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You can’t deny the importance of silent PCs in everyday use. There is nothing more annoying than the frustrating noise of electronics.
While the cooling potential of any case fan is the first thing to consider, a fan with quiet operation can act as a cherry on the top. Fortunately, some companies offer quiet case fans that do an impressive job of cooling the system. This guide has listed some of the best options that can be used to build an ultra-silent PC.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Quiet Case Fans
- OUR TOP PICK: ARCTIC F12-120 mm
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: ARCTIC F14 SILENT-140 mm
- BEST QUIET 120MM CASE FAN: Noctua NF-S12A PWM
Comparison of the Best Quiet Case Fans
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What is a Case Fan and What is it Used For?
A case fan is an essential component of the computer, which is highly responsible for ensuring reliable airflow into the system. These fans are available in a range of sizes, models, speeds, and varieties offered by multiple companies and manufacturers.
A case fan is ideally designed to keep the temperature of the system low. If you do not equip your system with a reliable fan case, the temperature inside your case tends to get high, which ultimately increases the temperature of major components in your system, including CPU, memory, and motherboard. The increased temperature could lead to permanent damage or thermal throttling, which alters the lifespan of various parts.
Are All Case Fans Quiet? How Quiet is “Quiet”?
A case fan is accountable for replacing the hot air in your system with the cool fresh air from outside. It does so by employing spinning blades that efficiently intake and exhaust air. However, the spinning of these blades at great speed might generate some noise that can cause frustration and inconvenience.
The market is currently overflowing with case fans that are entitled to be quiet. However, not all of them are quiet. Fans incorporated with cheap bearings and un-optimized design spin at higher RPM that makes them extremely noisy. These fans can be really annoying due to the grinding sound that becomes intolerable in offices and ultimately causes hindrance in your work.
Contrary to this, a high-quality quiet case fan ensures the perfect balance between top-notch performance and silent operation. Such fans work at lower RPM but still prove to be effective in cooling your system, thanks to their optimized design.
The noise level of any case fan is measured in decibels. A fan having a noise level ranging between 10 dBA and 25 dbA is quiet in its operation and, therefore, considered suitable for use in the office as it does not cause any disturbance during work.
What Should I Look For When Buying a Case Fan
Choosing a silent case fan becomes an extremely daunting task when you are faced with tons of options. You might end up having the wrong product for your needs. Leave that to us. Read on to know about the prominent features that must not be overlooked while picking a case fan.
Sturdy Build
The most important feature of any product is its fine construction. A fan manufactured from heavy-duty materials is meant to serve the user in the long run as compared to the one made of cheaper materials. Moreover, you should opt for a model that comes from a reputed brand as they have a proven history of quality products.
Noise-Reduction Technology
A fan incorporated with sound-reduction features such as anti-vibration mounts should be your priority. The fan might get loud when your system is going through extreme performance. The main purpose of employing a quiet case fan is minimum sound production. Therefore, make sure to choose a model that provides remarkable services with the least noise production.
Excellent Airflow
Another important feature of a quality fan is impressive airflow. A case fan is specially designed to push fresh air into the case and remove warm air. It is essential to keep the system from overheating. Opt for a model that has a nice set of blades and spins at reliable speed to dissipate extra heat produced by the PC.
Review of the Best Quiet Case Fans
That was all about the major characteristics that contribute to making the finest case fan. Moving forward, we have presented a detailed review of some of the trending quiet case fans that are meant to provide an exquisite experience.
Let’s get started!
Best Overall:
ARCTIC F12-120mm
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Users of this case fan are extremely satisfied with the performance. They report that the construction is quite reliable, plus the design completely goes with the PC. Moreover, this case is quiet during operation, which is really impressive. Lastly, the airflow is amazing and helps in dissipating the heat rapidly.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This model from ARCTIC mainly stands out to us for its reliable construction and beautiful design. The innovative design lets you cool the system by pushing a great amount of heat for great ventilation. Similarly, the blades spin at a fast speed to improve airflow. Moreover, there is an incorporation of fluid dynamic bearings to enhance the lifespan of the fan.
Who Will Use This Most
It is a great choice for anyone who wants to build a good-looking case. The incorporation of this case fan in your system guarantees the dissipation of heat by pushing fresh air into the system and blowing out the warm one. This 120 mm case fan can easily fit your system, and the speed can be controlled manually.
