Introduction
Zotac is a popular graphics card manufacturer in the PC gaming space, and they’ve been around for as long as we can remember. Zotac have always been seen as the budget-oriented AIB, offering relatively competitive prices with solid cooling all around. However, in recent years, Zotac has started to step up their game with some more premium designs, geared towards overclocking, silence, and high performance.
However, which cards are best for what? And what are the main differences between them? In this buyers guide article we’ll be answering these very questions with a roundup of Zotac’s graphics cards. We’ll be delving into the main differences between the cards, coolers, with some performance metrics towards the end.
Suggested Article: Zotac Gaming RTX 4090 AMP Extreme AIRO Review – Architecture, Design & Benchmarks
Trinity vs AIRO – What Are the Differences?
With the release of the new RTX 4000 series of cards, Zotac has brought an entirely new set of GPUs out onto the market with significantly improved cooling. These cards are known as the Trinity and AIRO variants, ideal for those planning to overclock their GPU, or for those looking to build a PC with perfect thermals.
But what are the differences between them? From a brief glance, not a lot. The Trinity OC, and AMP Extreme AIRO are rather similar when it comes to thermal capability. The AMP Extreme AIRO cards are mounted with triple 110m fans with wide blades that aid with airflow and pressure, whereas the Trinity OC only have dual 110m fans, with the middle being 100mm. This does mean that the Trinity cards might be slightly weaker in terms of thermals but not by much.
The fans are also taller too which should aid with airflow (in terms of creating a focused airstream intake). The 3.5 slot heatsink and fin stack should also aid with heat dissipation, moving all of the heat up through the heatpipes towards the custom vapor chamber which spans the entire width of the heat pipes. It is also worth noting that the AMP Extreme AIRO offers a 24+4 power phase design making it a better option for overclocking, contrasting to the Trinity models which only have a 14+4 power phase design instead.
The Trinity non-OC card also only has a triple 8-pin adapter, so overclocking won’t really be a possibility on this model as it won’t be able to reach it’s 495W maximum. Despite all of this, thermals are very good on the Zotac RTX 4000 series GPUs, making them a strong competitor versus the Founders Edition version.
Zotac Performance Benchmarks
In this section we’ll briefly be delving into some gaming benchmarks for the Zotac RTX 4090 AMP Extreme AIRO. Unfortunately this is the only Zotac card that we’ve had in the office as of recent, but we can make some assumptions in relation to the other SKUs based on the performance of the RTX 4090 variant. As per usual, all of our full gaming benchmarks can be found on the Benched! YouTube channel. There you’ll find a range of benchmarks testing the latest components in all of your favourite gaming titles.
Marvel’s Spiderman Remastered
In Spiderman Remastered, we cranked up the settings to 4K to see how the Zotac AIRO would fare versus the other AIB models. Unfortunately, the Zotac model does seem to be slightly weaker compared to other AIB options. Although thermals were great here, the Zotac card couldn’t quite offer the same framerate that other models could, sitting at an average of 121FPS. This is perfectly fine in terms of gameplay, but the Zotac model is clearly the weaker option of the entire selection.
F1 2022
In F1 2022 we turned on Ray-Tracing and DLSS to see how high our frames could fly with some extra visual fidelity. The Zotac AMP actually sits at the top of this graph offering the best average framerate of 239FPS. Thermals were very strong here, and utilisation would only ever max out to around 65% or so. We were very happy with the performance here, and I believe the higher boost clock speed on the Zotac AIRO is showing it’s strength here.
Cyberpunk 2077
Finally, in Cyberpunk 2077, we turned on DLSS 3.0 to see where performance would lie. Zotac was slightly weaker, but the performance difference compared to the rest of the AIBs was marginal. The Zotac AIRO card offered an average framerate of 142FPS which is more than enough to play Cyberpunk smoothly without any hindrances. Again, thermals stayed at a reasonable level overall, and we were very happy with the performance metrics.
The Best Zotac RTX GPUs to Buy
Now for the main portion of this article – the recommendations! We’ve rounded up Zotac‘s best RTX 4000 GPUs to buy, covering all of their various AIB models. We’ve given each GPU an award too based on the various features, and design associated with the model.
1. Zotac AMP Extreme AIRO RTX 4090
👑 The enthusiast model.
Introduction
Starting off at the top of the list is Zotac’s AMP Extreme AIRO model. This card is designed for those planning to push their frames to the max, or cut down render times in workstation applications. As mentioned above, these cards feature Zotac’s IceStorm 3.0 thermal capability, keeping temperatures crisp and cool with silence in mind.
