Does a larger card mean it runs cooler?
Does a larger card mean it runs cooler?
The Gigabyte 5070 WINDFORCE SFF and Zotac GAMING GeForce RTX 5070 SOLID are both reasonably priced in the UK. My main worry is about sound quality during this upgrade. My previous Gigabyte 2080 Gaming OC tends to overheat and produce loud noises. I’ve checked limited details for these models regarding thermal performance, so I’ve compared their dimensions. The Gigabyte model has a size of 282 W, 110 H, 50 mm, while the Zotac measures 304.4 x 115.8 x 41.6. Would it be reasonable to expect that the Gigabyte’s SSF design could cause higher temperatures and the larger Zotac might benefit from a bigger heatsink, leading to cooler operation and reduced noise?
Corsair - Crystal 460X serves as the case, though I also have a front-mounted radiator. It covers about two-thirds of the fans to help cool the CPU. I know this will limit some cooling, but I can't move the radiator and I don’t want to buy a new case yet. That’s why I’m looking into GPU cooling options—specifically whether larger sizes mean better performance.
Radiator fans play a role in cooling systems similar to case fans. When the radiator is positioned ahead, it indicates the necessity of balancing incoming and outgoing airflow.
The cooler isn't crucial for heat output as long as it meets the thermal needs. A bigger heatsink can handle heat more effectively, which may improve efficiency. Given your case's poor airflow, a better case would likely be more beneficial than swapping coolers between models. I'm pretty sure upgrading the case will have a greater impact on video card temperatures than the cooler differences you're looking at.
Also, the "SFF" branding here is related to Nvidia and doesn't indicate a particularly small card.
The Corsair - Crystal 460X appears to be a decent case cooler, but for improved performance, consider a more aggressive fan setting.
The front has been closed, which greatly restricts airflow. If upgrading the case isn't feasible, consider removing the front glass panel. This would likely enhance cooling and airflow significantly. Maintaining proper airflow also depends on having a rear exhaust fan installed. Do you have one? What is the model name of your AIO cooler's CPU? Could you share a photo of your system with the side panel taken off? (Upload to imgur.com and post the link)
Under similar conditions, the choice often hinges on factors like fan speed and cooler efficiency. A slightly smaller copper cooler tends to perform better than a bigger aluminium one. The quality of the fan also plays a role; a larger fan with slower speeds can be quieter despite potentially similar thermal output compared to a smaller fan with faster speeds.