TheDeeGee:

The thing is, the card doesn't have to be that thick, just make it longer with 3x 120MM fans. And make sure it comes with a stand.

Why not 7 slot Noctua version with 3x 140MM fans 😀

Danny_G13:

Everyone just ignored my post saying this IS the 3000 design seeing as I have one.... but yes, the fourth fan is completely optional, and useless.

If it is useless then why did the manufacturer put it there??? They just had a lot of not used fans laying in some storehouse and they decided: "We are so stupid - we bought too much fans! Hey, instead of leaving them here to be attacked by rodents let's put them on graphic cards and call it a day!" Not that it would be the first time when something useless or of little use is attached to a hardware design but a fan? It takes some effort, it is not something done easily.

barbacot:

If it is useless then why did the manufacturer put it there??? They just had a lot of not used fans laying in some storehouse and they decided: "We are so stupid - we bought too much fans! Hey, instead of leaving them here to be attacked by rodents let's put them on graphic cards and call it a day!" Not that it would be the first time when something useless or of little use is attached to a hardware design but a fan? It takes some effort, it is not something done easily.

In the UK they call it a 'gimmick'. How to sell more because they think users will be seduced by the enhanced cooling performance, but in reality it doesn't work at all and it makes a hell of a noise. And they know that, so make it optional... Another example is when these aftermarket cards are called 'freezer' - as if the cooler ACTUALLY takes it to 0C.