2 Fans vs 3 Fans GPU | Does More Mean Cooler?

There are three standard differences between the 2-fan and 3-fan graphics cards – size, noise, and cooling efficiency. As you know, graphics cards come in different sizes and variations. Whereas the basic-level cards generally have solo or dual fans, the mid and higher-level cards usually have two or more fans.

Now back to the topic, if the 2 and 3-fan are the exact same specifications and the PC case has enough ventilation, there won’t be any noticeable differences in performance. Otherwise, if they’re designed by two different manufacturers or two different variants, there’ll be some differences to notice.

Don’t worry! Here, we’ll share all the prominent information that’ll definitely help you to catch the possible differences and which one you may prefer. So, without wasting time, let’s get started.

Dual Fans vs. Triple Threat: Choosing the Right Cooling Fan Numbers for Your Graphics Card

First of all, as long as your PC case has sufficient space to set any of the modern two or more fan graphics cards, there’s nothing to worry about the compatibility. Considering two different video cards under the same manufacturer, now we’re going to provide the relevant differences between a 2-fan GPU and a 3-fan GPU according to several factors.

1. Size

In terms of size, the 2 fans video card is generally shorter than the 3 fans card, which is quite obvious as it doesn’t have an additional fan like the 3 fans one. 

2. Sound or Noise Levels 

The 2-fan GPU looks to feature two massive bladed fans positioned axially, allowing for quiet airflow out of the unit. and larger blades generally rotate slower to maintain the same airflow. That’s why 2 fans allow for quiet and consistency to keep the fan blades spinning. As a result, the dual fan is perfect for low-noise applications.

3 fans’ sound or noise levels are louder compared to 2 fans. It’s because to ensure more cooling capacity, it has to spin faster and that causes the noise. The noise level can even increase while overclocking.

According to a study published in the Journal of the Acoustical Society of America, the sound or noise levels produced by three fans, GPU can reach 94 dB. But here’s a thing. Even though having extra fans, the noise can be reduced by running it at a lower RPM. 

3. Heat Dissipate Performance

The 2 fans card tends to dissipate the heat throughout the system to keep it cool. It’s true that the GPU proves itself useful in this job. But if we compare it to the 3 fans, having one fan short makes it a little bit inferior. But that’s not significant. The copper heat pipes and heat sinks are also there to help the GPU. 

On the other hand, the 3-fan GPU is better in terms of maintaining an optimal temperature range for the card along with peak performance. Utilizing its three durable fans, this cooling system is more effective concerning the system’s heat dissipation in a short time. Modern 3-fan GPUs tend to have water-cooling features. That also helps to transfer more heat out of the system.

4. Design and Function

The open-air ventilation system on the dual fan GPU delivers robust but not rapid airflow. Also, fans do not revolve swiftly enough to provide adequate airflow. Because the airflow rate distribution in the dual fan GPU is two-way. This way all warm air is sealed out of the GPU in all directions.

The three fans on the graphics card aren’t just for decoration. They’re crucial to the card’s cooling. They basically have longer printed circuit boards to ensure maximum power. So that, they can offer better performance. Therefore, overclocking with the three fans is more reliable as it doesn’t let the entire GPU overheat.

5. Price Range

At a higher price, the two-fan GPU offers more functions and extra parts. They’re also good for maintaining consistency and adding other features that demand more money. When you’re looking for a low-cost dual fan, they don’t have any added functions. Thermal pads, LED RGB lights, sensors, and other components make the double GPU fan more expensive. But the fact is in general, two fan GPU is cheaper than three fans, almost half the price.

The price range of three-fans GPU may attract the curiosity of computer enthusiasts looking to get a new graphics card. The Nvidia GeForce GTX 1070, AMD Radeon RX 580, and Nvidia GeForce GTX 1060 are the three notable GPU fans. Here, the GTX 1070 is the most expensive, while the GTX 1060 is the cheapest.

But compared to the two fans, three fans are more expensive being more effective and functional.

Here are two best examples of both two and three fans of GPU –

Our Verdict

As we’ve mentioned before, if the specifications are similar, there won’t be any significant differences in the matter of cooling the GPU. Both 2 fans and 3 fans are quite compatible with cooling down the GPUs. But it differs when the GPU is under heavy load (such as while overclocking or rendering), the 3 fans are gonna be the ones to deal with it better. 

So, if you just focus on which one is better, you’ll notice the 3 fans GPU regardless of more or less. But if you want to buy one among them then you need to consider what type of tasks you’re going to accomplish by utilizing the GPU. 

If you’re a professional gamer or motion designer and can afford the price, you should go for the 3-fan GPU. On the contrary, if you’re a casual heavy user or a standard regular user, you’ll be very okay with a 2-fan GPU and also save some bucks.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Does the number of fans in a GPU matter?

Yes, it matters in a way. The more the fan in a GPU, the quicker and better it should cool the GPU. That means when you’ve more fans in your GPU, you can make it perform harder without any worry. It’ll eventually be cool with ease.

Are 3 fans always better than 2 fans?

Usually, a 3-fans GPU is better than a 2-fans GPU considering the fan amount and the airflow it can provide. But the thing is 2 fans can also beat the 3 fans, if either the fan and heat sink quality is poor or are incompatible. 

Are 3 fans enough for a 3060 Ti?

Frankly speaking, this matter depends on your PC case size, what types of graphics-intensive tasks you usually do, and if overclocking is involved or not. If you’re a basic user or casual gamer/designer, 3 fans are more than enough for your 3060 Ti. Otherwise, your GPU may require extra fans for better airflow and cooling.

Last Words

This article explains why two fans on a graphics card outperform three fans. Some people believe that adding extra fans to a graphics card would make it run cooler and quicker, but this isn’t necessarily the case. Two fans, rather than three, can sometimes provide more airflow and keep the card cooler.