Gigabyte WINDFORCE 5X and WINDFORCE 3X GPU Coolers at Computex

Gigabyte is showing off the WINDFORCE 5X cooling design at Computex 2012 and we just can’t get enough of this massive GPU cooler. This video card cooler is seen on the Gigabyte GeForce GTX 680 Super Overclock (GV-N680SO-2GD) and is rated to handle up to 500 Watts! This card has a total of nine 6mm copper heatpipes that are connected to a vapor chamber that has a3-slot tall heat sink that spans the length of the card. Sitting on top of that you have 5-fans and the entire ensamble is finished with a metal fan cover. The Gigabyte WINDFORCE 5X uses an anti-turbulence pull airflow system, so the air comes in the bottom of the card along the motherboard PCIe slot and then up and out the top of the card. Gigabyte says you can’t use a push airflow system as the airflow would be seriously blocked by the motherboard. This design is pushing the limits of what air cooling can do as water cooling would certainly be something to look at when you get up to this price point.

Gigabyte is also showing off the WINDFORCE 3X Triangle Cool GPU Cooler that is more practical GPU cooler that should appeal to more enthusiasts. This GPU cooler uses a patented triangle-shaped combination of fins & clip modules.The triangle design minimizes the turbulence between the fins and helps create more efficient airflow.

The Gigabyte GeForce GTX 670 (GV-N670OC-2GD) uses WINDFORCE 3X Cooling Technology and was shown off at Computex 2012 as well. This card uses the new generation triple-fan solution with patented anti-turbulence inclined fans and three 8mm pure copper heat pipes. The combination of anti-turbulence inclined fans and pure copper heat pipes helps to reduce excessive heat and minimizes the flow of turbulence between fans.

Gigabyte has certainly gone ‘Fan Crazy’ with their graphics cards, but you won’t see us complaining. Having a custom GPU cooler is one of the easiest ways to make your card stand out from the crowd and leads to new innovations like these.