Cooling is an important aspect when considering your PC’s custom build. Choosing the right fan can jazz up the aesthetics of your ideal PC. Choosing an underperforming fan can result in your machine overheating from trapped hot air or clogged dust, resulting in underperformance.
This cooling becomes extremely important if you’re running a high-powered pc and/or a 4K monitor. Even if you’re using a budget monitor, a good fan is necessary.
It’s crucial to find the ideal fan case and ensure proper airflow for your computer, whether you’re into graphic design, gaming, or everyday use. Take a look at the top fans on the market today and the reviews for each one to make your choice easier.
TLDR
The model ditches the typical Noctua color scheme of brown and cream and introduces a grey-and-black aesthetic that can be spiced up by colorful anti-vibration mounts.
It operates almost silently. Once this model is installed, you will never know it’s there.
Best Case Fans Comparison Table
There are a number of factors to consider when looking at buying a case fan. This table provides a brief overview at the top case fans available, before diving into a more in-depth review later.
Best Overall Case Fans
The overall best case fan is the Noctua NF-S12B redux-1200 PWM, High Performance Cooling Fan. The Noctua NF-S12B features a unique blade design that delivers a high-powered performance with low noise turbulence. Not to mention the durability and quality of the product itself.
Other best case fans are:
● Cooler Master MegaFlow 200 – Sleeve Bearing 200mm Silent Fan
Best RGB Case Fans
The ultimate RGB fan is the Corsair LL Series LL120 RGB 120mm RGB LED PWM Fan. These fans can be configured individually through Corsair’s customization software. They come with a premium choice of colors and are reasonably quiet, while still delivering on performance.
Some of the other best RGB case fans are:
● Corsair ML120 Magnetic Levitation Fan (2-Pack)
● Thermaltake Riing 12 High Static Pressure
Best Budget Case Fans
The Arctic F8 PWM – 80 mm is one of our top picks when it comes to quality and budget. The case fan is PWM regulated and it offers impressive cooling. Not to mention, it maintains a low noise level.
Other top budget case fans are:
● Corsair Air Series AF120 Quiet Edition
● Rosewill 120mm Life Sleeve Bearing
Best PC Cooling Fans
The Noctua NF-F12 PWM, Premium Quiet Fan is at the top of its class when it comes to water cooling. It delivers high-static pressure with minimum noise levels. It comes with a built-in anti-vibration mount to keep noise at an all-time low.
Other best case fans for water cooling:
● Be quiet! Silent Wings 3 120mm PWM High-Speed
Best Case Fans Reviews
With a wide variety of case fans on the market, it can be difficult to choose the best solution for optimal cooling and performance. Here are our reviews of the top 10 case fans.
Also, take a look at the budget rating ($-$$$) for each case, to give you an idea of the price range.
Noctua NF-S12B Redux 1200 PWM – Best 120mm Case Fan
● Budget-friendly
● Various colors available
● High quality
● Outstanding airflow
● Very quiet
● No LED or RGB
If you know anything about case fans, the chances are you know about Noctua. It’s a trusted favorite among custom builders. This model, in particular, has won over 100 awards and recommendations from international computer hardware magazines and websites.
The model has self-stabilizing oil pressure bearings that will last you for years. Running at 1200 RPM, it provides a perfect balance between performance and quietness.
The NF-S12B model guarantees to satisfy any case for cooling. And it’s budget-friendly, with a range of optional accessories to add on to it.
- 4-pin PWM connector
- 1200 RPM
- 2 CFM
- 1 dBA
- Airflow 100,6 m³/h
- $
Noctua NF-F12 PWM 4-Pin Cooling Fan
● Easy installation
● Durable
● Low noise adapter
● Custom design
● Seven-blade impeller
● Airflow could be improved
● Expensive
The NF-F12 is one of the best Noctua fans that comes with a custom design. It’s an award-winning 120x25mm fan with a focused flow frame.
There are eleven stator guide vanes with a seven-blade impeller that comes with the fan – the more blades, the better for cooling. The blades are optimized to achieve the balance between quietness and power.
Noctua also included a second-generation SSO bearing. This helps provide durability, stability, and greater precision of the fan.
