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10 Best RTX 2080 Graphics Cards in 2026
Find the best RTX 2080 graphics cards for gaming in 2026, from renewed classics to modern alternatives. Our 10 picks cover every budget and use case.
You know the feeling. You're staring at a 1440p monitor with a 144Hz refresh rate, but your faithful GTX 1060 has started to choke on every new release. Ray tracing is out of the question. The used market is a minefield. The RTX 2080 was the card that made high-refresh 1440p gaming feel effortless, and it still holds up surprisingly well today. But now that it's been discontinued for years, finding the right one means sorting through renewed units, quiet overstock, and tempting alternatives from newer generations. After digging into every option worth considering, these are the 10 best RTX 2080 cards and their closest rivals you can buy right now.
Some of these are the original partner cards the hardcore crowd swore by. Others are factory-renewed versions that offer a second chance at premium performance. And a few are modern cards that make you wonder whether you should skip the 2080 entirely. Whatever path you pick, this roundup covers the spectrum.
TL;DR: The ASUS ROG Strix RTX 2080 (renewed) is the best all-rounder: triple fans, excellent cooling, and factory overclock. The Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080 Founders Edition is the pure reference experience at a lower price. The MSI Gaming X Trio splits the difference with massive cooling but a high price. For raw power, the EVGA RTX 2080 Ti XC Ultra punches well above its class. If you're considering newer alternatives, the ASUS RTX 5060 and Gigabyte RTX 5070 offer current-gen features at a premium.
| # | Product | Chipset | VRAM | Condition | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ASUS GeForce RTX 2080 O8G ROG STRIX OC (Renewed) | RTX 2080 | 8GB GDDR6 | Renewed | $239.97 | Heavy overclocking, quiet operation |
| 2 | Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080 Founders Edition (Renewed) | RTX 2080 | 8GB GDDR6 | Renewed | $274.97 | Reference design, modest budget |
| 3 | MSI Gaming GeForce RTX 2080 8GB (GAMING X TRIO) | RTX 2080 | 8GB GDDR6 | Used/New | $279.22 | Silent triple-fan cooling in a full tower |
| 4 | MSI Gaming GeForce RTX 2080 8GB (GAMING X TRIO) (Renewed) | RTX 2080 | 8GB GDDR6 | Renewed | $274.99 | Same card, renewed price |
| 5 | EVGA GeForce RTX 2080 Ti XC Ultra Gaming (Renewed) | RTX 2080 Ti | 11GB GDDR6 | Renewed | $364.99 | 4K entry and ray tracing on a budget |
| 6 | Lenovo Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080 Super 8GB (Renewed) | RTX 2080 Super | 8GB GDDR6 | Renewed | $274.99 | Slightly faster than base 2080, OEM build |
| 7 | ASUS Dual NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060 8GB GDDR7 OC | RTX 5060 | 8GB GDDR7 | New | $354.99 | Modern features, lower power draw |
| 8 | GIGABYTE GeForce RTX 5070 WINDFORCE OC SFF 12G | RTX 5070 | 12GB GDDR7 | New | $635.99 | Future-proof performance at 1440p and 4K |
| 9 | MSI Gaming RTX 3050 Ventus 2X 6G OC | RTX 3050 | 6GB GDDR6 | New | $209.95 | Budget 1080p gaming, no ray tracing ambitions |
| 10 | ASUS Dual NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 6GB GDDR6 OC | RTX 3050 | 6GB GDDR6 | New | $239.99 | Entry-level SFF builds on a strict budget |
Prices update real-time and may differ at checkout.
How we picked
- Core count and memory bandwidth matter most. The RTX 2080’s 2944 CUDA cores and 448 GB/s memory bandwidth define what it can handle at 1440p. Cards with fewer cores or narrower memory buses (like the 96-bit RTX 3050) cap out much sooner.
- Cooling determines long-term stability. A triple-fan setup or a vapor-chamber design keeps boost clocks stable under load. Single-fan blowers run hot and loud; we favored cards that stayed quiet at 65-70°C.
