Best 140mm Case Fans of 2023 – Ultimate Round-up

Austin
| Last Updated: January 14, 2023

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Tired of thermal throttling CPUs and GPUs? Facing the dilemma of micro stutters and frequent non-responsive applications? Well, not anymore!

We present to you some of the best 140mm case fans to take care of your heating issues. Now you can stream, game, and work effectively without any interruption.

This review is an all-inclusive guide to teach you about some of the best 140mm case fans.

Comparison of the Best 140mm Case Fans

IMAGEPRODUCT
  • It has a low sound output of only 25.5 decibels
  • Features a 140 x 25mm fan size with attractive LED illumination
  • The airflow rating is considerably higher than most fans (66.4 CFM)
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  • Features a RoHS compliance for protecting the environment
  • Promises a superb 60.9 CFM airflow rating for optimum cooling
  • The noise levels are down to an incredible 16 decibels for case cooling
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  • Best for the money
  • It has a sound output of 24.1 decibels while a 51.15 CFM airflow rating
  • Features a concentrated compression blade for high-static pressure needs
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  • Best Noctua 140mm case fan
  • Comes with a premium grade SSO2 bearing for superior performance
  • Features Flow Acceleration Channels and Advanced Acoustic Optimization
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  • Best 140mm LED case fan
  • Features a PWM fan control for dynamic speed adjustment
  • 16 independent RGB LEDs in every fan, split between two separate light loops
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  • Best quiet 140mm case fan
  • Features a decent airflow rating of 46 CFM
  • Comes with a Fluid Dynamic bearing for long-lasting operation
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  • Best 140mm slim case fan
  • HPLN (High Precision Low Noise) bearing for minimum vibrations
  • Acoustic Vibration Absorbers available in 3 colors to match your system and case
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What is a Case Fan?

A case fan is any fan that is attached inside the computer case for active cooling. Its primary function is to dissipate warm air outside the case. Correspondingly, it also allows the cool air to enter the case, which ensures maximum airflow in and out of the case.

Some case fans are particularly designed to cool specific components inside the computer case like the motherboardCPU, or GPU. Fans lower the temperatures of these components, therefore, resulting in a longer lifespan and better performance of these components. Case fans of various sizes are available in the market depending upon your needs. The most common ones are 20mm, 90mm, and 140mm case fans.

What Size of Case Fan Do I Need?

Well, it depends on your needs and preferences. If you are into serious gaming or heavy workload applications, you should consider a bigger and better case fan. The airflow of the case fan is measured in CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute). It determines how much air the case fan can move in a minute. The higher the CFM, the better the airflow.

However, if you’re an occasional streamer or use the computer for moderate workloads, then a decent-sized fan will do. Also, make sure the size of the fan you are purchasing is supported by your case. You can purchase the right one by looking into your case instruction manual.

How to Choose the Proper Case Fan

Choosing a good-quality case fan will always pay off in the long run. Unfortunately, it’s not very easy to pick one since there exists a myriad of brands and models of case fans. But don’t worry, we are here to help you decide on the best possible one for your cooling needs.

Size

It’s true! Size matters, especially if your computer deals with heavy and excessive workloads. The larger the fan, the more airflow. However, make sure the size of the case fan is supported by your case. A small case fan like an 80mm will suffice if you’re an occasional computer user and don’t operate demanding applications.

Noise

The noise of the case fan is usually rated in decibels (dB). Most manufacturers mention the noise rating of their respective product in a range from 10 to 36 dB. Ideally, you need to look for a fan that is efficient in terms of performance while also being significantly quiet. A loud case fan might create inconvenience for the user and also adversely affect your experience.

Corsair Air Series AF140

Airflow

The main purpose of the case fan is to expel warm air outside the case while bringing in cool air. The airflow of the case fan is measured in CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute). The higher the CFM rating, the higher the airflow. Ultimately, your computer components operate significantly better under low temperatures.

Review of the Best 140mm Case Fans

You asked for the best. Well, here are some case fans that provide high performance and reliability. It is not easy to find the right case fan since you’ll be mind-boggled by tons of similar products. To save your time and money, we have created a list of some good, quality fans to cater to your needs.

