Best Case Fans | 50 Fans Reviewed & Sorted By Category

If you want to ensure your PC components don’t overheat, you have to pick the most ideal case fans according to your budget.

But choosing an ideal case fan is easier said than done. You have to keep in mind the airflow, speed, static pressure, and whatnot about a case fan before you can make a purchase decision. So to help you out, we’ve compiled the best PC case fans that are most suitable for you.

TL;DR- go for Noctua NF S12B or Corsair ML120 ARGB, as these are the most suitable choices for any PC case.

Anyway, let’s dive into this article to check the best case fans available in the market right now.

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Best Case Fans of 2023 (Winners)

Considering every aspect, here are the best case fans for each of the choice categories:

Model	Winning Category	Fan Speed
Noctua NF S12B	Best Overall	400-1200±10%RPM
Corsair ML120 RGB	RGB	450 – 2000±10%RPM
Noctua NF F12 iPPC-3000	High Airflow	3000 ±10%RPM
Noctua NF-A14 iPPC-3000	Static Pressure	3000±10%RPM
be quiet! SILENT WINGS 3	Quiet/Silent	1000 ±10%RPM
Thermaltake Riing Trio 200mm	Best 200mm Fan	1000±10%RPM
EVERCOOL Brushless 50mm	Best 50 mm Fan	6000±10%RPM

Our Editor’s Choice: Noctua NF-S12B redux-1200

The NF-S12B redux-1200 is a well-balanced offering from Noctua that comes with an incredible performance at a budget-friendly price tag, minus the RGB lighting.

REASONS TO BUY

»Excellent cooling performance.
»Comparatively cheaper than high-end case fans.
»Great build quality and aesthetically pleasing design.

REASONS TO AVOID

»No RGB.

What We Liked Most About It

If you’re familiar with third-party case fans, you’ve surely heard of Noctua. The brand is very well-received among PC enthusiasts for its effective and long-lasting cooling solutions. But one thing that many users don’t like about Noctua’s case fans is its khaki and mud color scheme.

The redux lineup finally rectified this issue with the grey and black look that goes very well for white or black PC builds alike.

And when we put the fan through extended testing against various other case fans, the NF-S12B redux 1200 PWM came out as a clear winner. The self-stabilizing oil-pressure bearing not only provides quiet operation but also allows great airflow even at medium speed.

What We Didn’t Like

To be honest, there isn’t much that we didn’t like about the Noctua NF-S12B 1200 PWM. But it’d be nice to see some addressable RGB lighting on the fan.

Verdict

Simple, affordable, offers good airflow, and remains very quiet; what else can you expect from a case fan?

Despite not having fancy schmancy RGB lighting, the Noctua NF-S12B’s greater price-to-performance ratio and build quality make it the overall best PC case fan that is also easy to recommend.

If you’re a Noctua fan(no pun intended), you should check out our list of the best Noctua coolers.

9 Best RGB Case Fans for Gaming PC Lighting

RGB case fans are the best-looking case fans with RGB illuminating parts on their body. This has become a trend now to have RGB PC case fans. These fans can adorn your computer and give your desk setup a gorgeous look.

But you shouldn’t just log into Amazon and buy whatever RGB case fan you can find.

So, here are our top picks for best RGB fans based on their better RGB illumination and performance:

Fan Name	Fan Speed	Air Flow	Static Pressure	Noise Level
Corsair ML120 RGB	450-2000±10%RPM	58.1 CFM	2.9mm-H2O	30 dBA
Thermaltake Swafan Ex 12 RGB	500-2000±10%RPM	57 CFM	2.39mm-H2O	30.6 dBA
Lian Li Uni Fan Infinity Mirror ARGB	0-2100±10%RPM	61.3 CFM	2.66mm-H2O	29 dBA
Cooler Master Mobius 120P ARGB	0-2400±10%RPM	75.2 CFM	3.63mm-H2O	30 dBA
Corsair LL120 RGB	600-1500±10%RPM	43.25 CFM	1.61mm-H2O	24.8 dBA
Thermaltake Riing Trio 120 RGB>	500-1500±10%RPM	41.13 CFM	1.4mm-H2O	25.2 dBA

What’s an RGB Case Fan?

RGB computer fans are colorful lighting fans that you can mount in your computer for cooling your PC or the radiators.

These fans look stunning when your PC is powered on. You can also set various effects to make the lighting colors more interesting. Furthermore, RGB stands for Red, Green & Blue. These are the basic colors that can mix to create several other colors.

So, does RGB in a case fan mean these fans are going to light in multiple colors? Yes, they will, and you will be amazed to know that the RGB case fans are able to show about 16 million colors.

There are some fans that come with addressable RGB LEDs. These fans are known as ARGB fans.

Each of these LEDs can show a different color from the other simultaneously. These ARGB case fans can also make the gorgeous rainbow effect. We will also be mentioning those ARGB fans in this article as well.

We’ve also got an extended article on the best RGB AIO coolers, so do check it out.

Anyway, here are the Best RGB Case Fans with their review:

1. Corsair ML120 RGB Elite

Specification
Max. Fan Speed: 2000RPM | Noise Level: 30dBA | Air Flow Capacity: 58.1CFM | Static Pressure: 2.9mm-H2O | Dimension: 4.72″L x 4.72″W x 0.98″H

The Corsair ML120 RGB Elite is our top pick for the best RGB case fan on the current market. And why wouldn’t it be? It has magnetic levitation bearing that drastically reduces friction which not only offers greater cooling performance & longevity but also produces very low fan noise.

Not to mention, the PWM-controlled fan speeds and the RGB lighting are fully customizable and can be synced with other RGB components via the iCUE software. Since it’s a 2.90mm-H2O high static pressure fan, it is very suitable for high-end PCs.

It might be a bit on the costly side, but pretty much every RGB case fan costs a lot compared to its non-RGB brethren.

