Blower-style graphics cards are a popular choice for gamers and PC enthusiasts. They are known for their unique design, which uses a turbine-style fan to cool the graphics card. But are these types of cards really worth the extra investment?
The answer is not straightforward. Blower-style coolers do have some advantages, such as efficient cooling and compact design, but they also have some drawbacks, including increased noise levels and limited overclocking potential.
In this blog post, we will take a deep dive into the world of blower-style graphics cards and help you decide if they are the right choice for your gaming needs.
What Exactly is a Blower-Style Cooler?
A blower-style cooler is a type of cooling system used in graphics cards. It uses a turbine-style fan to draw in air and exhaust it through vents on the back of the card.
This type of cooling system is typically found in reference graphics cards, which are designed and built by the GPU manufacturer. For example, NVIDIA’s Founders Edition cards and AMD’s reference cards use blower-style coolers.
Blower-style coolers differ from open-air coolers, which have multiple fans and a more open design. Open-air coolers draw in air from the sides of the card and exhaust it into the case.
Advantages of Blower-Style Coolers
1. Efficient Cooling in Small Cases
One of the biggest advantages of a blower-style cooler is its efficient cooling in small cases. Because the design of the cooler draws air in from within the case and exhausts it out the back, it is very effective at removing hot air from the GPU and expelling it outside the case.
This is especially important in smaller cases or cases with limited airflow options. A blower-style cooler can help prevent the build-up of hot air inside the case, which can lead to thermal throttling and reduced performance.
2. Better Compatibility with Multiple Graphics Cards
Blower-style coolers also have an advantage when it comes to multiple graphics card setups. Because the hot air is expelled out the back of the card, it does not affect the cooling of adjacent cards.
This is in contrast to open-air coolers, which typically draw in air from the sides of the card and exhaust it into the case. This can create hot spots inside the case, which can affect the cooling of adjacent cards.
3. Compact Design
Blower-style coolers are also known for their compact design. They have a single fan that draws in air and exhausts it out the back of the card, which means they take up less space compared to cards with multiple fans.
This can be an advantage in smaller cases or cases with limited space for graphics cards. It also means that blower-style coolers can be a good choice for builds that prioritize a clean and minimal aesthetic.
Disadvantages of Blower-Style Coolers
1. Increased Noise Levels
One of the biggest drawbacks of blower-style coolers is increased noise levels. Because the fan is located on the end of the card, it can be louder compared to fans on open-air coolers.
This is especially true under heavy load, where the fan will spin faster to dissipate the heat. The result can be a loud and distracting noise, which can be a problem for those who prioritize a quiet gaming environment.
2. Reduced Overclocking Potential
Another disadvantage of blower-style coolers is the reduced potential for overclocking. Overclocking is the process of increasing the clock speed of the GPU to achieve higher performance.
Because blower-style coolers are designed for efficient cooling, they are not optimized for overclocking potential. The result is that they may not be able to handle the increased heat generated by overclocking, which can lead to instability and reduced performance.
3. Limited Cooling Efficiency
Finally, blower-style coolers have limited cooling efficiency compared to open-air coolers. Because the design of the cooler draws in air from within the case, it can be less effective at cooling the GPU compared to coolers that draw in air from outside the case.
This can lead to higher temperatures and reduced performance, especially under heavy load. In some cases, it may be necessary to increase fan speed to compensate for the reduced cooling efficiency, which can lead to increased noise levels.
So, Should You Buy a Blower-Style Graphics Card?
The answer to this question depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize efficient cooling in a small case or compatibility with multiple graphics cards, a blower-style graphics card may be a good choice.
However, if you prioritize quiet operation or overclocking potential, you may want to consider an open-air cooler instead.
It’s also worth noting that not all blower-style graphics cards are created equal. Some manufacturers have improved on the basic design by using larger fans or adding additional cooling features, which can help mitigate some of the disadvantages of blower-style coolers.
Ultimately, the best choice is the one that meets your specific needs and fits your budget. With so many options available, it’s important to do your research and read reviews before making a purchase.
In Conclusion
Blower-style graphics cards are a unique and popular choice for gamers and PC enthusiasts. They offer efficient cooling in a compact design, but also come with some drawbacks, such as increased noise levels and limited overclocking potential.
Whether or not a blower-style graphics card is the right choice for you depends on your specific needs and preferences. It’s important to weigh the advantages and disadvantages carefully and consider your budget before making a purchase.
No matter which type of graphics card you choose, make sure to read reviews and do your research to find the best option for your gaming needs.
Image Credit: Pexels