Best Case Fans – Case Fans For Gaming Pc 2022

Best Case Fans For Gaming Pc

Fans are vital to ensure that all components of the computer work at their best. Although some computer cases come with one or two fans preinstalled, they are unlikely to provide adequate cooling.

Even if your computer is equipped with liquid cooling, case fans are necessary to increase airflow. Fans can be attractive and come in many exciting colors. However, they are an essential part of your computer’s build.

Mount points can be found on the computer case for fans, radiators or any combination thereof. You will find information about the case that will tell you what size fans can be supported. If you require a fan with a larger frame than what the mounting hardware will allow, then square-framed fans can be used.

Who Makes The Best Case Fans ?

The fans draw cold air into the case (intake), or push warm air out of the case (exhaust). Depending on where and how it is mounted, the same fan can be used as either an intake fan or exhaust fan. A fan is able to move air in one direction.

Axial fans are the most common type of computer case fan. The blades work in the same manner as plane wings and create large volumes of airflow at low pressure speeds. This is the airflow you want in your computer case.

The centrifugal version of some case fans is also available. The blades drag air in a whirlpool-like fashion and speed up flow. The airflow is more powerful and stable than that produced by an axial fan. Dust control is made easy by centrifugal fans.

What Is The Best Thing To Look For In Case Fans?

Your computer’s performance and longevity are affected by how well the heat is kept down and dust prevented from entering. Fans are essential for both of these things. It is worth taking the time to find the best quality fans that fit your budget. Case fans can be used to improve the quality of your computer’s fans or to ensure optimal airflow through the installation of enough fans.

List Of The Best Case Fans In 2022

Cooler Master

The Best Small Case Fans

For smaller cooling components such as the CPU, small case fans work well.

Cooler Master Technical Specifications

• Bearing Type Sleeve Bearing
• Rotational Speed up to 2000RPM
• Listed Air Flow 24.2 CFM
• Listed Noise Level 20 dBA
• Size 80mm
• Connections 3 Pin
• Decorative Features N/A
• Price less than $10

The fan’s running noise is low for a small, but powerful case fan. The array can hold 11 blades thanks to its compact design. This fan is small enough to fit in small cases, but can also cool down large components. For maximum performance and durability, the sleeve bearing must be installed vertically.

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Noctua NF-A8

Noctua NF-A8 Technical Specifications

• Bearing Type SSO Bearing (Magnetic).
• Rotational Speed up to 2000RPM
• Listed Air Flow 50.4m3/h
• Listed Noise Level 16.1 dBA
• Size 80mm
• Connections 3 pin with a 4-pin adapter
• Decorative Features N/A
• Prices from $10-20

Noctua is known for producing high quality case fans using the most up-to-date technology. This fan comes with a 6-year warranty. The fan is small and compact, yet it has many innovative features. The fan’s advanced acoustic optimization frame includes anti-vibration pads and stepped inlets. It is designed to reduce running noise to create a quiet fan.

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Arctic F8 PWM Version 2.

Arctic F8 PWM Version 2. Technical Specifications

• Bearing Type Fluid Dynamic
• Rotational Speed 700-2000RPM
• Listed Air Flow 31 CFM
• Listed Noise Level 21dBA approximately
• Size 80mm
• Connections 4 Pin
• Decorative Features N/A
• Price below $10

The fan comes with a 10-year limited warranty. A bearing with an oil capsule is fitted to prevent lubricant loss and prolong the fan’s life. These fans are equipped with PWM sharing technology, which allows them to be connected and controlled together for maximum cooling and minimal noise production.

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Be Quiet! BL070 Silentwings 3

Best Medium-Sized Fans

For standard-sized chassis, the fan is typically 120mm or 140mm in size. These fans are great for providing airflow around the components and case.

Be Quiet! BL070 Silentwings 3 Technical Specifications

Technical Specifications

• Bearing Type Fluid Dynamic Bearing
• Rotational Speed up to 2200RPM
• Listed Air Flow: 73.33CFM
• Listed Noise Level 28.6dBA
• Sizes 120mm and 140mm
• Connections 4 Pin
• Decorative Features N/A
• Prices below $30

The motor design of this case fan is unique to reduce running noise and power consumption. The air inlets have a funnel shape and are designed to compress the airflow slightly to give maximum pressure where it is needed. This fan can be used in both water-cooled and air-cooled systems. German manufacturers offer a 3-year warranty on the fan.

