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A GPU cooler is the heatsink, heat pipes, vapor chamber and fans that remove heat from the graphics card’s GPU, memory and power stages. Every graphics card ships with a cooler; you can replace it with an aftermarket air cooler, an AIO liquid cooler or a custom water block to lower temperature and noise.
What are the types of GPU coolers?
There are 5 types of GPU coolers:
| Cooler type | How it works | Typical temperature | Noise |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blower | One fan pushes air out the back | Highest | Loud |
| Open-air (dual/triple fan) | Fans blow onto a large heatsink | Medium | Medium |
| Aftermarket air | Bigger heatsink and fans fitted by the user | Lower | Quiet |
| AIO liquid (hybrid) | Pump block and radiator | Low | Quiet |
| Custom water block | Full-cover block in a water loop | Lowest | Quietest |
When should you upgrade your GPU cooler?
You should upgrade your GPU cooler in 4 situations:
- The GPU runs at its maximum temperature even after cleaning; see how hot is too hot for a GPU.
- The stock fans are too loud.
- A fan has failed and replacement fans are not available; see GPU fans not spinning.
- You are building a custom water-cooled PC.
What should you try before replacing a GPU cooler?
You should try 4 cheaper fixes before replacing a GPU cooler:
- Clean the heatsink with compressed air.
- Replace the thermal paste and pads.
- Improve case airflow with more intake fans.
- Undervolt the GPU; see how to undervolt a GPU.
Is an AIO cooler better for a GPU?
An AIO cooler is better for a GPU when you want lower temperatures and less noise. Factory hybrid cards from brands like MSI (Suprim Liquid), ASUS (ROG Astral/Strix LC) and Gigabyte (AORUS Waterforce) run 10–20°C cooler than air versions. Fitting an AIO bracket to an air-cooled card yourself requires careful memory and VRM cooling.
What is a GPU water block?
A GPU water block is a copper plate that replaces the stock cooler and connects to a custom liquid cooling loop with a pump, reservoir and radiator. Full-cover blocks cool the GPU, memory and VRMs, and are made for specific card models by brands such as EKWB, Alphacool and Corsair.
Does replacing a GPU cooler void the warranty?
Replacing a GPU cooler can void the warranty with many brands. Some manufacturers allow cooler changes if the card is not damaged. Check your card maker’s warranty terms before removing the cooler.
How do case fans help GPU cooling?
Case fans help GPU cooling by supplying fresh air to the GPU’s own fans and exhausting hot air. A typical setup uses 2–3 front intake fans and 1 rear exhaust fan. Read which way GPU fans blow to plan airflow.
FAQ
Can you add a cooler to any GPU?
Most popular GPUs have compatible water blocks or brackets, but aftermarket air coolers are now rare.
Is liquid cooling a GPU worth it?
It is worth it for high-power cards and quiet builds; for most users a good air-cooled card is enough.
Does a backplate cool the GPU?
A backplate helps slightly when it has thermal pads over the memory; see GPU backplate.
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