In the computer hardware performance continues to improve, the importance of the cooling system has become more and more prominent. As the core component of the cooling system, the performance of the Cooling Fan directly affects the stability and service life of the computer. From chassis cooling to CPU cooling, different parts of the fan requirements vary, the following is a comprehensive shopping guide.
Chassis Cooling Fan Purchasing Points
Size and Installation Space: The common sizes of chassis cooling fans are 80mm, 92mm, 120mm and 140mm. 80mm and 92mm fans are commonly used in small chassis or older models, while 120mm and 140mm fans are preferred for mainstream chassis due to their high airflow and low noise. Before choosing a fan, you should measure the size of the chassis to ensure that the fan can be installed smoothly. At the same time, some chassis support multiple fan expansion, so you can plan the number of fans and layout according to your needs.
Balance between airflow and air pressure: Airflow is a measure of the amount of air transported by the fan per unit of time, measured in CFM (cubic feet per minute), the higher the airflow, the higher the cooling efficiency. Air pressure reflects the ability of the fan to overcome resistance, in mmH₂O. The chassis intake fan needs a high air volume to quickly introduce cold air; the exhaust fan needs a high air pressure to expel hot air. Generally speaking, the airflow of the intake fan should be 60 - 80CFM, and the air pressure of the exhaust fan should not be less than 1.5mmH₂O.
Interface type and speed control function: Mainstream fan interfaces are 3-pin and 4-pin. 3-pin interface adjusts the speed by voltage, but it can't be precisely controlled; 4-pin PWM interface automatically adjusts the speed according to the temperature change, which achieves the balance between heat dissipation and noise. The 4-pin PWM interface automatically adjusts the speed according to temperature changes, achieving a balance between heat dissipation and noise. If you are looking for intelligent temperature control, you should prefer the 4-pin PWM interface fan. In addition, for fans with RGB or ARGB lighting effects, it is necessary to check the compatibility of the motherboard interface to achieve synchronised lighting effects.
Noise Control and Bearing Type: Fan operation noise is measured in decibels (dB), and in daily use, noise levels below 35dB are preferred. Bearing type has a direct impact on noise performance and service life: oil bearing is low cost and low noise, but has a shorter service life; double ball bearing is durable and high temperature resistant, but has a relatively high noise level; hydraulic bearing (FDB) combines the advantages of both, with a low noise level and a long service life, making it a more cost-effective choice.
CPU Cooling Fan Buying Points
CPU coolers are divided into air-cooled and water-cooled, corresponding to different fan requirements. Air-cooled coolers usually come with their own fans, so when upgrading, you need to pay attention to the fan size, mounting holes, and whether it is compatible with the cooler; water-cooled coolers need to be matched with their own fans, and the common 120mm, 240mm, and 360mm cooling fan specifications are matched with 1 - 3 120mm fans respectively. The cooling fan needs to take into account the air volume and air pressure to ensure effective cooling of the coolant.
Performance Requirements and Speed Adjustment: For high-performance CPUs or overclocking users, it is necessary to choose fans with high airflow and high air pressure. For example, Intel Core i9 or AMD Ryzen 9 series processors are recommended to be equipped with fans with airflow of 80CFM or more and air pressure of 2.0mmH₂O or more. At the same time, fans that support PWM speed regulation can automatically adjust their speed according to the CPU temperature, avoiding high temperatures during high loads and excessive noise during low loads.
Silence and compatibility considerations: CPU fans are closer to users, so the need for silence is more prominent. In addition to choosing low-noise bearings, you can also pay attention to the fan blade design, such as sickle-shaped fan blades, serrated edges, etc., which can effectively reduce wind noise. In addition, it is necessary to confirm whether the height of the fan and the internal space of the chassis are in conflict, to avoid being unable to close the chassis cover after installation.
Selection summary and recommendations
When choosing a Computer Cooling fan, you need to consider the actual needs of the chassis and CPU, and give priority to 4-pin PWM interface, hydraulic bearing fan, to ensure cooling performance while controlling noise. If you want to pursue personalisation, you can choose RGB/ARGB lighting fans, but you need to ensure compatibility with the motherboard. For high-end hardware platforms, high-performance water-cooled radiators and high-volume fans are recommended to meet the cooling challenges of high-load operation. By properly matching cooling fans, you can create an efficient and stable cooling system for your computer and extend the life of your hardware.
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