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Noctua NF-S12B redux-1200

Noctua NF-S12B redux-1200 Technical Specifications

• Bearing Type Self-Stabilizing Oil Pressure Bearing
• Rotational Speed 400- 1200 RPM
• Listed Air Flow 59.2 CFM
• Listed Noise Level 18.1dBA
• Sizes 140mm and 120mm
• Connections 4 pin
• Decorative Features: None
• Price below $20

Noctua’s medium-sized case fan is now available in gray and black, instead of their traditional mud color. This simple, quiet fan will circulate air around your case at a reasonable price.

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Noctua NF-A12

Noctua NF-A12 Technical Specifications

• Bearing Type Self-Stabilizing Oil Pressure Bearing
• Rotational Speed: 450-2000rpm
• Air Flow 60.1 CFM
• Listed Noise Level 22.6 dBA
• Sizes 140mm and 120mm
• Connections 4 pin
• Decorative Features: None
• Price below $20

The fan’s color is a distinctive muddy brown. The fan moves a lot, but the fan’s noise level is higher with a lower fan speed. The fan is quieter at lower speeds than other models. A couple of accessories are included with the fan: rubber vibration dampeners and Y-splitter as well as a 12′ extension cable.

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Noctua NF-A14 IPPC-3000 PWM

Noctua NF-A14 IPPC-3000 PWM Technical Specifications

• Bearing Type Fluid Dynamic
• Rotational Speed up to 1400RPM
• Listed Air Flow 53 CFM
• Listed Noise Level 0.3 Sone
• Size 120mm
• Connections 4 Pin
• Decorative Features N/A
• Price less than $10

As is the norm for Arctic fans, this fan comes with a ten-year limited warranty. This fan is well-designed and will work quietly and efficiently at a fair price.

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Arctic F12 PWM Version 2.

Arctic F12 PWM Version 2. Technical Specifications

• Bearing Type Fluid Dynamic
• Rotational Speed up to 1400RPM
• Listed Air Flow 53 CFM
• Listed Noise Level 0.3 Sone
• Size 120mm
• Connections 4 Pin
• Decorative Features N/A
• Price less than $10

As is the norm for Arctic fans, this fan comes with a ten-year limited warranty. This fan is well-designed and will work quietly and efficiently at a fair price.

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Scythe Kaze Flex

Scythe Kaze Flex Technical Specifications

• Bearing Type Fluid Dynamic Bearing
• Rotational Speed 300-1200 RPM
• Listed Air Flow 51.2 CFM
• Listed Noise Level 24.9 dBA
• Size 120mm
• Connections 4 Pin
• Decorative Features: None
• Price Around $10

The price of this case fan is unabashedly low. The fan’s eleven blades (most fans have 9), will move a lot for the price.

 

Corsair LL120 RGB

Corsair LL120 RGB Technical Specifications

• Bearing Type Hydraulic Bearing
• Rotational Speed 600-1000 RPM
• Listed Air Flow 43.3 CFM
• Listed Noise Level 24.8dBA
• Sizes 120mm and 140mm
• Connections 4 Pin
• Decorative Features RGB LEDs
• Price Around $100

The lights are placed along the fan blades’ length and also around the casing’s outer edge. These fans can be used to decorate your computer. They will cost you more than $100 if you buy at least three fans and a lighting kit.

You can create a variety lighting effects with the 16 LEDs. The two-year warranty on this static pressure fan is included. This model’s main selling point is its lighting.

 

Cooler Master MF120R A-RGB

Cooler Master MF120R A-RGB Technical Specifications

• Bearing Type Rifle Bearing
• Rotational Speed: 650-2000 RPM
• Listed Air Flow 59.0 CFM
• Listed Noise Level 31 dBA
• Size 120mm
• Connections 4 Pin
• Decorative Features RGB
• Prices below $30

The fan blades are lit by the lighting. It can be controlled via the motherboard or a Cooler Master controller. These fans are loud at maximum fan speed. They are quieter at 1200 rpm than the competition, but they still sound louder.