So if you want uncompromised performance and eye-catching RGB implementation with long-lasting durability, then the Corsair ML120 RGB Elite is the best choice.

2. Thermaltake Swafan EX 12

Specification
Max. Fan Speed: 2000RPM | Noise Level: 30.6dBA | Air Flow Capacity: 57CFM | Static Pressure: 2.39mm-H2O | Dimension: 7.99 x 7.91 x 5.39 inches

When I saw the “Don’t turn your back on RGB ever again” statement on Thermaltake’s website for their Swafan EX 12 models, my expectations for this case fan got pretty high. And boy, did they deliver on their promise!

The Thermaltake Swafan EX 12 is probably the nicest and brightest RGB case fan to date. Although the performance fell a bit short compared to ML120, it still managed to deliver top-notch cooling, thanks to the hydraulic bearing PWM fans with up to 2000 RPM speed.

What I liked most about these fans is that each fan has built-in magnets for easily daisy-chaining them. Simply put them next to each other(with the correct orientation for the connectors) and snap!

Such special features and well-done RGB implementation made this swappable Swafan EX 12 our second best pick for the best RGB case fan.

3. Lian Li Uni Fan 120 Infinity Mirror ARGB

Specification
Max. Fan Speed: 2100RPM | Noise Level: 29dBA | Air Flow Capacity: 61CFM | Static Pressure: 2.66mm-H2O | Dimension: 6.69″L x 5.24″W x 1.5″H

Lian Li’s Uni Fan SL-Infinity 120 is an easy choice for gaming PCs that needs a bit of RGB flare. Its clutter-free daisy chained design allows easy installation, and the high CFM low noise fan has PWM support for user-defined fan speed.

But what sets this fan apart from other case fans is the infinity mirrors both at the side and at the center of the fan. Combine that with a glow fan that boasts addressable RGB, and you’ve got the most beautiful RGB fan that money can buy.

I can assure you; these fans’ modular design, excellent airflow, decent noise levels, and amazing build quality won’t disappoint you no matter in which case you put them.

4. Cooler Master Morbius 120P ARGB

Specification
Max. Fan Speed: 2400RPM | Noise Level: 30dBA | Air Flow Capacity: 75.2CFM | Static Pressure: 3.63mm-H2O | Dimension: 8.15 x 5.12 x 1.14 inches

With the ring blade design and the loop dynamic bearing fans, Cooler Master has yet again released an excellent performer with their Morbius 120P ARGB PWM case fans.

With an incredibly high airflow and PWM-supported fans for user-defined RPM, this case fan is very easy to recommend, even for overclocked high-end PCs. Not to mention, the ring blade design offers silent operation and eliminates vibration.

Overall, Morbius 120P ARGB is a much more balanced case fan with amazing Gen 2 ARGB lighting and a long-lasting design.

5. Corsair LL120 RGB

Specification
Max. Fan Speed: 1500RPM | Noise Level: 24.8dBA | Air Flow Capacity: 43.25CFM | Static Pressure: 1.61mm-H2O | Dimension: 4.72″L x 0.98″W x 0.39″H

When it comes to the matter of RGB, Corsair always nails it. Corsair’s LL series RGB case are the best-looking fan with dual loops of RGB illumination. You can control the RGB lighting of these fans with the Corsair Link software. And we all know how good this app is.

These fans are also among the best-performing RGB fans, and that’s why you can undoubtedly buy them.

Corsair LL series fans have 120mm and 140mm versions, and they are a little bit pricey. But if you buy the package of 3 fans, then you will surely save some bucks. And the best thing is:

The 3 fans pack comes with an RGB HUB and Corsair lighting Node PRO.

6. Thermaltake Riing Trio 120 RGB

Specification
Max. Fan Speed: 1500RPM | Noise Level: 25.2dBA | Air Flow Capacity: 41.13CFM | Static Pressure: 1.4mm-H2O | Dimension: 4.72″L x 4.72″W x 0.98″H

Thermaltake Riing Trio RGB series fans are the most premium fans among all Thermaltake fans. These fans are from the TT premium edition, and their build quality is very impressive.

The RGB illumination is the same as the Corsair LL series with dual LED illumination. But these fans are brighter and better looking. The rubber padding attached to the mounting hole also gives a premium touch to these fans.

RGB lighting of these fans can be controlled by TT RGB PLUS Software and Razer Synapse 3. You can also control it by using Amazon Alexa Voice Service. Yes, this is the only fan to do this kind of cool thing.

7. NZXT Aer RGB 2-120mm

Specification
Max. Fan Speed: 1800RPM | Noise Level: 33dBA | Air Flow Capacity: 52.44CFM | Static Pressure: 1.35mm-H2O | Dimension: 6.92″L x 1.33″W x 4.96″H

NZXT fans are always good performing fans, and the Aer RGB fans are the same. This is the only fan in this list that comes with a Fluid Dynamic Bearing.

These RGB fans have a thing with ring-like shape for RGB illumination, and these fans can provide an airflow of 52.44 CFM at 1800RPM speed which is pretty impressive. You can control these RGB lighting with the NZXT Hue+.

If performance and longevity are your top priority, then I recommend getting these ones.

8. Cooler Master Fan MF 120R ARGB

Specification
Max. Fan Speed: 2000RPM | Noise Level: 31dBA | Air Flow Capacity: 59CFM | Static Pressure: 2.14mm-H2O | Dimension: 5.1″L x 1.1″W x 8.2″H

Cooler Master’s MF 120R ARGB is one of the most affordable ARGB fans out there in the market. But it doesn’t make any compromises in case of performance. These fans are compatible with almost any motherboard’s RGB lighting app.

MF120R can also have a max speed of 2000RPM and 2.14mm-H2O static pressure, which is really good. So, if you are looking for an RGB high static pressure fan, you can put this fan on your shortlist.

