This summary of the video was created by an AI. It might contain some inaccuracies.
00:00:00 – 00:08:41
The video extensively explores the thermal design and case compatibility of Nvidia's RTX 30 series Founders Edition GPUs, particularly focusing on the RTX 3080 and RTX 3090 models. It delves into the unique cooling setup of these GPUs, highlighting the dual-fan, flow-through design aimed at improving airflow and thermal performance, especially in mid-tower cases. However, challenges arise when accommodating these GPUs in ITX cases. The RTX 3080 can fit into several larger ITX cases, but struggles with airflow and cooling efficiency in smaller cases, often resulting in turbulence and noise. The RTX 3090's larger size restricts compatibility further, requiring larger ITX cases. The presenter emphasizes the importance of efficient radiator placement and thermal management, suggesting that liquid cooling, particularly with dual radiators, might be the optimal solution for compact builds. While the new cooling design is promising in theory, practical implementation varies significantly depending on the case size and airflow configuration.
00:00:00
In this part of the video, the presenter addresses questions about the unique cooling design of Nvidia’s RTX 30 series Founders Edition GPUs. The video outlines how the new flow-through cooler might perform depending on the case used, suggesting it could either be very effective or not. Without physical cards in hand, there are no specific temperature or thermal performance numbers provided. The explanation focuses on the thermal design and airflow setup, particularly using the RTX 3080 as an example. Key highlights include the larger heatsink extending to the card’s 2-slot thickness, the dual-fan system where the first fan intakes cool air and directs it out near the rear I/O, and the second fan at the top end that allows air to pass through the card due to the smaller V-shaped PCB. The video emphasizes that this design is optimized for mid-tower case systems but notes potential issues when using an air cooler for the CPU in such setups.
00:03:00
In this part of the video, the discussion centers around the compatibility of the RTX 3080 and RTX 3090 graphics cards with various ITX cases. It highlights that radiator placement can affect thermal performance, but mid-tower cases with good airflow generally manage well. ITX cases, however, present specific challenges. The RTX 3070 Founders Edition fits in most ITX cases except those below 5 liters in volume. The RTX 3080, despite its increased length, fits in several ITX cases like the Encase M1, NR200, Ghost S1, and NZXT H1, but not in smaller cases like the Silverstone SG13. The RTX 3090 Founders Edition is notably larger, making it incompatible with many ITX cases, requiring cases like the Cooler Master NR200 or Sliger SM580. For custom water-cooled setups, smaller water blocks such as those from EK are being developed, though compatibility with Founders Edition cards remains uncertain. Thermal management and suitable radiator volume are critical considerations for these high-power GPUs.
00:06:00
In this part of the video, the presenter discusses the challenges and considerations for fitting the RTX 3080 Founders Edition (FE) into ITX cases, specifically focusing on its airflow and cooling design. The FE card can fit in some sandwich layout cases like the Ghost S1 and DAN A4, but this results in turbulence and noise due to the top exhaust fan’s proximity to the backplate. The presenter doubts that typical fans will effectively address these airflow issues.
Additionally, the presenter mentions the potential of flipping the power supply orientation in the DAN A4 to aid cooling, but questions whether the PSU fan can generate sufficient pressure. The 10-liter FormD T1 case is highlighted as a potentially better fit for the RTX 3080 FE due to its ability to offset the power supply, creating an air pocket for better exhaust.
The presenter notes a lack of compact card and cooler designs in the current series from brands like Asus, EVGA, and MSI, with no two-slot RTX 3080s or 3090s available. They argue that while the flow-through cooling design could work well in larger cases, it might pose issues for large tower CPU coolers due to heat intake.
Finally, the presenter suggests liquid cooling, particularly a dual radiator setup, as an effective solution for building a compact and powerful 3080 or 3090 rig. The segment concludes with an invitation for viewer feedback and a promise of forthcoming testing results.