The AIRO model features a golden sheen on the top of the fans, RGB lighting surrounding the entire shroud (which of course can be fully customised). It also comes with a GPU support bracket, removing any sag due to the heft and weight of the card, and overall it looks pretty awesome. This card is definitely worth a consideration if you’re looking to build a top-end gaming or workstation system, potentially with some overclocking too.
Key Specs
| Specs | Zotac AMP Extreme AIRO RTX 4090 |
|---|---|
| Video Memory | 24GB GDDR6X |
| Memory Bus | 384-bit |
| Core Clock Speed | 2.23GHz |
| Boost Clock Speed | 2.58GHz |
| CUDA Cores | 16384 |
| Power Consumption | 450W |
| RT Cores | 3rd Generation |
| Tensor Cores | 4th Generation |
| PCI-E Generation | PCI-E Gen 4 |
| GPU Length | 355mm |
Things We Like
Ideal for overclocking: The AMP AIRO features a 24+4 power phase design, alongside a four 8-pin adapter allowing you to hit the maximum wattage. This stronger power phase design will allow users to push the boost clock speed a fair margin, unlocking some extra performance here and there.
Awesome RGB lighting: The Zotac AMP AIRO offers a well-rounded and sleek design that has plenty of RGB on offer. Surrounding the entirety of the shroud is an RGB strip that can be customised with Zotac’s Spectra 2.0 software, allowing consumers to change lighting effects, and colours.
Things We Don’t Like
The most expensive option: The RTX 4090 is pretty expensive on it’s own, but this top-end model from Zotac is one of the priciest options you can buy. If you’re looking to pick up the best, but cheapest RTX 4090, the AMP AIRO isn’t a great choice.
A weaker AIB model: Despite the strong thermal capability of the Zotac AMP AIRO, we did experience less frames overall, compared to some of the AIBs and the Founders Edition. Although the frame difference wasn’t gigantic, if you’re looking for the best performance possible, there are better choices.
Summary
Zotac’s AMP Extreme AIRO RTX 4090 is the strongest model out of their entire range. Consumers can expect excellent thermal performance, alongside insane framerates, with render times being cut in half. This is one of the most expensive choices, but you effectively get what you pay for here.
Features: 4.2/5
Design: 4.2/5
Performance: 4.5/5
Value for Money: 4/5
Pros
- Strong design and great RGB.
- Can be overclocked for extra performance.
- Great thermals.
Cons
- One of the priciest options.
- Not the best performer compared to other AIBs.
Where to Buy
Buy the Zotac AMP Extreme AIRO RTX 4090 on:
2. Zotac Trinity/Trinity OC RTX 4080
👑 The all-rounder model.
Introduction
Zotac‘s Trinity OC model of the RTX 4080 is slightly similar to it’s AMP Extreme AIRO counterpart, but comes in at a cheaper price point with a reduced set of features. This particular version utilises the same design that we saw with the AIRO, but the cooling capability is IceStorm 2.0 instead of 3.0, which is likely down to the overclocking performance of this card.
Power phases are set at 14+4, which is quite a stark different contrasting to the AMP AIRO. However, consumers can still enjoy plenty of RGB on the top of the card, and on the backplate too. Overall, this card seems to be the best Zotac option for those wanting a balance of price and performance. The AMP AIRO sits at the top-end of the spectrum, whilst the standard Trinity or AMP AIRO (non-extreme) is at the lower end, so I feel the Trinity OC sits in the middle of these options. Don’t get me wrong, the RTX 4080 is still expensive, but this model sits at a lower price in comparison to the AMP AIRO extreme version.
It is also worth nothing that the standard Trinity and Trinity OC models are very alike overall in both design and performance. The standard Trinity does lose out on some boosting capability, but for the most part the cards are effectively the same. Consumers can expect solid thermals and performance overall, but pricing and design may vary between each card.
Key Specs
| Specs | Zotac Trinity/Trinity OC RTX 4080 |
|---|---|
| Video Memory | 16GB GDDR6X |
| Memory Bus | 256-bit |
| Core Clock Speed | 2.21GHz |
| Boost Clock Speed | 2.5GHz/2.52GHz |
| CUDA Cores | 9728 |
| Power Consumption | 320W |
| RT Cores | 3rd Generation |
| Tensor Cores | 4th Generation |
| PCI-E Generation | PCI-E Gen 4 |
| GPU Length | 356mm |
Things We Like
Fairly competitive price point: Zotac’s Trinity OC version of the RTX 4080 is actually one of the better AIB models when it comes to pricing. This card sits just above MSRP, making it ideal for those looking to pick up a GPU with enhanced cooling, with a slight increase in performance.
