Cooler Master MasterAir MA624 Stealth Review: Cool, Quiet and Covert
Tom’s Hardware Verdict
The Cooler Master MasterAir MA624 Stealth showcases a handsome, all-black finish and whisper-silent operation, along with excellent cooling performance to tame your favorite AMD or Intel enthusiast-grade desktop CPU.
Pros
- +
+ Great cooling performance
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+ Sleek, blacked-out design
- +
+ Integrated center fan simplifies install
- +
+ Additional 120mm fan for tall DIMMs
Cons
- —
Premium price
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Cooler Master is a name synonymous with mainstream cooling products, ranging from heatpipe air towers to performance liquid cooling AIOs, many of which feature RGB lighting as a focal point. However, the large, dual-fan MasterAir MA624 Stealth comes ready to impress while being completely devoid of lighting accents. Instead, it features an all-blck color scheme for an imposing look for those who favor their flair without the flash. It also makes use of some smart integrated mounting and includes a third (bonus!) 120mm fan to allow a bit more flexibility for systems with tall memory DIMMs.
Striking an appealing balance somewhere between thermal mitigation and aesthetic prominence, the Cooler Master MasterAir MA624 Stealth is a sharp-looking performer.
| Height | 6.5″ / 165.1mm |
| Width Depth | 5.88″ / 149.4mm |
| Depth | 5. 0″ / 127.0 mm (6.125″ / 155.6mm w/fan) |
| Base Height | 1.25″ / 31.8mm |
| Assy. Offset | 0.0 (centered), 1.125″ / 28.6mm w/ front fan) |
| Cooling Fans | (2) 140 x 25mm |
| (1) 120 x 25mm | |
| Connectors | (2) 4-pin PWM |
| Weight | 46.3 oz / 1312g |
| Intel Sockets | 1366, 115x, 1200, 2011x, 2066 |
| AMD Sockets | FM2(+), FM1, AM2(+), AM3(+), AM4 |
| Warranty | 5 years |
| Web Price | $100 |
(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)
Cooler Master’s MasterAir MA624 Stealth comes with a healthy installation kit which supports nearly all current-gen Intel and AMD desktop processors—with the exception of Threadripper silicon. Mounting hardware includes plated brackets, standoffs and tension screws, as well as universal backplate. A small tube of MasterGel accompanies a universal Phillips screwdriver and 2-way PWM fan splitter.
Cooler Master covers the MasterAir MA624 Stealth with a 5 year warranty.
(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)
- Cooler Master MasterAir MA624 Stealth (Black AMD Ryzen) at Amazon for $119.99
The MasterAir MA624 Stealth utilizes six copper heatpipes, which run from the base up through a pair of cooling fin stacks, which sit astride an integrated 140mm SickleFlow fan that’s capped below a brushed-aluminum top. A pair of spring-tensioned mounting bolts extend from the top of the cooler down through the base mount to secure the cooler against the motherboard cross brackets.
(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)
Cooler Master includes a pair of 140mm SickleFlow fans (center + front) as well as an extra 120mm for alternate setups. This allows the MA624 Stealth to function as a silent single-fan (center) setup for maximum memory clearance, or in the standard installation of push+pull using the 140mm front-mount SickleFlow fan.
Swapping the snap brackets to the additional 120mm SickleFlow fan allows for better memory clearance while still allowing a push+pull setup.
The extra 120mm or 140mm fan can be used for push+pull+pull cooler setup (with an additional fan mount), or as a chassis fan for airflow elsewhere.
Cooler Master rates the 140mm fans up to 1400 RPM, while the 120mm is expected to see speeds up to 1800 RPM.
(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)
The base of the Cooler Master MasterAir MA624 Stealth sandwiches all six copper heatpipes between the mounting block and the 40mm x 40mm milled cooler cold plate.
(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)
The cold plate is milled flat and shows zero sign of any background lighting peeking between the cooler and our steel ruler.
From this view, the integrated mounting arms and spring tension screws are easily seen, while the center-mounted 140mm SickleFlow fan seats down into a clever notch carved into the mounting system.