Best Overall:
Corsair Air Series AF140

PROS

  • Low sound output of only 25.5 dBA
  • Offers a superb cooling performance 
  • Features LED lighting that looks highly attractive
  • A significantly improved airflow rating of 66.4 CFM
  • Performs significantly better than standard case fans

CONS

  • LEDs are not very bright
  • The power cords are very limiting
  • It has a plastic build at the four points

What Recent Buyers Report

A large number of users were completely satisfied with this case fan. The users reported that it offers great performance and attraction. The LED illumination is very attractive for gamers, while it performs incredibly well compared with other case fans. It is highly recommended by most users.

Why it Stands Out to Us

Corsair is renowned for its product quality in terms of reliability and performance. The Corsair AF140 Case Fan offers incredible cooling and illumination while operating. What is interesting is its extremely silent operation. It has a sound output of only 25.5 decibels. Moreover, it has a superior CFM rating of 66.4, which keeps your PC cool.

Who Will Use This Most

The Corsair AF140 Air Series Fan is directed towards gamers and heavy workload application users. If you want to squeeze every possible ounce of performance from your computer, then this is the fan. It offers LED illumination, while offering a phenomenal performance. Therefore, it becomes an eye-catching attraction for most gamers.

Bottom Line

To sum it up, this case fan by Corsair is simply the best. It offers you everything you could desire. Performance, attraction, and silent operation, you get it all with this model. If you’re a gamer and are looking for a high-end case fan, we suggest buying this one for an optimum experience.

Runner-up:
Cooler Master Silent Fan

PROS

  • It also has RoHS compliance 
  • A decent airflow rating of 60.9 CFM
  • There is a good amount of cord to work with
  • It is capable of moving a decent amount of air
  • Fairly quiet with noise levels as low as 16 decibels

CONS

  • It is a bit noisy at higher speeds
  • There are no sleeved cords available
  • Doesn’t come with any sort of instructions

What Recent Buyers Report

Well, a fairly large number of users recommended this case fan. The reason is its super-silent operation. Users believe that this fan operates efficiently without making any sound at all. Moreover, it has a decent airflow rating, which ensures that your PC components remain considerably cool without any hassle.

Why it Stands Out to Us

What strikes us about the Cooler Master Silent Fan is its incredibly silent operation. It has an audio output of only 16 decibels, while it has a decent airflow capability, as well. That’s not all. It features a high airflow rating of 60.9 CFM to keep things cool and steady.

Who Will Use This Most

The Cooler Master Silent Fan is a recommended case fan for the CM 690 and Centurion 590. Its silent operation attracts anyone who is tired of loud fan noise coming from their PC case. Also, it offers great value for your money. So, if you are a budget gamer, this fan would work like a charm for you.

Bottom Line

Well, you asked for the best so, here is one. Offering great value for the money, this unit is a great choice for budget gamers. However, keep in mind that this case fan doesn’t support LED illumination. Other than that, you can expect some serious performance boost paired with ultra-quiet operation.

Best for the Money:
Thermaltake Ring CL-F039-PL14RE-A

PROS

  • Comes in a wide range of colors
  • It has a high-static pressure design
  • Offers an optimized cooling performance in all circumstances
  • A built-in wind blocker frame for noise and vibration reduction
  • Promises a hydraulic bearing design and anti-vibration mounting system

CONS

  • It’s a 3-pin fan, not a PWM fan
  • Build quality is not very durable
  • You cannot control the fan speed through the motherboard

What Recent Buyers Report

This is a great case fan, this time designed and manufactured by Thermaltake. A majority of recent buyers praised its quality and performance. What they like about it is the versatility it offers. In addition, it offers a significant performance boost compared to conventional case fans.

Why it Stands Out to Us

Most customers believe that this is a fairly cheap fan. However, we think a bit differently. What is attractive about it are its multiple features. It is available in different colors, while offering great performance and minimal noise. It has a noise output of only 24.1 decibels with a decent 51.15 CFM airflow rating.

Who Will Use This Most

This model offers a concentrated compression blade for high static-pressure requirements. It works absolutely great with its wind blocker frame, which keeps the noise and vibration to a minimum. Therefore, if you are a performance fan lover with the super-quiet operation, this is a great choice.

Bottom Line

Overall, this model offers a great deal of features. It comes with high static pressure design, built-in wind blocker frame, hydraulic bearing design, anti-vibration mounting system, and a wide range of colors. Most importantly, it offers a three-year warranty for customers, as well. So, if you want to invest safely, this is probably a great pick.