 

NZXT Aer RGB 2.

NZXT Aer RGB 2. Technical Specifications

• Bearing Type Fluid Dynamic Bearing
• Rotational Speed 500-1000 RPM
• Listed Air Flow 52.4 CFM
• Listed Noise Level 22 dBA
• Sizes 140mm and 120mm
• Connections 4 Pin
• Decorative Features RGB
• Prices between $50 and $100

The fan is loud but beautiful with RGB lighting placed around the outer rim. This creates a soft glow that illuminates the spinning fan. You must purchase at least two fans, which increases the initial price.

These static pressure fans are easily connected and controlled together. The life expectancy of the fluid dynamic bearing is six years.

 

Corsair ML140

Corsair ML140 Technical Specifications

• Bearing Type Magnetic Levitation
• Rotational Speed 400-2000RPM
• Listed Air Flow: 97 CFM
• Listed Noise Level 37 dBA
• Size 140mm
• Connections 4 Pin
• Choose from a variety of colors for decorative features
• Price below $50

Case fans are now using magnetic levitation, a new technology. This bearing will allow for faster fan speeds and less noise. The product is reliable and comes with a good five-year warranty. Although the new technology doesn’t make it perform better than other cases fans, it is still a high-quality product at an affordable price. You can match the fans with your design by choosing from a variety of colors.

 

Cooler Master MF200R RGB

Cooler Master MF200R RGB Technical Specifications

• Bearing type SE
• Rotational Speed up to 800RPM
• Listed Air Flow 90.3 CFM
• Listed Noise Level 28 dBA
• Size 200mm
• Connections 3 Pin
• Decorative Features support RGB lighting
• Prices below $30

The fan supports multiple RGB lighting options. If your motherboard doesn’t support RGB lighting you can combine it to create an RGB controller.

The Cooler Master has many great features, including the creative lighting options and a Smart Fan Sensor which will stop the fan when a cable gets jammed. Rubber sound-absorbing pads can also be added to reduce noise. The fan design is a combination of a helicopter rotor and a jet engine blade.

The large fan is covered by a 2-year warranty.

 

Thermaltake Riing Trio 200mm

Thermaltake Riing Trio 200mm Technical Specifications

• Bearing Type Self-lubrication hydraulic
• Rotational Speed 500-1000RPM
• Listed Air Flow N/K
• Listed Noise Level N/K
• Size 200mm
• Connections N/K
• Decorative Features RGB lighting, voice controlled.
• Prices between $50 and $100

Three fans are included in the pack. The fan has 60 RGB LEDs that can be controlled to create a variety lighting effects. The lighting effects can also be controlled by voice. A staggering 16 million light colors are available. This product comes with a 3-year warranty.

This innovative large case fan’s main appeal is its voice-controlled functionality.

 

Thermaltake 200mm Pure20

Thermaltake 200mm Pure20 Technical Specifications

• Bearing Type Sleeve bearing
• Rotational Speed up to 800RPM
• Listed Air Flow 129 CFM
• Listed Noise Level 28.2dBA
• Size 200mm
• Connections N/K
• Decorative Features A selection with RGB lights
• Price Around $10

This large, efficient case fan is very reliable. If you prefer RGB lighting, there is an option. The fan is small and easy to install. It also produces a relatively low noise level.

Top Tips For Choosing Case Fan

What Are The Best Fans For Pc ?

We will discuss the finer points about case fans in more detail later in this article. However, a quick guide of what to look out for is available in our top tips.

Make Sure To Check The Capacity Of Your Chassis For Fans.

This is an obvious point but it can be costly to buy too many fans or a larger size than you need.

Make Sure To Check The Orientation Of Fan Mountings.

Some mountings require that the case fan be placed horizontally. These positions are not ideal for sleeves bearing fans, so it is worth looking into a fan with a different bearing type.

