Cooling fans play a crucial role in computer systems, serving as one of the key factors in ensuring stable operation of hardware devices. Whether it’s graphics cards, power supplies, liquid coolers, or air coolers, these hardware components require effective cooling to maintain performance and extend lifespan. In addition to the fans that come with the hardware, computer cases usually have reserved fan slots, allowing users to install additional fans as needed. These fans can create effective airflow channels, directing cool air through various hardware components and accelerating the removal of waste heat. A well-designed airflow not only improves cooling efficiency but also reduces noise and vibration within the case.
As an important component in the DIY assembly process for enthusiasts, cooling fans may look similar across different brands, leading to misconceptions that their performance is also similar. However, when browsing cooling fans on shopping apps, you’ll find significant price differences for fans of the same size, ranging from a few dollars to hundreds. So, what causes such price disparities? What are the differences between these cooling fans? As consumers, how should we choose the right cooling fan? Let’s discuss the essentials of selecting cooling fans.
Currently, the mainstream specifications for cooling fans on the market are mainly 12cm and 14cm in diameter. For general coolers, the 12cm fan is the most common choice. This is because 12cm fans have a more universal application range, compatible with most coolers and cases, and perform well in terms of cooling efficiency, airflow, and noise control.
In recent years, some brands have launched liquid coolers without built-in cooling fans, allowing users to choose suitable fans according to their needs, catering to different hardware configurations and personal preferences. A commonly used 360mm liquid cooler can accommodate three 12cm cooling fans. In cases, 12cm and 14cm fan slots are prevalent.
For the same brand and series of cooling fans, both 12cm and 14cm specifications are usually offered for consumer choice. This is to provide consumers with more options to meet the needs of different hardware configurations and case sizes.
When purchasing cooling fans, I believe we can comprehensively consider four aspects: parameters, materials, brand, and after-sales service, to ensure we select high-quality products suitable for ourselves.
Cooling fans have four critical parameters: airflow, air pressure, speed, and noise. Not all of these parameters are better when higher; they maintain a balance with each other.
Airflow refers to the volume of air a fan can move per minute, typically measured in cubic meters per second (m³/s), cubic meters per minute (m³/min), cubic meters per hour (m³/h), liters per second (L/s), or cubic feet per minute (CFM). The most commonly used units are cubic meters per hour (m³/h) and CFM.
▲ High-performance fan (top) and regular fan (bottom) show significant differences in key parameters
Therefore, when comparing two cooling fans with different units, we need to convert the units, i.e., 1m³/min = 35.3147CFM. For example, a certain 12cm cooling fan has a rated airflow of 36CFM and an air pressure of 1.43mm H2O, while a well-known high-end fan from be quiet! under the Silent Wings 4 series can achieve an airflow of 48.7CFM and an air pressure of 1.79mm H2O, equivalent to 82.7m³/h when converted to cubic meters per hour. Data shows that the airflow difference between SILENT WINGS 4 and regular cooling fans is 12.7CFM, with an air pressure difference of 0.36mm H2O, but this requires an increase in speed while maintaining low noise, which demands high technical and tuning capabilities.
▲ Manufacturers usually offer both 12cm and 14cm specifications for the same series of cooling fans
▲ The parameters of airflow, air pressure, speed, and noise are key to assessing the excellence of a cooling fan; these parameters maintain a balance with each other, and reputable brands will highlight these parameters.
For instance, a certain cooling fan has a maximum speed of 1500RPM, and the noise at maximum speed is 25dB(A), while the SILENT WINGS 4 12cm PWM version has a maximum speed of 1600RPM but a much lower noise level of only 18.9dB(A). It can be seen that the SILENT WINGS 4 12cm PWM version operates at a higher speed with lower noise and significantly leads in airflow and air pressure, which relates greatly to the brand’s technology, tuning capabilities, and material quality.
▲ There are many brands of computer cooling fans, with a wide price range, from a few dollars to hundreds.
