ZisaLog: Beginner’s Guide to Building a Custom PC 
A GPU fan is an essential component for maximizing PC performance.
High-performance graphics cards generate a lot of heat during operation, and if cooling is insufficient, it can lead to reduced performance or even hardware failure.
Especially for those who play games for long periods or do creative work, it is very important to understand how GPU fans work, the different types available, and how to choose the best one.
This article explains the basic role of GPU fans, the features of each type, and the differences depending on the number of fans.
- GPU fans are important parts that dissipate GPU heat and prevent performance drops or failure
- GPUs generate a lot of heat under heavy load, so a dedicated cooling system is essential
- Single-fan GPUs tend to spin at high speeds and are likely to be noisy
- Recommended models have 2 or 3 fans
- Measured data shows single-fan models are about 4–7dBA louder than dual-fan models
- If quiet operation and comfort are important, choose dual-fan or triple-fan models
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Table of Contents
About GPU Fans
This section explains the basic role and necessity of GPU fans step by step.
What is a GPU Fan?
A GPU fan is a fan responsible for cooling the graphics card (GPU).
GPUs have high processing power and generate a lot of heat during operation.
Therefore, efficiently releasing this heat allows the GPU to perform stably and helps prevent failures or performance drops.
GPU fans are usually attached directly to the graphics card and work together with temperature sensors to automatically adjust their speed.
Cooling performance and noise level change depending on the type, size, and speed of the fan, so it is important to choose one that fits the intended use and personal preference.
Why Are GPU Fans Necessary?
GPU fans are necessary to prevent the GPU from overheating and to maintain stable operation.
GPUs process images and videos at high speed, which means they use a lot of power and generate more heat.
Therefore, the airflow from case fans or CPU coolers alone is not enough to cool this large amount of heat.
Since GPUs have many processing units densely packed on the board, very high temperatures can occur in certain areas, making a dedicated cooling system necessary.
2 or 3 GPU Fans Are Recommended
It is common for GPUs to have between 1 and 3 fans.
I also run a beginner-friendly PC guide site called ‘Pasolog‘ and have reviewed about 50 PCs by borrowing them from manufacturers.
Based on that experience, the recommended number of GPU fans is 2 or 3, and single-fan models should be avoided for quiet operation.
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Compared to case fans or CPU cooler fans, GPU fans are smaller, so they tend to spin faster when the GPU gets hot.
Also, unlike case fans or CPU coolers, it is not possible to customize the fan size to be larger.
Therefore, the number of fans directly affects cooling performance and noise level.
GPUs with only one fan have all the cooling load on that single fan, so it must spin faster at high temperatures, resulting in more noise.
On the other hand, GPUs with 2 or 3 fans can share the cooling load, so each fan can spin slower.
As a result, these models are quieter and more comfortable to use even under heavy load for long periods.
Considering the balance between quiet operation and cooling efficiency, it is recommended to choose a GPU with 2 or 3 fans.
Especially for long gaming sessions or creative work that puts a heavy load on the GPU, models with multiple fans are more reliable.
About GPU Fan Count, Cooling Performance, and Noise
Let’s look at the cooling performance and noise level depending on the number of GPU fans.
| Fan Type | Cooling Performance | Noise Level | Main Uses / Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Fan | – Modest cooling performance – For small GPUs | – Fan speed tends to be high – Noise is somewhat loud | – For small PCs or limited space – Common in entry-level models |
| Dual Fan | – Well-balanced cooling performance – Best for mid-range GPUs | – Good balance of quietness and cooling – Relatively quiet even under heavy load | – Ideal for general use – Used in many models |
| Triple Fan | – High cooling performance – Stable even under heavy load | – Quiet due to low fan speed – Larger size makes it quieter | – For high-end GPUs – Requires a large PC case |
This table summarizes the differences by fan count, but actual results may vary by product, so please consider this as a general trend.
Single Fan
Single-fan types have only one fan on the GPU cooler.
They are easy to use in small PC cases or limited spaces and are often used in entry-level GPUs.
However, since cooling depends on just one fan, cooling performance is lower, and under load, the fan spins faster, making the noise more noticeable.
Therefore, they are not suitable for high-performance GPUs, and if quiet operation is important, dual-fan or higher models are recommended.
Dual Fan
Dual-fan types have two fans on the GPU cooler and are known for their excellent balance of cooling performance and quietness.
With two fans efficiently dissipating heat, each fan can spin slower, effectively handling heat while keeping noise low.
They offer better cooling than single-fan models and are not as large as triple-fan models, making them a standard choice for many gaming PCs and creative workstations.
Especially for mid-range GPUs like RTX 3060, RTX 4060, and RTX 4070, balancing cooling efficiency and quietness is important, so many models come with dual fans.
