MSI RTX 5080 INSPIRE 3X BLACK reaches US retailers for $1,429
I admit, I missed this graphics card launch. Apparently MSI has quietly added another GeForce RTX 5080 model to its graphics card lineup. The GeForce RTX 5080 16G INSPIRE 3X OC BLACK is already listed on MSI’s US website and official online store.
As the name suggests, the card replaces the gold and silver finish of the original INSPIRE 3X with a mostly black cooler and backplate. MSI does not list any RGB lighting system. The simpler finish also removes much of what visually separated the INSPIRE series from the company’s cheaper black graphics cards.
© MSI 
© MSI The specifications appear unchanged from the original gold model. Both cards use 10,752 CUDA cores, 16GB of 30 Gbps GDDR7 memory and a 256-bit memory interface. The default boost clock is 2640 MHz, while MSI Center can enable a 2655 MHz Extreme Performance profile.
The INSPIRE 3X BLACK has a 360W power rating and uses one 16-pin power connector. MSI recommends an 850W power supply. The card measures 288 × 112 × 50 mm and weighs 950 grams, allowing it to retain NVIDIA’s SFF-Ready Enthusiast GeForce Card classification.
Cooling is handled by three STORMFORCE fans, a nickel-plated copper baseplate and MSI’s Core Pipe heatsink. The card also has a ventilated metal backplate and Zero Frozr support, which stops the fans during low-temperature operation.
I have not see any separate announcement for the black model. Buyers are receiving the same clock speeds and cooling design as the original INSPIRE 3X, with the exterior finish being the main difference. To be honest, I think the original model looks better, but what are your thoughts?
Source: MSI