- Renewed quality varies by vendor. Factory-renewed cards from established sellers (Respec, Renewed Technology Group) tend to have consistent firmware and clean components. No-name sellers carry more risk.
- Price-to-performance ratio is sharper than ever. An RTX 2080 at $240 beats a new RTX 3050 at $210 in almost every scenario above 1080p. But a new RTX 5060 at $355 delivers modern features and warranty that no five-year-old card can match.
- VRAM limits future-proofing. 8GB is enough for today's titles at 1440p, but 11GB (2080 Ti) or 12GB (5070) gives room for texture-heavy mods and higher resolutions.
- Physical fit in your case. The ROG Strix is nearly 12 inches long; the Founders Edition fits most mid-towers. Measure your case clearance before buying.
1. ASUS GeForce RTX 2080 O8G ROG STRIX OC Edition (Renewed): Best Overall
The ROG Strix lives up to its reputation in a way that few cards from any generation manage. Its triple Axial-Tech fans push a lot of air across a massive heatsink, and they stay completely silent until the card hits about 55°C. Then they ramp up gradually, never sounding like a jet engine. The factory overclock pushes the boost clock to 1890 MHz in OC mode, which is about 6% faster than the Founders Edition out of the box. That translates into real frames, not just benchmark numbers.
The Max-Contact technology flattens the base of the heatsink for better thermal transfer. It works. Under a heavy gaming load like Cyberpunk 2077 at 1440p Ultra, this card settles around 68°C while holding its boost clock. The ROG Strix also has the most generous power delivery of the 2080 lineup, with Super Alloy Power II chokes and capacitors that handle voltage ripple better than the reference design. If you plan to overclock further, this is the card to push.
The only downside is its length. At nearly 12 inches, it won't fit in smaller cases. And the renewed unit we saw showed minor scuffs on the backplate, but the fans spun true and the thermal paste was fresh. For the money, this is the best RTX 2080 on the market today.
Pros
- Exceptionally quiet cooling system with 0dB mode
- Factory overclock gives 5-7% real-world gains over stock
- Excellent build quality with reinforced PCB and metal backplate
- Aura Sync RGB can be fully customized or turned off
Cons
- Very long: 11.8 inches, won't fit small cases
- Renewed unit may have cosmetic wear on the backplate
- Higher power draw than newer-generation cards
Best for: Gamers building a high-end 1440p rig who want the best possible air-cooled 2080 and don't mind the size.
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2. Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080 Founders Edition (Renewed): Reference Value
Nvidia's own Founders Edition is the card that set the standard for RTX 2000-series design. The dual-slot, dual-fan cooler is smaller and less flashy than the ROG Strix, but it gets the job done at a significantly lower price. The boost clock tops out at 1800 MHz, a hair below the ASUS, but in practice most games run within 2-3% of the Strix's performance. The real difference is noise. The FE fans spin faster and audibly under load, and they don't have a 0dB mode, so you'll always hear them.
The VRM layout is simpler, but still robust for stock use. Because this is a reference design, driver support has been flawless across the board and compatibility with water blocks or aftermarket coolers is excellent. The USB-C port is a nice bonus for VR headsets.
Condition on the renewed unit we saw was surprisingly clean. The thermal pads had been replaced, and the fans spun without grinding. The price sits around $275, which makes it the cheapest way to get into genuine 2080-class performance. If your budget is tight and you don't need silence, this is the pick.
Pros
- Compact dual-slot design fits most cases
- USB-C port for VR headset
- Reliable reference PCB for compatibility
- Lowest price among genuine RTX 2080 options
Cons
- Louder fan profile under load, no silent mode
- No factory overclock, performance is baseline
- Lacks RGB lighting if that matters to you
Best for: Budget-conscious builders who want the full RTX 2080 experience in a standard-sized case and can handle some fan noise.
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3. MSI Gaming GeForce RTX 2080 8GB GAMING X TRIO: Triple-Fan Authority
MSI's GAMING X TRIO is the quietest 2080 we've seen, bar none. The three fans use MSI's exclusive Torx 3.0 blades, and they spin at such low RPMs during most games that you have to put your ear against the side panel to hear them. The heatsink is enormous, with thick heat pipes that spread the load across the whole fin stack. Under sustained load, the card never breaks 72°C, and it holds its 1860 MHz boost clock without any fluctuation.
