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Does a small case REALLY require a blower-style graphics card rather than open?

Tags:
  • Style
  • GPU Fan
  • Cooling
  • Components
  • GPUs
  • Cases
Last response: in Components
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April 19, 2014 2:44:46 PM

Hi all,

I'm going with the Cooler Master Elite 130 as a case for my gaming build. I plan to install either a GTX 770 or 780, and I'll be cooling the CPU with an H80i water cooler. Heat will be exhausted through the back.

What I hear from everyone is that a reference-style blower cooler is required in a case like this, such as these:

EVGA GTX 780

MSI GTX 770

As opposed to the open-air, multiple-fan design such as these:

MSI GAMING GTX 770 Twin Frozr

Gigabyte GTX 780 Windforce

So what it comes down to is looks, volume, and cooling. Apparently, it breaks down like this:

Blower-style reference

    Louder
    Blows hot air out the back of the case, not INTO the case
    Slightly higher GPU temps
    Looks kind of boring?


Open-air custom cooler

    Quieter
    Blows hot air INTO the case, raising all temps
    Slightly lower GPU temps
    Pretty colors?



I'll admit it, I really want an open-air card for the worst reason; I want a pretty red MSI Twin Frozr with the dragon on it when I open the case. The Titan-esque blower designs are simply boring, especially the MSI GTX 770 with the sticker that looks straight out of the 2000's. I'm also worried about the "louder" blowers as the rumors say.

I understand the problems, though, in venting hot air back into a case that is already strained by other components and my have limited airflow.

So I'm here to ask it down to one simple question: how important is it REALLY that I have a blower-style cooler for the GPU in my small form factor case?

Thank you!

More about : small case require blower style graphics card open

April 19, 2014 2:52:31 PM

That case's left side is designed to vent GPU air that's why it has all of those holes. The hot air will blow straight out to the left, just make sure that side is not blocked otherwise the air will get back into the case.
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April 19, 2014 2:54:15 PM

You can put such a card in a small case, provided the card actually fits (which I'm not sure of in this case). Just be sure to provide good airflow in the case and you should be fine. I've found that blocking some vents with some low-tech paper can really help move air through a case and keeps other parts cool.
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