Enthusiast Made Their Own Founders Edition ITX GPU, Because Nvidia Didn't

GeForce RTX 3060 ITX Founders Edition — (Image credit: Clashmains_2-account, Reddit)

A Redditor has shared details and images, charting their work in creating an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 Mini ITX Founders Edition (FE). Nvidia never released such a card, so this project was based upon previous 'mini FE edits', and Clashmains_2-account's dreams. In the subreddit, the plucky individual says that they bought a compact RTX 3060 and a 3D printer to make their wishes come true.

Sometimes it is easy to be disappointed when a company doesn't make a product that fits in with your wishes or expectations. It is harder to do something about it, and thus we applaud Clashmains_2-account for investing their time, money and energy in what looks like a great attempt to realize this card that never was.

Many will probably agree that this Nvidia Founder Edition inspired GeForce RTX 3060 Mini ITX model looks very cool, though the Redditor humbly highlights some "rough spots" in their 3D printer output. It was, after all, their "first 3D print project." If you hit the source link, you will see several helpful Redditors discussing print filament materials that would better fit this kind of product, and discussions about improving fit and finish. The print was created in PLA, a plastic which hasn't the greatest resilience to high temperatures, it become malleable at around 60 - 80 degrees Celsius. The project creator is clear when they say that this is not a functional piece, rather more of a test. They also state that future builds will be printed in ABS or PETG.

The GeForce RTX 3060 is getting a bit long in the tooth now, so has dropped out of our Best Graphics Cards for Gaming in 2023. Perhaps some enthusiastic PC DIYers will be inspired to Mini ITX FE redesign something like the newer GeForce RTX 4060. For this, or your other inspired 3D printing projects, take a look through our recently updated Best 3D Printers 2023 feature for recommendations across a variety of price points.

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Mark Tyson is a news editor at Tom's Hardware. He enjoys covering the full breadth of PC tech; from business and semiconductor design to products approaching the edge of reason.

14 Comments Comment from the forums

hushnecampus

Isn't that fan blowing air downwards onto the board, rather than through the heatsink? I mean I suppose the air then has nowhere to go but out to the sides and up through the heatsinks, but it doesn't seem like a very efficient airflow. I'm no expert though - can anyone correct me?
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brandonjclark

It's adorable! :hearteyecat:
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bigdragon

I love this! I'm so tired of seeing triple fan monstrosities from vendors. Looks like a good little card that dumps its waste heat out the back of the case. PLA is definitely not going to get the job done so hopefully they get some PETG in there. I don't think ABS is worth the trouble.
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DaveLTX

hushnecampus said:
Isn't that fan blowing air downwards onto the board, rather than through the heatsink? I mean I suppose the air then has nowhere to go but out to the sides and up through the heatsinks, but it doesn't seem like a very efficient airflow. I'm no expert though - can anyone correct me?
The heatsink is UNDER the fan!
The black fins are just 3d printed stuff to mimic the look of the founder cards
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hushnecampus

DaveLTX said:
The heatsink is UNDER the fan!
The black fins are just 3d printed stuff to mimic the look of the founder cards
That doesn’t answer the question of where the hot air comes out. Where’s the exhaust?
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hotaru.hino

hushnecampus said:
That doesn’t answer the question of where the hot air comes out. Where’s the exhaust?
Probably through the space on the right picture, which doesn't seem very breathable.

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Loadedaxe

Well, nice and cool little mod, however, I do have a 3060 that fits in my small itx case easily.

https://www.msi.com/Graphics-Card/GeForce-RTX-3060-AERO-ITX-12G
They do make one.
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Mnejing

hushnecampus said:
Isn't that fan blowing air downwards onto the board, rather than through the heatsink? I mean I suppose the air then has nowhere to go but out to the sides and up through the heatsinks, but it doesn't seem like a very efficient airflow. I'm no expert though - can anyone correct me?
Go look on the website of the manufacturer. Look at the pictures of the original card. This is nothing more than a shroud, the air is pulled in from the side (big fan) and exhausts out the back. They literally been doing that for years, this is nothing new.
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hotaru.hino

Loadedaxe said:
Well, nice and cool little mod, however, I do have a 3060 that fits in my small itx case easily.

https://www.msi.com/Graphics-Card/GeForce-RTX-3060-AERO-ITX-12G
They do make one.
And the heat sink fins are parallel along the length of the case so exhaust air actually goes out the back?

Dang, I thought nobody would do that anymore.
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slurmsmckenzie

Loadedaxe said:
Well, nice and cool little mod, however, I do have a 3060 that fits in my small itx case easily.

https://www.msi.com/Graphics-Card/GeForce-RTX-3060-AERO-ITX-12G
They do make one.
I've had a couple of Palit StormX cards in the past (1050ti and 2060) and they do the job too. Looks like they did one for the 3060 also: https://www.palit.com/palit/vgapro.php?id=4107&lang=en
Not as good as the MSI though I'd feel.

I guess the person that did it was looking for the Founders Edition look?
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