Which fans to choose

Really depends on what kind of noise you're willing to handle.

I just replaced my Zalman CNPS10X Extreme fan with a Scythe Slip Stream 120mm PWM fan and it's very good. Better than the original fan. It has a tiny center so more fin space, and it's quiet. I just set the PWM knob to max and let my BIOS adjust fan speed based on temps. (BTW I think it's 2200rpm, 110cfm,

Generally you get the best temps with front-to-back air flow. I had to flip all my case fans around (except the top one... for now...) because my heat sink was interfering with RAM slots. So my case goes back to front. If you can exhaust out the top, having the Heatsink vertical isn't so bad but you will generally suck up warmer air from the GPUs.

Supplied TIM is probably good. At this poit the difference isn't major but I know Arctic Silver has released some new TIMs that are better than AS5. TBH, I really haven't found a lot of info on how different TIMs compare.

^+ Good stuff!Scythe fans are the way to go!
The supplied paste is fine and the best pastes availiable only differ by 1C or less from each other.
http://benchmarkreviews.com/index.php?option=com_conten...

Davcon I'm glad you answered because I've read your posts with interest, and I trust your opinions on Heatsinks and fans.

Which Scythe fans would you recommend? model #

Do you have a picture of a heatsink with fans showing which direction they blow?

Wolfram thank you for your comments it helps a great deal.

Which direction should the fans in the heatsink blow in a Cooler Master Haf932? I'm just preparing to build it so I don't even know which way the fans blow. I am assuming I know, but I haven't confirmed the direction yet. I'm also assuming I should mount the heatsink vertically.

Have similar setup ... Mega in Antec 1200.

Prolimatech TS will tell you have fans blow to rear of case ... 2C advantage as opposed to blowing up. The enermax "magma" fans are on this rig and they're gr8. Removable blades, low noise and very good air flow . I run them at about 83 percent speed and inaudible

The best fans money can buy are the Noiseblockers, bar none. But Schyte has good stuff too, however they don't deliver enough static pressure for my taste.

Scythe S-Flex are the best from Scythe, Slipstreams are good case fans but not the best for heatsinks (and sometime they leak oil in horizontal mounts). Enermax Magmas are also great and not expensive. I don't know how much airflow/pressure you are looking for, if you have a midtower I'd choose something with RPM higher than 1200, something around 1500 to 1900. As I said, Noiseblockers are superb for this, and they are pretty silent for the amount of air and static pressure they put out. Another cheaper alternative are the Aerocool Black Sharks, they too deliver higher air pressure pressure than the Scythe fans without being loud.

This is what I'd buy, two of either of those:


http://www.frozencpu.com/products/8410/fan-518/Noiseblo...


http://www.frozencpu.com/products/11637/fan-745/Aerocoo...


http://www.frozencpu.com/products/7658/fan-460/Enermax_...

http://www.frozencpu.com/products/8408/fan-525/Noiseblo...

Pick any, the first is the best hands down, though...

Any of these fans would do an admirable job paired with the Megahalems.The S-Flex and Nexus are renowned for their quietness and cooling ability.
http://www.silentpcreview.com/article63-page1.html
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Productcompare.aspx?Submi...
If you choose one with higher cfms just keep in mind there's a noise trade-off.
I've read many Megahalems reviews using different fan combinations and consider the ones linked to be among the best,affordable,and widely available.
Sure there are some fans that are better but they are louder and offer a 1- 2 C temp difference at most and some of them cost over $20.
Your best cooler orientation will be a east/west configuration with the fans on the cooler directing air out the rear exhaust of your case.
You'll need to buy a set off extra fan clips the Megahalems ships with only one set.
http://www.frozencpu.com/products/8890/cpu-pro-02/Proli...
http://www.ncixus.com/products/39375/MEGAHALEMSFAN25MM/...

Thank you very much. You guys have answered most of my questions. In checking the specs of fans I see they offer options at an additional expense. Examples fan screws, rubber grommets, colored heatsink, ect. Do I need any of these options? Also mentions a fan grill. What would this be used for, personal protection?

The front and top case fans take air in. Does the side case fan bring air in or take it out? I just want to make sure I set all fans up correctly.

Thanks again for the help.

Front and side panel fans are intakes,rear and top panel fans exhaust.

Thank you very much.