(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)
Even tension makes for an evenly distributed thermal compound spread, compressing and dispersing our application of Arctic MX-4 during installation.
(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)
Mounting the Cooler Master MasterAir MA624 Stealth is relatively simple: Once the backplate or appropriate offsets are secured, the motherboard cross mounts are laid over and then tensioned into place. The pair of vertical spring tension screws align over the cross mounts, which align directly over threaded holes below. Single fan only (center-mount) is complete, or the front-mount 140mm (or 120mm) can be snapped to the front of the MA624 Stealth to complete the standard push+pull installation.
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Garrett Carver is a contributor for Tom’s Hardware, primarily covering thermal compound comparisons and CPU cooling reviews; both air and liquid, including multiple variations of each.
Ice Giant Prosiphon Elite Review: Catch the Biggest Air
Tom’s Hardware Verdict
Performing as well as premium air cooling and costing less than expensive 360 AIOs, the IceGiant ProSiphon Elite makes for an interesting alternative for high-end performance builds.
Standing tall as a monstrous, monolithic cooling solution with a commanding presence, the IceGiant ProSiphon Elite shows that big air really doesn’t get any bigger than this.
Pros
- +
Retail version designed for HEDT for both Intel and AMD (incl. Threadripper)
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Great cooling performance
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Four fans allow for push+pull
Cons
- —
Huge and heavy
- —
Premium price
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Back in 2019 we were one of the few media outlets to get an early look at the prototype IceGiant ProSiphon, an innovative CPU-cooling behemoth that uses natural convection of warmer and cooler states of coolant to effectively ‘pump’ the energy-rich evaporated vapor through the cooler. The months since have brought us to the final version of the IceGiant ProSiphon Elite, and while it still maintains its massive stature, it is noticeably thinner due to a redesigned condenser, which improves upon the original prototype.
The new and improved IceGiant doesn’t break any records, but it does provide a great alternative for system builders who want big and bold, yet still opt to avoid large AIO liquid cooling. Currently available for order from the IceGiant website, it will soon be available for purchase at MicroCenter retail stores as well as available at e-tailers Amazon and Newegg.
| Height | 6.5″ / 165.1mm |
| Width | 9.88″ / 251mm |
| Depth | 2.0″ / 50.8mm (4.0″ / 102mm w/ fans) |
| Base Height | 1.75″ / 44.5mm |
| Assy. Offset | 1..0″ / 25.4mm up |
| 0.75″ / 19.1mm forward | |
| Cooling Fans | (4) 120 x 25mm |
| Connectors | (4) 4-pin PWM |
| Weight | 70.8 oz / 2007g |
| Intel Sockets | 1366, 115x, 1200, 2011, 2066 |
| AMD Sockets | AM4, TR4, sTR4x |
| Warranty | 10 years |
| Web Price | $170 |
(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)
The IceGiant ProSiphon Elite includes mounting hardware to accommodate current processor models for both Intel and AMD, including high-end desktop (HEDT) variants like Intel’s i9 Comet Lake chips and the multi-core behemoths that are AMD’s Threadripper processors.
The IceGiant makes use of four 4-pin 120mm cooling fans to allow for push+pull airflow configuration out of the box.
Mounting brackets, backplates and supports are incredibly over-engineered to account for the 2-kilogram (4.42 pounds) mass they must support. In fact, just about everything about the IceGiant feels industrial-grade, down to the syringe of high-performance Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut thermal compound included.
IceGiant covers the ProSiphon Elite with an unprecedented 10-year warranty, which includes the cooling fans.
For those who might have missed our original definition of how the IceGiant ProSiphon Elite thermosiphon cooler differs from a traditional heatpipe cooler, please allow us to gratuitously plagiarize our own coverage of the original ProSiphon Elite Protopype:
Heatpipe coolers rely on the boiling and evaporation of a liquid (typically distilled water) within each individual heatpipe, which travels up the hollow center of the pipe, begins cooling and then fully condenses further up the cooling tower, while dissipating thermal energy in the process.
