If you have noticed that your personal computer is getting hotter than whatever is ideal for your PC system components, then it is time to look for the best case fan so as to avoid future problems. On top of that, if you are a gamer, you will also hate it when your PC gets heated up when you are in the midst of your gaming sessions. There is a wide range of options in the market where you can choose from when it comes to your case fans. As you read through this article you will be in a position to choose the best PC case fan for your case.
What Is the Role of Case Fan in Maintaining PC Performance?
The electronic chips of your PC’s CPU always give more heat than it can be dissipated at time. Your CPU is programmed so as to operate below a particular temperature threshold hence the need for a cooling system. If this threshold is exceeded, your computer will overheat. When the PC’s thermal check fails due to overheating, your computer functioning will be disrupted and this will result in total lock or shutdown.
You would be required to reboot your computer. You should keep in mind that overheating your computer CPU can lead to a fire. Overall, the sole function of your computer will be to cool down the system. This is to enhance the ambient temperature required by the CPU and its related counterparts to achieve the maximum performance.
Which is the Best PC Case Fan on the Market?
Why is Buying A Quality Case Fan Important?
The PC’s case fan will reduce the operating temperature and this limits the heat exposure to the system hence making the PC’s more comfortable when using it. Below are the benefits of using your case fan.
1. Lower Ambient Temperature.
The external cooling pads including the case fan equipped with fans will assist in keeping your PC temperature cool without having to perform any modifications to the hardware. The operation of your computer will be affected by the environmental temperatures as well as the temperatures of the air accumulating around your device. A cooling case fan will use fans to blow cooler air against your computer and also blow warm air away from your PC.
Best Cooling – Rosewill Ultra Quiet Case Fans for Gaming PC
2. Ideal Resting Place.
A quality case fan will improve your laptop airflow through positioning your system on a flat, hard, and non-fabric surface. If your PC is using the bottom side as the air intake source, it will be difficult to place it on a non-fabric surface. If you are using your case fan, you will not have worries about your PC overheating.
Best Convenient – GIM Silent & Efficient Adjustable PC Chassis Fan
3. More Comfortable Lap Use.
Your case fan cooling fan will ensure that using your PC on your lap has a great experience for you and your machine. Your laps can be an obstruction to your PC vents but with the case fan, it is no longer a threat.
Best Useful – ELUTENG Fan for cooling Receiver/AV Cabinet/Game Console/PC
Quick Review of the Top-Rated PC Case Fans
How Do You Choose Your Case Fan?
A fair amount of your thoughts as well as research should go into the buying of your new case for your PC. Below are the factors that you should consider:
1. Whether Aesthetics Are Important or Not.
Does the case give the view of your fan? Decide whether the looks of the case will matter to you. Today’s market has fans that have cool lighting effects for the computer enthusiasts that will be looking for something that is a bit more unique.
Best Design – upHere 120mm Colorful Rainbow/Red/White Case Fan
2. Primary Goals.
Consider whether you have a specific problem area that urgently needs an active cooling or you will be buying the case fan for preemptive measures so as to protect your entire system. Ask yourself whether you are in the market for a new fan because of the noise levels when operating, overheating problems, or both.
3. The Amount of Noise that You Want to Put up with.
The noise complaints are common amongst gamers, overclockers as well as professionals that will need much processing power. There are nice quiet fans that are available but you will have to dig deeper into your pockets.
Most Quiet – Noctua NF-P12 Best Selling Desktop PC Cooling Fans 12 Volt 37 CFM
4. How You Will Want to Control the Fan.
You can opt for a simple and plug and play fan that will turn on and off as required. If you would be happy with manually controlling your fan settings, then you can pick a fan controller for your system. You can also use your software to control the fans.
Best with Controller – Pccooler PC Heatsink Fan Multiple Light Modes
Do You A Need Case Fans If You Have Liquid Cooling?
Liquid cooling is also referred to as water cooling provides an optimal cooling solution to your computer system. You can use a case fan simultaneously as well depending on what you use. There are a number of benefits that come with liquid cooling.
1. Greater Efficiency Than Air.
The air cooling will not even be closer to the efficiency resulting from water cooling. This is because water has a greater thermal conductivity. Using the water cooling system will not only increase your hardware’s lifespan but will also guarantee it is being cooled efficiently at any time.
Most Efficient – AC Infinity MULTIFAN S1 USB Power PC Cabinet Cooling Fan
2. Higher Overclocking Potential.
When you overclock your PC you are pushing the processor to run over the normal clock speeds. This will require more power and in turn, more heat will be produced. If you are an advanced user, you will be required to invest in a liquid cooling system to push your overclocks to the limit.
Best for Gaming – Cooler Master High-Performance PC Liquid Cooling Fan
What Is the Right Size Case Fan for You?
The 120mm case fans are the most popular in the newest PC cases although you will find other sizes including 200mm, 140mm, 92mm, and also 80mm. The fan size will be closely related to the airflow. This means that a larger fan size translates to more airflow to your system than the smaller ones if they are operating at the same revolutions per minute.
This also means that the bigger fans can function at a slower speed and still give the same amount of air that the smaller fans are giving at the highest speed. The only drawback with bigger fans is the compatibility. Most of the cases are meant to support the 140mm and 120 mm fans. The size will depend on your preference.
How Big Is A 120mm Fan?