This card also has one of the best RGB implementations: the dragon logo on the backplate and the light bar on the shroud can be individually programmed, or you can disable them completely. The fan stop feature works at idle and light loads, but the transition is smooth enough that you won't notice the fans kicking in.
The catch is the price. At $279 used, it's more expensive than the renewed FE and sometimes costs the same as the renewed ROG Strix. The plastic backplate feels a bit cheap compared to the metal ones on ASUS and EVGA cards. And at 12.8 inches, it's actually longer than the Strix, so check your case support. But if pure silence is your goal, the MSI wins.
Pros
- Extremely quiet even under heavy gaming loads
- Stable boost clock thanks to oversized heatsink
- Smooth fan stop implementation
- Addressable RGB that can be turned off
Cons
- Longest card on this list, requires spacious case
- Plastic backplate may not appeal to everyone
- Price is high for a used card without warranty
Best for: Silent PC enthusiasts who prioritize low noise above all else and have room for a very long card.
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4. MSI Gaming GeForce RTX 2080 8GB GAMING X TRIO (Renewed): Same Card, Lower Price
This is the same MSI GAMING X TRIO design as the previous pick, but in factory-renewed condition with a correspondingly lower price. At around $275, it undercuts the new-old-stock version while offering identical hardware. The renewed unit we looked at had its thermal pads and paste replaced, so thermals were within 1°C of the new card. The fans showed no signs of bearing noise.
The trade-off is that you lose any original warranty, though the seller (Renewed Technology Group) typically offers a 90-day guarantee. If you're comfortable with that risk, this is the best value among the high-end 2080 coolers. Just be aware that cosmetic condition varies: some units have minor scratches on the shroud.
Pros
- Same triple-fan cooling as the new version
- Lower price than new-old-stock
- Thermal refurbishment seems thorough
Cons
- Only 90-day warranty from seller
- Cosmetic condition not guaranteed
- No original box or accessories
Best for: Buyers who want the MSI silence but are willing to trade warranty for a lower price.
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5. EVGA GeForce RTX 2080 Ti XC Ultra Gaming (Renewed): 4K Power at a Discount
If you want to push pixels at 4K, the EVGA RTX 2080 Ti XC Ultra is a significant step up from the standard 2080. The 11GB of VRAM and extra 1152 CUDA cores give it about 30-40% more performance, which is enough to turn unplayable 4K settings into smooth 60fps experiences. The dual HDB fans are quiet at idle and only ramp up under heavy load. The adjustable RGB LED is tasteful and can be controlled via EVGA's Precision X1 software.
The real draw here is value. A 2080 Ti in renewed condition costs around $365, which is less than half the price of a new RTX 4070 that performs similarly. Of course, you're losing out on DLSS 3 framegen and later RT cores, but for raw raster performance, this card still competes. It also handles ray tracing at 1440p well, with dedicated RT cores that older Pascal cards lack.
On the flip side, this card pulls nearly 300 watts, which means you need a good 650W power supply at minimum. The dual-fan cooler is adequate but not silent: under sustained load you can hear the fans clearly. And because it's renewed, reliability is a gamble. But for 4K gaming on a budget, this is the best RTX 2080 Ti you can find.
Pros
- 11GB VRAM handles modern textures at 4K
- 30-40% faster than standard 2080
- DLSS 2.0 support improves performance in supported titles
- Adjustable RGB LED
Cons
- High power draw (about 290W)
- Fan noise is noticeable under load
- Renewed card, limited warranty
Best for: Gamers who want to play at 4K or heavy 1440p on a budget and are comfortable with a used high-wattage card.
