A DIY enthusiast has successfully modified an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 graphics card to operate without fans, utilizing a substantial custom-built heatsink. The project, which was shared on the Chinese video platform Bilibili and noted by outlets like FanlessTech and Videocardz, showcases a significant departure from conventional GPU cooling methods.
The custom heatsink is notably large, weighing approximately 2.56 kilograms (5.64 pounds). Its design features widely spaced, riveted fins that dwarf the printed circuit board of the RTX 4060. The modified card was demonstrated installed on a small motherboard alongside a fanless CPU cooler, creating a unique visual.
The RTX 4060 is a suitable candidate for such a modification due to its relatively low thermal design power (TDP) of 115W. This is significantly lower than other modern GPUs, such as the RTX 5060 with a 145W TDP or the RTX 5090 with a 575W TDP. Lower TDP is crucial for fanless designs, as passive cooling systems are generally less efficient at heat dissipation compared to active, fan-cooled solutions.
While passive cooling offers the advantage of silence and eliminates the need for fan power, it comes with the trade-off of considerable physical space due to the large heatsink requirements. The builder has indicated that schematics for the modification may be available upon request.