9. Deepcool CF 120

Specification
Max. Fan Speed: 1800RPM | Noise Level: 28.8dBA | Air Flow Capacity: 52.5CFM | Static Pressure: 1.63mm-H2O | Dimension: 4.72 x 4.72 x 0.98 inches

Deepcool CF120 RGB fans are pretty affordable yet attractive RGb fans.

I personally used these fans as they sync very nicely with my ASUS Aura sync-compatible motherboard. These fans have Addressable RGB LEDs around their high-quality bearings. So, the light spreads from the middle to the semi-transparent fan blades.

Although these fans can run a max 1500RPM speed, they are pretty quiet. Furthermore, if you don’t need that much speed, you can set them to 500RPM, which will create only 17.8 dBA of noise.

Things to Know Before Buying an RGB Case Fan

The RGB lighting of the fans is controlled either by software or a controller. So you will need to know the software compatibility of the fans before buying them. Otherwise, you won’t be able to set effects or change their lighting colors.
Check for the LED numbers before buying an RGB fan. The more the number of LEDs, the brighter and better your RGB case fans will look.
Case fans are a very important factor in cooling your PC, and PC cooling is one of the most important parts when you care about the overall performance. So be sure to choose the appropriate RGB case fan by going through their performance-related specifications, like airflow, static pressure, etc.
Check if the fan is RGB or ARGB before buying it. ARGB fans can do all sorts of lighting effects as their LEDs are addressable.
If you are already using an RGB fan, then be sure to buy the new RGB case fan that can be synced with the same software.

If you’re an AURA Sync admirer like me, here are the best AURA Sync compatible RGB case fans.

Top 5 High Airflow Case Fans for PC Cooling

High airflow is one of the most expected features of any case fan. So, it’s very important to have at least a few high airflow case fans inside your PC case. These sorts of fans can improve the ventilation, which will ultimately result in enhancing the overall performance of your PC.

The list of these case fans includes the highest airflow-providing case fans.

So here are the top 5 best high airflow or high CFM case fans with their review:

Fan Name	Max Fan Speed	Air Flow	Static Pressure	Noise Level
Noctua NF F12 iPPC-3000	3000 ±10%RPM	109.88 CFM	7.63mm-H2O	43.5 dBA
Cooler Master JetFlo 120	2000 ±10%RPM	95 CFM	2.72mm-H2O	36 dBA
Thermaltake Toughfan Turbo 12	2500 ±10%RPM	72.69 CFM	3.78mm-H2O	28.1 dBA
NZXT Aer P 140	1800 ±10%RPM	93.17 CFM	2.71mm-H2O	38 dBA
Cooler Master MF200R ARGB	2200 ±10%RPM	90 CFM	0.88mm-H2O	28 dBA

1. Noctua NF F12 iPPC-3000

Noctua fans are the best in the market right now for their awesome performance. Their Noctua NF F12 Industrial PPC-3000 fans are the highest airflow-providing fans available now. These fans can provide up to 109.88 CFM airflow at an insane 3000RPM speed.

Yes, it’s a bit noisy. It creates 43.5 dBA noise at its highest speed. But this fan is one of the best Static Pressure case fans, as it can deliver up to 7.63 mmH2O static pressure.

These fans are minimal looking and perform the best in any type of PC case. So, if you want some LED lighting in the case fans, the next one might be a good option.

2. Cooler Master JetFlo 120

Cooler Master’s Jetflo series is special for high fan speed and great airflow as these fans can deliver 2.72 mmH2O static pressure and can speed up to 2000RPM. This helps them to make an airflow of insane 95CFM.

One thing to note is that there are 4 variants. Three of them have white, red, or blue color LEDs, and the other version doesn’t have any lighting. The max noise created by these fans is 36 dBA, which is the one downside of this otherwise amazing case fan.

3. Thermaltake ToughFan 12 Turbo

Instead of focusing on RGB lighting, Thermaltake went all out on their Toughfan 12 Turbo to make sure that it gives an impressive airflow at max speed.

Yes, it’s mainly a high static pressure fan with 3.78mm-H2O, its 72.69 CFM and 2500RPM high-speed fan makes it a suitable candidate for best high airflow fans as well, especially for confined spaces.

Additionally, the Gen 2 hydraulic bearing makes this fan impressively faster and quieter. Overall it’s a no-brainer if you’re shopping for a high airflow+pressure fan for your gaming/productivity-focused PC.

4. NZXT Aer P 140

NZXT always makes minimal-looking products, and their Aer P 140 series fans are no different. These fans can provide 93.17 CFM airflow at 1800 RPM speed. Sleeved cables and vibration dampers are provided in the box.

The 2.71 mmH20 static pressure of these fans allows them to be used for cooling any sort of radiator and heat sink. These fans have an RGB variant as well as a 120mm version with different stats.

The only annoying thing about this case fan is this fan is noisy at max speed, which creates 38dBA noise.

5. Cooler Master MF200R ARGB

In general, 200mm fans are great choices when you want a ton of airflow and quiet operation. And with 90 CFM and 2200 RPM fans, the Cooler Master MF200R ARGB aims to deliver just that.

This large 200m fan with its flashy ARGB lighting is sure to deliver a cool look and performance while staying quiet(28 dBA). Furthermore, it has included sensors to detect any fan jam.

It might not be the cheapest or best high-airflow fan, but the MF200R is still a pretty sweet deal overall.

Why Buy a High Airflow Case Fan?

High Airflow case fans can create a well-ventilated environment inside your PC case, which results in making an overall good cooling system. Although, you’d also need a PC case with good airflow. Now you might ask:

How to know if a case fan has High Airflow?

In the specifications of a case fan, you will find a section of airflow with the unit CFM. The more its value is, the more airflow it will provide. FYI, CFM stands for cubic feet per minute. It’s a unit for measuring airflow.