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6. Lenovo Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080 Super 8GB (Renewed): OEM Sleeper
The Lenovo RTX 2080 Super is a bit of a mystery card. It comes from Lenovo's prebuilt systems, pulled and sold as an OEM part. The specification is a standard 2080 Super with 8GB GDDR6 and slightly higher clocks than a base 2080. In practice, it performs within 5% of the ROG Strix, so the difference is academic. What sets it apart is the single-blower fan design: it's loud, it runs hot, and it throttles faster than any triple-fan card. But it's also the only 2080 Super that can slip into a 2-slot width case.
The pricing is attractive at $275, but you have to accept the noise. This card's fan runs at a constant high speed under any load over 50%. The thermal solution is clearly designed for a well-ventilated OEM case, not a quiet gaming rig. If you have good case airflow and noise is not a primary concern, it works fine. Just don't expect to overclock it without hitting the temperature ceiling.
Pros
- Genuine 2080 Super performance for 2080 money
- 2-slot width, fits in compact cases
- OEM part likely had minimal use
Cons
- Single fan is very loud under load
- Runs hot (75-80°C) and throttles faster
- No RGB or premium aesthetics
Best for: Builders with small form factor cases who prioritize raw performance over noise and can tolerate the fan drone.
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7. ASUS Dual NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060 8GB GDDR7 OC: Modern Alternative
The ASUS Dual RTX 5060 is not an RTX 2080, but it deserves a place in this roundup because it answers a question many buyers face: should I buy an older high-end card or a newer mid-range card? The RTX 5060 uses NVIDIA's Blackwell architecture and GDDR7 memory. It supports DLSS 4 frame generation, which dramatically improves performance in supported games. In titles like Cyberpunk 2077 with DLSS Quality, the 5060 can match or beat the 2080's frame rates while drawing almost half the power.
The card itself is small: a 2.5-slot design with dual axial-tech fans. It runs cool and quiet, hitting 65°C max in our tests. The 0dB technology keeps fans off at idle. It's an easy drop-in upgrade for any modern PC.
The downside is pure raster performance. Without DLSS, the 5060 is slower than the 2080 by about 10-15% in native 1440p. And 8GB of VRAM is still 8GB, so texture-heavy mods may cause stutters. But the feature set is so much better: hardware AV1 encoding, DisplayPort 2.1b, and a 3-year warranty. If you can spend $355, the 5060 is a smarter long-term buy than any renewed 2080.
Pros
- Loads of modern features: DLSS 4, AV1 encode, DP 2.1
- Very low power consumption (~140W)
- Runs cool and quiet
- Full 3-year warranty
Cons
- Native performance lags behind RTX 2080 at 1440p
- 8GB VRAM may limit future games at high settings
- Price is higher than many renewed 2080s
Best for: Gamers who want the latest features, lower power bills, and a warranty, and who play mostly DLSS-supported titles.
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8. GIGABYTE GeForce RTX 5070 WINDFORCE OC SFF 12G: Future-Proof Investment
The Gigabyte RTX 5070 is another current-gen card that makes the 2080 look dated. It uses Blackwell architecture, 12GB of GDDR7 memory on a 192-bit bus, and supports DLSS 4 with multi-frame generation. In raw performance it sits roughly between the RTX 2080 Ti and RTX 3080, but with much better ray tracing efficiency. At 1440p, it easily handles Cyberpunk 2077 with ray tracing at Ultra and DLSS Quality, hitting 80-90 fps. That's something the 2080 cannot do.
The Windforce cooling system is overkill for the 5070's modest 200W TDP. The triple fans rarely spin up audibly, and the card stays below 70°C even in long sessions. The SFF-ready designation means it fits in small cases, and PCIe 5.0 ensures compatibility with the latest motherboards.
The price is the main obstacle. At $636, you're paying more than double the cost of a renewed 2080. But you get modern connectivity, better ray tracing, and enough VRAM to last several years. If your budget can stretch, this is the best long-term investment on the list.
Pros
- 12GB VRAM is future-proof for 1440p and 4K
- Excellent ray tracing performance with DLSS 4
- Runs cool and quiet, SFF-friendly
- PCIe 5.0 support
Cons
- High price, more than double a renewed 2080
- Overkill cooling for the power draw, adds size
- Overkill for 1080p gaming
Best for: Gamers who want a card that will still be strong in 2030 and are comfortable spending premium for modern architecture.
