Taking an exciting and different approach to card cooling, the developers at VIZO have thrust upon us, a new and exciting way to keep yer damn graphics card cooler (or any other card you may want getting cooler).
The Propeller Dual-Fan card is such a simple idea, I can’t believe this is the first time I have seen something like this (ie. not a black dinky thing). The idea is that you simply insert the fan into an empty PCI slot in your computer/motherboard, placing it where you believe you need extra cooling.
The dual fans then blow air directly onto the area directly beside the card in the hopes that added overclocking and heat reduction will occur. The fan gets it’s power from a standard 12v plug (4 pin) that daisy chains anyone of the other powered items in your case.
Specifications for this card were found on the back of the box as well as at the website.
- Dimensions: 207 x 120 x 21.5 mm
- DC Fan Dimensions: 70 x 70 x 15 mm ( 2 PCS )
- Bearing Type: Sleeve Bearing
- Speed : 2200 RPM ~ 3600 RPM
- Noise Level: 20 ~ 35 dBA
- Max Air Flow: 28.3(Min:16)CFM
- Rated Voltage: DC 12 V
- Rated Current: 0.32 A
- Compatibility: Expansion Card
- VGA/PCI/PCI-X/AGP/PCIE
- Weight:140 g
OK, so I pop open my case, and mind you, I already have three fans already built into my case (Antec P180b, go check out the review). I pop the card into the PCI slot right next to my graphics card and screw it into the frame and close up my case.
Now on the outside the card features a sliding switch that runs anywhere between 2700 RPM to 4800 RPM. The switch actually has some meat on it and I liked the way the action on it worked. It’s a solid switch that does not easily move on it’s own (or by cord bumps).
But I do question the idea to place the switch in the back. I would have thought ideally that a corded switch that came from around the back of computer would have been more effective as I don’t normally make it a habit to crawl on the floor and adjust my fan speed. Actually, it would have been even better if they kept the switch as it is, but then added a plug in switch that the user could use if they so liked. Hmmmm.
Regardless, I actually saw no temperture decrease in my initial test, it could be because I have plenty of air flow going as it is. So I turned off the two fans in the upper portion of my case and then disconnected the Propeller fan from the 4 pin plug and let my computer idle for a couple minutes, then I began taking some readings:
At it’s lowest point (2700RPM), the fan cooled my card 3 degrees celsius lower. At it’s highest point (4800RPM), it cooled my card 4 degrees celsius lower than with the stock fan running. I wasn’t sure if this product would actually make a difference when all of my previously installed equipment was running, so I fired up my other two fans, and left the VIZO flying at 4800RPM.
I proceeded to walk upstairs, get into a lively discussion about the eating habits of anoles (small lizard) and why they like crickets so much. 20 minutes later I walked downstairs and discovered that my card was one degree cooler then it had been prior to the install. So, in effect, with three 120mm fans already blowing, the VIZO Propeller managed to still knock off another degree.
Then I decided to play the very graphically demanding Boiling Point game and drink beer. The rest of the night is a blur but I can tell you that random temperture readings stayed steady with it bouncing between one and two degrees cooler then previous installation readings (43 degrees C with load).
There is a ambiant blue light that is also featured on the case for those who like to case mod or show off their gear, the light is crisp and bright, but for some reason I thought there would be a way to turn it off. I don’t know why, but I was expecting to find a switch or something, go figure.
Lastly, I did notice that the fan does produce some noise when at it’s highest setting, this was muffled nicely by my case when it was all closed up, but those who may have a thinner case or one without heavy noise barrier, may find this to be a bit distracting.
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