Things to Know Before Buying a High Airflow Case Fan

High Airflow fans create a lot of noise at max speed. If you are buying one of these fans, ensure you have a sound-resisting case.
High airflow doesn’t fulfill all the expectations. So be sure to check all the specifications of these fans before buying them.

You should also learn how to optimize your PC’s airflow so that you don’t run into overheating issues.

Top 9 High Static Pressure Case Fans

In case you didn’t know, Static pressure fans are case fans that are made to push the air toward a specific direction with a great amount of force. The unit of measurement for static pressure is mmH2O. Simply, the more its value, the more static pressure a fan has.

Now you might ask:

What is the difference between a high static pressure fan and a high airflow fan?

A high airflow fan only provides a high airflow in spacious surroundings, whereas a high static pressure fan’s task is to push the air with a high force when it’s in a closed environment.

Last but not least, why get a static pressure fan?

Well, the main purpose of using high static pressure fans is to cool the heatsinks and radiator in a PC. The more static pressure case fans can provide, the more they will cool down the radiators and heatsinks.

This type of fan is not required for general airflow inside the PC. So, people don’t use it in the front panel as air intake fans or as exhaust fans. People use this type of fan to replace a CPU fan with a case fan.

These listed high static pressure fans are the most performant and suitable options that money can buy right now.

Fan Name	Fan Speed	Air Flow	Static Pressure	Noise Level
Noctua NF-A14 iPPC-3000	3000±10%RPM	158.5 CFM	6.58mm-H2O	41.3 dBA
Noctua NF-F12 industrialPPC-3000	3000±10%RPM	109.88 CFM	7.63mm-H2O	43.5 dBA
ARCTIC P12	1800±10%RPM	56.3 CFM	2.2mm-H2O	28 dBA
Corsair Air Series SP120	2350±10%RPM	62.74 CFM	3.1mm-H2O	35 dBA
Thermaltake TOUGUFAN 12 Pro	2000±10%RPM	70.8 CFM	3.19mm-H2O	22.6 dBA

Additionally, here are the top 9 best static pressure fans with their review:

1. Noctua NF-A14 iPPC-3000

The Noctua NF-A14 iPPC-3000 fan is kept at number one as it’s currently the best-performing pressure-optimized fan that has the highest static pressure. It has an insane static pressure capacity of 10.52 mmH2O.

Some people may not like the color of these fans, but to those who like performance more than looks, this is the fan to go. People even custom color these fans at home, but that’s a personal choice.

A noteworthy aspect of this fan is the IP52 certified dust and water resistant.

If you want to know more about this fan, it only comes at 140mm with an SSO2 type bearing, allowing it to run at 3000RPM. The airflow is also high, around 158.5CFM.

The only complaint I have about this fan is the noise level. At max speed, it got a bit loud at 41.3 dBA. Thankfully you can customize the fan speed via a PWM controller for an optimal noise level.

2. Noctua NF-F12 industrialPPC-3000

This fan is actually the 120mm version of the Noctua NF-A14 iPPC-3000 fan. So, they are similar in every aspect except the fan size and the static pressure. Due to the smaller size, the static pressure and airflow of this fan is 7.63mm-H2O and 109.88 CFM respectively.

3. ARCTIC P12

ARCTIC P12 might not be the best static pressure fan, but it’s budget-friendly price tag makes it an appealing option. Coming in at around 8 bucks, this fan is incredibly cheaper than other static pressure fans, which can cost you up to 25-30 dollars a piece.

Don’t be fooled by the lower price tag and specification; as a static pressure fan, the ARCTIC P12 is just as capable as any other top-performing fan on the market. It also runs very quietly, at around 22 dBA.

Furthermore, you can daisy chain these fans together without the need for fan splitters.

4. Noctua NF-A14 iPPC-2000 4.18 mmH2O

Noctua NF-A14 iPPC-2000 is the 2000 RPM version of the first fan we have discussed here. Although it’s a bit cheaper and the fan speed is a little less noisy. The static pressure is 4.18mm-H2O which is also good.

5. Noctua NF-F12 industrialPPC-2000 3.94 mmH2O

Noctua NF-F12 industrialPPC-2000 is the 2000RPM version of the second fan we have discussed in this segment. So all of their specs are the same except the fan speed, airflow, and static pressure capacity.

This 120mm fan provides a good amount of static pressure. It’s around 3.94 mmH2O. This fan is also IP52 certified.

People usually buy this fan as it’s a great static pressure fan with less noise than the higher static pressure providing fans.

In case you’re confused about these fans, check out our discussion on whether Noctua fans are worth it or not.

6. Corsair Air Series SP120

Corsair Air Series SP120 is another great high-end fan having 3.1 mmH2O static pressure.

These fans come with red, blue, and white rings for a good look. These fans come with hydraulic bearings, which allow them to have a 2350RPM high fan speed and 62.74 CFM airflow. This fan has a noise level of 25 dBA.

7. Thermaltake TOUGHFAN 12 Pro

A list of best case fans remains unfinished if there’s no Thermaltake option. Their TOUGHFAN 12 Pro is undoubtedly a top dog when it comes to the best static pressure fans.

With a 3.19mm-H2O static pressure capacity and hydraulic bearing fans, Thermaltake made sure that its performance didn’t disappoint the PC enthusiast. They also provide 5 years warranty, so you don’t have to worry about longevity.

Although it’s a top runner, some PC goers might be disappointed as it doesn’t come with any fancy lighting.

8. Corsair ML140 PRO 3.0 mmH2O

With magnetic levitation bearings and 3mm-H2O static pressure, the Corsair ML120 Pro sits comfortably in the best static pressure PC case fan list. It doesn’t have adjustable PWM fan control, but the 1600RPM fans provide adequate performance for mid to high-end PCs.