The fan features a low noise adapter to reduce fan speed of 1500 RPM to 1200 RPM. You can switch your fan speed up using the automatic PWM control. This premium quality makes it the ideal choice for any pressure demanding applications.
● 300-1500 RPM
● Acoustical Noise 22.4 dBA
● Acoustical Noise with L.N.A 18.6 dBA
● 4-pin PWM
● $$$
Be Quiet Case Fans! Silent Wings 3 PWM 120mm BL070
● Impressive cooling
● Increased airflow
● Impressive quality
● Vibration could be improved
The name of the model says it all, It quickly concludes that from the name of this model, this is one of the quietest case fans. The Be Quiet! Silent Wings 3 is a perfect choice for any powerful cooling systems. The 6-pole fan motor has three phases, giving out less vibration and power consumption.
The fan frame is funnel-shaped, allowing for more air inlets allowing extremely high air pressure. The case operates at 2200 RPM, generating the significant airflow needed for the cooling process. For the high RPM it gives out, the noise level is an average of 28.6 dBA.
This model is one of the best silent case fans. It’s the perfect choice for running any application quietly with uncompromised performance.
● 28.5 dBA
● Airflow 73.33 CFM
● Noise level 28.6 dBA
● 6-Pole fan motor
● 2200 RPM
● $$
Rosewill 120mm Case Fan 4-Pack
● Affordable
● Easy to set up
● Strong quality
● Low airflow
If you’re on a budget, this long-life sleeve case is for you. The Rosewill is made of quality materials with a top performance fan at a low cost.
This model has long-lasting bearings allowing it to operate quietly and offer overall excellent performance.
Though the fan’s airflow is an average of 38.2 CFM (not the highest), you get four fans in one pack. And of course, more fans equals more airflow.
● Power connector ¾ Pin
● Noise level 22 dBA
● 1200 +/- 10% RPM
● Airflow 38.2 CFM
● $$
Arctic F8 4- Pin PWM Rev.2 PWM Controlled Case Fan
● Durable
● Easily regulated
● Two-way installation
● Budget-friendly
● Lacks LED aesthetics
The highly durable Arctic F8 model is made with fluid dynamic bearings on its axis. The innovative design of the fan blades delivers highly efficient ventilation with improved airflow.
The main appeal of this model fan is the regulated PWM controllers. This function allows the motherboard to send a signal when the fan needs to work harder or to work less – allowing the fan to work only at the necessary speeds required.
This model delivers impressive cooling while maintaining a low level of noise.
● 2000 RPM
● Airflow 31 CFM
● Fixed control speed
● 4-Pin PWM fan
● $
Corsair ML120, 120mm Premium Magnetic Levitation Fan
● Low noise
● Extensive control range
● Magnetic bearing
● Great overall performance
● Expensive
The Corsair ML 120 offers superior magnetic levitation technology, combined with custom-engineered rotors. This provides an unrivaled high-performance machine that gives out lower noise. And thanks to the magnetic bearing in place, it provides you with a longer life span.
The wide fan blades and the angle at which they lie provide high static pressure and airflow, which is perfect for cooling.
The product comes in a pack of two, intending to provide you with the ideal cooling of various system components.
With the system running at 2000 RPM, you will get the perfect balance between high performance and low noise production.
● 2000 RPM
● Airflow 75 CFM
● Noise level 35.0 dBA
● $$$
Corsair LL Series LL120 RGB 120mm
● Manual RPM control
● Excellent airflow
● Low noise operation
● 16-independent RGB LEDs
● Expensive
This model comes with complete PWM control, where you can adjust your fan speed from 600 RPM to 1500 RPM. This low-level speed reduces noise output. For the high RPM, you can expect to have more airflow and minimum noise.
This model provides up to 16 different RGB LED’s. This makes it possible for you to separate the light loops and create visual effects in the case. Corsair’s RGB LED lighting leads the pack when it comes to premium lighting.
Not to mention, the 120mm fan blades keep airflow noise operation level at an all-time low.
● CLL 120 RGB
● Noise level 24.8 dBA
● Airflow 43.3 CFM
● PWM control set 600 RPM – 1500 RPM
● 120mm fan blade
● $$$
Thermaltake RIING 120mm LED
● Low noise level
● LED Lighting
● Effective cooling
● Anti-vibration mounting
● Expensive
When it comes to case fans, the Thermaltake Riing 12 series provides next-level LED lighting. You can choose from a number of different LED lighting options to spruce up your computer case.
