[TBG] Video Card Comparison: Blower-Style vs. Open-Air Coolers

[wand3r3r]

The Tech Buyers Guru has investigated open air (custom) vs. blower (reference) coolers. They tested a reference 780 ti and the MSI 780 ti Gaming models in both a full size ATX case as well as an ITX case, in single and in SLI modes.

They briefly cover the history of blower cards which I found interesting that it started off with loud vacuum like blower coolers (interesting with cards like the 290x).

http://techbuyersguru.com/coolercomparo.php

I found it interesting to see how well both cards maintain tolerable noise levels (imo). I personally really like MSI Twin Frozr coolers and it doesn't fail to disappoint. I have had this exact combination (reference + aftermarket) combo and came to the exact same conclusion about the best arrangement. There is a very significant difference between the cooler types with multiple cards, as well as the space requirements.

That's actually a benefit for XDMA crossfire, you don't need a physical connection so you can use e.g. slot 1 and slot 4 and have a huge air gap which would keep 2 custom cooled cards cooler than the comparable SLI setup which has to be close to each other.

I'm fairly surprised at how well the lackluster ITX case (in the sense that it doesn't have the air movement of an ATX case with multiple case fans) held up. Of course it helps that the reference card expels that heat and I suspect it would be a little different with a custom cooler in the ITX case.

What is your preference (single vs. dual as well)?

 

[MiRai]

I've always liked the blower-style coolers since I have a Silverstone FT02B case where the motherboard is rotated 90 degrees and the air gets sucked into the case at the bottom and gets blown out of the top.

EDIT: I also tend to just like the way that they look, as well.

 

[jackstar7]

I've always liked the blower-style coolers since I have a Silverstone FT02B case where the motherboard is rotated 90 degrees and the air gets sucked into the case at the bottom and gets blown out of the top.

EDIT: I also tend to just like the way that they look, as well.

Funny. I feel the same for the exact same reason: FT-02 case + Blowers = cool

 

[madwolfa]

I have a Silverstone TJ-08E, which has pretty decent air flow for mATX case. Moved from open air 780 (Asus DCII) to a reference 980 and never looked back. Never have to crank up the fans and my GPU/case temps remain normal even under moderate-high OC. The whole setup is so much cooler and quieter now.

Blowers FTW.

 

[n0x1ous]

While I realize that open air can be quieter and cooler, Im such an aesthetics whore and I think blower cards are so much sexier looking that I usually never pass them up.

 

[Headfoot]

Yet more support against the constant "omg 290 aftermarket in crossfire will be a disaster!11!1!1" as if the 50-75w into the case will make any appreciable difference at all. As the testing shows, it would make a difference in small poorly ventilated cases, and no difference in large cases. Which is fairly common sense. But common sense takes a back seat to proselytizing your favorite brand

 

[BonzaiDuck]

Because of the narrower apertures between blades of a barrel or "blower" fan, I like the "open" variety better. The former easily get clogged with dust.

Of course, you can mitigate the dust problem in any of several ways, and regular maintenance helps.

But I sometimes shake my head in exasperation at the "enthusiast noise fetish" or phobia. Could I be deaf? Don't think so.

My 970 card was set to just turn the fans off (RPM=0) at some idle temperature set higher than what was possible. I changed the fan curves through the AfterBurner software. The fans go from 30% to 90% over a temperature range. I can't (obviously) hear them when they're not spinning. But I can't hear them at 30%, and I can't hear them at 90%. And -- No! -- the noise at 90% isn't obscured by other case or CPU fans.

The whole enchilada is quiet.

 

[madwolfa]

While I realize that open air can be quieter and cooler

With an important caveat - if you have a rather big case with a good airflow. Otherwise it will be hotter and louder, not necessarily the GPU itself, but the whole build. Speaking from my own experience.