Specifically, if consumers want to purchase a high-quality fan, a regular PWM-controlled fan should ideally have a speed greater than 1500RPM, airflow greater than 40CFM, air pressure higher than 1.5mm H2O, and maximum noise lower than 20dB(A). If purchasing a high-speed fan, the speed should be above 2000RPM, airflow above 50CFM, air pressure above 2mm H2O, and maximum noise under 35dB(A). Although some cheap cooling fans may work, they still show significant differences in cooling performance and noise control, and their lifespan may be greatly affected, which leads us to the next point: materials.
The materials used in cooling fans directly affect their cooling performance and lifespan, which is crucial. This is an aspect many consumers overlook when selecting, mistakenly believing that cooling fans lack technical content and that products from different manufacturers are similar. However, this is not the case. The materials of cooling fans mainly include bearings, motors, PWM speed control chips, and shock absorption designs, with the bearings being particularly critical.
Cooling fan bearings come in various types, with common ones being ball bearings, hydraulic bearings, magnetic levitation bearings, and rifle bearings. Among these, ball and hydraulic bearings are the most widely used. Most mid-range fans adopt ball bearings, which can be single or double ball types. Fans using this type of bearing have a long lifespan but tend to be noisier, often running at lower speeds around 1000RPM.
▲ The bearings in cooling fans are crucial; even the same FDB bearings can have different internal designs, and different textures can significantly impact performance, such as noise and lifespan.
Hydraulic bearings are more commonly used in mid to high-end fans, with many sub-types like FDB and HDB. FDB stands for Fluid Dynamic Bearing, which is an improved version of hydraulic bearings. The FDB bearing’s shaft core structure features small grooves that facilitate the return of lubricating oil when the fan rotates. As the fan spins, pressure is applied to the shaft sleeve, pushing the lubricating oil toward the junction of the grooves for optimal lubrication. The groove design in the FDB shaft core is also significant, as it affects the stability of the fan over long-term use. The grooves in the bearing are similar to the honing marks in an engine cylinder, with the width and depth of the grooves being important. For example, the FDB bearings used in the be quiet! Silent Wings 4 fans feature a specially designed groove pattern that allows for low-noise operation and a lifespan of up to 300,000 hours. If operated for 10 hours a day, this fan could last over 80 years. Overall, when selecting fans, it’s advisable to avoid ball bearing fans and opt for mainstream FDB, magnetic levitation, or rifle bearing fans.
▲ Higher-performance cooling fans typically use better materials in their motors, such as three-phase six-pole motors, while cheaper fans use standard motors to control costs.
The motor is also crucial. Cooling fans must ensure low noise at high speeds, which raises the requirements for the motors. Higher-performance fans are equipped with three-phase six-pole motors, which have higher power density, meaning they can provide greater output power within the same size. Additionally, three-phase six-pole motors offer smooth torque, low noise, and stable operation. They also have higher efficiency and better control performance, resulting in less vibration during operation, especially when combined with an inverter, allowing for very low power consumption. Compared to many low-cost cooling fans that use standard motors, three-phase six-pole motors are costlier, which is one reason why high-performance fans are priced higher. Furthermore, be quiet! offers high-speed versions of the Pure Wings 3 series fans that utilize “Closed loop motor” technology, which monitors the fan’s speed and, when necessary, increases it to higher levels.
Higher-performance cooling fans also incorporate PWM intelligent speed control, using built-in digital speed control chips to automatically adjust the fan speed according to system load and temperature, ensuring a balance between noise and cooling performance. Regular fans often lack PWM speed control to save costs, running only at fixed speeds.
Additionally, top-tier products like the Silent Wings Pro 4 series from be quiet! feature adjustable switches on the back of the fan to set maximum speeds, providing more options for users. Compared to Silent Wings 4, Silent Wings Pro 4 allows users to choose between quieter operation or stronger cooling performance.
It’s worth noting that fans inevitably generate some vibration during operation, and brands often add rubber pads at the corners of the fans to reduce noise caused by vibrations during installation. This is just a common practice. For some high-performance fans, in addition to better vibration-damping mounts, additional silicone damping kits are provided to control the distance between the fan and the case for improved vibration reduction.