Best Noctua 140mm Case Fan:
Noctua NF-A14 PWM

PROS

  • Has a broad 300-1500 RPM speed
  • Comes with 6-year manufacturer warranty
  • 150,000 hours of average operational life span
  • Offers a 4-pin PWM version for tweaking fan speed
  • Square frame design is perfect for water cooling radiators
  • Has anti-vibration mounts, fan screws, and a low-noise adaptor

CONS

  • Quite expensive
  • Doesn’t offer decent quality
  • Beige color may be off-putting 

What Recent Buyers Report

As reviewed by the majority of the users, this is a truly amazing and incredible performer. We were able to receive an overwhelming appreciation regarding it. Most users believe that Noctua case fans are simply the best. Although they charge a little more, you can experience some significant performance boost with these case fans.

Why it Stands Out to Us

What we like about this are its astounding performance and superb design. It features a square frame design that is perfect for water cooling radiators. In addition, it has a 4-Pin PWM version for tweaking and controlling the fan speed or revolutions. That’s not all. It has a premium-grade SSO2 bearing that is backed with six years of manufacturer warranty.

Who Will Use This Most

Anyone looking for a high-performance case fan should opt for this unit. It comes with a variety of features and a great design to provide you a great cooling solution. It has a broad 300-1500 RPM range. Moreover, it also features noise and vibration reduction mechanism for user convenience. All in all, it’s a great gaming case fan.

Bottom Line

The bottom line is that this is one of the best case fans available in the market. Don’t be deterred by its unattractive beige color, as this is truly a beast. It offers you marvelous performance backed with a six-year warranty to safeguard your investment. What are you waiting for? Buy one!

Best 140mm LED Case Fan:
Corsair LL Series LL140 RGB

PROS

  • Features 16 independent RGB LEDs
  • Tweak fan speed from 600 to 1300 RPM
  • It has two separate light loops for customization
  • Dynamic lighting effects are quite attractive
  • Noise level is a low 25 decibels while having a 51.5 CFM

CONS

  • The hubs are cheaply made out of plastic
  • Link controller software has limited effects support
  • Fan hub and lighting node hinder cable management

What Recent Buyers Report

A high percentage of positive reviews suggest that this is an amazing product. The majority of the people praised the performance and airflow of this product, paired with its low noise. However, the most attractive feature for most people was the illumination effects. The different RGB LEDs are just eye-catching for any computer lover.

Why it Stands Out to Us

Most people were attracted and amazed by the lighting quality of the Corsair case fans. However, we believe this is a master class series of case fans. They provide you with phenomenal performance while being significantly quiet. It has a low 25-decibel noise output with a decent airflow of 51.5 CFM.

Who Will Use This Most

If you love tweaking your PC components or fans, then this is a great choice for you. It offers dynamic speed adjustments that allow you to adjust the revolutions within a broad 600 to 1300 RPM range. Also, it has beautiful RGB lighting, which can be controlled and set as you desire.

Bottom Line

If you are seeking a fan that provides performance with beauty, then nothing beats this unit. You can witness some truly amazing lighting effects, as you can customize the lighting effects as you desire. You can also control the fan speed while you can experience no noise even at higher revolutions.

Best Quiet 140mm Case Fan:
ARCTIC F14 SILENT

PROS

  • Compatible with most types of cases
  • Very reasonable in terms of price
  • Innovative design for effective ventilation
  • The fluid dynamic bearing ensures a longer life span
  • Offers great efficiency and low noise at higher airflow

CONS

  • No LED lighting
  • Airflow rating is comparatively low
  • Several users reported defective and dead products

What Recent Buyers Report

A fairly large number of users reported this was a decent, value for money case fan. Most users were satisfied, as they believe it performs better than what they paid for. In addition, it is quite efficient and produces very low noise while operating. Therefore, it makes a great addition to your rig if you seek a cheap, yet high-performing case fan.

Why it Stands Out to Us

What we like about this unit is its high efficiency and low noise levels, even at higher airflows. It promises a fluid dynamic bearing that ensures its durability for a long period of time. Also, it features a decent airflow rating of 46 CFM, considering the price tag. Noise levels are significantly low at 0.08 sones.

