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Are Blower-Style Coolers the Unsung Heroes of Graphics Card Cooling?
Graphics cards are essential components for gaming, digital content creation, and other intensive computing tasks. They rely on powerful processors and memory chips to perform complex calculations and render high-resolution images, videos, and animations. However, these processors and memory chips generate a lot of heat, which can damage or degrade them if not properly dissipated. Therefore, graphics cards need efficient cooling solutions to keep them running smoothly and safely.
Traditionally, graphics cards have used two main types of coolers: reference (or founder’s) coolers and aftermarket (or third-party) coolers. Reference coolers are usually designed and manufactured by the graphics card vendors, such as NVIDIA and AMD, and feature a blower-style fan that sucks in air from the inside of the case and exhausts it outside through a vented backplate. Aftermarket coolers, on the other hand, are created by independent companies that specialize in cooling solutions and offer various designs and features, such as larger heatsinks, more fans, or liquid-cooling.
While aftermarket coolers tend to provide better cooling performance and lower noise levels than reference coolers, they also tend to be more expensive and require more installation skills and tools. Additionally, some aftermarket coolers may void the graphics card’s warranty, and some may not fit or work with certain models or configurations. Therefore, reference coolers remain a popular and practical choice for many graphics card users, especially those who have limited budgets, experience, or preferences.
However, reference coolers are not perfect or universal. They have some disadvantages and limitations that may affect their cooling efficiency, noise level, or compatibility. One of these limitations is the blower-style fan itself, which has been criticized for being noisy, restrictive, and inefficient compared to other fan types, such as axial, dual, or hybrid fans. Blower-style fans are also known for creating a high-pitched whine or whirring sound that can be annoying or distracting, especially during intense gaming sessions or long rendering tasks.
Despite these criticisms, blower-style coolers have some advantages and benefits that are often overlooked or underrated by many graphics card users. These advantages include:
1. Better Exhaust Efficiency
Blower-style fans are designed to create a focused and directional airflow that sucks in air from the side or bottom of the graphics card and pushes it out through the backplate. This means that the hot air generated by the processors and memory chips is immediately removed from the case and expelled outside, instead of being trapped or recycled inside the case. This results in a lower overall temperature and a cleaner internal environment, which can prolong the lifespan and performance of other components, such as the CPU, motherboard, or power supply.
2. Smaller Size and Profile
Blower-style coolers typically have a smaller size and profile than aftermarket coolers, which can be advantageous for several reasons. First, smaller graphics cards are easier to fit into smaller cases or motherboards, which can save space and reduce clutter. Second, smaller coolers are often lighter, which can reduce the strain on the PCI-e slot or the case itself. Third, smaller coolers can be more aesthetically pleasing or compatible with certain case designs or themes.
3. Lower Cost and Hassle
Blower-style coolers are usually included in the graphics card package and do not require any additional purchase or installation. This means that the user does not have to spend extra money or time to buy, install, or configure an aftermarket cooler. Additionally, blower-style coolers are usually covered by the graphics card’s warranty, which means that the user can rely on the vendor’s support and service if any cooling or performance issues occur.
4. Quieter Operation
While blower-style fans are often criticized for their noise level, they can be made quieter or more tolerable by using some simple tricks or tools. These tricks include setting a custom fan curve that reduces the speed and RPM of the fan when the temperature is low or idle, using a fan controller or software that adjusts the fan speed based on the temperature, or using a case or a sound-dampening material that absorbs or muffles the fan noise. By using these strategies, the user can achieve a quieter operation without sacrificing the cooling performance.
In conclusion, blower-style coolers may not be the most glamorous or advanced cooling solutions for graphics cards, but they are not the villains or the losers either. Blower-style coolers have some advantages and benefits that can make them the unsung heroes of graphics card cooling. These benefits include better exhaust efficiency, smaller size and profile, lower cost and hassle, and quieter operation. Therefore, if you are considering buying a graphics card or upgrading your current one, don’t dismiss or underestimate the blower-style cooler option. It may surprise you with its performance and versatility.
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