I need some advice on some new case fans

[CAT-THE-FIFTH]

I recently rebuilt my system into this case:

http://www.cubitek.com/products/mini-series/mini-cube

I am using this CPU cooler:

http://www.xigmatek.com/product.php?productid=136

ATM,I am using placeholder fans,but would like to get some better ones,to improve the cooling.

I need the following fans:
1.)A 120MM inlet fan
2.)A 92MM outlet fan
3.)A 92MM fan for the CPU cooler.

I am looking for reliability,decent airflow(even if the fan gets dusty) and lack of high pitch bearing noise.

What fan models would you look at,assuming a decent budget??

[chuckskull]

For the 120mm I'd look at the Akasa Apache range, few different variants at various noise vs airflow points, they're my usual first choice for case fans. With the mounting in that case something aimed at high static pressure might be more useful, like the SP120 or other 'radiator' fans. Both have nice noise profiles(not whining or grindy) but don't aim for total silence at the expense of performance.

92mm is a bit more awkward as it's an oft ignored form factor, but I did put some of the 120mm BeQuiet Silent Wings in a silent build a while back and they were lovely and come in a 92mm form.

[Willzzz]

Noiseblocker make some awesome fans:
http://www.kustompcs.co.uk/acatalog/info_25057.html

At 92mm there is less choice, but beQuiet are always pretty good:
http://www.kustompcs.co.uk/acatalog/info_25075.html

[Domestic_Ginger]

http://www.hardware.fr/articles/874-...-120mm-dc.html

best 120mm fan roundup I have seen for a while. I had my eye on a scythe glidestream, comwales have some quite cheap but wanted someone else to try them first!

That case looks smashing!

[Bonebreaker777]

As for 120mm I have TWO Akasa Apache and ONE NZXT FN-120RB and I am very satisfied. At low RPM I would say I could feel more pressure/airflow from the NZXT FAN but that is just personal. Noise what I hear from both I would consider the acoustic pressure as reaching lower RPM the XFX PSU FAN remains the loudest.

As for 92mm, I have a couple of spare FANs, ugly, full black, high RPM industrial grade ones. If you like you can have em ;-) Or take Any of the 92mm FANs from Scan from the big names, be it either Silverstone, be quiet! or Noctua.

[circuitmonkey]

Will all of your fan headers support PWM?

[CAT-THE-FIFTH]

Will all of your fan headers support PWM?

This is the motherboard:

http://uk.gigabyte.com/products/prod...px?pid=3783#ov

[Bonebreaker777]

Having one 4pin PWM FAN connector and one 3pin FAN connector I would say go PWM for the 120mm / or splitter-control the two 92mm ones and leave the 120mm slow FAN (either by factory or by using a voltage lowering reduction) connected to the 3pin FAN connector.

By that the 120mm even if it is low RPM would suffer less that a slow/low RPM 92mm FAN(s) and you would gain control over the FANs over the CPU plus the CASE_OUT.

How about that?

[KaoerGreen]

I also use Akasa Apache, The Apache fan creates more focused airflow providing blind-spot cooling, which makes it an ideal solution for a case or heatsink fan. HDB (Hydro Dynamic) bearings extend fan life and further enhance noise reduction. IP54 military standard ensures the fan is dust and moisture resistant. It’s powerful, quiet and tough!

[KaoerGreen]

PS: I suggest using Akasa Apache for your computer, it won't create bearing noise.

[circuitmonkey]

Having one 4pin PWM FAN connector and one 3pin FAN connector I would say go PWM for the 120mm / or splitter-control the two 92mm ones and leave the 120mm slow FAN (either by factory or by using a voltage lowering reduction) connected to the 3pin FAN connector.

By that the 120mm even if it is low RPM would suffer less that a slow/low RPM 92mm FAN(s) and you would gain control over the FANs over the CPU plus the CASE_OUT.

How about that?

Personally I would leave the CPU 4 Pin header connected directly to a 92mm PWM fan for the CPU cooler and let the BIOS worry about the fan speed
I would then put the other 92mm case fan on the 3 pin mobo header so it can also be speed controlled
The 120mm (which should naturally be quieter because of it's size) I would then connect via molex, volt modded to run at a low voltage if necessary

[CAT-THE-FIFTH]

Thanks for all the responses! I have been looking at the Scythe Gentle Typhoon - is that a focused flow fan?? The Noctua NF-F12 also looks decent but is quite expensive - would the Corsair SP120 or Akasa Apache do the job for less?? BTW,Willzzz that Noiseblocker fan does look quite funky!!

[Hicks12]

How are you mounting these fans cat? if you're mounting them horizontally then do not get the Gentle Typhoon fans! They're terrible when they are mounted that way, the bearing makes noise its a nice horrible whine and the general noise is higher however I can recommend them if you mounting them vertically as they're probably the best fans for airflow/sound and static pressure .

I maybe having 2 or 3 for sale shortly(if you wanted to save a few quid) as I have two mounted horizontally and need to switch them out, wish I had more room for vertical mountings .

[CAT-THE-FIFTH]

Thanks for telling me that!! The 120MM fans needs to mounted horizontally.

I do already have the following fans in the system:
1.)Scythe Slip Stream 120MM Slim ghetto mounted where the 92MM fan is placed,with some sticky foam
2.)Sharkoon Silent Eagle 120MM on the bottom
3.)Stock CPU fan with the cooler

I don't seem to have any other fans lying around ATM.

However,it seems the Scythe slim fan makes the most noise of the fans in the system,so I will probably replace that first.

So with the 92MM fans,I am looking at the Noctua and Be Quiet! ones. Are there any alternatives??

[Willzzz]

Thanks for all the responses! I have been looking at the Scythe Gentle Typhoon - is that a focused flow fan?? The Noctua NF-F12 also looks decent but is quite expensive - would the Corsair SP120 or Akasa Apache do the job for less?? BTW,Willzzz that Noiseblocker fan does look quite funky!!

Funky and really really good:
http://www.overclock.net/t/1307016/v...er-fan-reviews

[pp05]

If its near silence then Zalman is worth checking. They are pretty cheap. I have two but in 80mm at front bringing air in at lowest setting and they make no noise.

After that next bet is Akasa or Cooler master. Latter will give you more range to play with performance wise. Both good value for the money. I had Akasa in 80mm was near silent originally. Replaced with Noctua just to shave the few decibels on lowest setting.

Then if none of specs if above give you the balance you want go for Noctua.