Apart from the super-cool LED lighting options, the 120mm fan blades are designed to optimize performance from building high static pressure. This model makes for the perfect cooling system, especially when working with a high power demanding machine.
The frame is referred to as the wind blocker. It’s made to focus on the pressure mechanism by directing airflow to the middle of the blades. This limits the air pressure that escapes.
The best part about this system is the hydraulic bearings and built-in anti-vibration mounting system. This model provides the perfect balance between performance and ultra-low noise, complete with incredible colors.
● Airflow 40.6 CFM
● Noise level 24.0 dBA
● Anti-vibration pads
● $$$
Corsair Air Series AF120
● Affordable
● Low noise level
● Impressive airflow
● Good quality
● Slight vibration
This fan is all about silently giving the best performance. It’s known as the quiet edition, meaning you won’t have to worry about noise during operation.
The nine ultra-thin, custom blades perform under high-volume for optimum airflow, delivering low noise. Running at 1100 RPM, the fan generates an airflow of 39.88 CFM. This allows the fan to generate enough airflow for cooling the system. Also, the rubber corners are in place to reduce any vibration.
This model has an excellent cooling system to work at an optimal level when performing high demanding applications – this is the perfect case fan for a gaming graphics card.
● Noise level 21 dBA
● 1100 RPM
● Static pressure 0.5mm/H20
● 39.88 CFM
● $$
Cooler Master MegaFlow 200mm
● Airflow for maximum cooling
● Low noise level
● Lightweight
● Durable
● Lacks LED controller
The Cooler Master MegaFlow model has a diameter of 200mm and a displacement volume of 184 M3/h, giving out twice as much as that of the 140mm fans. This model allows for excellent cooling and operates in silence.
As part of the cooling system, the model comes with an operational airflow of 110 CFM. It runs at an all-time low of 700 RPM, making it even more impressive given the amount of airflow produced.
The manufacturer rated the models’ noise level at 19 dBA, making it lower than what you get on some premium case fans. The sleeve bearing provides performance, durability, and low noise when operating.
● 700 RPM – 110 CFM
● 19 dBA
● 200mm sleeve bearing
● $$
Best Case Fans Buyer’s Guide
When you’re looking to purchase the best case, choosing the right fan can be daunting. It’s crucial to know which components to look for and understand computer terminology.
Take a look at some key specifications when looking at case fans. These will guide you to the best ones on the market.
Durability
When you are looking to buy the best case fan, consider the materials used to make the model. If you buy a case fan that is manufactured using the best materials, that model will deliver on performance and durability.
Cooling Capability
The cooling capability is affected by the airflow that the model delivers. The airflow is measured in CFM (cubic feet per minute). The higher the CFM, the better the fan is at cooling. You should always look at the CFM rating before buying your fan.
LED Lighting
When it comes to case fans, LED lighting is not an important aspect – though, it does make your case look great. Many models come with LED lighting. Depending on the model you buy, some models allow you to manipulate the changing colors.
Noise Level
One important feature to take into consideration is the noise level of your case fan. The noise level will be noted by the manufacturer using the unit dBA. The lower the level of dBA means the less noise is produced by the case model.
Also, take a look at the RPM (rotations per minute) at which the fan runs. The amount of RPM’s also affects the noise level. If a model runs at a high RPM, it will give out more noise.
The Final Verdict For The Best Computer Case Fans
Cooling is a crucial aspect when it comes to running your computer system correctly. That is why choosing the best case fans will help you deliver on performance with your machine.
The best overall case fan is the Noctua NF-S12B redux. This model offers high performance at a low noise level. It’s suitable for being a case fan as well as a CPU fan. Not only that, but it also comes at the most affordable price, making it available for all users.
So there you have it, the best PC case fans offering the perfect balance of cooling, low-noise, and high performance.
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Matt is about 80% nerd, 10% writer, 10% animal lover. His love for PC’s started at the tender age of 4 and his love for animation and motion graphics fairly soon after. You can normally find him behind a computer screen or playing with his dog Rusty.