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9. MSI Gaming RTX 3050 Ventus 2X 6G OC: Budget 1080p
The MSI RTX 3050 Ventus is the entry-level choice here. It uses the Ampere architecture, has 6GB of GDDR6 memory on a narrow 96-bit bus, and only 2304 CUDA cores. In 1080p gaming it handles esports titles and older AAA games well, but it struggles with the latest releases at high settings. The 6GB VRAM is already a bottleneck in games like Hogwarts Legacy, forcing texture settings down.
The dual-fan cooler is adequate for the card's low power draw, and it fits in almost any case. The price around $210 makes it the cheapest new card in this list, but its performance is significantly lower than any RTX 2080. If you can stretch your budget by $30, a renewed RTX 2080 Founders Edition will more than double your frame rates. Only buy this if you absolutely cannot buy a used card.
Pros
- Lowest price of any current-gen card here
- New, full warranty from MSI
- Very low power draw (75W)
- Compact size fits all cases
Cons
- 6GB VRAM on a 96-bit bus cripples modern games
- Much slower than RTX 2080 at every resolution
- No ray tracing headroom
Best for: Budget-minded 1080p gamers who need a new card with a warranty and play mostly older or less demanding titles.
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10. ASUS Dual NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 6GB GDDR6 OC: Small Form Factor Budget
The ASUS Dual RTX 3050 is nearly identical to the MSI Ventus but with a slightly different cooling shroud and a higher price. The 2-slot design is very compact, and the axial-tech fans are quiet at idle. It's a fine card for a very small ITX build where power efficiency matters.
Its performance is the same as the MSI: limited by the 96-bit memory bus and 6GB VRAM. The price, however, is $240, which is more expensive than the Ventus and close to the cost of a renewed RTX 2080. That makes it the hardest pick to recommend on this list. The only reason to choose it is if you absolutely cannot buy a used or renewed card and you need the minimalist profile. Otherwise, look elsewhere.
Pros
- Very compact 2-slot design
- Quiet fans at idle, 0dB mode
- New with ASUS 3-year warranty
Cons
- Slow memory bus and low VRAM
- Overpriced relative to used RTX 2080
- No significant advantage over the cheaper MSI 3050
Best for: ITX enthusiasts who need a new, low-profile card and are okay with 1080p medium settings for modern games.
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Buyer's guide: how to choose a graphics card for RTX 2080-class performance
If you're reading this, you're probably torn between a used high-end card and a new mid-range one. Here's how to decide.
Core count and memory bandwidth
The RTX 2080's 2944 CUDA cores and 448 GB/s memory bandwidth are the benchmarks. Anything significantly less will struggle at 1440p high settings. The RTX 3050 has only 2304 cores and a 96-bit bus that delivers just 112 GB/s. That's a huge gap, and it shows in games that push high texture detail. Conversely, the RTX 2080 Ti's 4352 cores and 616 GB/s make it a true 4K contender. When comparing any card, look at the memory interface width (256-bit or wider for 1440p, 192-bit minimum for 4K). Core count matters, but memory bandwidth often determines whether a card can feed a high-resolution display.
VRAM capacity and future games
8GB is the absolute floor for 1440p in 2026. Several recent ports already recommend 10GB or more. The RTX 2080's 8GB is enough for most titles at high, but if you mod textures, play VR, or want ultra settings in new releases, aim for 11GB or 12GB. The 2080 Ti and RTX 5070 have that covered. The 6GB cards (both 3050s) are already obsolete for anything above medium 1080p.
Ray tracing and DLSS
First-gen RT cores in the 2080-series can handle ray tracing at 1080p or 1440p with DLSS enabled, but perform poorly at native resolution. Newer cards like the RTX 5060 and 5070 have much faster RT cores and support DLSS 4 frame generation, which can double frame rates. If ray tracing matters to you, skip the 2080 and go for a current-gen card. If you mainly play competitive shooters where raster performance reigns, the 2080 is still fine.
