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Are blower-style GPUs really worth the noise?
Graphics processing units (GPUs) are key components in modern gaming and professional workstations. They can handle complex calculations, generate realistic images and videos, and support advanced features like ray tracing, machine learning, and virtual reality. However, GPUs also generate a lot of heat, especially when running at high clock speeds and loads, which can affect their performance, lifespan, and stability. To prevent overheating and thermal throttling, GPUs require effective cooling solutions that can dissipate heat from their cores, memory, and power delivery components. One common type of GPU cooler is the blower-style fan, which blows air through a heatsink and a plastic shroud towards the rear of the card, where the hot air is expelled from the case through a grille or a vent. Blower-style GPUs have some advantages and disadvantages that users should consider before buying or using them. This blog post will explore the main pros and cons of blower-style GPUs, compare them to other types of GPU coolers, and offer some recommendations based on various scenarios and preferences.
What is a blower-style GPU?
A blower-style GPU is a graphics card that uses a centrifugal fan to draw air from one end and push it through a heatsink that covers the GPU, VRAM, and VRMs, before expelling it out of the other end. The fan is usually located near the rear or the top of the card, mounted on a separate PCB, and covered by a plastic shroud that channels the airflow and protects the fan blades. The heatsink consists of multiple fins or pipes that increase the surface area for heat dissipation, and is often made of aluminum, copper, or a combination of both. The expelling end of the card may have a grille or a vent that allows the hot air to escape from the case, either directly or through a duct or an extension. Blower-style GPUs are typically used in compact or low-profile cases, where space and airflow are limited, or in multi-GPU setups, where the cards are stacked or mounted closely to each other.
What are the advantages of blower-style GPUs?
Blower-style GPUs have several benefits that make them suitable for certain use cases, such as:
1. Efficient cooling. Blower-style GPUs are designed to dissipate heat from the GPU, VRAM, and VRMs through a focused and directed airflow that maximizes the contact between the incoming air and the fins or pipes of the heatsink. This leads to a more uniform and steady temperature across the card, compared to open-air GPUs that rely on convective cooling that is influenced by other thermal factors inside the case, such as other GPUs, CPUs, memory, and storage devices. This can also help reduce the risk of thermal throttling, where the GPU clock speed and voltage are lowered to prevent overheating and instability.
2. Space-saving. Blower-style GPUs can be more space-efficient than open-air GPUs, as they do not require additional clearance around the card for the convection of the air. Instead, they can draw air from one direction and immediately expel it from the other, without creating a hot zone or recirculating the hot air back into the card. This makes them ideal for small form factor (SFF) builds, where the case volume is limited and the airflow may be constrained by the placement of the components.
3. Minimal dust buildup. Blower-style GPUs can also reduce the amount of dust that accumulates on the card and the surrounding components, as the airflow is more focused and directed, and the hot air is expelled away from the case. This can help improve the lifespan and reliability of the card, reduce the noise and thermal output of the system, and minimize the need for frequent cleaning and maintenance.
4. Lower noise levels. Blower-style GPUs may also produce less noise than open-air GPUs, especially when running at full load or under stress. This is because the centrifugal fan can push more air at higher pressure through the heatsink, without creating turbulence, resonance, or interference with other components. The noise can also be more predictable and consistent, as the sound profile is determined by the shape and speed of the fan blades, as well as the distance and angle of the grille or vent. Some users may prefer this type of noise over the whine, buzz, or hum of open-air GPUs, especially if they have a closed or soundproofed case, or are not sensitive to high-pitched sounds.
What are the disadvantages of blower-style GPUs?
Blower-style GPUs also have some drawbacks that may affect their performance, usability, and user experience, such as:
1. Higher temperatures. Blower-style GPUs may run hotter than open-air GPUs, especially in scenarios where the airflow is limited or the ambient temperature is high. This is because the heatsink of the blower-style GPU is usually smaller and thinner than that of the open-air GPU, and may not be able to dissipate the heat as efficiently or quickly. Thus, the GPU may need to increase its fan speed or reduce its clock speed to avoid overheating or thermal throttling, which can affect its performance or stability.
2. Louder noise levels. Blower-style GPUs may also produce more noise than open-air GPUs, especially when running at full load or under stress. This is because the centrifugal fan can create a higher-pitched and more turbulent sound, which may be more noticeable and annoying to some users than the low-pitched and dull sound of open-air GPUs. The noise can also vary depending on the type and quality of the fan, the orientation and placement of the card, and the speed of the fan curve.