In the cooling fan field, almost all cooler brands offer their products. However, many brands actually rely on third-party factories for OEM production, resulting in generic products without unique technological features. While these products are inexpensive, they are only suitable for users with minimal requirements. For consumers who value product quality, the brand is very important. As the saying goes, “There are priorities in knowledge, and skills have their specializations.” Although many lesser-known cooling brands exist, truly reputable brands are rare.
From the perspective of various cooling brands and user experiences, brands like Noctua and be quiet! are worth considering. However, based on comparative analysis of similar products and previous testing experiences, I believe be quiet! is a commendable professional cooling brand, as its name suggests: maintaining silence. Moreover, brands like be quiet! have stronger technological reserves; their high-end fans outperform similar products in terms of noise and cooling performance. This is why they have a good reputation among high-end enthusiasts. Particularly, their Pure Wings and SILENT WINGS series have become their flagship products.
▲ Major brands have more rigorous manufacturing processes for cooling fans, considering factors like blade-to-frame spacing.
Furthermore, professional cooling brands have advantages in technology and quality control that ordinary OEM factories cannot match. These brands have their own R&D teams and production facilities, enabling them to continuously introduce more advanced cooling technologies and higher-quality products. They pay attention to detail to ensure product stability and reliability. For instance, a critical indicator in cooling fan design is the “blade-to-frame spacing” or “tip clearance,” which refers to the gap between the fan blade tips and the inner frame of the fan. Although this gap seems insignificant, it significantly impacts the overall performance of the fan.
The size of the blade-to-frame spacing directly affects the air pressure and noise levels generated by the fan. A larger spacing reduces the air pressure produced during operation, as it decreases the resistance to airflow, leading to increased airflow but reduced air pressure. However, excessive spacing may also lower the fan’s efficiency because more air might escape through the gap between the blades and the frame instead of being effectively directed to the cooling surface. When the spacing is too large, some air may escape without being fully utilized, reducing the air reaching the cooling surface and impacting the cooling effect. Conversely, if the spacing is too narrow, the blades may rub against the frame due to centrifugal force at high speeds, producing extra noise and potentially damaging the blades or reducing the fan’s performance.
Moreover, overly close spacing may restrict the fan’s cooling efficiency due to limited airflow. When designing cooling fans, other factors must also be considered, such as thermal expansion and contraction effects and the installation method of the fan. For example, suspended fans must bear the extra pressure from their weight and vibrations, which may affect the blade-to-frame spacing. Similarly, gravitational factors under vertical installation may influence the fan’s stability and performance.
Thus, finding a balance between ensuring the blades do not touch the frame while minimizing the blade-to-frame spacing becomes a challenging task. Only those brands focused on cooling technology genuinely pay attention to this issue and continuously improve processes to narrow the blade-to-frame spacing. This is another important reason why we strongly recommend choosing cooling fans from major brands. Major brands have strict standards and processes in design, manufacturing, and quality control, ensuring they provide efficient, stable, and durable products. Although major brand cooling fans may be more expensive, they are worth the investment.
As one of the least likely components to fail in PC hardware, cooling fans have a relatively low failure rate, but they cannot guarantee absolute reliability. This is especially important for high-end cooling fans, where the relatively high price makes after-sales support crucial. Generally, inexpensive cooling fans only offer a one-year warranty, which essentially means that if a problem arises, it’s equivalent to having no warranty at all, making them disposable products. For instance, if a low-cost fan fails after a period of use, the shipping costs for repairs may exceed the fan’s value.
▲High-performance cooling fans from major brands often come with longer warranty periods
In contrast, high-end cooling fans have a very different warranty approach. For example, the SILENT WINGS 4 cooling fan from be quiet! offers a warranty of up to 5 years, providing consumers peace of mind. For manufacturers, an extended warranty period is also a strong expression of confidence in their product quality.
