A Closer Look
Unlike some of the factory-overclocked models we’ve looked at, the INNO3D RTX 5080 X3 sticks with NVIDIA’s reference boost clock of 2617MHz, meaning you won’t see any out-of-the-box performance gains compared to the Founders Edition outside of the margin of error or silicon lottery in terms of sustained levels of boost. However, not everyone is looking for the highest factory overclock, and in many cases, cooling, noise levels, and price are just as important when choosing a card. That’s where INNO3D is hoping to make its mark with its X3 cooler design.
Cooling-wise, the RTX 5080 X3 features a triple-fan setup, using three 88mm scythe fans designed to maximise airflow while keeping noise levels down. While INNO3D doesn’t market any unique fan technology like counter-rotating blades, the core concept remains the same—push as much air through the heatsink as efficiently as possible. The fans sit on top of a high-density aluminium fin-stack heatsink, with six copper heat pipes feeding into the copper base, which makes direct contact with the GPU die, while the aluminium base gives full coverage for the memory, which combined should help to improve thermal transfer. This should, in theory, help keep temperatures in check without needing excessive fan curves and, therefore, lower noise.
Unlike some of the bulkier AIB models, the INNO3D RTX 5080 X3 keeps its footprint relatively manageable, coming in at 300mm in length, 116mm in height, and 41mm thick, which makes it a two-slot design. I feel this is going to be its biggest selling point, because that’s a key selling point that the Founders Edition has and makes it a manageable size for small form factor builds and is a lot more compact when compared to some of the extreme cooling solutions we’ve seen from competitors.
Another key aspect is the build quality. The X3 features a metal backplate for added rigidity and improved passive cooling, but overall, the design is more function-over-form. INNO has also opted not to include any RGB, which makes the card appeal to a slightly different crowd who prioritise function over gimmicks, and that adds to a more premium-looking product too, with a more understated look. There’s no infinity mirror or excessive branding—just a simple, clean design that focuses on delivering performance without unnecessary embellishments.
For those who like to fine-tune their experience, the card doesn’t feature a Dual BIOS switch or other added extras, which are typically found on higher-end models. This instead means you’ll be relying on INNO’s default fan curve, though adjustments can be made through software if needed.
Power-wise, the RTX 5080 X3 sticks to NVIDIA’s 12V 2×6 connector, rated for up to 360W of power delivery. Given that this card doesn’t come with a factory overclock, power draw should be in line with NVIDIA’s Founders Edition, making it a more predictable option for those who want reference-like performance without any surprises. INNO3D recommends an 850W PSU, which is standard for a GPU of this class, though a higher-wattage unit is always advisable for those planning to pair it with a high-end CPU.
So, where does the INNO3D RTX 5080 X3 sit in the market? It’s positioned as a no-frills, reference-speed card with a focus on cooling and reliability rather than aggressive factory overclocks or flashy aesthetics. It will likely appeal to those who want a straightforward RTX 5080 without the added cost of premium cooling solutions or excessive RGB, but as always, the question remains—does the simpler design and lack of factory overclock hold up against its competitors? That’s what we’ll be putting to the test in our benchmarks, but first, we wanted to see what was possible in terms of manual overclocking.