Match the Fans to The PC

The way your PC is used will determine the fan quality required. Your build will be used as a gaming system, which means that there are many components that produce heat quickly. Fans that can move a lot of air rapidly are required. Fans that can move a lot of air quickly are necessary if you plan to use your PC as a home theatre or recording studio.

Budget

Cheap fans might seem like a good way to save money. While this may seem like the best option, if your cooling system fails or your expensive components heat up, they will become brittle and unusable. Although you can purchase cheap fans that are combined with temperature monitoring within the chassis, it may cost more to replace them regularly than a high-quality fan.

A fan of high quality will be available at any price point.

Appearance

It is up to you what importance a fan in your computer’s interior has. Your computer may be displayed with flashing lights or kept in a neat black box.

There are many fans that have decorative features if you’re concerned about the fan’s appearance.

Guide to Case Fan Features

Size of the Fan

There are many sizes of case fans, from small 80mm fans to large 220mm ones. The 120mm fan is the most popular. The size of the fan you can install will depend on the dimensions of your case and the mounting holes available.

Gaming rigs use 120mm and 140mm fans extensively because they are in the middle of being too small or too big. Gaming computers have high-end graphic processing units, and their components generate a lot of heat when in use. This is why you need to have excellent airflow.

The smallest fans can be used for more specific purposes or to provide less demanding cooling. Typically, they are deployed with a heat sink to cool CPU, SFX power supply, and graphics cards. They may be used occasionally because they fit in the case the smallest.

The fan’s size determines how much air it can move at the same time. They can also be used to move air at the same speed as a smaller fan, but at a slower rate of rotation, which is very quiet.

Cubic feet per minute (CPM) is the measure of how much air a fan can move. Typically, the fan that has a higher CPM is more efficient. The amount of air a fan can move will depend on its size and rotational speed.

Rotational Speed

The speed at which the fan blades turn is measured in revolutions per minute (RPM). A higher RPM indicates faster spinning, more airflow, and better cooling. This also means the fan will vibrate more and produce more noise.

A fan’s speed of rotation and static pressure determine the amount of airflow it generates. Axial fans are the most common type of case fan, which rotate at speeds of around 2000rpm. The fan speed has a relation to the noise it produces (to the fifth power). The noise level can be reduced by 15dB if you reduce fan speed by half. Fan noise is measured in decibels (dBA).

Motor, bearings and movement of the blades in the air create fan noise. Motor is the most important component of the unwelcome sound. Motors of high-end fans are designed to produce as little noise as possible, even at high speeds.

The noise level of a standard case fan is between 50dB to 105dB. However, some manufacturers have modified the fan blades to make them quieter. The fan blades cut through air at a lower angle, emitting less than 25dB. This quiet running is ideal for a home theatre computer in the living room.

Air Pressure

One of the two types of case fans is the case fan.

High airflow fans can push as much air as possible. The CFM rating (cubic feet per hour) shows how much air they can move. High airflow fans make up the majority of case fans. These fans can be used as intake fans and exhaust fans.

Another type of fan is the high static pressure fan. This fan pushes air through small spaces. These fans are more efficient than airflow fans in forcing air through narrow spaces. These fans can be used in specific locations within the case, but not as general fans. To remove heat, you place them near components that require air to pass them. They can be used with heatsinks and HDD cages as well as radiators. Static pressure fans are required depending on how crowded components and cables are inside the case. If there is a small space between heatsink fins, you will need to be able push air into these spaces instead of relying on general airflow.

The fan type is determined by the design of the blades. For airflow, large fan blades are best. Curved fan blades will increase static pressure. Both fans circulate air around the computer’s case.

The computer case’s air pressure will be either positive or negative.

The neutral air pressure, also known as balanced airflow, means that the pressure inside the computer box is equal to the pressure in the room. The volume of air entering the computer case is equal to the volume of the air leaving it.

Although the case is empty, neutral pressure would be possible. However, the components are inside the box. The intake fans draw air into the case and then it encounters obstructions as it leaves the chassis. Air pressure will always fluctuate between slightly negative and positively.

Positive air pressure is when more air is drawn into your chassis than is being expulsed. This happens when the intake fans move a greater volume of air than those moving the exhaust fans.