Sadly, it costs a bit more, and there are better static pressure case fans at a lower price tag in the market.

9. NZXT Aer P 120mm Fan 2.93 mmH2O

If you are an NZXT fan like me, then this fan is for you. The NZXT Aer P 120mm is a great fan with 2.93 mmH2O high static pressure. The Bearing is also a good one. It comes with a Fluid Dynamic Bearing that allows it to run at 2000RPM without making much noise.

The airflow is 73.11CFM, and the noise level is only 36dBA. In the end, this fan is a great choice if you are building a full NZXT setup.

Top 8 Quiet Case Fans For A Silent PC

Silent fans are the best for a workstation PC. If loud noise annoys you during important tasks, then these fans will be best suited for you. But you shouldn’t be compromising any other important features of a case fan for making it quiet.

In this regard, our list of top quiet case fans will be very helpful for you.

Fan Name	Fan Speed	Air Flow	Static Pressure	Noise Level
Cooler Master Silencio FP 120	1400 ±10%RPM	44 CFM	1.69 mmH2O	14 dBA
be quiet! SILENT WINGS 4	1600 ±10%RPM	48.7 CFM	1.79mm-H2O	18.9 dBA
Noctua NF-A14 ULN	800 ±10%RPM	47 CFM	0.69 mmH2O	11.9 dBA
Noctua NF-S12A	1200 ±10%RPM	63.27 CFM	1.19 mmH2O	17.8 dBA
Scythe Kaze Flex 120	800 ±10%RPM	43 CFM	0.49 mmH2O	14.5 dBA

What is a Quiet Case Fan?

Quiet PC case fans are the ones that create negligible noise to make your system quieter and less distracting.

These quiet fans are made in such a way that they will perform well but silently. These sorts of fans can be very helpful for working in a noiseless environment as it doesn’t create any distractions while working.

Now you might ask: How can you know if a case fan is silent or not?

Well, you can check the specifications of the fans to check if they are silent or not. In the specification of any fan, there will be a property called Noise level. The lower its value, the quieter it will be, and vice versa.

While checking the noise level, you’ll come across the term dBA. It stands for Decibels. It is a unit for measuring sound or noise. Simply, the more dBA sound a fan creates at its highest speed, the more noisy it gets.

The noise level of a fan can also be shown in sones, which is another unit of measurement for audio/noise.

Now, the main question is: How can I know the loudness of a noise level from its value?

To help you out, here are some examples from the real world about how loud these ranges of noise levels are:

0 dBA = Threshold of Human Hearing (You won’t hear any sound).
10 dBA = Breathing, heartbeat (Barely Audible).
20 dBA = Leaves rustling and whispering sound.
30 dBA = sound of rural area or a quiet room.
40 dBA = raining sound.
50 dBA = people’s conversation at normal tone.
60-70 dBA = sound at markets.

Things to Know Before Buying a Quiet Case Fan

Here are some of the important aspects you need to keep in mind before buying quiet case fans:

The first thing to do before buying a quiet case fan is to know the highest noise level which seems to be suitable for you. It really differs from person to person. So be sure to check it out.
A case fan can be silent at lower speeds. but it hinders the cooling performance. So, don’t compromise your fan’s other specs for making it quiet. There are good quiet fans that provide great airflow and static pressures while remaining silent.
Some fans also come with rubber padding, which makes the fans more silent by reducing the rattling sounds. So a premium built quality is always better for making the fans more silent.

Speaking of noises, if you’re hearing loud/rattling noises from your PC, here’s the solution on how to fix noisy/rattling PC fans.

Now, before we get into the reviews, my list of silent case fans is made based on the lower noise levels and better performance of the case fans. Anyway, here are the quietest case fans for a silent PC with their reviews:

1. Cooler Master Silencio FP 120

In one sentence, this is the most silent fan available in the market. Cooler Master Silencio FP 120mm creates only 14dBA noise at high speed of 1400RPM. And this is made possible only by its well-built and high-quality Loop Dynamic Bearing.

The static pressure provided by this fan is 1.69 mmH2O which is great for cooling any radiator or heatsink. The bearing of this fan is dustproof, so that’s another advantage of using this fan. Though, the fan would be more silent if it had some rubber padding.

2. be quiet! SILENT WINGS 4

be quiet! are one of the best when it comes to the matter of silent PC components and accessories. The Silent Wings is their signature product lineup for making your PC quiet. This 120mm fan can run at a max of 1600RPM at only 18.9 dBA noise which is actually very silent.

Silent Wings 4 fan comes with a fluid dynamic bearing and anti-vibration mount to make it more durable and silent too. The airflow provided by this fan is 48.7 CFM, which is also sufficient for most systems.

Additionally, this fan can create 1.79mm-H2O static pressure, which is quite high for a silent fan. So you can also use it as a very silent high static pressure fan.

3. Noctua NF-A14 ULN

If you’re familiar with DIY PC, you’ve surely heard about Noctua as they’re a very well known brand for their cooling solutions. Similar to their high-end case fans, Noctua’s silent fans are also incredibly well-built and well-performing.

Despite being 140mm, NF-A14 ULN is the quietest case fan in this list, making only 11.9 dBA fan noise.

Furthermore, due to being 140mm, it offers decent airflow at only 800 RPM, which is its max speed. But its static pressure is very low, so these aren’t suitable for radiators or heatsinks.

4. Noctua NF-S12A

As I have mentioned before, Noctua fans are the performance beast in the PC cooling sector. This NF-S12A fan has a max noise level of 17.8 dBA, which is decently silent. But it doesn’t make any comprises in case of its performance.

This fan can run at 1200 RPM and provide an airflow of 63.27 CFM. The static pressure provided by this fan is 1.19 mmH2O which is also better than most other silent fans.

