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AOOSTAR AG02 vs GIGABYTE AORUS RTX 3080 Gaming Box Rev 2.0: Comparison
AOOSTAR AG02 vs GIGABYTE AORUS RTX 3080 Gaming Box Rev 2.0: the cooling type difference
Cooling type is the dividing line, AOOSTAR AG02 Open-Air against GIGABYTE AORUS RTX 3080 Gaming Box Rev 2.0 Active, WATERFORCE all-in-one liquid cooler. They differ on connection standard too, OCuLink on the AOOSTAR AG02 versus Thunderbolt 3 on the GIGABYTE AORUS RTX 3080 Gaming Box Rev 2.0. They differ on gpu compatibility too, GTX 10-Series Through RTX 4090 on the AOOSTAR AG02 versus Fixed: pre-installed GeForce RTX 3080 10GB on the GIGABYTE AORUS RTX 3080 Gaming Box Rev 2.0.
Who each one is for
Take the AOOSTAR AG02 for handhelds and mini PCs with a native OCuLink port. Nothing else gives this much bandwidth for the money. The same goes for RTX 4090-class cards, where the 800W supply and open frame remove both the power and thermal limits. It is not the one for anyone who needs the dock to charge the host. OCuLink carries no power at all. 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. It also earns its place with 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 AOOSTAR AG02 (7/10): the fastest eGPU link you can buy for under $200, with a power button that does not work. Buy it for the bandwidth, plan around the defect. Our rating of the GIGABYTE AORUS RTX 3080 Gaming Box Rev 2.0 (7/10): excellent plug-and-play convenience, but the sealed design and price premium hurt long-term value versus a bare enclosure.
AOOSTAR AG02 vs GIGABYTE AORUS RTX 3080 Gaming Box Rev 2.0 price
The GIGABYTE AORUS RTX 3080 Gaming Box Rev 2.0 asks 650% more, $1,499 against $200 for the AOOSTAR AG02.
Specs and benchmarks
Brand
- AOOSTAR AG02
- AOOSTAR
- GIGABYTE AORUS RTX 3080 Gaming Box Rev 2.0
- GIGABYTE
Connection Standard
- AOOSTAR AG02
- OCuLink
- GIGABYTE AORUS RTX 3080 Gaming Box Rev 2.0
- Thunderbolt 3
Model Number
- AOOSTAR AG02
- AG02
- GIGABYTE AORUS RTX 3080 Gaming Box Rev 2.0
- AORUS RTX 3080 Gaming Box Rev 2.0
Cooling Type
- AOOSTAR AG02
- Open-Air
- GIGABYTE AORUS RTX 3080 Gaming Box Rev 2.0
- Active, WATERFORCE all-in-one liquid cooler
GPU Compatibility
- AOOSTAR AG02
- GTX 10-Series Through RTX 4090
- GIGABYTE AORUS RTX 3080 Gaming Box Rev 2.0
- Fixed: pre-installed GeForce RTX 3080 10GB (not swappable)
Price
- AOOSTAR AG02
- Under $200
- GIGABYTE AORUS RTX 3080 Gaming Box Rev 2.0
- Launched around $1,499 (2021)
Which one should you pick?
Choose AOOSTAR AG02 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 already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.
Price comparison
| Retailer | AOOSTAR AG02 | GIGABYTE AORUS RTX 3080 Gaming Box Rev 2.0 |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon | $200.00 View on 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
AOOSTAR AG02
7 / 10 Expert Rating
The fastest eGPU link you can buy for under $200, with a power button that does not work.
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.