When the exhaust fans push more air out than the intake fans pull in, this is called negative air pressure. This causes a slight vacuum to form inside the case.

The theory is that a negative air pressure will result in more cooling because there is less hot air. In practice, a slight vacuum creates more air in the chassis. It gets in through every gap, including the seams. Dust filters filter the air entering through the intake section. The dust that is drawn into the chassis through any gaps does not. Negative pressure can cause more dust to enter the computer case. Combining dust and computer components can lead to serious problems.

A balanced airflow is the ideal situation, but this is impossible without complex mathematics that involves airflow around components. It is best to aim for slightly positive pressure so that all air is drawn into your computer via dust filters. This is achieved by balancing the CFM between the exhaust and intake fans. These components will reduce the airflow, resulting in slight negative air pressure.

Types of bearing

All fans are constructed from a rotor, which is an arrangement of fan blades on a bearing driven by a motor. The fan’s durability and longevity is determined by the bearing. The type of bearing determines how loud the fan is, and how efficient it performs.

Sleeve Bearings

A sleeve bearing is made up of two surfaces. One surface covers the arm like a sleeve. The other surface has lubrication (oil, grease) to reduce friction. Porous sintered metal sleeves bearings are self-lubricating, and require less maintenance.

Although they are very affordable, sleeves bearings require vertical mounting. These are a great choice for cold rooms but are more susceptible to failure in high-temperature environments. Higher temperatures cause the lubricant to dry out and contact surfaces rub against one another and wear.

A sleeve bearing fan can be run at maximum speed at 50degC for 30,000 hours. They are less expensive than those with ball bearings and they are more quiet when new. The noise generated by the fan will increase as the bearings wear and age.

Rifle Bearings

Rifle bearings, which are more advanced versions of the sleeve bearing, are available. The spiral grooves are able to pump lubricant from the reservoir so that surfaces remain as friction-free and smooth as possible. These bearings are more durable and quieter than standard sleeves bearings. They are comparable to ball bearing fans in terms of their lifetime running. These fans can be mounted vertically or horizontally.

Ball Bearings

Ball bearings reduce rotational friction between shaft and rotor. This bearing is more expensive than a simple sleeve, but it lasts much longer: 60,000 hours.

While a ball-bearing fan can be louder than a sleeve one at lower speeds, it is more efficient at higher temperatures and quieter at higher rates. You can mount the fans horizontally or vertically.

Fluid Dynamic and Hydrodynamic Bearings

Although these fans are more costly than those made of ball bearings, their life expectancy and noise levels are comparable. These bearings have a modified sleeve bearing that has a pattern (patented) of grooves to improve lubrication. These bearings are suitable for both horizontal and vertical mounting due to their improved lubrication.

Maglev or Magnetic Bearings

Strong magnets can repel the shaft’s rotor. The moving parts don’t rub against each other, unlike standard bearings. The fan’s mechanical wear is reduced by the absence of friction and rotors spinning with less vibration.

Fan Controls and Connections

Long gone are the days of case fans that simply turned on and spun away. Software now controls the speed of the fan based on temperature.

The fan speed will decrease if there is less cooling. A slower fan speed produces less vibrations and makes less noise. The fan also uses less power, and it lasts longer. A fan’s life expectancy is based on its maximum speed at constant ambient temperatures. Fans will be hot or cold and will have varying durability. This is why the quoted lifespan of a fan is only an estimate of its durability.

There are three to four connecting pins for fans. Three or four pins (or wires), allow for connections to power, ground and a tachometer. The motherboard receives information from the tachometer about fan speed. When available, the fourth pin is for Pulse Width Modulation. This connection allows control of fan speed. PWM can be described as a digital signal. The pulse width can be adjusted to alter the speed by changing the energy flow to fan motor. This system is extremely efficient and provides excellent control.

Appearance

The fan’s appearance does not affect its performance. Your computer components will be displayed in a clear case or with glass panels. If this is the case, your fans may fir with the build theme.

You can choose from a variety of colors and LEDs as decorative features. A fan made of UV-sensitive plastic will glow under the right lighting, but it is an additional attraction that may cost more.

