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If you’re an avid PC gamer or someone who uses graphics cards for computationally-intensive tasks, you’ve probably come across blower-style coolers. While these air-based coolers efficiently dissipate the heat generated by your graphics processor, one thing you can’t ignore is the sheer amount of noise they produce. They sound like jet engines, and many people often wonder why graphics cards with blower-style coolers sound like jets.
In this blog post, we’ll delve into the mechanics behind blower-style coolers, why they produce so much noise, and whether the noise is normal.
What is a Blower-Style Cooler?
Before we jump into the noise-related details, let’s first understand what a blower-style cooler is. A blower-style cooler comprises of a thermal solution that rests atop of graphics processing unit (GPU) hence dissipating the heat emitted by the processor. The thermal solution typically consists of a heatsink attached to the top of the GPU with an attached fan which generates airflow to enhance the cooling process.
Graphics cards with blower-style coolers differ from those with other cooling solutions, namely, ventilated heatsinks, liquid coolers, and axial fans. They have a more compact design, which is ideal for small form-factor PCs or cases with limited space.
Why Do Blower-Style Coolers Sound Like Jets?
Now that we have a basic understanding of what blower-style coolers are let’s dive into why they produce so much noise.
Blower-style coolers have a radial fan design, whereby the fan pulls in air from the sides of the card and exhausts it out from the rear end of the card. The air expelled through the exhaust path produces a high-pitched noise, primarily due to the fan design and the nature of exhaust airflow.
On the other hand, other types of coolers are designed with axial fans, which work in a parallel configuration with the plane of the graphics card. Axial fans work more quietly than radial fans as the latter move the air in a turbulent, circular motion that leads to more noise.
Furthermore, blower-style coolers have a higher fan speed compared to other fan types, necessitated by the card’s compact design. High fan speeds generate more airflow but also generate more noise. It’s odd that even cards that match axial fan speeds while using a blower might be heard from the other side of the room.
When it comes to the high-pitch sound heard when using blower-style cards, this is due to the so-called coil whine or the electrical noise that is emitted when an electrical current flows through circuits. As graphics card power draw goes up graphics cards and their power delivery systems end up producing more and more of this electrical hum. This hum, paired with the high-speed fan whirring away, means that a blower-style card can sound especially loud.
Is the Noise from Blower-Style Coolers Normal?
Yes, the noise produced by blower-style coolers is normal, and it’s a common issue that many PC enthusiasts and gamers experience. If you’re using a blower-style cooler, you’ll notice that the noise will gradually increase as you push the GPU to its limits. This happens because the heat generated during graphic-intensive tasks requires more cooling, which means higher fan speeds, and consequently, more noise.
That said, not all blower-style coolers are created equal. Some graphics cards may feature improved designs that pair quieter fans with improved thermals. In this way, it is possible to create a blower-style cooler that produces a moderate amount of noise throughout your PC build.
That’s not to say you’re stuck with a noisy card if you’re not happy with it. You can opt for a different cooling solution for your card. Ventilated heatsinks, liquid coolers, and axial fans all work as better options that produce less noise. However, do note that these solutions may higher cost than a blower-style cooling solution.
Wrapping Up
So, there we have it. Blower-style coolers sound like jets because of their radial fan design, wherein the fan pulls in air from the sides of the card and pushes it out from the rear end, resulting in a high-pitched noise. While it is normal for blower-style coolers to produce noise, some extra features such as better noise insulation or quality fans can help negate the noise level of your card. Ultimately, you can switch to an alternative cooling solution if you want to tame the noise levels.
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