Japan as part of prebuilt systems and cannot be purchased separately.


    Sycom is merging a Manli GeForce RTX 5080 Nebula with a complete water cooling system that includes two 120mm Noctua fans and a 240mm radiator. In total, there are five fans providing cooling for the graphics card, which likely makes the RTX 5080 LC Hydro one of the coolest and quietest options among GeForce RTX 5080 models available today.

    Enhanced Performance

    The company highlights a 7% increase in boost clock speeds reaching up to 2,820MHz, while the GPU is anticipated to remain below 64.9 degrees Celsius. This allows users ample flexibility to either reduce the fan speed for quieter operation, even if it raises temperatures, or to push the GPU further with overclocking. According to Sycom’s published specs, the cooling system maintains a relatively low noise level of just 34.8dB under heavy loads.

    Maintenance-Free Cooling

    Sycom asserts that the water cooling system is maintenance-free due to rigorous quality control measures designed to avoid leaks and corrosion. In Japan, Sycom provides a selection of pre-built gaming PCs that utilize independent all-in-one water coolers for both the processor and the graphics card, equipped with three and two Noctua fans, respectively. This configuration is said to keep the overall noise level below 38.9dB during demanding tasks.

    The Nvidia GeForce RTX 5080 Silent Master is presently only available in Japan and exclusively as part of complete prebuilt systems. Thus, the graphics card cannot be purchased separately, not even through import channels.

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  • Asus ProArt Desktop GPU: RTX 5080 with Wood, USB-C, M.2 Slot

    Asus ProArt Desktop GPU: RTX 5080 with Wood, USB-C, M.2 Slot

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Asus GeForce RTX 5080 features 16GB of GDDR7 VRAM and is designed for professional users.
    2. It has a unique design with an authentic wood front panel and a slim profile, occupying only 2.5 slots.
    3. The advanced cooling system includes a vapor chamber, phase-change thermal pad, and three axial fans for optimal performance.
    4. It includes an M.2 slot for upgrading storage with a PCIe 5.0 SSD, enhancing performance during demanding tasks.
    5. The card features a USB Type-C port for connecting portable monitors and supports daisy-chaining for multiple displays.


    Asus is launching a new GeForce RTX 5080 that comes with 16GB of GDDR7 VRAM, specifically targeting professional users. This ProArt version sports a unique design featuring a front panel made from authentic wood. The card is rather slim, taking up 2.5 slots, which should ease the installation of multiple RTX 5080 cards within the same PC case. This could be beneficial for various AI and creative tasks.

    Advanced Cooling Mechanism

    The cooling system incorporates a vapor chamber, a phase-change thermal pad, and three axial fans, all working together to maintain optimal temperatures for the GPU and graphics memory. Asus asserts that this setup keeps the RTX 5080 both cool and silent; however, the company has yet to provide concrete data to support this assertion. Additionally, an interesting aspect of the graphics card is its M.2 slot, which allows users to upgrade their storage using a PCIe 5.0 SSD. This SSD connects directly to the GPU’s heatsink, ensuring elevated performance during demanding tasks.

    New Connectivity Features

    Furthermore, the Asus ProArt GeForce RTX 5080 stands out as one of the first RTX 5080 cards to include a USB Type-C port. This port can be utilized to connect portable monitors that can also receive power through USB-C. It even supports daisy-chaining, enabling multiple displays to operate from a single USB-C connection. The specifics regarding clock speeds and power consumption are anticipated to be shared soon.

    As of now, Asus has not disclosed the official price and launch date on the product page. Nonetheless, it is expected that the ProArt version will be pricier than the Asus Prime GeForce RTX 5080 OC Edition, which is listed at $1,320 but is currently available for over $1,800 on Amazon.

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