Most GPUs used noisy reference designs for thermal management until modern graphics cards began using large triple-fan coolers. Enthusiasts chose aftermarket GPU coolers as their preferred solution for dealing with excessive fan noise and overheating graphics cards.
The ARCTIC Accelero Xtreme III functions as the most famous product in this market segment. PC builders continue to use its for better cooling and silent operation even after it launched many years ago.
The cooler was built to cool high-power GPUs at quiet operation which makes it a useful tool for overclockers and people who want to build silent PCs and users who need to extend the useful life of their old video cards.
Design and Build Quality
The Accelero Xtreme III first presents itself to viewers through its massive three-fan cooling system. The product appears much larger than standard GPU coolers but its actual dimensions provide the necessary cooling capabilities.
Key design features include:
Three 92mm PWM fans
Five copper heatpipes
Large aluminum fin heatsink
Separate heatsinks for VRAM and VRM components
The cooler uses five 6 mm copper heatpipes to transfer heat away from the GPU core into a large array of aluminum fins. Three PWM-controlled fans then move air through the heatsink to dissipate the heat efficiently.
The fans operate between 900 and 2000 RPM which enables the cooler to automatically control its thermal and acoustic output based on the GPU consumption.
The design includes 31 small heatsinks which function as memory chip and VRM component cooling solutions. These components use thermal adhesive for individual attachment which helps to keep the graphics card temperature at consistent levels.
The Accelero Xtreme III cooling system provides GPU cooling that supports high-performance NVIDIA and AMD graphics cards which require up to 300 watt cooling capacity.
The cooler shows better performance results than standard GPU coolers during actual testing procedures.
The GTX 670 testing showed that the system achieved temperature reductions of 27°C when using the new cooler compared to the original equipment cooler.
The GTX 680 test showed that the stock cooler maintained temperatures of 69.9°C while the Accelero Xtreme III maintained temperatures of 47.6°C at equal fan operating conditions.
The following enhancements provide particular advantages for:
Overclocking GPUs
Reducing thermal throttling
Keeping older graphics cards running reliably
Noise Levels
The Accelero Xtreme III marketability depends on its ability to operate silently.
The cooler operates at 0.5 sone which makes it much quieter than typical stock GPU cooling systems.
The combination of its large heatsink and effective heatpipes enables the fans to operate at low speeds during standard operational periods.The system can achieve effective temperature control while operating with minimal sound production.
Many builders choose this cooler specifically for silent PC builds, which require them to decrease system noise while achieving optimal performance.
Compatibility
The Accelero Xtreme III provides support for various NVIDIA and AMD graphics cards through its compatibility with all GTX 600 series graphics cards and newer GPUs.
The cooler features a mounting system which can adapt to reference PCB designs while enabling users to set up SLI and CrossFire multi-GPU configurations.
The compatibility of a graphics card with a particular system depends on the specific design which has been used to build the graphics card. The compatibility list needs to be checked before installation because some custom PCBs and unusual power connector placements create fitment challenges.
Installation Experience
The installation process for the Accelero Xtreme III requires higher installation effort compared to standard CPU coolers.
The process usually involves:
The original GPU cooler needs to be removed from the system.
The GPU die needs to be cleaned.
Small heatsinks need to be attached to memory and VRM chips.
The main heatsink and fan assembly needs to be installed.
The first-time users will need extra time to complete the installation process yet they can handle the task because the mounting system and accessories which come with the installation package.
Some users recommend a GPU support bracket because the cooler weight exceeds 650 grams to prevent long-term PCB sagging.
Pros and Cons
Pros
The product demonstrates exceptional capacity for cooling performance.
The system operates at lower noise levels than standard cooling solutions.
The triple-fan configuration delivers enhanced air circulation through its design.
The system provides support for multiple graphics processing units.
The system functions well for users who want to push their system performance beyond its limits.
Cons
The product’s large dimensions create a problem because they obstruct multiple PCIe slots.
The process of establishing the system requires an extended period.
Users must position the adhesive heatsinks with precision because they have specific requirements.
The product’s compatibility with non-reference graphics processing units varies between different devices.
Final Thoughts
The ARCTIC Accelero Xtreme III has earned its reputation as one of the most effective aftermarket GPU coolers ever produced. Its large heatsink, triple-fan design, and strong cooling capacity allow it to outperform many stock cooling solutions while keeping noise levels impressively low.
The Accelero Xtreme III provides an excellent upgrade path for users who need more advanced cooling solutions to replace the standard factory coolers which come with modern graphics cards.
The cooler became a popular choice among PC builders because it provides them with two essential benefits.