Noctua could have a popularity for the quietest, highest-performing PC cooling available on the market, however it’s recognized for greater than that. Sure, I’m speaking about “Noctua brown”—the distinctive coloring on its followers that units them aside. Even after a half-second look, you’ll all the time comprehend it once more instantly.
Whereas the web continues to crack jokes concerning the Austrian vendor’s coloration selections, many devotees to the corporate exist. And never simply to the standard of their merchandise, however the precise brown aesthetic. That labored out to the good thing about the remainder of us, as a result of at CES 2023, Asus simply confirmed off the newest product in its partnership with Noctua. And it’s great.
In truth, the Asus GeForce RTX 4080 Noctua Version would be the solely model of this card price recommending—it’s that putting. As with the RTX 3070 and 3080 variations, Asus knocked itself out elevating Noctua’s vibe right into a factor of magnificence. A bronzey backplate and thick cooling fins on the rear and sides lend an air of magnificence, whereas the entrance shroud is a murals. The darkish brown body balances Noctua’s tan-and-cream followers, and the chrome accents add distinction and enjoyable. The cardboard appears like an owl!
The homage to (and, frankly, loving respect for) Noctua’s namesake and mascot is what overrides a pure aversion to the RTX 4080’s insane markup. You’ll should test the cardboard out for your self within the embedded video above, however honest warning—if you would like certainly one of your personal, put together your self. This card is very large, consuming 4.3 slots in peak. And given the thriller nonetheless round its value and availability, it’s most likely not going to come back low cost, both.