After all this, some users may wonder which cooling fans are worth purchasing. For average users focused on cost-effectiveness, regular brand fans priced at a few or a dozen dollars can meet their needs. For DIY enthusiasts who prioritize performance and quality, we recommend the cooling fans from be quiet!, a brand favored by gamers. This brand offers a wide range of high-end fans, and for users with indecision, we have several outstanding product recommendations based on budget.
be quiet! Silent Wings 4 120mm PWM
Size: 120mm×120mm×25mm
Connector Type: 4pin PWM
Bearing Type: FDB
Maximum Speed: 1600RPM
Airflow: 48.7CFM/82.74m3/h
Air Pressure: 1.79mm H2O
Noise Level: 18.9dB(A)
Cable Length: 500mm
Rated Voltage: 12V
Operating Voltage: 5～13.2V
Rated Current: 0.13A
Rated Power: 1.44W
Lifetime: Approximately 300,000 hours (at 25℃)
Accessory Type: Regular shock-absorbing mount, silicone shock-absorbing mount (pre-installed on the fan)
Warranty Period: 5 years
Reference Price: 189 CNY
Review: As an upgrade to the previous generation Silent Wings 3, the Silent Wings 4 series features differently shaped blades, with the tip clearance reduced from 1.2mm to 1.0mm. Additionally, its funnel-shaped intake has been modified to a funnel-shaped exhaust, allowing air to disperse over a larger area. These improvements significantly enhance static pressure and result in lower noise levels. The Silent Wings 4 PWM series is available in 120mm and 140mm specifications, with the 120mm version reaching a maximum speed of 1600RPM, providing up to 48.7CFM (82.74m3/h) airflow, 1.79mm H2O air pressure, and a low noise level of 18.9dB(A). It also uses FDB bearings and three-phase six-pole motors, with a lifespan of about 300,000 hours.
be quiet! Silent Wings 4 120mm High Speed PWM
Size: 120mm×120mm×25mm
Connector Type: 4pin PWM
Bearing Type: FDB
Maximum Speed: 2500RPM
Airflow: 76.7CFM/130.31m3/h
Air Pressure: 3.96mm H2O
Noise Level: 31.2dB(A)
Cable Length: 500mm
Rated Voltage: 12V
Operating Voltage: 5～13.2V
Rated Current: 0.22A
Rated Power: 2.4W
Lifetime: Approximately 300,000 hours (at 25℃)
Accessory Type: Regular shock-absorbing mount, silicone shock-absorbing mount (pre-installed on the fan)
Warranty Period: 5 years
Reference Price: 219 CNY
Review: The high-speed version of the be quiet! Silent Wings 4 takes performance further, with the maximum speed increased to 2500RPM. This results in significant improvements across all performance metrics: 76.7CFM (130.31m3/h) airflow, 3.96mm H2O air pressure, but the noise level also rises to 31.2dB(A). The high-speed Silent Wings 4 is priced higher and is suitable for enhancing the performance of air coolers or water cooling radiators. Notably, the high speed does not affect its lifespan, which is also rated at approximately 300,000 hours, with a 5-year warranty.
be quiet! Silent Wings Pro 4 120mm PWM
Size: 120mm×120mm×25mm
Connector Type: 4pin PWM
Bearing Type: FDB
Maximum Speed: 3000RPM (UHS mode)
Airflow: 83.9CFM/142.5m3/h (UHS mode)
Air Pressure: 5.31mm H2O (UHS mode)
Noise Level: 36.9dB(A) (UHS mode)
Cable Length: 500mm
Rated Voltage: 12V
Operating Voltage: 7～13.2V
Rated Current: 0.33A
Rated Power: 3.6W
Lifetime: Approximately 300,000 hours (at 25℃)
Accessory Type: Regular shock-absorbing mount, silicone shock-absorbing mount, water cooling anti-wind disturbance mount (pre-installed on the fan)
Warranty Period: 5 years
Reference Price: 319 CNY
Review: For users with higher demands, the be quiet! Silent Wings Pro 4 may be a better choice. The Silent Wings Pro 4 shares similar external design improvements with the Silent Wings 4, but the 120mm version’s speed has been increased to 3000RPM, while the 140mm version reaches 2400RPM. Another major difference is that the back of the fan features a speed switch, allowing users to adjust the maximum speed according to their needs. For instance, medium speed can be used for optimizing quiet operation, high speed for noise/performance balance, and “ultra-high speed” for optimal performance. The Silent Wings Pro 4 also includes a water cooling anti-wind disturbance mount, designed to ensure the fan fits closely with the water cooling radiator to prevent air leakage and achieve maximum static pressure.
