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Suggest a Case Fan

Forum CPU & Components : Power Supplies, PC Cases & Case Mods - Suggest a Case Fan

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Username2324   10-26-2008 at 08:28:41 AM

I will be purchasing a 9800GT and as my Dell only has a single fan, I thought it'd be a good idea to add another as I hear the 9800GT runs hot.

I'm looking for something that is 120MM and has a combination of quietness, but will still move some air. (LED lights would be cool too, but aren't required)

What is considered "quiet", like 20db? And what is considered decent airflow, like 40CFM?

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Bronze CPUs badge cjl   10-26-2008 at 08:32:15 AM
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I'd go with more like 80CFM. Here's a decent looking one at around 70CFM and 24dB.

Reply to cjl
bobwya   10-26-2008 at 09:06:11 AM
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Username2324 wrote :


What is considered "quiet", like 20db? And what is considered decent airflow, like 40CFM?



These are one of the best fan series out there:
http://www.arctic-cooling.com/fans1.php
I use the PWM fans in this series exclusively now - real nice.

For a 120mm you would expect 50CFM (quiet fan) - 100(+)CFM (noisy fan). The dB quoted for most fans are BS. Having said that <20dB would be quiet.

Bob

Reply to bobwya
bobbknight   10-26-2008 at 09:19:54 AM
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I buy small things like fans from the cooler guys they have a better shipping price and the prices are about the same as the Egg.
9 bucks for a fan is good and all but 7 to ship it is f'ed up.

Reply to bobbknight
dfbreyes   10-26-2008 at 12:50:45 PM
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I use two additional Scythe S-FLEX fans

Scythe S-FLEX SFF21E (1,200rpm) 120mm S-FDB Case FAN

http://wingwong701.multiply.com/ph [...] T_system#2

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.d [...] 0129485948

check it out...I bought it from 'aerocooler'

Reply to dfbreyes
Silver CPUs badge JohnnyLucky   10-26-2008 at 03:33:40 PM
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I build pc's for friends, neighbors, and girlfriends. I use the Scythee S-Flex series of 120mm fans:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6835185005

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6835185006

The manufacturers specifications for airflow are for unrestricted air movement. Just about all pc case restrict airflow in some way. Things like metal mesh, fan grills, fan guards, dust filters, cables, other components, and front doors that hide a case fan all restrict air flow.

As bobbknight already pointed out manufacturers are overly optimistic when specifying noise levels. I've read enough threads over the years to know that perceived noise levels are often subjective. One person's quiet fan is another person's jet engine.

A rated airflow of about 40cfm and noise at 20dba is pretty much typical for an ordinary everyday pc. Once you cross over into the realm of hardcore gaming, extreme overclocking, and multiple video cards the cooling requirements increase.


Message edited by JohnnyLucky on 10-26-2008 at 03:34:51 PM
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o1die   10-26-2008 at 03:45:45 PM
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Fry's has the antec 3 way adjustable 120mm for $5.99 in stores this weekend. It comes in red or blue.

Reply to o1die
RussianCarl   10-26-2008 at 04:27:03 PM
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I looked at the Scythe Slipstream fans recently, specifically the exact model listed in the second post.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6835185058

However, I decided to take the plunge and try a new product. Xigmatek makes a pretty good HSF, and I didn't have any problems with the fan that came with it. I'll let you guys know how it works, unless someone else can post a review. It does have a rather good price...

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6835233009

Reply to RussianCarl
wilcoxon   10-26-2008 at 05:29:51 PM
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For quiet and still moving air, I haven't found any fan better than Noctua.

The Antec 3-way o1die suggests move a decent amount of air but are *FAR* from quiet.

For quiet computing, I usually check silentpcreview.com.

Reply to wilcoxon
jcorqian   10-26-2008 at 05:39:36 PM
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I've been using the Noctua case fans, they are very expensive but fairly quiet. I have four as intake and one Scythe Ultra Kaze (voltage controlled) as an exhaust.

Reply to jcorqian
Silver CPUs badge JohnnyLucky   10-26-2008 at 05:44:29 PM
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Wells, as you can see from the posts and suggestions it may wind up being a matter of personal preference and cost. Everyone has their own personal favorites.

Reply to JohnnyLucky
dfbreyes   10-26-2008 at 06:07:40 PM
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I usually check out http://www.frostytech.com for reviews

Reply to dfbreyes
Ebtoulson   10-26-2008 at 09:57:21 PM
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If you want your computer quiet you may want to look at a 9800 gt with at least a dual slot cooler or one that has a 3rd party cooler on it, they tend to be a lot quieter than the single slot coolers.

as far as my recommendation id have to go with the scythe that everyone else mentioned but if you want leds and a fan controller id recommend http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6811999122

Reply to Ebtoulson
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