Fans

The fans in the case move air throughout the computer and determine how cool and quiet the processor, video card, and drives will be. Here you will find single fans and sets of three, sizes from small 40 mm to 200 mm, quiet models with PWM control, and fans with RGB and ARGB lighting, as well as controllers for them.

How to choose

• Size. Look at what spaces are available in the case – most often 120 or 140 mm. A larger fan moves the same amount of air at lower RPMs, making it quieter.
• Control. Fans with a 4-pin PWM connector automatically adjust their speed according to temperature. Those with 3 pins are voltage-controlled and usually have a narrower range.
• Airflow or static pressure. For the front panel and rear wall, airflow is important. For radiators and dense filters, choose models with high static pressure.
• Lighting. RGB fans light up in one color at a time, while ARGB allows effects with individual LEDs. ARGB connects to a 5V ARGB connector on the motherboard or to a controller.
• Set or individual. Sets of three fans often come with a hub or controller and save on cables. Some systems connect the fans to each other or wirelessly, leaving almost no visible cables.

What to watch out for

• Do not confuse 12V RGB and 5V ARGB connectors – incorrect connection can damage the lighting.
• Check how many fan connectors the motherboard has or get a hub.
• Fans with reverse blade direction are for specific mounting, most often for the bottom or side wall.
• The thickness of the fan matters for radiators in a narrow case.
• Clean the dust from the blades and filters every few months – dirty fans are noisier and cool less effectively.

Compatibility

The size must match the spaces in the case or on the radiator of the water cooling. The power for the fans comes from the connectors on the motherboard, and for more fans – from a hub powered by a SATA cable. If you need grilles, filters, splitters, or controllers, check out fan accessories.