be quiet! Light Wings 120mm PWM
Size: 120mm×120mm×25mm
Connector Type: 4pin PWM
Lighting Type: ARGB
Bearing Type: Rifle
Maximum Speed: 1700RPM
Airflow: 41.5CFM/70.5m3/h
Air Pressure: 1.66mm H2O
Noise Level: 20.6dB(A)
Cable Length: 500mm
Rated Voltage: 12V
Operating Voltage: 5～13.2V
Rated Current: 0.6A
Rated Power: 4.6W
Lifetime: Approximately 60,000 hours (at 25℃)
Accessory Type: Fan screws
Warranty Period: 3 years
Reference Price: 178 CNY
Review: For users who enjoy lighting effects, the be quiet! Light Wings version cooling fan is a great option. This series offers both 120mm and 140mm specifications, featuring a silent design with airflow-optimized blade patterns. This fan’s lighting effect differs from other brands, utilizing a ring-shaped light strip designed on the fan’s surface, containing six independent RGB LEDs that achieve a soft transition through a diffusing cover. This series features both low-speed and high-speed versions, supporting PWM functionality, with the 120mm version offering maximum speeds of 1700RPM and 2500RPM, and the 140mm version reaching maximum speeds of 1500RPM/2200RPM, with the high-speed versions priced the same as the regular versions. Note that purchasing a single fan does not include a hub.
be quiet! Light Wings 120mm PWM (Triple Pack)
Size: 120mm×120mm×25mm
Connector Type: 4pin PWM
Lighting Type: ARGB
Bearing Type: Rifle
Maximum Speed: 1700RPM
Airflow: 41.5CFM/70.5m3/h
Air Pressure: 1.66mm H2O
Noise Level: 20.6dB(A)
Cable Length: 500mm
Rated Voltage: 12V
Operating Voltage: 5～13.2V
Rated Current: 0.6A
Rated Power: 4.6W
Lifetime: Approximately 60,000 hours (at 25℃)
Accessory Type: ARGB hub, ARGB cable, ARGB hub screws, fan screws
Warranty Period: 3 years
Reference Price: 559 CNY
Review: The be quiet! Light Wings fans are available in a triple pack, including a six-channel ARGB lighting controller, ARGB cable, and ARGB hub mounting screws. The fan’s ARGB can integrate with mainstream motherboard lighting systems for synchronized lighting effects, helping users create a cohesive lighting theme. Available in black and white options, the white triple pack is priced 30 CNY higher than the black version. The be quiet! Light Wings fan features a thickened frame and adjusted blade shape to balance performance and volume. The Light Wings fan uses long-lasting rifle bearings with a lifespan of up to 60,000 hours.
be quiet! Pure Wings 3 120mm PWM
Size: 120mm×120mm×25mm
Connector Type: 4pin PWM
Lighting Type: ARGB
Bearing Type: Rifle
Maximum Speed: 1600RPM
Airflow: 49.9CFM/84.8m3/h
Air Pressure: 1.45mm H2O
Noise Level: 25.5dB(A)
Cable Length: 460mm
Rated Voltage: 12V
Operating Voltage: 5～13.2V
Rated Current: 0.2A
Rated Power: 2.4W
Lifetime: Approximately 80,000 hours (at 25℃)
Accessory Type: Fan screws
Warranty Period: 3 years
Reference Price: 119 CNY
Review: be quiet! also targets the mainstream market with the more cost-effective Pure Wings 3 series fans, priced just over a hundred CNY, while still providing excellent noise performance. This series offers both 120mm and 140mm specifications, with regular and high-speed versions. The high-speed 140mm version features nine blades compared to seven in the standard version. The high-speed version of the Pure Wings 3 offers “Closed loop motor” technology. The standard version of the Pure Wings 3 has a maximum speed of 1600RPM, with airflow of 49.9CFM (84.8m3/h) and an air pressure of 1.45mm H2O. The high-speed versions of both the 120mm and 140mm models have maximum speeds increased to 2100RPM and 1800RPM, respectively, with maximum air pressures reaching 2.41mm H2O and 2.44mm H2O.
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