Is an ammonia-like smell from a new RTX 5080 normal?

I wouldn’t assume that smell is normal just because the temperatures look fine. Power the PC down, unplug it, and check the GPU power plug and cable at both ends for discoloration, softened plastic, or an unusual odor concentrated around a connector. Don’t handle or reseat anything while it’s powered. If you see damage, stop using the system and contact the retailer or manufacturer.

New parts can give off an odor, but a strong ammonia-like smell isn’t something I’d confidently write off as normal. Check whether the smell is actually coming from the GPU area, the power supply, or somewhere else in the room. Also check the power connection against the card and PSU manuals. If the smell keeps returning, I’d stop gaming on it and ask the seller or manufacturer about a return or warranty inspection.

Normal readings don’t rule out a cable or connector problem. If you used an adapter, make sure it’s fully seated and connected as its instructions specify, with no visible signs of heat damage. Don’t open the power supply. If anything looks melted or the smell seems electrical, leave the PC off and get it checked rather than trying more load tests.

First rule out the less exciting possibility that the odor is coming from something else nearby. If it clearly follows the PC and fades after the machine is off, that still doesn’t prove it’s harmless. A faint new-electronics smell may fade, but a strong persistent odor is a good reason to use the return or warranty route instead of waiting it out.