All of these good features can be achieved from this fan for Noctua’s unique SSO2 Bearing. Personally, I still use these fans as they are both silent and well-performing. Hence, I’d recommend you get these fans as well.

5. Scythe Kaze Flex 120 Case Fan

Scythe Kaze Flex 120mm is the third most silent case fan in this list as its max noise level is only 14.5 dBA. Believe me, you won’t be able to hear this noise if they are mounted inside your PC case.

These fans run at a max 800RPM, which is decent for most use cases. So you can easily use these fans in a well-ventilated case for good airflow.

But keep in mind that this fan is not good for cooling the heat sinks and radiators as their static pressure is only 0.49mmH2O.

6. Fractal Design Silent Series R3 120

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Fractal Design is creating some awesome case fans from the beginning. The R3 from their silent series fans is a very quiet fan. These fans can run at a max 1200 RPM while making a noise level of only 20.5 dBA, which is very silent.

Airflow from these fans is 46.5CFM which is also good for ventilation inside the PC cases. But I won’t recommend you to get this fan for cooling your radiator and heat sinks as it delivers less static pressure.

These fans also come with hydraulic bearings and are pretty decent-looking+ affordable.

7. Corsair Air Series AF120 Quiet Edition

Corsair’s Air Series is well known for their high speed and incredibly low noise. The AF120 Quiet Edition case fan comes with hydraulic bearings and can provide 39.88 CFM airflow. And despite running at 1100 RPM, these fans only produce 21 dBA fan noise.

These fans are of premium build quality, and there are 4 variants of these fans, having blue, red, white, and black color rings around the frame. The most impressive thing is that these fans also have anti-vibration rubber pads on mounting spots like the pricey ones.

8. Thermaltake Luna Silent LED

If you are looking for a silent fan with some LED light, then Thermaltake’s Luna LED Series fans are a good option for you. These fans are pretty decent looking, with a max noise level of 20.7 dBA.

These fans have blue, white, and red led lighting too. So if you want to light up the interior part of your PC case, this fan will help you out. Rest assured, you will be happy to know that these affordable fans have really good airflow. At 1000RPM speed, it can deliver 50.44CFM airflow.

Till now, most of the above-listed fans are 120mm or 140mm. So, to clear any confusion, here’s our in-depth comparison between 120mm and 140mm fans. We’ve also discussed which fan size should you choose, so do check it out.

9 Best 200mm Case Fans For Tower & Cube PCs

200mm case fans are obviously the best-sized case fans if your PC case has the feature of mounting 200mm fans. These fans provide excellent airflow for their bigger-sized fan blades.

What’s surprising is that installing a single 200mm case fan sometimes offers better cooling performance and less power consumption than setting up multiple 120mm/140mm fans in a PC.

Here are my top 5 picks for the best 200mm case fans:

Fan Name	Fan Speed	Air Flow	Static Pressure	Noise Level
Thermaltake Riing Trio 200mm	1000±10%RPM	123.53 CFM	1.7mm-H2O	28 dBA
Cooler Master MF200R RGB	800±10%RPM	90 CFM	0.88mm-H2O	28 dBA
Thermaltake Riing Plus 20 RGB TT Premium Edition	1000±10%RPM	117.96 CFM	1.68mm-H2O	29.2 dBA
w noopener">Noctua NF-A20 Chromax Black	800±10%RPM	86.46 CFM	1.08mm-H2O	18.1 dBA
Thermaltake Pure 20 ARGB TT Premium	1000±10%RPM	129.54 CFM	1.72mm-H2O	31.2 dBA

What’s a 200mm Case Fan?

A 200mm case fans are the PC case fans that measure 200mm x 200mm (Length x Breadth). These fans are huge, but they look robust inside your PC.

Recently, these 200mm fans have found a great place in the market after the arrival of the new gaming cases. Now you might be thinking, why get a 200mm fan instead of multiple 120mm/140mm fans?

A single 200mm fan is better than multiple 120mm or 140mm fans because it will consume less power and supply more airflow due to its large fan blades.

Many people get confused about this matter, and they wonder if 200mm fans are worth buying. Yes, 200mm fans are worth the price as they cost less than the multiple expensive 120mm or 140mm fans, and they also provide better airflow.

But, What’s the advantage of using a 200mm case fan? Well, the main advantage of using a 200mm case fan is it saves your PC’s power without sacrificing the airflow.

In this write-up, my list of these 200mm fans is made based on their specs and performance. This list includes both RGB and Non-RGB fans. The first 6 fans are the RGB ones, and the last 3 are non-RGB fans.

So without further delay, here are the best 200mm case fans available on the market right now:

1. Thermaltake Riing Trio 200mm RGB Fan

The Thermaltake Riing Trio 200mm is the most fascinating RGB fan on the market. It has 60 addressable LEDs, which can show up to 16.8 million colors in different effects. There are LEDs arranged on the ring and the middle part of the fan to make it more gorgeous.

This huge fan comes with high-quality hydraulic bearings, which allows it to have an airflow of 123.54 CFM. Furthermore, the 11 fan blade rotates at a speed of max 1000RPM, which is really enough for a 200mm fan.

This fan is also pretty silent as the noise level at max speed is only 28 dB.

2. Cooler Master MF200R RGB

Cooler Master makes good fans, and their MF200R is no exception. The MF200R is an RGB fan that supports almost every light-controlling app, like Asus Aura Sync, Gigabyte RGB Fusion, ASRock Polychrome sync, and MSI Mystic Light app.

This fan comes with a rifle bearing which makes it a very long-lasting fan. This fan is also in comparison to most other 200mm fans.

3. Thermaltake Riing Plus 20 RGB TT Premium Edition

The Thermaltake Riing Plus 20 RGB TT Premium Edition is the only 200mm fan in the market right now that can be controlled by TT AI Voice Control app. Yes, it can change its colors according to what you say.

