Nvidia introduced its new GeForce RTX 50 series graphics cards in India earlier this year. First unveiled during CES 2025, this series features enhancements over previous models, thanks to the innovative Blackwell architecture. The RTX 50 series includes advancements like Nvidia’s deep learning super sampling technology (DLSS 4), fifth-generation Tensor cores, and fourth-generation ray tracing cores.
We recently had the opportunity to test the GeForce RTX 5080, positioned just below Nvidia’s flagship RTX 5090. Inno3D, a prominent PC hardware manufacturer, provided us with their RTX 5080 iChill X3 variant. This edition is designed for premium performance and includes advanced cooling capabilities. It is equipped with a large vapor chamber, triple anti-turbulence fans, five heat pipes, and a thermal-extracting backplate, all contributing to efficient thermal management. As a result, users can sustain high performance over extended periods.
The cooling system includes five heat pipes and a large vapor chamber.
While the GPU is available for purchase online through various PC hardware retailers in India, finding it in stock can be challenging. The standard Nvidia GeForce RTX 5080 is priced at Rs. 1,10,000, while the Inno3D RTX 5080 iChill X3 is considerably more expensive at Rs. 1,94,400 (MRP). We evaluated this GPU alongside the ANT PC Solenopsis RL900 gaming rig, which brings a solid performance foundation. Read on to see how the iChill X3 measures up to its impressive specifications.
Inno3D GeForce RTX 5080 iChill X3 Architecture and Specifications
The Inno3D GeForce RTX 5080 iChill X3 is built on the Blackwell architecture, featuring 10,752 CUDA cores and 16GB of high-speed GDDR7 memory, alongside clock speeds reaching up to 2,715MHz. The base clock speed stands at 2,295MHz, and the card includes 84 fourth-generation ray tracing cores capable of delivering 171 TFLOPs. Additionally, it provides 336 fifth-generation Tensor cores with an output of 1801 AI TOPS, while its boost clock speeds are incrementally higher than the standard RTX 5080. The chipset utilizes TSMC’s 4nm Nvidia custom manufacturing process and supports a PCI Express Gen 5 interface, allowing for up to four monitors simultaneously.
The card’s thick design occupies at least three slots in a PC case.
With its robust feature set, a powerful PSU is essential, with Inno3D recommending a minimum of 850W. The test unit we used included a 1200W PSU, providing ample power. The card boasts a 360W TGP and requires either three 8-pin PCIe connectors or a 450W PCIe Gen 5 cable. True to modern high-end GPUs, the RTX 5080 supports DLSS 4, Ray Reconstruction, Reflex 2, Nvidia Broadcast, and Studio technologies.
The RTX 5080 provides 16GB of GDDR7 RAM on a 256-bit bus, maintaining a memory clock of 30Gbps and achieving a bandwidth of 960GB per second.
Inno3D GeForce RTX 5080 iChill X3 Design
The iChill X3 is a high-end variant of the RTX 5080 designed for performance enthusiasts who value superior cooling and some RGB lighting. However, its substantial size means it requires considerable space within a PC case.
Limited RGB lighting adds a touch of flair to the design.
Diving into the dimensions, the card spans 334mm in length, 148mm in height, and 73mm in width, occupying three slots. It is crucial to verify that your case has sufficient room to prevent airflow issues. Inno3D includes a graphics card stand in the packaging to assist with installation and space management.
The design features a substantial cooler with triple fans, each 98mm in diameter, employing scythe blades with anticlockwise rotation to enhance cooling while minimizing turbulence. These fans can stop completely when the GPU is not in use. Within the card, you will find the expansive vapor chamber and five heat pipes that disperse heat from both the GPU and the RAM.
The metal backplate provides added stability to the card.
The card displays an embossed GeForce RTX print and features several programmable RGB elements compatible with various customization platforms. An 8-pin PSU connector is located on the side, while the underbelly features a metal backplate with cutouts for improved heat dissipation and branding.