The 120mm case fan is very common with the newest PCs. It will require a space of 3 by 120 mm on your case or panel. This size is great in cooling most of your PC’s regardless of their make and features.
Are Bigger Case Fans Better?
Bigger case fans are great since they will ensure a higher CFM and in turn, will be very effective in cooling your PC. The rate of the airflow is the focal point when it comes to case fans and the bigger ones emerge the winner hence better.
Best Large Size – Cooler Master 240 mm Computer Case Fans
Are 140mm Fans Much Better Than the 120mm?
Both 140mm and 120mm case fans are great with their various functions. They will be great in exhausting heat from your PC and it will depend on the quality and features to come with the right one. But they have some differences.
1. Airflow Capacity And Spinning Speed.
120mm Fans | 140mm Fans |
| Since the blade is comparatively smaller than the 140 mm, definitely, it will spin faster. Due to its smaller size, the fan will move less air to the outside. Generally, its flow capacity is less compared to the 140 mm case fan. | With a size of 140mm, this case fan will move much airflow and be effective in exhausting heat. It also spins slower but the air capacity is more compared to the 120mm fan. |
2. Noise And Case Size.
120mm Fans | 140mm Fans |
| This case fan makes less noise although, it will need more movement to give better airflow. It will also need less space to install. | The 140 mm fan will produce much noise but will not need much movement to achieve better airflow. It also requires more space to install due to its size. |
How Many Fans Will You Need In Your PC?
The number of fans that you put in your PC will be determined by the case itself. The compact cases are lighter and in turn more portable but they might have only a spot for just one fan. This will limit your cooling options.
The most modern gaming towers will have multiple options for mounting your fans. The intake fans will be located on the front or at the bottom of your case while the exhaust fans will be found in the rear. Overall, the number of fans that you will need will be largely determined by the intensity of your systems as the case with gaming.
Are Two Fans Enough for A Gaming PC?
To answer this question, it will depend on the size and the CFM rating of each of your fans. The components that are in your fan will also determine the internal temperatures of your gaming PC. Two case fans will be fine when you place one as the exhaust and near the back by your CPU cooler while the other as the intake below the PC’s graphic card.
Are More Case Fans Better?
More case fans will translate to a much cooling effect. The number of fans that you can place in your PC will be determined by the fan case itself. The modern gaming towers come with multiple options for mounting your fans.
It will be more accurate when you ask yourself how much airflow you will need instead of the number of fans. If you are matching and mixing or you have different sized fans, then the question will be; what will be their CFM rating. If the CFM is higher, then the air that can be pushed in will be more.
Best High CFM – EZDIY-FAB 12cm CPU Cooler, 4000 RPM, 200 CFM
How Much Does a PC Case Fan Cost?
The price of your case fan will depend largely on the size as well as the Cubic Flow Rate rating it comes with. If the case fan has a higher rating and with a bigger size it will come at a higher than the smaller size. Do not be fooled by price since the newest case fans are highly engineered and will be a great value for money.
Is Cheap PC Case Fan Worth Buying?
From the phrase ” Cheap is expensive” it is good if you choose a case fan that is affordable. A cheap case fan will not cool your PC in the perfect way and it can also produce much noise. If the case fan is cheap, quality is not guaranteed and it might be subject to constant breakdown.
This will cost you a significant amount of money in the long run as to try to repair your case fan. Considering all the drawbacks that can be associated with the cheap case fan, it is not worth your money.
Are Your PC Case Fan Important?
As the technology that is driving your PC’s and also your laptops continue to increase in speed as well as power consumption, so do your computer’s internal temperatures.
If the important components including PSU and CPU are not maintained at their ambient temperatures through passive cooling, then you will definitely need a PC case fan so as to assist in eliminating the excess heat load. If the heat is left unsolved, then the excess heat will shorten the lifespan of personal computer components.
Active cooling has emerged as an integral part of the maintenance of your PC. This is where the case will become effective. When properly positioned, the PC case fans will push hot air away from the problem areas including the CPU heatsink and in turn, pull fresh cool air towards them.
Do Your Case Fans Help Cool CPUs?
Adding a case fan will be very helpful in cooling your CPU. Your CPU is the most sensitive component that is inside your PC. It also has the highest potential to overheat as well. Most of the CPUs will come preinstalled with lower-end fans and they are engineered in a way that will cool your processor enough to keep it running.
The case fan will help increase the airflow to your CPU by attaching to the back and front of your system. Keep in mind that your CPU fan will cool down to the lowest temperature that is in the case regardless of the design with your CPU fan.
Can You Run Your PC Without Having Case Fans?
The answer is yes. This is because there is an on and off button for your PC case fans. However, running your PC through the case fan is important so as to increase the lifespan of your machine. As captured earlier, your PC case fan will keep your CPU and PSU in their ambient temperatures.
How Do You Install A New Case Fan?
Before installing any component to your PC, ensure that your computer is powered off.
To mount your new case fan, you will hold it to its mounting position and ensure that the holes for the screws are in alignment with the holes in your case.
While you are still holding your fan in place with your hand, use four of its screws to secure it in place with your other hand.
The next step is to attach your fan to an unused header. Key your headers to ensure a secure connection. Four-pin headers will be great with three-pin fans although you will not have the control over the fan speeds. If you buy a fan controller, you will get additional fan headers.
Final Words
In conclusion, this article has given you adequate information about the case fans for your PC. You should therefore not have any worries about choosing the perfect case fans for your computer.
