Graphics cards are an essential part of any gaming computer. They are responsible for processing the graphics and giving you a smooth gaming experience.
One of the most important aspects of a graphics card is its cooling system. Do GPU fans always spin?
Why do GPU fans never stop spinning?
Many people don’t know that their computer’s GPU fan never stops spinning even after turning off their PC. The fans are connected directly to the graphics card (GPU), making them dependent on its power supply.
If the GPU fails or runs out of power, the fan speed goes down. In addition, the heat generated by the GPU also reduces the efficiency of other components, such as RAM and hard drives.
Are GPU fans always audible or only sometimes? The answer might surprise you! There are several types of GPUs out there, ranging from high-end gaming cards to mid-range graphics cards.
Each type has its cooling system, resulting in some louder than others and even silent models. But are they always loud? Let’s take a look at what makes them sound.
When using a gaming PC (PCG), the video card generates a lot of heat. This heat needs to be dissipated from the computer to prevent overheating and damage.
If the fan does not run properly, the card temperature will rise. Overheating often leads to lower performance and shortened lifespan.
Fan noise is mainly determined by the design of the GPU cooler, which consists of two parts: the fan itself and the radiator.
While the radiator absorbs the heat generated by the GPU, the fan blows air over it to dissipate the heat back into the environment.
Different designs create different levels of noise. In addition, there are three main types of GPU fans: standard, smart, and silent.
What are the advantages of managing GPU fan speed?
Remember that GPU fans’ Start/Stop option can cause fan wear. However, this wear and tear can be reduced by using the fan’s default temperature setting.
If you maintain a steady cool temperature, your GPU fan will not have to operate for lengthy periods. The chance of the fan breaking down will be reduced due to this action.
Another advantage of using the default GPU fan setting is that it extends the fan’s lifespan, which means you won’t have to replace it for many years.
What factors affect GPU performance?
The first factor affecting performance is memory capacity. The number of slots available determines the amount of memory installed.
Increasing memory size does not increase speed but improves the gaming experience by reducing the chance of missing out on crucial information and cutscene scenes.
You can upgrade up to 32 GB of RAM on a standard motherboard; however, this is usually cost-prohibitive. Therefore, you should opt for a budget GPU that doesn’t have too many VRAM slots.
The second factor is the type of card used. To effectively utilize its power, gamers need a mid-range GTX 1050 Ti or GTX 1060 6GB.
These cards support DirectX 12 API, allowing more resources to be accessed concurrently. In addition, they come equipped with six memory channels.
This means a maximum of 24 GB of GDDR5 memory can be accessed simultaneously.
Another significant difference between high-end and mid-range GPUs is their clock speeds. High-end GPUs usually boast higher clock speeds than mid-range ones.
A high-end GPU’s clock speed would typically start from around 1500 MHz to 1600+ MHz.
The mid-range one would begin from 1100MHz to 1 125 MHz. This may seem irrelevant, but it shows us how vital clock speeds are for computing. The higher the frequency, the faster the GPU performs.
Even a slight improvement in clock speeds results in better overall performance. Hence, finding a decent and reliable mid-range GPU is essential before spending hundreds of dollars on a top-of-the-line GPU.
Last but definitely not least is the price of the card. The most significant factor is the price of the GPU itself.
Since a mid-range GPU performs well enough for most games, there won’t be any significant differences in terms of raw performance.
Therefore, a new gamer should consider buying the best mid-range GPU on the market: Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050 Ti 4GB Graphics Card.
Can GPU fans wear out?
GPU fans can fail for various reasons, including wear and tear on the fan’s bearings, dust accumulation inside the fan, and high temperatures.
The most significant reason for an overheating GPU is that its fan components will eventually corrode due to extended usage. The fan runs at optimum speed unless your GPU is overheating or self-throttling.
The correct timings also must be known, especially if you want to overclock the GPU. It’s essential to understand the temperature range deemed too hot for the GPU.
Temperatures of 70C or more are generally considered too hot, and temperatures between 90 and 100C degrees are hazardous to the GPU. Extremely high temperatures will cause performance issues. Under typical usage circumstances, the GPU should stay between 10 and 65 degrees, and the GPU fan shouldn’t need to be turned on.
Which way is a fan supposed to spin?
Many GPU fans are not meant to run continuously. These GPUs have a function known as passive cooling, also known as 0 RPM Mode, that relies on the heatsink to cool the GPU when it isn’t under a lot of stress.
The majority of contemporary GPUs feature a set point at which the fans should halt operating. It often falls between 40 and 50 °C. The ideal option for GPU ventilation continues to remain front to back.
The Bottom Line
Graphic processing units (GPUs) accelerate computations in video games, image editing, and other areas where high performance is required. They are found inside computers, laptops, tablets, and mobile phones.
The GPUs in these devices are usually powered by integrated circuits called chipsets, which operate very efficiently at lower speeds compared to discrete GPUs.
GPUs are a major contributor to heat inside your device, and they generate a ton of it. When you play a game, watch a movie, edit photos or perform any kind of intensive task, your GPU generates a lot of heat.
Fortunately, cooling fans are built into every modern laptop, desktop computer, and smartphone. However, they tend to stop working whenever the machine shuts off.