3. Limited overclocking potential. Blower-style GPUs may have less room for overclocking or customizing, as their cooling solutions may not be as effective or flexible as those of open-air GPUs. Overclocking involves increasing the clock speed and voltage of the GPU to get more performance, which also increases the heat output and power consumption. Blower-style GPUs may not be able to handle these changes as well as open-air GPUs, and may require additional cooling solutions or modifications to achieve stable and safe overclocks.
4. Higher cost. Blower-style GPUs may be more expensive than open-air GPUs, as they require additional components and design considerations to achieve their features and benefits. This can also limit the choices and variety of blower-style GPUs on the market, as not all manufacturers may offer this type of cooling for their products. Users may also have to pay a premium for the noise reduction or space-saving benefits of blower-style GPUs, which may not be worth it for everyone.
Should you opt for an open-air design instead?
Open-air GPUs are another popular type of GPU cooler that uses multiple fans to draw air from the case and blow it directly onto the GPU, VRAM, and VRMs, before expelling it into the case. Open-air GPUs have some advantages and disadvantages that users should consider before buying or using them. Some of these advantages and disadvantages are:
Advantages:
1. Better cooling performance. Open-air GPUs can provide better cooling performance than blower-style GPUs in scenarios where the ambient temperature is low and the airflow inside the case is sufficient. This is because the multiple fans can draw more air from different directions and angles, and blow it directly onto the heatsink of the GPU, VRAM, and VRMs, which can increase the contact area and speed up the heat dissipation. This can also allow for more stable and higher overclocks, as the increased cooling can compensate for the increased heat and power.
2. Lower temperatures. Open-air GPUs tend to run cooler than blower-style GPUs, especially when there are no other hot components or GPUs nearby that could affect the airflow or generate more heat. This can also reduce the risk of thermal throttling or long-term damage to the GPU, VRAM, or VRMs, and improve the lifespan and reliability of the card.
3. Quieter noise levels. Open-air GPUs may produce lower noise levels than blower-style GPUs, especially when running at low or medium loads. This is because the fans can have larger blades and lower speeds, which create a more pleasant and constant sound profile that can be tuned and adjusted with fan curves and software. The noise can also be directed or absorbed by the case, the wiring, or the other components, which can create a more immersive and immersive gaming or working experience.
4. Lower cost. Open-air GPUs tend to be cheaper than blower-style GPUs, as they require fewer components and design considerations. This can also lead to a wider selection and variation of open-air GPUs on the market, as more manufacturers may adopt this type of cooling solution.
Disadvantages:
1. Space-consuming. Open-air GPUs may require more clearance around the card to allow for the proper flow and circulation of the air. This can be a problem for SFF builds or cases with limited space, as the users may have to sacrifice other components or features to accommodate the open-air GPU. The increased size and weight of open-air GPUs may also cause sagging or bending, which can affect their performance or appearance.
2. Dust accumulation. Open-air GPUs may attract more dust than blower-style GPUs, as the fans can create more turbulence and spread the dust particles around the case. This can increase the workload and frequency of cleaning and maintenance, and affect the health and stability of the system.
3. Noise pollution. Open-air GPUs may produce more noise than blower-style GPUs, especially when running at high or full loads. This is because the fans can create a more aggressive and unpredictable sound profile that can interfere with the user’s concentration or communication. The noise can also be magnified or distorted by the case, the desk, or the environment, which can create a more stressful and annoying working or gaming experience.
4. Lower longevity. Open-air GPUs may have a shorter lifespan than blower-style GPUs, as they may be exposed to more heat, dust, and vibrations. This can cause the fans or the bearings to wear out faster, or the heatsink to clog or corrode, which can affect the thermal performance and stability of the card. Users may also have to replace the fans or the heatsink more frequently, which can be costly or time-consuming.
Conclusion:
Blower-style GPUs and open-air GPUs both have their strengths and weaknesses, and are suitable for different types of users and scenarios. Users who prioritize space-saving, dust-free, and predictable noise levels may prefer blower-style GPUs, while users who prioritize cooling performance, overclocking potential, and customization may prefer open-air GPUs. Users who have multiple GPUs or want to build a compact system may also benefit from blower-style GPUs, while users who have a large case or want to showcase their GPU may benefit from open-air GPUs. Ultimately, the choice between blower-style GPUs and open-air GPUs depends on the user’s needs, preferences, and budget, and should be evaluated based on a careful comparison of the specific models, features, and reviews. Whatever the choice may be, users should also ensure that their GPU cooling solutions are adequate and appropriate for their usage scenario and ambient conditions, and that their system has sufficient airflow and ventilation to prevent overheating and damage.
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