Bottom Line
An extraordinary model with a range of exceptional features, this Arctic case fan is extremely quiet in its operation and does not cause any interference during your working hours. The fluid dynamic bearings improve the service life, plus the fan speed can be controlled by using a range of voltages.
Runner-up:
ARCTIC F14 SILENT-140mm
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
This case fan has impressed many users with its fine performance. Moreover, it tends to attract many new customers due to its affordable price tag. According to the users, it is silent in operation and provides great airflow to cool down your system in an hour of need.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Manufactured from flawless materials, this case fan from Arctic is meant to provide quiet operation. It has an attractive design with an exceptional set of blades to give you an amazing cooling effect. Moreover, it can be installed without calling for professional help and gives you high-end services for a long period of time.
Who Will Use This Most
This model fits a range of cases and pushes a great deal of air into the system. It is surely a great choice for anyone who is on a tight budget and can’t afford to spend tons of money on a single case fan. Moreover, the performance is remarkable and brings value to your bucks.
Bottom Line
In case you are in search of a quality case fan that fits your budget easily, then this is just the right product for you. The construction is amazing, plus the design totally goes with your gaming PC. Moreover, with this model, you don’t have to worry about any inconvenience caused by noise production.
Best Quiet 120mm Case Fan:
Noctua NF-S12A PWM
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Users are very happy with this case fan due to the incorporation of sound reduction technology. They report that it does not get loud during the workload, which is highly appreciable. Moreover, the design is very classic and extremely effective in pushing air into the system to keep the temperature low.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This case fan from Noctua mainly stands out from its competitors due to its reliable design and construction. The airflow is remarkable, plus there would be least noise production, thanks to the incorporation of anti-vibration mounts. Moreover, the installation is a breeze and does not require too much effort from the user’s end.
Who Will Use This Most
It is a perfect choice for anyone who intends to keep the system from overheating and extend the lifespan of the PC. This model works great with a range of systems and easily fits many cases. Moreover, since it is quiet in operation, this model is highly recommended for use in offices and even at homes.
Bottom Line
A powerhouse of features, this model exhibits an award-winning design. Apart from fine construction and attractive design, there is an incorporation of high-end features that make it an ideal choice for multiple systems. This case fan dissipates the heat quickly and tends to minimize the noise production to a great extent.
Best Quiet 80mm Case Fan:
Noctua NF-A8 ULN
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
The users of this case fan report that the design is extremely attractive, that gives the system a whole new appearance. Moreover, the airflow technology is appreciable and has proved very effective in dissipating the extra heat generated by the system during workload. Lastly, you can employ this case fan at home and offices without any inconvenience.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Another impressive product from Noctua, this case fan comes with a fine set of blades that are capable of pushing more air into the system and keeping it from overheating. Talking about the design, it is very classical and adds to the appearance of the system. Lastly, the noise level is very low, and the anti-vibration mounts reduce the vibrations and noise to a great extent.
Who Will Use This Most
It can be used in a variety of systems to dissipate the heat and keep the temperature within a certain range. Moreover, the noise reduction technology complemented by anti-vibration mounts is helpful in keeping the noise level low, which makes it a perfect option for offices as well as homes.
Bottom Line
Composed of top-notch materials, this case fan is equipped with a flawless design. It is compatible with a range of casings plus proves really effective in lowering the temperature of the system. Moreover, there is a range of sound reduction features that help to avoid any inconvenience due to noise production.
Best Quiet 140mm Case Fan:
Antec TrueQuiet 140
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Similar to our above-reviewed models, this case fan has earned amazing ratings from the customers. According to them, it has excellent construction, and the fitting gives the whole system an appealing appearance. Moreover, it comes with 2-speed choices, which is very impressive for some customers out there.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Antec is known for offering quality products for quite a while now. This model is no less than other products from the company and exhibits a good-looking design. Talking about the performance, it offers great airflow and keeps your system from overheating. Moreover, the incorporation of unique fan blades ensures minimum noise during its operation.
Who Will Use This Most
It can be used by anyone who needs to ensure a reliable cooling effect during a hectic workload. It easily fits a range of casings and provides effective results in pushing the fresh air into the system. Moreover, the use of silicone grommets guarantees the least turbulence and sound production, making it highly suitable for office use.