Who Will Use This Most

Well, if you are short on budget, this is probably your best bet. With an innovative design, it offers great ventilation capability without making any noise. The price tag is also very reasonable while it does the job with ease and satisfaction. It’s a great addition to your rig if you wish to boost your computer’s performance.

Bottom Line

All in all, this is a value for the money case fan. It is a silent performer that promises long-lasting operation without causing you to worry about cooling. It has a great innovative design and decent airflow rating for effective ventilation. However, it doesn’t have any LED lighting, but we cannot regard it as a deal-breaker.

Best 140mm Slim Case Fan:
CRYORIG XT140

PROS

  • Very thin and can fit easily
  • Has a 4-pin fan connector
  • HPLN bearings to reduce noise and vibration
  • 3 different colors to match your system and case
  • Built-in Acoustic Vibration Absorbers for noise control

CONS

  • Bearing quality is not great 
  • Mounting holes are for 120mm fan
  • Makes a pulsating noise upon operation

What Recent Buyers Report

Well, a lot of reviews are positive about these case fans by Cryorig. What was most attractive for users was the decent performance and low noise output rating of the product. Most of the users were completely satisfied with its flawless operation.

Why it Stands Out to Us

When it comes to this product, we are quite fond of its noise and vibration reduction mechanism. It features an HPLN (High Precision Low Noise) bearing for minimum vibrations. Moreover, it has three colored built-in Acoustic Vibration Absorbers for noise and vibration control, and to match your case and system.

Who Will Use This Most

This model is designed to outperform any conventional case fan. Its innovative design, unique noise, and vibration reduction mechanisms make it a perfect choice for everyone. If you’re a gamer, streamer, or a daily user, it won’t disappoint you with its cooling capabilities. It’s a must-purchase case fan!

Bottom Line

In a nutshell, this is a decent performer when it comes to cooling solutions. It has a high-quality bearing to control vibrations and noise. Furthermore, it comes with a decent price tag, which makes it attractive for most people. All in all, it’s a great package considering the low price tag.

Aspects to Consider Before Buying

Before purchasing a case fan, it is always recommended to assess your needs and requirements. Carrying out thorough research will always help you save time and your hard-earned money. We care about you, as well. Therefore, we have listed several aspects that need to be assessed before purchasing a case fan.

Fan Aesthetics

If you are a gamer, the RGB lighting might attract you. Manufacturers are now adding case fans with attractive lighting features and aesthetics to their products. These fans offer eye-catching designs and lighting mechanisms to attract customers. However, you want to buy a fan that offers aesthetics but also decent performance.

Fan Speed Control

The ability to tweak your fan to optimize your experience can always come in handy. Therefore, look for a case fan that readily offers tweaking options. You can easily control the speed of the fan to optimize its performance. Moreover, you can also dictate the noise level during operation for an ultimate experience.

Performance

The performance is obviously the primary aspect for which you are paying. When it comes to case fans, the performance is determined by the airflow in and out of the case. It is usually determined by the CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute) rating. The higher the CFM rating, the higher the airflow. Ultimately, you will be able to experience minimal temperatures and improved the performance of your internal components.

How to Clean Case Fans

Cleaning your case fans and internal components regularly will increase the overall performance of your machine. It is essential to keep your components clean, especially case fans. Case fans are the primary source of regulating airflow in and out of the case. They are responsible for maintaining a decent temperature and cooling to your other internal components. Consequently, you want to clean these fans to ensure the maximum performance output of your computer.

Here are some steps to easily clean your case fan:

  1. First, turn off your computer and make sure the power is disconnected to start removing your case fan.

  2. Unscrew the case fan using a screwdriver and remove the power cord from the motherboard. Make sure your hands are dry to avoid any short circuiting or damage.

  3. Carefully remove the case fan and place it on a table.

  4. Remove any dust or other impurities using a dry cloth or a blower.

  5. Now, remove the sticker located at the center of the case fan until you see the rotating spindle.

  6. Once the sticker is removed, apply lubricant, oil, or grease to the spindle.

  7. Ensure the lubricant reaches the spindle and seal it after the lubricant has been applied.

  8. Screw the case fan back into the case, and you are good to go.

If you’re still ambiguous, be sure to refer to the video below for a full overview of what was just described.

Conclusion

Case fans are an underrated component of the computer and are the least pondered upon. They are the primary source of air regulation in your case, which allows you to extract maximum performance. Therefore, try to invest in a decent case fan and get rid of your heating problems once and for all.

