One Redditor has 3D-printed a big yellow air duct to attach to their GPU, and the results are middling: It 'does nothing but it looks cool'
PC Gamer
by James Bentley February 26, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
A Redditor named Esra-Zander has created a visually striking yet functionally limited project by 3D-printing a large yellow air duct for their gaming PC’s GPU. Inspired by car intake manifolds and similar DIY projects, the design features three smaller holes on top and a cone-like exhaust at the end. While the aesthetics are impressive, the performance results are mixed: minor improvements in benchmark tests like Heaven were overshadowed by louder fan noise and less effective cooling during gaming.
The duct was designed to fit snugly using 3D printing technology, with precise measurements for compatibility with PC fans. Esra-Zander shared their findings on Reddit, revealing that while the temperatures and noise levels fluctuated inconsistently across different usage scenarios, the overall impact of the duct remained minimal. Critics noted that the observed differences might fall within the margin of error, suggesting the duct may not offer tangible benefits beyond its cosmetic appeal.
Despite these drawbacks, Esra-Zander remains optimistic about refining their design to achieve a better balance between form and function. The project highlights the growing trend among PC enthusiasts to merge creativity with performance optimization. While the duct doesn’t significantly enhance cooling or reduce noise, it serves as a testament to the joy of crafting unique and visually stunning modifications for gaming PCs.
For readers interested in both aesthetics and gaming performance, this story underscores the importance of prioritizing functionality while embracing creative design choices. Whether for personal satisfaction or community admiration, such projects remind us that the journey of experimentation can be just as rewarding as the final results.
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Originally published on PC Gamer on 2/26/2026