Update: MSI released a statement
MSI became aware of reports from customers, reviewers, and system integrators that there may be instability when GeForce RTX 30 Series graphics cards core clocks exceeded a certain amount. The latest GeForce driver (456.55) includes fixes for the issue. As such, MSI recommends owners of GeForce RTX 30 Series graphics cards update to the latest driver release which can be downloaded from the NVIDIA GeForce website.
MSI stands behind its design decisions for its GeForce RTX 30 Series graphics cards catalog which consists of GAMING models and VENTUS models. MSI utilizes a mixed capacitor grouping in its designs to benefit from the strengths of both SP-Caps and MLCCs. All MSI GeForce RTX 30 Series cards that have shipped out since the beginning of production, which include media review samples, feature the PCB configurations as shown in the updated images below. MSI would like to express its appreciation to customers, reviewers, and system integrators that raised awareness to the issue, and to NVIDIA for the cooperation in quickly resolving the problem.
Original post
MSI GeForce RTX 3080 GAMING X TRIO gets new PCB
Our readers have reported that the company employees did mention during the MSI Insider podcast that they think that this might be a driver issue.
As it turns out, MSI did change the design and we have been notified that has been done quietly. It is worth noting that RTX 3080 GAMING X TRIO was also present in the first reports on the issue, but the capacitor configuration was considered ‘better’ than pure SP-CAP configuration and it shouldn’t really cause problems.
The manufacturer has changed the design and the photos on the manufacturer’s website have been replaced. It looks like is a pure photoshop, the manufacturer has only changed the area where the capacitors are placed.
The former design, which was shown on the MSI official website and advertised by most retailer has never been shipped to either reviewers or customers.
MSI GeForce RTX 3080 GAMING X TRIO before (left) and after (right) the change
MSI RTX 3080 GAMING X TRIO before and after the modification
Update: MSI RTX 3080 VENTUS 3X also changed:
We are keeping track of new developments in a crash to desktop issues with the GeForce RTX 3080 series. Check this article for more information.
Many thanks to ViperTooth and painkor for the tips!