Solid design: The Trinity OC model of the RTX 4080 has a solid matte grey design covering the entirety of the shroud. The top of the GPU has some RGB lighting on the logo, along with the backside of the card. I much prefer the matte design, as this offers a balance for those that prefer a minimalist take with less RGB.
Things We Don’t Like
The card is gigantic: One of the biggest downsides to all of the RTX 4000 cards, is that they are huge. The Zotac Trinity OC model sits at 356mm in terms of length, which may limit your case options when it comes down to clearance.
Not ideal for everyone: As we start to move down to the cheaper Zotac variants, the cards lose features, and have a simpler design to combat pricing. Although the Trinity OC is a relatively solid card overall, the weaker design, and lack of overclocking capability won’t be ideal for all consumers.
Summary
Zotac’s Trinity OC RTX 4080 is an excellent all-rounder card, contrasting to the entire range that Zotac offer. The Trinity OC has pretty strong cooling overall, price sits much closer to MSRP in comparison to other AIB options, and there’s a slight boost on clock speed providing some better performance here and there.
Features: 4/5
Design: 4/5
Performance: 4.1/5
Value for Money: 4/5
Pros
- Pretty solid thermals overall.
- Competitive price point.
- Great design and aesthetic.
Cons
- Trinity OC has weaker cooling compared to Extreme AIRO model.
- Size may limit case choices.
Where to Buy
Buy the Zotac Trinity/Trinity OC RTX 4080 on:
3. Zotac AMP AIRO RTX 4070 Ti
👑 The cheapest model.
Introduction
Zotac‘s AMP AIRO is the cheapest model of the bunch, offering a somewhat alternative design. Much like the other variants that we’ve looked at, the AMP AIRO features the enhanced cooling and shroud that will assist with airflow and thermals. This model comes with the same two 110mm fans that we saw with the Trinity variants, and a 100mm fan in the middle which will lessen thermal capability by a small margin.
In terms of aesthetic, the AMP AIRO is equipped with an RGB bar which spans the top of the graphics card. This of course, can be customised within Zotac’s software, allowing consumers to change colours and lighting effects. The AMP AIRO is a little bit lacking on RGB on the rest of the card, but I think the minimalist matte grey design looks pretty good overall, but I can understand there are consumers who are looking for more when it comes to aesthetic.
Key Specs
| Specs | Zotac AMP AIRO RTX 4070 Ti |
|---|---|
| Video Memory | 12GB GDDR6X |
| Memory Bus | 192-bit |
| Core Clock Speed | 2.31GHz |
| Boost Clock Speed | 2.76GHz |
| CUDA Cores | 7680 |
| Power Consumption | 285W |
| RT Cores | 3rd Generation |
| Tensor Cores | 4th Generation |
| PCI-E Generation | PCI-E Gen 4 |
| GPU Length | 307mm |
Things We Like
Solid price point: Although the AMP AIRO isn’t the cheapest RTX 4070 Ti, this particular model sits at a relatively solid price point overall. Consumers can pick this card up for just above MSRP, which is ideal for those that have some room to get a GPU that offers better noise levels and thermals.
Great RGB: The AMP AIRO offers much more RGB compared to the Trinity and OC models that we’ve taken a look at previously. For those that prefer some extra lighting options, the AMP AIRO is a great option that can be fully customised to suit the style of your build.
Things We Don’t Like
Cooling is slightly weaker: Although Zotac cards are pretty strong overall when it comes to thermals, the cheaper models are weaker on the features front to save on cost. This means the less expensive variants (like the AMP AIRO) won’t be as capable in terms of cooling compared to other options.
Summary
Zotac’s AMP AIRO RTX 4070 Ti is one of the cheapest variants that money can buy, making it ideal for those that are being more price conscious about their purchases. It is slightly lacking on the cooling capability, but I believe the competitive price point makes this card a worthwhile consideration for many consumers.
Features: 4/5
Design: 4/5
Performance: 3.9/5
Value for Money: 4/5
Pros
- Smaller AIB model.
- Competitive price point.
- Great RGB lighting.
Cons
- Weaker thermals.
- Not much overclocking capability.
Where to Buy
Buy the Zotac AMP AIRO RTX 4070 Ti on:
