Review: Inno3D GeForce RTX 3080 iChill X3

Conclusion

Inno3D's focus for the iChill RTX 30-series of cards is on unmistakable RGB lighting dominating triple-slot coolers. Available as either three- or four-fan solutions using the same design methodology, the company succeeds in being noticed in a crowded marketplace.

It's a sensible move, too, as performance differences between a glut of RTX 3080 cards aren't readily perceivable in games. The silicon lottery of GPU quality is more important than cooling, so anyone able to afford - and, more importantly, find - an RTX 3080 needs to base their decision-making process on factors outside of benchmark numbers.

Our sample card does fall short in a couple of areas, mind. Out of the box the fans are noisier than we'd like, spinning about 500rpm faster than the immediate competition, though it's easy to remedy through any tweaking application. The other is the unusual location of the RGB-controlling fan headers. Minor points, of course, but worth knowing nonetheless.

Common to all RTX 3080 cards is a distinct, painful lack of stock. Inno3D is no different in this regard. Tentatively priced at £720, it remains a solid bet if masses of RGB lighting is your cup of tea. For everyone else, there's more refinement to be found elsewhere.

Bottom line: the Inno3D GeForce RTX 3080 iChill X3's distinctive appearance will attract glee and glare in equal measure. Worth a punt if you can find it in stock.

Inno3D GeForce RTX 3080 iChill X3

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TBC.

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