How Much Does it Cost?
The INNO3D NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080 X3 OC 16GB Blackwell Graphics Card is available for pre-order on Scan.co.uk for £1259.99 at this time. Of course, prices are meant to be MSRP, but until stock settles down, that can mean just about anything.
Conclusion
So, in terms of performance, the INNO3D RTX 5080 X3 delivers exactly what you’d expect from an MSRP card—Founders Edition-like results with no real surprises. It doesn’t come with factory overclocks or a premium cooling solution, but that also means it avoids the price hikes that often come with those features. Instead, it provides a straightforward, no-frills implementation of the RTX 5080, making it a good choice for those who just want a reliable GPU without paying extra for unnecessary bells and whistles.
Overclocking
One area that might make the INNO3D RTX 5080 X3 an appealing option is its potential for manual overclocking. While it doesn’t come pre-overclocked, users who enjoy tweaking settings might find that the cooler is sufficient enough to push clock speeds beyond the reference spec. Of course, this depends on silicon quality and thermal performance, but for those willing to fine-tune power limits and fan curves, there could be extra performance waiting to be unlocked, as we showed today. The X3 cooler does a decent job of keeping temperatures in check, though it does tend to get a bit louder than the Founders Edition, especially under load, so there is that small trade-off.
2 Slot Cooler
Additionally, the INNO3D RTX 5080 X3 is likely to catch the eye of those looking for a more budget-conscious AIB option without sacrificing too much in terms of cooling performance. While it may lack some of the premium features found in higher-end models, such as vapour chamber cooling or reinforced shrouds, it still delivers solid performance with a practical design and is a card that prioritises function over form, which will suit many gamers who care more about raw performance than flashy aesthetics.
X3 OC
That said, INNO3D does offer an overclocked version of this card, the X3 OC, which provides a small factory overclock out of the box. However, as we’ve seen with other models, these minor clock speed increases rarely make a significant difference in real-world gaming performance, though if you’re looking for an INNO3D card with improved cooling, their iCHILL lineup offers beefier heatsinks and slightly more aggressive factory overclocks, but, of course, that comes at a higher price point. At that stage, you start moving into the price territory of ASUS TUF and Zotac AMP Extreme models, which have larger coolers and additional features, making them more compelling options if you’re already considering spending extra.
Compatibility
One of the standout advantages of the X3 is its two-slot design, which makes it one of the slimmest RTX 5080 models available. Most AIB cards take up three or even four slots, which limits case compatibility, particularly for small form factor builds. This gives the X3 a unique advantage for those who need a more compact GPU without sacrificing performance. However, this slimmer design does mean higher fan speeds to compensate for the reduced heatsink mass, so noise levels may be a trade-off worth considering.
MSRP
At MSRP pricing, the INNO3D RTX 5080 X3 makes for a solid alternative to the Founders Edition, particularly if availability becomes an issue. It’s a great choice for those who don’t need extra features like RGB, dual BIOS, or a massive cooler. That said, if noise levels and thermal performance are major concerns, you might want to consider spending a little more on a higher-end AIB model like the iCHILL range. The increased cooling capacity of those cards often allows for quieter operation and slightly better-sustained boost clocks, though the difference in actual gaming performance may not always justify the extra cost.
Should I Buy One?
Ultimately, the INNO3D X3 is an affordable, practical option for those who want a straightforward RTX 5080 experience without the added cost of factory overclocks or premium cooling solutions. It does exactly what it sets out to do—provide MSRP performance in a compact and functional design. However, if you’re looking for better cooling, quieter operation, or the best possible overclocking headroom, then stepping up to a more premium AIB model might be the better long-term investment, but a lot of that comes down to the added price, which we know can sometimes get a bit out of hand.
