Digital Advisor is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Building a PC is by no means an easy task. There are so many aspects that you need to take into consideration to make sure that you end up with the best results. One of these aspects is the cooling system. It makes sure that your CPU is not overheated.
Radiator fans play a primary role in the cooling system and cannot be left out. Although some may think that any other fan can be used for this purpose, that is not entirely correct.
Thus, in this article, we will be discussing everything one needs to know about a radiator fan as well as the best ones out there. Let’s get started!
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Radiator Fans
- OUR TOP PICK: Cooler Master MegaFlow 200
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: Thermaltake CL-F039-PL14BU-A Blue
- be quiet! Silent Wings 3 (BL070)
Comparison of the Best Radiator Fans
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | |
|---|---|---|
Our Top Pick  |
| View Latest Price → |
Best Budget Option  |
| View Latest Price → |
 |
| View Latest Price → |
 |
| View Latest Price → |
What is a Radiator Fan?
Simply put, a radiator fan is a tool used to regulate the temperature of the PC. Since computers run on electricity, they generate heat and a lot of it at that. However, if the internal temperature of the CPU rises beyond a certain level, the computer may end up shutting down or worse, something might end up getting damaged or destroyed. To prevent that from happening, radiator fans pull in cool air and cool down the circuit system of the CPU. Usually, in the case of desktop computers, the fans are a part of the power supply.
How to Choose a Radiator Fan
Before we get started with the reviews, let’s go over a few characteristics that you should look out for in a radiator fan. Looking out for these characteristics will help you pick out a better fan for your computer system.
Noise Level
Fans are extremely popular for being a noisy cooling medium. However, thanks to the recent technological developments, that problem has been largely dealt with. Now you can find fans that do not produce a lot of noise. And even if they do, it is barely noticeable. So make sure to choose one that is not too noisy.
Speed
The speed of a fan is basically measured by how many revolutions it makes in a minute. The unit for this measurement is RPM. It is pretty simple, the higher the revolutions a fan makes in a minute, the higher the speed of a fan is. However, one thing to keep in mind is that fans that function at a higher speed tend to produce more noise.
Power Consumption
Another important feature to consider is power consumption. Needless to say, fans that use up the minimum amount of energy are more preferred than those that use a lot. However, power consumption must be compared to the speed of the fan to determine whether it saves energy or not.
Review of the Best Radiator Fans
It is finally time to start with the most awaited part of the round-up, which is the reviews for the best radiator fans. In this section, we will be taking a look at each of the fans in detail. The reviews will focus on different aspects and features of the fans. So, let’s get this show on the road!
Best Overall:
Cooler Master MegaFlow 200
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Reviews for this fan are mostly positive. The general performance has been praised by many reviewers. It has been titled as a quiet and high volume fan. That said, there have also been a few reviews that criticized the build quality. However, that didn’t appear to be really a deal-breaker.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This is a decent fan in all aspects. It does well performance-wise, and it has a nice appearance as well. It is capable of moving a high volume of air and that too, without making a lot of noise. Moreover, the programming is such that it is simply shut off when it is overburdened instead of just burning out.
Who Will Use This Most
Since this is a bit bigger than your average fan, it can pull a high volume of air. This means it can cool more efficiently and is suitable for PCs that are heavy-duty. PCs with strong GPUs will also benefit from it as they tend to produce more heat.
Bottom Line
For those looking for a radiator fan that is not only quiet but can move a high volume of air, this one is a good option. It has a quiet function and has an airflow of 110 CFM. It functions very well and is certainly worthy of being included in this roundup.
Best for the Money:
Thermaltake CL-F039-PL14BU-A Blue
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
A majority of the reviews are in favor of this fan. Almost every aspect has been praised from its performance to its appearance. Many of the buyers just love how great it looks when it is completely set up. In addition to that, it works well and gives desirable results.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The short answer to this question is that the fan offers a great deal. It works like any high-quality fans, and it has got the looks too. In addition to that, it is pretty quiet, especially when set on the lower settings. It does not fall short in the design department, either.
Who Will Use This Most
The target audience for this fan would be those who are looking for a quality fan on a budget. Considering all the features it has to offer, it is a very attractive investment. It would be a great choice for someone who has just started to make their own PC.
Bottom Line
If you want to invest in a fan that provides quality but you are not in the mood to spend a lot, then you should consider this radiator fan by Thermaltake. It works well and has a great design to go with its great performance.
