AMD to move away from blowers in next generation of GPUs
AMD is following in the footsteps of NVIDIA for its next generation of cooling fans.
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What you need to know
AMD might move towards axial-fan cooling systems for its next generation of GPUs (via PC Gamer). Keen eyes noticed an image within a slide from AMD that teased the Big Navi reference design. The design showed off a GPU without a blower, causing many to speculate online about AMD’s future cooling solutions.
One personpointed out on Redditthat the card shown doesn’t have a blower. AMD’s vice president and general manager of the Radeon Business Unit, Scott Herkelman,confirmed the changein a follow-up comment, stating, “There will be no blower reference fans for gamers on next gen. So you are correct ;).” Herkelman added more details inanother comment:
Our AIBs may choose to do a “blower” design on any of the next gen GPUs, however, the majority of feedback we received from the community at the launch of 5700 XT on AMD reference designs has guided us towards dual/tri-axial designs. I’m excited for you all to see them when the time is right!
Based on these comments, it’s clear that AIBs can make GPUs with a blower in the next generation, but that AMD leans towards a dual or tri-axial design. Axial fans generally cool systems better than blower fans, though that’s not always the case. Additionally, axial fans usually run more quietly than blower fans.
PC Gamer points out that AMD has some designs with axial fans, such as the Radeon VII (Vega), but that generally, its hardware features blower-style fans. One of AMD’s primary competitors, NVIDIA, already uses axial fans in several GPUs.
For now, be sure to have a look at the best of what AMD has to offer in our collection of thebest graphics cardoptions.
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Sean Endicott is a tech journalist at Windows Central, specializing in Windows, Microsoft software, AI, and PCs. He’s covered major launches, from Windows 10 and 11 to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. Sean’s journey began with the Lumia 740, leading to strong ties with app developers. Outside writing, he coaches American football, utilizing Microsoft services to manage his team. He studied broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University and is active on X @SeanEndicott_ and Threads @sean_endicott_.
