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AKiTiO Node vs GIGABYTE AORUS RTX 3080 Gaming Box Rev 2.0: Comparison
AKiTiO Node vs GIGABYTE AORUS RTX 3080 Gaming Box Rev 2.0 cooling type compared
Cooling type is the dividing line, AKiTiO Node Active Fan against GIGABYTE AORUS RTX 3080 Gaming Box Rev 2.0 Active, WATERFORCE all-in-one liquid cooler. GIGABYTE AORUS RTX 3080 Gaming Box Rev 2.0 also leads on host power delivery, 85 W on the AKiTiO Node versus 100 W on the GIGABYTE AORUS RTX 3080 Gaming Box Rev 2.0.
AKiTiO Node vs GIGABYTE AORUS RTX 3080 Gaming Box Rev 2.0: which one fits your build
The AKiTiO Node suits budget buyers running GTX 10-series or RTX 20-series dual-slot cards and anyone wanting the smallest, cheapest AKiTiO enclosure, though it is the wrong buy for cards drawing near or above the 500W ceiling and anyone wanting current Thunderbolt 4/5 or USB4 bandwidth. It is equally the pick for simple builds that don't need USB hub or Ethernet ports on the box. It is not the one for buyers who could instead get the Node Titan's 650W PSU for a modest premium. The GIGABYTE AORUS RTX 3080 Gaming Box Rev 2.0 is the one to take for buyers who want zero-assembly, single-cable eGPU with no PC-building involved. The same goes for Thunderbolt 3 MacBook Pro or Windows ultrabook owners wanting reliable RTX 3080 performance. Avoid it for anyone who wants to upgrade the GPU later, since it's sealed and non-modular. Our rating of the AKiTiO Node (6/10): A cheap, no-frills TB3 box that's been outclassed by AKiTiO's own Node Titan.
AKiTiO Node vs GIGABYTE AORUS RTX 3080 Gaming Box Rev 2.0 price
Cost splits them too. AKiTiO Node sits at $299, GIGABYTE AORUS RTX 3080 Gaming Box Rev 2.0 at $1,499, 401% more.
Frequently asked questions
Do the AKiTiO Node and GIGABYTE AORUS RTX 3080 Gaming Box Rev 2.0 differ on extra ports?
Yes. Extra Ports reads None onboard beyond the GPU's own outputs on the AKiTiO Node versus 2 on the GIGABYTE AORUS RTX 3080 Gaming Box Rev 2.0.
Is the Connection Standard the same on the AKiTiO Node and GIGABYTE AORUS RTX 3080 Gaming Box Rev 2.0?
It is. Both are listed at Thunderbolt 3, so it is not a reason to pick one over the other.
Specs and benchmarks
Brand
- AKiTiO Node
- AKiTiO
- GIGABYTE AORUS RTX 3080 Gaming Box Rev 2.0
- GIGABYTE
Connection Standard
- AKiTiO Node
- Thunderbolt 3
- GIGABYTE AORUS RTX 3080 Gaming Box Rev 2.0
- Thunderbolt 3
Model Number
- AKiTiO Node
- Node
- GIGABYTE AORUS RTX 3080 Gaming Box Rev 2.0
- AORUS RTX 3080 Gaming Box Rev 2.0
Extra Ports
- AKiTiO Node
- None onboard beyond the GPU's own outputs
- GIGABYTE AORUS RTX 3080 Gaming Box Rev 2.0
- 2
Host Power Delivery
- AKiTiO Node
- 85 W-15%
- GIGABYTE AORUS RTX 3080 Gaming Box Rev 2.0
- 100 WBest
Cooling Type
- AKiTiO Node
- Active Fan
- GIGABYTE AORUS RTX 3080 Gaming Box Rev 2.0
- Active, WATERFORCE all-in-one liquid cooler
GPU Compatibility
- AKiTiO Node
- GTX 10-series through RTX 20-series, dual-slot cards
- GIGABYTE AORUS RTX 3080 Gaming Box Rev 2.0
- Fixed: pre-installed GeForce RTX 3080 10GB (not swappable)
Price
- AKiTiO Node
- Launched around $299 (2017)
- GIGABYTE AORUS RTX 3080 Gaming Box Rev 2.0
- Launched around $1,499 (2021)
Which one should you pick?
Choose AKiTiO Node if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.
Choose GIGABYTE AORUS RTX 3080 Gaming Box Rev 2.0 if you want the higher host power delivery (100 W vs 85 W).
Price comparison
| Retailer | AKiTiO Node | GIGABYTE AORUS RTX 3080 Gaming Box Rev 2.0 |
|---|---|---|
| B&H Photo | $299.00 View on B&H Photo | |
| Amazon | $1,499.00 View on Amazon | |
| GIGABYTE | View on GIGABYTE |
Disclaimer: The price and specification of the given product may differ from the actual product. Please confirm on the retailer's website before buying.
Verdict
AKiTiO Node
6 / 10 Expert Rating
A cheap, no-frills TB3 box that's been outclassed by AKiTiO's own Node Titan.
GIGABYTE AORUS RTX 3080 Gaming Box Rev 2.0
7 / 10 Expert Rating
Excellent plug-and-play convenience, but the sealed design and price premium hurt long-term value versus a bare enclosure.