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AOOSTAR AG03 vs GIGABYTE AORUS RTX 3080 Gaming Box Rev 2.0: Comparison
What is the difference between AOOSTAR AG03 and GIGABYTE AORUS RTX 3080 Gaming Box Rev 2.0?
Connection standard is the dividing line, AOOSTAR AG03 Thunderbolt 5 + OCuLink against GIGABYTE AORUS RTX 3080 Gaming Box Rev 2.0 Thunderbolt 3. They differ on gpu compatibility too, RTX 4060 up to RTX 4090 on the AOOSTAR AG03 versus Fixed: pre-installed GeForce RTX 3080 10GB on the GIGABYTE AORUS RTX 3080 Gaming Box Rev 2.0.
Which should you buy, AOOSTAR AG03 or GIGABYTE AORUS RTX 3080 Gaming Box Rev 2.0?
Take the AOOSTAR AG03 for buyers wanting maximum host-device flexibility across both Thunderbolt 5 and OCuLink-equipped systems. The same goes for anyone wanting flagship-tier GPU support (up to RTX 4090) without paying flagship-only pricing. Avoid it for buyers with a single, specific host connection type already decided, a single-standard enclosure specifically optimized for that one standard may be simpler. 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 is equally the pick for Thunderbolt 3 MacBook Pro or Windows ultrabook owners wanting reliable RTX 3080 performance. It is not the one for anyone who wants to upgrade the GPU later, since it's sealed and non-modular. Our rating of the AOOSTAR AG03 (10/10): best overall, dual Thunderbolt 5/OCuLink connectivity and an 800W PSU handling up to an RTX 4090, all for under $500. 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.
Which is cheaper, AOOSTAR AG03 or GIGABYTE AORUS RTX 3080 Gaming Box Rev 2.0?
At the last price check the AOOSTAR AG03 was $500 and the GIGABYTE AORUS RTX 3080 Gaming Box Rev 2.0 $1,499, a 200% premium.
Specs and benchmarks
Brand
- AOOSTAR AG03
- AOOSTAR
- GIGABYTE AORUS RTX 3080 Gaming Box Rev 2.0
- GIGABYTE
Connection Standard
- AOOSTAR AG03
- Thunderbolt 5 + OCuLink
- GIGABYTE AORUS RTX 3080 Gaming Box Rev 2.0
- Thunderbolt 3
Model Number
- AOOSTAR AG03
- AG03
- GIGABYTE AORUS RTX 3080 Gaming Box Rev 2.0
- AORUS RTX 3080 Gaming Box Rev 2.0
GPU Compatibility
- AOOSTAR AG03
- RTX 4060 up to RTX 4090
- GIGABYTE AORUS RTX 3080 Gaming Box Rev 2.0
- Fixed: pre-installed GeForce RTX 3080 10GB (not swappable)
Price
- AOOSTAR AG03
- Under $500
- GIGABYTE AORUS RTX 3080 Gaming Box Rev 2.0
- Launched around $1,499 (2021)
Which one should you pick?
Choose AOOSTAR AG03 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 AG03 | GIGABYTE AORUS RTX 3080 Gaming Box Rev 2.0 |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon | $500.00 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 AG03
10 / 10 Expert Rating
Best overall, dual Thunderbolt 5/OCuLink connectivity and an 800W PSU handling up to an RTX 4090, all for under $500.
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.