In terms of connectivity, the GPU is equipped with three DisplayPort 2.1b ports and an HDMI 2.1b connector, enabling the use of four monitors at a maximum resolution of 4K at 480Hz or 8K at 165Hz with DSC. Dust stoppers are also included to protect the ports when not in use.
Distinct branding and striking design elements adorn the card.
Overall, the iChill X3’s design is bold and eye-catching.
Inno3D GeForce RTX 5080 iChill X3 Performance
While aesthetics can be striking with features like RGB lighting, the true measure of a graphics card lies in its performance. Our testing rig supplied by ANT PC included the following components:
- 13th Gen Intel Core i9-13900K CPU
- 2 x 16GB Gskill Ripjaws S5 DDR5 6000MHz RAM
- MSI Z790 GAMING PLUS WIFI DDR5 motherboard
- 512 GB Adata XPG GAMMIX S60 Gen4 NVME M.2 SSD
- Prolab Design XP-1200 Fully Modular Gold PSU
With a limited testing period, I was only able to conduct a few synthetic benchmarks using 3DMark. Below are the results:
| Benchmark | Inno3D GeForce RTX 5080 iChill X3 |
|---|---|
| 3DMark Steel Nomad | 8,957 |
| 3DMark Speed Way | 8,990 |
| 3DMark Port Royal | 22,096 |
These figures reflect the card’s strong performance, which is evident in AAA game play. I tested both Cyberpunk 2077 and Hogwarts Legacy, achieving impressive results. Each title is optimized for Nvidia’s DLSS 4 technology, and I played them in 4K resolution with the highest graphic settings enabled.
AAA titles run seamlessly even at 4K settings.
In Cyberpunk 2077, with DLSS Frame generation turned off and Ray Tracing activated, the average FPS reached 32.28 while running at 4K resolution and with all Ray-Tracing features set to Psycho. With the same settings, enabling DLSS frame generation at quality 4X raised the average FPS to a smooth 181.72, peaking at 200.97 FPS.
In Hogwarts Legacy, DLSS off and all settings on Ultra yielded an average FPS of 82 at 4K resolution. When DLSS was enabled at a balanced setting, the FPS skyrocketed to over 300, dropping to above 200 on the quality setting.
The GPU maintains a cool temperature even under full load.
The performance gains from DLSS 4 are remarkable, particularly in fast-paced genres like shooters and racing games. While you may observe minor graphical imperfections in visually demanding titles such as Hogwarts Legacy and Cyberpunk 2077, these do not significantly detract from the overall experience.
The Inno3D GeForce RTX 5080 iChill X3 effectively manages heat, remaining cool throughout our testing. The cooling system is efficient, with fans operating quietly even during intense gaming sessions.
Verdict
Is the Inno3D iChill X3 variant of the GeForce RTX 5080 worth the investment? If you prioritize cooling efficiency and factory overclocking, you might prefer going for the standard RTX 5080, which still provides ample performance to tackle modern AAA games at high settings with ease.
For gamers planning extended sessions and looking to maintain lower temperatures, the iChill X3 justifies its higher price by delivering premium performance, a cooler operation, and reliable endurance in demanding games. However, its bulkiness necessitates ensuring adequate space within your PC case. A PSU rated at 850W or higher is also a must.
Finding this card available for purchase might be challenging, but consider exploring ANT PC offerings, where you can customize a complete gaming setup, including the card, for under Rs. 3,00,000.
Inno3D GeForce RTX 5080 iChill X3
Price: MRP 1,94,400
Pros
- Outstanding 4K performance
- Superior cooling systems
- Effective DLSS 4 and Ray Tracing capabilities
- Visually striking design
- Low noise levels
Cons
- High price point
- Difficult to find in stock
- Requires substantial space
- Higher power demands
Ratings (out of 5)
- Performance: 5
- Value for Money: 3
- Overall: 4