In the scorching heat, computer cooling fans are indispensable for computers. Whether it is the case’s exhaust and intake, the forced cooling of the CPU/GPU, or the dazzling visual impact, computer cooling fans bear a heavy responsibility.

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If the host’s cooling is poor, it may cause the computer to lag or freeze. So how do you choose a good computer cooling fan?

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Below, I will introduce some related knowledge for your reference.

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1. Why do some computer cooling fans last longer than others?

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Computer cooling fans look similar, differing only in size, but why do some fans last a long time while others fail within days? This is due to the structural differences of the cooling fans themselves.

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1. Oil Bearing Fans

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Oil bearing fans use sliding friction sleeve bearings, utilizing lubricating oil as a lubricant and friction reducer. They are inexpensive and have a simple manufacturing process, making them the cheapest option, with decent noise levels.

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However, the drawbacks are significant: short lifespan, and over time, the evaporation of oil and dust intrusion can lead to increased noise and reduced speed. More seriously, the shaft can become damaged and misaligned, causing vibrations, ultimately rendering it unusable. Some computer fans stop working due to using this type of fan.

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2. Magnetic Levitation Fans

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Magnetic levitation fans are an improvement over oil bearing fans. They utilize magnetic principles, with magnetic induction lines perpendicular to the levitation lines. The rotor’s weight is fixed on the operating track, with almost no load on the shaft, allowing it to float in the magnetic field.

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The advantages are quiet operation and a relatively long lifespan, but the drawbacks include a higher price and lower popularity.

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3. Single Ball Fans

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Single ball fans use a hybrid of sliding and rolling friction, combining a ball bearing with an oil bearing. These fans are affordable and overcome the short lifespan of oil bearing fans, offering a longer lifespan.

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However, the downside of single ball fans is increased noise.

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4. Dual Ball Fans

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Dual ball fans are priced just below magnetic levitation fans. They utilize a double ball structure, eliminating oil leakage issues, and their sealed bearings are less prone to aging and wear, giving them the longest lifespan. Many high-performance fans use dual ball bearings, but they also have a significant drawback: high noise levels.

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5. The Relationship Between Airflow and Air Pressure

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No matter which type of computer cooling fan technology is used, it involves current passing through a control circuit, generating a rotating magnetic field at the stator coil and electromagnet, pushing the magnets on the rotor to rotate in a specific direction, thereby driving the fan blades to rotate at high speed, pushing air through the blades to achieve a specific airflow and air pressure. What do these two terms mean?

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Air pressure refers to the pressure of the air; the higher the air pressure, the greater the force of the air, making it easier to blow through components like case perforations and dust filters. Airflow, on the other hand, can be understood as the volume of air passing through the fan in a given time. More airflow in the same time frame can enhance cooling efficiency.

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However, the relationship between air pressure and airflow is inverse; at the same rotational speed, if a cooling fan has higher air pressure, it will have lower airflow, and vice versa.

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Additionally, the angle of inclination of the fan blades and the curvature of the blades significantly affect the air pressure value of a fan.

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The greater the angle of inclination and curvature, the higher the air pressure at the same speed. If the speed is controlled properly, such cooling fans are very suitable for use at the front panel of a case (generally, case fans are recommended to be silent fans with a speed of 800 RPM).

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Fans with high airflow are more suitable for the rear of the case as exhaust fans. Therefore, if you are adding cooling fans to a desktop computer, do not assume that buying two identical fans will suffice; it is best to differentiate between them.

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6. Different Voltages, Different Cooling Fans

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Computer cooling fans not only differ in appearance size, with specifications like 80mm, 92mm, 120mm, 140mm, and even 200mm, but they also differ in voltage. Currently, cooling fans are mainly divided into 5V and 12V specifications. The CPU and graphics card fans commonly seen are 12V, as are case fans.

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Notebook cooling fans generally use 5V fans because they are powered via USB. Therefore, when purchasing fans for your computer, be sure to consider where you will use them.

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Through the above introduction to computer cooling fans, you should have a better understanding. I recommend purchasing silent fans, generally oil bearing fans with speeds below 1200 RPM.

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Pay attention to the blades; the smaller the angle of inclination, the lower the noise. Unless there is a special need, I do not recommend high-performance cooling fans (dual ball + 4000 RPM); the noise is akin to that of a tractor.

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