Bottom Line
This case fan from Antec embodies a nice design that is well-complemented by high-end functionality. Not only is the construction remarkable, but this model proves to be extremely silent in its operation, thanks to the sound reduction features. Lastly, you can easily choose between 2 fan speeds according to your requirements.
6. Corsair Air Series AF120
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
The users of this model have given many great ratings to it. They report that it comes with sturdy construction that is capable of enduring tough conditions like a pro. Moreover, the airflow is excellent and keeps the temperature of the system within a certain range. Lastly, the 2-year warranty saves you from additional expenditures of maintenance and replacement.
Why it Stands Out to Us
A great model on the list, this case fan from Corsair is well-known for its durability and quality. It is manufactured from high-end materials and exhibits a flawless design to go with your system. Moreover, the noise level is only 21 dBA to ensure a wonderful experience. Lastly, you get to enjoy a 2-year warranty on purchasing this case fan.
Who Will Use This Most
This model can be highly useful for gamers and video editors. The airflow of this case fan is appreciable and, therefore, makes it highly suitable for systems under the workload. Its quiet operation makes it an ideal choice to use in offices or even at home to avoid any inconvenience.
Bottom Line
An all-rounder, this case fan is very silent in its operation. Not only is the design attractive, but the build is also very reliable. Similarly, it is highly efficient in drawing warm air out of the system and provides a great cooling effect. Lastly, manufacturers offer a 2-year warranty on this product to enhance the confidence of the customers.
What Do I Need to Know Before Buying
The plethora of options might confuse the customer in choosing the right product. Therefore, it is important to check the basic criteria in order to make a valued purchase. In this section, we have discussed a few factors that must be considered before picking a model.
Static Pressure or High Airflow
One of the foremost factors to consider is whether you want great static pressure or a high airflow quality in your case fan. Static pressure ensures a smooth and even flow of air into the system. The choice generally depends on the size of the fan. If the fan size is large, it is an airflow type fan. On the other hand, if the distance between the fan blades is less, the fan will have enhanced static pressure.
Size
The next thing to consider is the size of the fan that easily fits your case. Larger fans tend to move air faster and with great force. The ultimate choice depends on the size of your case, whether it can fit large fan or not. If your case can accommodate a range of sizes, you are recommended to pick a larger fan.
Speed
Speed is measured by revolution per minute (RPM). A higher RPM fan will push a greater amount of air into the system, but it is likely to create more noise at the same time. However, there are models available that are equipped with sound reduction features and move at high speed.
Cost
Cost is an important factor when it comes to case fans. However, we recommend looking beyond price and aesthetics to avoid any regret in the future.
Conclusion
Having a reliable, quiet case fan on board can greatly improve the functioning of your system. A fan that provides maximum performance and yet produces minimum noise should be your preference. Hopefully, by now, you have made your decision about the right model for you. If not yet, you are recommended to go through this buying guide thoroughly in order to make an informed decision.
People Also Ask
Cooling your system is an efficient method to enhance the lifespan of your gaming PC. Some customers become confused in making the right decision. Therefore, in this section, we have tried to answer some of the frequently asked queries of people in order to ensure a wonderful experience.
Here we go!
What is a PWM Case?
PWM is short for Pulse Width Modulation. It is basically a method by which we control the functionalities of the case fan. There is an integrated circuit that helps in controlling the speed of the fan or pump, which ultimately decides the rate of cooling effect provided to the system. Generally, a PWM case fan is connected to a 4-pin connector.
What Size Case Fan Do I Need?
The size of the fan you are going to need generally depends on your requirements. If you have a gaming PC, you must look for a large-sized case fan in order to dissipate the heat quickly. Moreover, the size also depends on the fan fitting position in your system. The most popular sizes being used are 120mm and 80mm fans.
How to Measure Case Fans?
Case fans come in a variety of sizes to choose from according to your needs. Firstly, you can measure the size of by measuring along one of the fan’s four sides. Moreover, if you know the distance between the fan mounting screw holes, you can infer to the size of the case fan accordingly.
How to Adjust Case Fan Speed?
The case fan speed can be controlled by multiple methods. First of all, you can dig into the system BIOS and look for controls. Another method is by opting for some CPU fan control software such as SpeedFan. This software gives you much control over fans as compared to the BIOS settings. Lastly, you can find multiple fan controllers in the market, which lets you control the sped of the fan.
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