It’s also a high-performing case fan with 11 blades. The look of this RGB fan is beautified by the 24 Addressable LEDs. And this fan is also Aura sync compatible.

4. BitFenix Spectre Pro RGB 200mm Fan

The BitFenix Spectre Pro RGB 200mm is an amazing 200mm case fan in this list that comes with smooth Fluid Dynamic Bearings. This fan has beautiful RGB illuminations that support Aura Sync.

And the best part is that this fan also has a shield for protecting it, which I think is a plus point.

5. Thermaltake Pure 20 ARGB Fan TT Premium Edition

Thermaltake’s Pure Edition of RGB fans show colors all around the blades. This creates a great lighting effect and it looks brighter than the ring-type fans too. Personally, I really like this fan as it looks great behind a black color panel in some Thermaltake cases.

Like all other Thermaltake RGB fans, this one also comes with a hydraulic bearing that provides a silent operation. This fan has 9 high-quality addressable LEDs for showing 16.8 million colors on those 11 blades.

6. Iyoyo RGB Fans 200mm

Iyoy 200mm RGB fans are well seated among great performing fans. It comes with 36 LEDs on the body to illuminate it. This fan can provide 95 CFM airflow while running at 800RPM speed.

I have put this unpopular fan on this list for one reason only. It is one of the most silent 200mm fans. This fan’s noise level is only 27 dBA. And the interesting thing is that this fan also comes with a light-controlling remote.

7. Noctua NF-A20 Chromax Black

We all know, Noctua fan is the best when performance is your only priority. This Noctua fan has its classic SSO2 bearing, which allows the fan to speed up to 800RPM, providing an airflow of 86.46 CFM.

And the best thing is that this non-RGB fan is the quietest fan on this list. Its noise level is only 18.1 dBA. Another thing you need to know is that this fan has anti-vibration pads to have almost zero vibration or rattling noise.

8. AeroCool Silent Master 200mm

The AeroCool Silent Master 200mm Blue LED Cooling Fan is one of the cheapest but yet worth buying 200mm fan in this list.

The max speed of this fan is 800RPM which provides around 76 CFM airflow. And the noise level is also very low for such a big-sized fan. At its highest speed, it creates 18dBA noise only. The sleeve bearing of this fan is also good for long time usage.

9. Thermaltake 200mm Pure 20 Series Black

The Thermaltake Pure 20 case 200mm fan comes with a sleeve bearing instead of a hydraulic one. As a result, it provides a long-lasting and well-performing cooling solution for PC cases that require high airflow.

The fan has 800 RPM fan speed which can deliver an airflow of 129.64 CFM. The static pressure of this fan is 0.996mm-H2O, so it’s not really ideal for radiators.

This fan doesn’t have any RGB illumination but still looks very minimal and can be easily recommended for a simple PC setup.

9 Best 50mm and 70mm Fans for Case/Heatsinks

50mm and 70mm case fans are most suitable for smaller PC cases and Raspberry Pi PCs. These fans might not be the best-performing, but they provide enough cooling performance considering their compact size.

So you might as well check them out if you want to cool down your tiny PC.

Here’s our list of the 11 best 50mm and 70mm case fans:

Fan Name	Fan Speed	Air Flow	Static Pressure	Noise Level
EVERCOOL Brushless 50mm Fan	6000±10%RPM	16.5 CFM	1.6mm-H2O	29.9 dBA
GDSTIME 70mm Fan	3000±10%RPM	38 CFM	0.15mm-H2O	31 dBA
Apevia 70mm Case Fan	2200±10%RPM	19.7 CFM	1.58mm-H2O	20.2 dBA
StarTech 70mm Ball Bearing Replacement Fan	3500±10%RPM	21.33 CFM	1.07mm-H2O	34 dBA
Nexus 70mm Real Silent Fan	2400±10%RPM	21.1 CFM	1.4mm-H2O	19.8 dBA

1. EVERCOOL Brushless 50mm

The EVERCOOL Brushless 50mm Fan is a really good option for those who are looking for a powerful small fan. I have kept it at the top of my list as it has the highest fan speed, which is around 6000 RPM, along with high airflow(16.5 CFM) for such a small fan.

This fan has a dual ball bearing to make it last longer than other ones. The cooling performance of this fan is more than efficient due to its higher speed.

Although the noise level is on the higher side(30 dBA), buying this fan is worth the price for getting such incredible cooling performance from such a small form factor. And the good thing is that the connecting wire is 7 inches.

So, there won’t be any problem with connecting the fan to your PC. You can also connect this fan with a Molex connector, as it comes along with the fan packaging.

2. GDSTIME 70mm

The GDSTIME 50mm is a 12volt brushless fan with a speed of 3000RPM. This fan is mainly used for mini computers. It’s very suitable for the Raspberry Pi 2 and 3. The upside of this fan is it provides 38 CFM airflow, which is great as a cooling solution for small computers.

One thing to note is that this fan uses a 3-pin connector, and the length of the connecting wire is 9.84 inches. So, make sure whether you can adjust it with that wire or not by measuring your gear.

But the good thing is: This fan comes with a good quality sleeve bearing, and that’s why I’d recommend it for long time use.

There’s another version of this fan that has a speed limit of 5000 RPM, which is insane. But it will require a 12v source. The noise level in this version is almost the same as that of this one.

3. GDSTIME 5015 50mm Brushless 12V

Despite having a tab bit higher noise level, the GDSTIME 5015 500mm Brushless Fan is a top dog when it comes to providing a balanced cooling. It comes with a whopping 5000 RPM and 1.21mm-H2O static pressure.

So you can install them on pretty much any enclosed compact PC. Not to mention, it also has 12.5 CFM airflow. It might not be as high as some other 50mm fans, but it’s enough to keep good airflow in a small case.