3. be quiet! Silent Wings 3 (BL070)
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Reviews for this fan are largely positive. Buyers have given it a high rating in regards to its performance and design. There have been some reviews that have complained about the noise level; however, the performance still has been praised.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The reason this fan has ended up on our round-up is that it is a well-rounded fan. It does well in many areas, for example, the airflow and the cooling. The 7 blades help a lot with the airflow, and the motor of the fan helps a lot to reduce power consumption.
Who Will Use This Most
Since it is a well-rounded fan, it can be utilized by many users. Considering the features it has to offer, we can safely say that it is an affordable fan; therefore, buyers who do not want to spend a lot may also use this fan.
Bottom Line
All in all, it is a very well-designed fan. It has adequate airflow, and according to most buyers, it has a quiet performance as well. The design helps to reduce power consumption as well. Apart from that, it has a chic look.
4. Noctua NF-A14 FLX
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
It can be said without exaggerations that buyers find it difficult to fault this fan. The reviews for it are overwhelmingly positive. A lot of buyers love the unique appearance of the fan, coupled with the fact that it can work so well.
Why it Stands Out to Us
After reviewing the specifications of this fan, we could not leave it out of our roundup. It offers a lot of features. It is reliable, and the SSO2 bearings make durable and provide the fan with more precision as well.
Who Will Use This Most
Given its features, this fan would appeal to a lot of users looking for a radiator fan. The specs related to cooling are pretty good, so it would be a good investment, regardless of the type of PC being built. It is unique in appearance as well, so it would attract buyers who value such qualities in a fan.
Bottom Line
Overall, there are no major flaws associated with this fan. Yes, there have been a few complaints about the noise levels; however, that is not a common complaint. In addition to that, it serves its primary purpose very well, which earns it an edge.
5. Corsair Air Series SP120 PWM
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Judging by recent reviews, this fan does really well with the buyers. For most, the noise levels of this fan are not a problem. The reviews further detail that it is easy to install and works like a charm once you get it up and running.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The specifications of this fan are pretty eye-catching. It has an airflow of 62.74 CFM alongside the 4 PIN PWM support, which gives more control over the speed of the fan. In addition to that, the manufacturers have taken many precautions with the design to ensure that the noise is reduced as much as possible.
Who Will Use This Most
This is a great fan that can be used for any computer system. Its general specifications are such that it will work with moderate to even heavy-duty PC systems. It will keep the system cool and safe from damage.
Bottom Line
Wrapping things up, this fan is a good option for anyone in general. It is considerably quieter, even though it cannot exactly be labeled as the quietest. Moreover, it is easy to install, and there are not many complications related to the design, either.
Aspects to Consider Before Buying
Earlier on, we discussed certain features you should look out for when buying a radiator fan. Well, this section is like an extension of that. In this section, we will discuss a few aspects you should consider before buying a radiator fan.
Design
The overall design of the fan can matter a lot. This has a lot to with the sturdiness and the durability of the fan. It is better if it has some sort of anti-vibration casing or something similar. This will help to reduce vibrations and increase durability.
Air Flow
The airflow or the CFM of the fan is also important to consider. Well, things like speed and power consumption and the airflow have a direct effect on how efficiently the fan cools. It is best if the model you opt for has a high airflow.
Life Span
Another important detail to remember is the lifespan of a fan. Usually, the best fans will have a longer lifespan and will have less of a chance of burning out. Fans mentioned in this review have lifespans that go up to 300,000 hours.
Cautious Considerations to Keep in Mind
Before we wind up the roundup for good, it is important to look at a few things you should be cautious of when investing in a radiator fan. Let’s see what these considerations are.
Authenticity
When you finally decide on which fan to buy, make sure that your retailer is giving you the original product. There have many cases where buyers were given refurbished or even rip-offs. Therefore, it is better to be safe than sorry. Make sure that the product you receive is brand new. Plus, brand new fans will function much better than second hand or refurbished ones. They will last you longer, and the warranty offered by the manufacturer will apply to it as well.
Warranty
Be sure to check out if the manufacturer you are buying from offers a warranty. A warranty will help you a lot in case you end up needing a replacement or if you need to get your fan repaired. It can help in cutting down the extra costs and help you out with any problems that you may be facing regarding your fan. However, do read through the conditions of the warranty as they hold some very important details.
Conclusion
With this, we bring our roundup to a close. We hope this guide was comprehensive and helped you out with finding the perfect radiator fan for your system. In the end, you just need to be cautious of a few things and always make sure to opt for a fan that provides you with efficient cooling as that is the main purpose!
Share to Pinterest
