Well... here we are almost 2 months since launch and still no stock of it. In the end I changed my mind and decided to keep my order. Ironically the Sapphire Nitro I originally wanted is now in stock, problem is, it's another $120 over the already outrageously overpriced Aorus Elite. That's why it didn't sell out instantly. The only PCB shot of the Aorus I can find is from a user on Reddit, and it doesn't look that different from the Nitro's board... which doesn't look that different from the reference board. Reference: Nitro+: Aorus: Is there any notable difference between the Aorus and Nitro boards? The main differences I see are extra capacitors for the extra 8 pin power connector, and different (what looks like?) inductors. That and that one extra part above the RAM on the right which the reference and Aorus are missing.
Okay let me ask a different question then: What would you guys do? Option A: - Wait even longer for an unknown amount of time to save $120. - Risk RTX 3080 losing resale value by waiting. - Gigabyte has 1 more year warranty if registered within 30 days of purchase (assuming Sapphire gives 3, but their website just gives a middle finger). Option B: - Pay $120 extra (pre tax of course) and not wait any longer (more stock has arrived in my province). - Sell RTX 3080 immediately for a good chunk. - Not have to buy a Gigabyte product. Oh, and I found out neither of their vapour chambers are plated, you can forget liquid metal on either. Edit: I went with option C and said frack it and bought a 4090.