This allows for a manageable size while ensuring enough cooling.
Triple Fan
Triple-fan types have three fans on the GPU cooler and offer the best cooling performance.
With three fans efficiently blowing air onto the heatsink, GPU heat is well controlled, allowing stable operation even for high-end GPUs or during long gaming or creative sessions.
Also, since each fan can spin slower, these models offer both high cooling power and quiet operation.
On the other hand, having three fans makes the card larger, so more space is needed inside the PC case.
Therefore, they are usually used in mid-tower or larger cases rather than small PCs.
For those who want both cooling performance and quietness, or are choosing high-end GPUs like RTX 4080 or RTX 4090, triple-fan models are the best choice.
Noise Benchmark by GPU Fan Count
Let’s look at the noise levels of single-fan and dual-fan GPUs based on data from reviews of PCs borrowed from manufacturers.
First, note that except for the number of GPU fans, the other parts and GPU specs are not exactly the same, so these results are not purely due to fan count. Please consider this as a general trend.
In conclusion, single-fan models are about 4–7dBA louder than dual-fan models.
 |  |  | |
| GPU Fan Count | Dual Fan | Single Fan | Single Fan |
| CPU | AMD Ryzen 7 5700X | Intel Core i7-14700F | Intel Core i5-13400F |
| GPU | GeForce RTX 4060 Ti | GeForce RTX 4060 Ti | GeForce RTX 4060 |
| CPU Noise Level (Cinebench) |  32.9 dBA |  35.1 dBA |  35.8 dBA |
| GPU Noise Level (FF15/High Quality) |  36.4 dBA |  40 dBA |  43.4 dBA |
The first is a dual-fan model, and the other two are single-fan models.
Looking at the GPU noise levels, the dual-fan model is in the mid-30s dBA, while the others are in the low 40s, about 4–7dBA higher.
Actually listening to the noise, 36.4dBA is quiet and not bothersome.
40dBA and 43.4dBA are also considered quiet, so they are not really noisy, but the fan noise is a bit more noticeable.
Also, some single-fan GPUs occasionally reached very loud levels around 50dBA (a roaring sound).
Therefore, single-fan models can be a bit unstable in terms of quietness.
PC noise can come from the CPU cooler, GPU fan, case fan, or power supply fan, but these measurements are for the whole PC.
The main source of noise besides the GPU fan is the CPU cooler, but CPU noise levels are also shown to demonstrate that the higher noise is due to the GPU fan, not the CPU cooler.
When CPU usage is at 100%, noise levels are 32–35dBA, so the CPU’s impact on noise is small.
Also, case fans and power supply fans do not produce much noise, so the reason for higher GPU noise levels is the increased fan speed during heavy gaming loads.
Noise Level Guide
| Decibel (dBA) | Guide 1 | Guide 2 | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| 70 | Loud | Very loud, conversation is difficult without raising voice | – Noisy street – Cicada sound (2m) |
| 60 | Very noticeable, conversation possible if voice is raised | – Normal conversation – Washing machine, vacuum, TV | |
| 50 | Normal | Noticeable, but normal conversation is possible | – Home air conditioner (outdoor unit) – Ventilation fan (1m) |
| 40 | No problem for conversation | – Quiet residential area – Library | |
| 30 | Quiet | Very faint | – Suburbs at midnight – Whispering |
| 20 | Almost inaudible | – Whisper – Sound of leaves rustling |
Summary: 2 or 3 GPU Fans Are Recommended!
This section summarizes the role of GPU fans, the features of each type, and especially the differences in cooling performance and noise depending on the number of fans.
Here are the key points again.
- GPU fans are important parts that dissipate GPU heat and prevent performance drops or failure
- GPUs generate a lot of heat under heavy load, so a dedicated cooling system is essential
- Single-fan GPUs tend to spin at high speeds and are likely to be noisy
- Recommended models have 2 or 3 fans
- Measured data shows single-fan models are about 4–7dBA louder than dual-fan models
- If quiet operation and comfort are important, choose dual-fan or triple-fan models
GPU fans are essential cooling parts for keeping GPU performance stable.
Especially in terms of quietness and cooling efficiency, single-fan models are at a disadvantage, and during long gaming or heavy workloads, noise and heat risks increase.
On the other hand, models with 2 or 3 fans can distribute cooling efficiently and are quieter and more comfortable to use.
If saving space is a priority, single-fan models are an option, but for overall balance, dual-fan or triple-fan GPUs are safer and more recommended.
Select PC parts and online stores to instantly generate an estimate, check compatibility, and calculate power requirements. You can save up to five different builds, making it easy to try out multiple configurations.
≫ Tool：PC Parts Estimation & Compatibility Check Tool