4. StarTech 70mm Replacement

Although StarTech isn’t really a well-known brand, their 70mm ball bearing replacement fan is one of the best 70mm case fan I’ve tested so far. It has 21 CFM airflow thanks to the ball bearing fan, which has a maximum speed of 3500 RPM.

This, along with the 1.07mm-H2O static pressure, makes it a suitable candidate when you want a small fan that is bigger and better than most 50mm fans.

The only downside I found for this fan is the noise level. 34 dBA is not an ideal fan noise, but most small fans tend to be a bit loud. It also comes with a 2-year warranty, so you won’t have to worry about the reliability of this lesser-known brand.

5. Scythe Mini Kaze 50mm

This is an overall good fan. This fan mainly uses a 3-pin connector for the connection. But the good thing is that it also comes with an adapter or 3-pin connection. This fan also has a good-quality sleeve bearing which allows the fan to go up to 4500 RPM and 9.42 CFM.

But its availability can be an issue in some regions.

6. Everflow 70mm

Everflow 70mm fan is a great fan with an insanely high speed of 5400RPM. The dual ball bearing is an awesome choice when it comes to fan selection, as they are very fast and long-lasting.

The noise level is way higher(45 dBA) than others, but still, its speed is blazing fast. Keep in mind that this fan can only be connected by a 4-pin connector, and it requires 12V.

7. Nexus 70mm Real Silent Case

The Nexus 70mm Real Silent fan is the quietest fan in this list as its noise level is only 19.8dbA. This fan is 0.98 inches thick but the fan speed is only 2400RPM with an airflow of 21.1CFM.

The good thing is; unlike most other fans, this one comes with a 3-year warranty. Hence I will highly recommend you buy this fan only if you want a silent system.

8. Apevia 70mm Case Fan

For those who want a small form factor fan with high static pressure, the Apevia 70mm(CF7025S) is a great choice. These fans are incredibly well-built with a minimal design. If you are about looks, then this is a suitable fan to buy.

The fan speed is also decent due to the good quality sleeve-type bearing. But the best thing is that this fan will keep your system quiet as the noise level made by this fan is only 20.2 dBA.

9. Uxcell SNOWFAN 50mm

Uxcell produces some of the good quality fans out there in the market, and their SNOWFAN 50mm is no different. These fans come with the highest quality sleeve bearing. Due to incredibly fast fan speed and amazing airflow, they do a good job as a small cooling solution.

The thickness of this fan is 0.79 inches which is approximately 20mm. So, it’s not too thick and will fit on any type of PC. The one thing you need to keep in mind before buying this fan is that the connecting wire is only 9 inches. So be sure to measure your PC before buying this fan.

Why Buy a 50mm or 70mm Case Fan?

50mm or 70mm Fans are of small form factor and can be used for several purposes. These fans are more suitable than 40mm ones as they have bigger fan blades. If you get a good 50mm/70mm fan, you will be good to go for any type of DIY project.

Furthermore, 50mm and 70mm fans are mostly used to cool PC components like high-end motherboard chipsets, passively cooled graphics cards, hard disks, or SSDs. Some people even cool their CPU heatsink or RAM after overclocking them with these small fans.

Yes, it really serves a good impact if they use the right fans.

Things to Know Before Buying a 50mm and 70mm Case Fan

If you’re thinking about buying 50mm or 70mm case fans, here’s what you need to know first:

50mm and 70 mm case fans sized 50x50mm (length, breadth) but their thickness varies. Mostly their thickness is 10mm-25mm. So be sure to check their specs perfectly before buying one, or else the fan might not fit where you have decided to place it.
Mostly, every 50mm and 70mm fan requires 12v to run properly. But there are fans which need higher voltage too.
Some of the 50mm and 70mm connect with 2pin and some with 3pin. That’s why I’m telling you to go through the specs carefully before you buy one.
Each fan creates a definite noise level. So it’s your personal preference if you want a quiet fan or not.
The bearing types of these fans are different, as we’ve seen from the above reviews. So, be sure to choose the most suitable one for you.

On a side note, check out how CPU fans are different than case fans. These types of stuff can come in handy in the long run, especially if you want to build a custom PC.

PC Case Fans Ultimate Buyers Guide

Although PC case fans might not seem that important since many PC cases come with built-in case fans, a good fan is a must for a high-end, long-lasting PC. So here are some important points you need to know before buying case fans for your PC:

The first thing you need to know before buying a case fan is its size. There are case fans of different sizes. The case fans you need totally depend on your purpose of using the PC. It’s better to use the highest-sized fan that you can mount in your case.
If you want the case fans for cooling your PC by ventilating air inside your case, you will need to be concerned about the speed and airflow of the fan. The more a case fan can speed up and provide airflow, the more cool it will be inside your PC case.
If you are looking for cooling heatsinks and radiators, then static pressure is the thing to think about. Remember that higher static pressure = better cooling of heat sinks and radiators.
Noise created by any case fan is distracting. But it’s obvious that a fan can not be totally silent. So, make sure that the noise level of the case fans is tolerable to you.
Finally, the build quality of the case fans is also an important feature of case fans. The build quality of a case fan is responsible for making it more durable and efficient in terms of performance.

Computer fans are one of the most important parts of PC cooling. And it’s the most affordable way to make sure that all your PC components can output their topmost performance. So you shouldn’t compromise a single matter while buying a case fan.

Additionally, we’ve got an extended guide on where to plug in case fans, so do check it out.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best case fan in the world?

The Noctua NF-S12B redux-1200 is currently the best case fan that money can buy right now. Corsair LL120 or Lian Li Uni Fan is also great for high-end PC builds.

Is more case fans better?

Not necessarily. As a matter of fact, having too many fans can be very costly and increase fan noise.

How many PC fans are best?

For a standard PC case, having at least one intake and one exhaust fan is ideal for proper airflow and cooling.