Mini graphics cards vs normal

transparent117

Honorable
Jan 1, 2014
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I am about to make a purchase on a 1080 and i saw gigabyte's mini 1080 which has me interested. I was wondering if there are any downsides to mini graphics cards, i plan to SLI in the future. The only thing i know about them is that they run quieter than the normal size
 
Solution
From what I know, thermal characteristics are a bit higher and possibly thermal accoustics are bit higher, but mini cards would likely give you more breathing room in an SLI setup, though SLI dosent make much sence to me, considering a single more powerfull card is a better bet, not all games support SLI and its not 100% efficiant.

JWoody

Reputable
Oct 30, 2014
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From what I know, thermal characteristics are a bit higher and possibly thermal accoustics are bit higher, but mini cards would likely give you more breathing room in an SLI setup, though SLI dosent make much sence to me, considering a single more powerfull card is a better bet, not all games support SLI and its not 100% efficiant.
 
Solution

Susquehannock

Honorable
Opposite is usually true. Single fan on mini card has to run faster speed and make more noise than two or three fans on full size card running much more slowly.

Full size card has larger heat sink so may have more overclocking potential.
 

King_V

Illustrious
Ambassador
I would say in general that the mini card is harder to cool, thus either may make more noise, or run hotter, or both.

HOWEVER, you have to really check out reviews. Sometimes a board partner will come up with a really well designed cooler, thus mitigating the expected downside.