Many case fans have grilles one side to trap dust and protect curious hands. Manufacturers have begun to use decorative grilles to enhance the visual appearance of the fans displayed in their computer builds. A decorative grille can be added to your liking (e.g. a cartoon character). For a few dollars, you can add a decorative grille of your choosing (perhaps a cartoon character?)

Placement and maintenance of case fans

The fan’s purpose is to draw cool air across hot parts and move heated air away from the case. Winds are formed by warm air rising and cold wind rushing in. In the small confines of a computer case, this natural flow of hot and cold air will not cool down the components fast enough. Active airflow is produced by strategically placed fans.

Mounting the Fans

A fan is a device that allows air to flow in one direction. Fans draw in fresh air and push out hot air, but the fan pulls air through it. The fans are placed to allow airflow through the chassis. Airflow is desired from the top to the bottom of the case.

A fan can have an open side or a covered side. Air flows through the fan, from the open side to grilled side. Fans that draw in cold air (intake fans), should have their open side facing the outside of the case. This will usually be at the bottom or front of the case. A dust filter will usually cover the area to reduce dust that is being dragged into your computer. By elevating the case from the floor, we can prevent fine particles entering the intake fans.

The exhaust fans that push out hot air should be located at the top and back. The fan’s open side is facing the interior. The case fans are intended to cool the computer. This can be done by making sure that the computer is not in a cabinet. An enclosed space will quickly heat up from the exhaust air. Air cooling works best when there is cold air available, or at least less than the temperature inside the computer case.

Air should flow freely through the case. Airflow will be obstructed by cables and components. Fans will be able to work more efficiently if there is enough space between components and cables.

Mount points are provided in some computer cases to allow fans to be directed at the most important components of the case, such as the motherboard or expansion cards. They are useful in keeping parts cool when used with a heatsink. To keep liquids in liquid cooling systems as cool as possible, fans can be used to direct airflow towards radiators.

Dust Management

Computers are afflicted by heat and dust. Although the fans are part and parcel of the cooling system they can also draw dirt in with the cool air. Dust filters can be used to filter the intake grilles.

Dust can cause damage to heat sink components. Dust acts as an insulator and stops the heat sink from absorbing heat. Dust can cause fans to clog and wear. The filters can become clogged and restrict airflow. The computer will be cleaned regularly with regular attention. Maintaining optimal operating conditions will be possible by removing dust.

Use compressed air at least once every six months to remove dust from the computer’s interior. Check and clean the dust filters regularly. It is easy to clean and remove dust filters that are held in place by magnets. If the fans are not being cleaned with compressed air, you can wash the blades. The fans must be dried before they can return to the chassis.

Lubrication

Lubrication is essential for any moving part to minimize friction and wear. The case fans are sealed units that contain the lubrication. You can find the correct way to replenish the lubrication in the instruction manual that comes with the fan.

Regular lubrication will reduce friction and prolong the life of your fans. This will ensure that your fan produces minimal noise. The center of the blades is where the lubrication point for sleeves bearing fans is. For cleaning and lubrication, it is best to remove the fan from the chassis. It is important not to get oil on other parts.

Light machine oil is the best, as it can be used on sewing machines. This oil comes in small bottles and is very affordable.

A sticker will be found in the middle of each fan blade. It acts as a cover. You will see a rubber plug at the center if you carefully peel it off. You can lift the cap with a stick that looks like a wooden cocktailstick. You will not be allowed to lubricate your fan if there is no removable plug. If it begins to wear, it will become noisy and heather, and you will need to replace it.

The drive shaft can be exposed by removing the plug. Apply one drop of oil. You only need to use one drop of oil. Reinstall the fan by replacing the cap and sticker. The oil will be distributed and lubricated as the fan turns.

Your equipment’s life expectancy will be extended if you keep it clean and maintained. It will also ensure that expensive components are kept cool.

If a case fan is starting to fail, it will not cool as effectively and allow the interior to heat up. The fan might not become louder until it is too late. You might consider software that monitors the temperature inside your chassis to provide a backup. Regular maintenance and temperature monitoring will ensure your computer runs at its best.

There are many reasons to shop for a case fan. Below is a list of the top fans available.