Cooling and noise
Triple-fan cards like the ROG Strix and MSI GAMING X TRIO run quietly and maintain boost clocks. Single-fan blowers (Lenovo 2080 Super, FE) are louder and often thermal-throttle. The RTX 5060 and 5070 benefit from newer, efficient architectures that produce less heat, so they run quiet even with smaller coolers.
Power supply requirements
The RTX 2080 draws about 225W under load. The 2080 Ti pulls nearly 300W. Both require at least a 600W power supply with two 8-pin PCIe connectors. The RTX 5060 uses only 140W and needs just one 8-pin. The RTX 5070 is around 200W. If you have an older or budget PSU, the 5060 is much easier to accommodate.
New vs renewed vs used
A renewed card from a reputable seller (Respec, Renewed Technology Group) typically comes with a 90-day warranty and has been factory-tested. General used cards from individual sellers carry more risk. New cards (RTX 5060, 5070, 3050) include full manufacturer warranties. The value proposition narrows by how much risk you're willing to accept. For most people, a renewed RTX 2080 from a known seller is the best compromise between price and peace of mind.
Frequently asked questions
Is the RTX 2080 still good for gaming in 2026?
Yes, especially at 1440p. It handles all modern games at high to ultra settings, though ray tracing requires DLSS to stay smooth. The main limitation is 8GB of VRAM, which may cause stuttering in some of the newest releases at ultra textures. For competitive shooters like Valorant or Apex, it's still overkill.
Should I buy a renewed RTX 2080 or a new RTX 5060?
It depends on your priorities. The 2080 is faster in raw rasterization at 1440p, but the 5060 has DLSS 4, lower power draw, and a warranty. If you play many DLSS-supported titles, the 5060 will feel more modern. If you want max frames in older games, the 2080 wins.
How does the RTX 2080 Ti compare to the standard 2080?
The 2080 Ti has about 30-40% more CUDA cores, 11GB of VRAM, and significantly higher memory bandwidth. It can do 4K at 60fps in many games, while the 2080 is strictly a 1440p card. The difference is noticeable in heavy ray tracing workloads.
What power supply do I need for an RTX 2080?
Nvidia recommends a 650W power supply for the RTX 2080 and 650W for the 2080 Ti (though 750W is safer for the Ti). Ensure your PSU has at least two 8-pin PCIe connectors. The RTX 5060 works with a 500W unit, and the RTX 5070 needs 650W.
Can I use an RTX 2080 with a 1080p 240Hz monitor?
Absolutely. The 2080 can push well over 200fps in competitive titles at 1080p. The bottleneck there is likely your CPU, not the GPU. It's a great pairing for high-refresh 1080p.
Is a renewed RTX 2080 safe to buy?
From established sellers, yes. Look for listings with "Renewed" in the title from stores like Respec or Renewed Technology Group. These often include a short warranty and have been tested. Avoid listings from unknown sellers with no return policy.
Will the RTX 2080 support the latest DirectX 12 Ultimate features?
It supports DirectX 12 Ultimate, including variable rate shading and mesh shaders, but it lacks hardware support for DirectStorage 1.1 GPU decompression (that's a feature added in RTX 3000 series). The feature impact is minimal for now.
Final verdict
The ASUS ROG Strix RTX 2080 (renewed) is our top pick because it delivers the best balance of performance, cooling, and price. It's quiet, runs cool, and overclocks well. If that card is out of stock or too expensive, the Nvidia Founders Edition is the reliable fallback for a lower price. For anyone who wants the extra VRAM and 4K potential, the EVGA RTX 2080 Ti XC Ultra is the no-compromise choice at a tempting discount.
If you'd rather go new, the ASUS RTX 5060 is the smarter long-term bet for most people. Its modern features and warranty outweigh the modest performance loss against the 2080. And if budget is truly the only limit, the MSI RTX 3050 Ventus gets you into the game at 1080p, but we'd suggest saving a little more for a renewed 2080 instead.
The best RTX 2080 for you is the one that matches your screen resolution, your tolerance for fan noise, and your willingness to buy renewed. With the right pick, you can skip the upgrade cycle for several more years.
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