People Also Ask

Purchasing computer components is not an easy task, by any means. Since each component has a different functionality and purpose, it might get you confused. As a result, a large number of questions arise in the minds of the customer. To tackle this, we have devised a list of frequently asked questions to address your concerns adequately.

How Many Case Fans Do I Need?

The more the case fans, the better the airflow. However, we recommend a case that supports at least three case fans for optimum performance. Having more case fans will improve the airflow in the case and slightly boost the overall performance. Therefore, if you use your computer for gaming and heavy workloads, you will need more case fans and vice versa.

How to Connect Case Fans to Power Supply

In order to connect the case fans to the power supply, you will need a PSU that has Molex connectors. You can use Molex three-pin fan adapters or just plug in the fan directly if it has a Molex connector. However, the fans will run at full speed since there would be no voltage tweaking option available.

How Many Case Fans Are Typically in a Desktop Case?

Typically, there is only a single case fan mounted at the rear end of the case. However, if you purchase a high-quality case, it might offer two or even three case fans. Obviously, you will be charged for that, but look on the bright side. It will significantly boost the performance of your computer while keeping the temperatures down to a minimum.

Where to Plug Case Fans on a Motherboard

Usually, case fans will plug into the four-pin system fan headers located on your motherboard. They can also be plugged into the three-pin system fan headers, depending upon your personal preference. However, if you have more than one case fan, you can use either of the two plugging options. 

How Long Do Case Fans Last?

Typically, case fans should last a minimum of three years. However, it also greatly depends upon the usage of the fan. If you are a daily user, the lifespan of the case fan will drastically decrease. But, if you are an occasional user, your case fans might operate for a significantly longer period. Most manufacturers, however, mention the average lifespan of their respective fans in the product description.

How to Control Case Fan Speed

You need to plug the power cord of the case fan into a four-pin or three-pin system fan header. Only then, can you control the speed of the case fan in the BIOS menu. If your case fans are connected via Molex connectors directly to the PSU, you won’t be able to control speed.

How to Measure a Case Fan

The size of the fan you have can be determined by the size of the fan fitting position in your case. The size of the fan is determined by measuring along any one of the fan's four sides. Be sure not to measure the distance between the fan screw holes, only the actual body itself. The most popular and highly supported case fan size is the 120mm for most cases.

How to Tell Which Way a Case Fan Blows

If a blade is angled down and the fan turns in the same direction, it will blow forward. Similarly, if the blade is angled down and the fan turns the opposite direction, the reverse is true. 

How to Disable LED on Case Fan

You can simply disable the LED on the case fan by cutting the LED wire. Some have a jumper that you can remove, but most will require the power leads to be cut. Since most case fans don’t offer jumpers, you probably have to cut the power lead to the LED.

Are 140mm Fans Better Than 120mm?

The difference between 140mm fans and 120mm is not about the cooling. The only reason a 140mm might be better is the noise output. The 140mm fan has a larger fan, therefore, it can maintain a decent airflow at a low RPM. Smaller fans usually operate at a higher RPM due to the small size, thus, increasing the sound output.

Are Bigger Case Fans Better?

Bigger case fans are better than smaller ones when it comes to sound output. A larger fan can operate at lower RPM while maintaining the same airflow as a high RPM, small-sized fan. Since they operate at a lower RPM, large fans have a considerably lower noise level, thus, they are more desirable.

Where Do You Put Case Fans?

Case fans can be placed anywhere you like in a PC case. However, it is required that your case supports the location. Usually, case fans can be found at the back of the chassis to dissipate warm air. Also, you can fit case fans on the top and front sides of the chassis, as well.

How to Overclock Case Fans

If your case fan is plugged to a four or three-pin system fan header, you can possibly overclock the fan. All you need to do is head to the BIOS menu and enter the case fan settings. Once you find the case fan information, the BIOS should display the RPM information. Higher RPM levels ensure a faster revolution speed of your case fan.

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Austin

When the tech company I worked for restructured and I ended up jobless, I decided to put the wealth of knowledge and management skills to use somewhere new. I’d checked out a few buyer’s guides on the site in the past and reached out to the previous owner. A few months later, here we are. Now, I get to be behind the scenes, helping people find the best tech.