Once that liquid has fully converted back to liquid form, a sintered wicking material along the heatpipe walls then draws the liquid back down to the base to begin the process once again.
A thermosiphon works on similar principles, as it also requires the boiling, evaporation and condensation of a liquid—in this case, a dielectric fluid. A thermosiphon instead makes use of natural convection of warmer and cooler states of coolant to effectively ‘pump’ the energy-rich evaporated vapor through the cooler. Using large, flat condenser cores, the IceGiant ProSiphon Elite utilizes greater surface area to effectively transfer thermal energy out of the fluid vapor, into the cooling fins and away from the cooler.
(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)
The primary heat exchanger features three condenser cores, which dissipate heat provided from the evaporator in the cooler’s base. The original ProSiphon prototype featured only two condenser cores, allowing the newer retail version of the cooler to have a thinner overall profile when compared to the original.
Retention hardware is engineered into the cooler’s base pedestal, which provides an anchored mount once the cooler is installed.
(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)
The ProSiphon Elite makes use of four 120mm, 4-pin PWM fans rated up to 2300 RPM for push+pull operation. The front pair push cool, ambient air into the heat exchanger and over the condenser cores, while the rear fans pull the warmed air out and away from the cooler. This provides the IceGiant plenty of fresh air in which to breathe (or rather, cool) freely.
(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)
The entirety of the IceGiant ProSiphon is made of high-grade aluminum, including the precision-milled pedestal base and mounting contact which is large enough to fully cover an AMD Threadripper CPU. Tension screws are permanently affixed to the primary tension bar on the cooler base, which ultimately adds to your advantage later during the installation process.
(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)
The base of the ProSiphon Elite is milled perfectly flat; we are unable to see any residual light peeking beneath the face of a steel rule.
(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)
The thermal paste contact patch from our i9-10850k is dwarfed by the untouched backdrop of clean, remaining aluminum of the mounting base.
(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)
By comparison, the thermal compound patch from our Threadripper 2990WX consumes the entire canvas of the cooler base.
(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)
Remember those tidbits about the rugged mounting hardware and the tension screws mounted into the cooler base? Once the backplate and brackets are secured, the cooler base centers itself neatly into position atop the CPU, which aligns the tension screws with their sockets. Both Intel and AMD/Threadripper mounts benefit from this design.
To secure the IceGiant ProSiphon Elite, the front fans are removed and the tension screws torqued into place. Once secure, the front fans are added back and connected via PWM pigtail splitter to the other fans of the cooler to be managed by your favorite fan controller or motherboard header.
(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)
We’ve tested some large coolers before (including the prototype predecessor to the current IceGiant), yet it always manages to bring a bit of a smirk to our faces seeing such a large piece of cooling hardware in operation. The base height of the IceGiant does allow for relatively tall memory modules to be used. But as usual, check for clearances for specific hardware as needed.
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Garrett Carver is a contributor for Tom’s Hardware, primarily covering thermal compound comparisons and CPU cooling reviews; both air and liquid, including multiple variations of each.
Best PC Case Cooling Fans in 2022
When it comes to getting enough airflow from your PC case and components, you need the best case fans. There are many different case fans to choose from, all of which come in different sizes, noise levels, and airflow.
This is even more important if your case is filled with high-performance hardware such as GPUs and powerful processors that generate much more heat. If these components are not properly cooled, your computer may increase the ambient temperature in your room and stop working efficiently. Also, the extra heat can shorten the life of some hardware. That’s why we prefer to use only the very best case fans.
If you’re looking for the best 80mm, 120mm, 140mm and even 200mm case fan, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Below is a list of the best case fans currently available. All have been tested for performance, efficiency, noise levels and airflow.
How to choose the best case fan?
Knowing all the key terms how to choose the best fan for your installation ?
You want to look at the following:
- Know your needs and desires. Do a preliminary assessment of your needs and prioritize what your installation really needs.
Do you have problems with a specific area or are you looking for a decent preventative ventilator? - Don’t forget to check your computer’s connector type. Be sure to check the available motherboard connectors before purchasing to avoid compatibility issues.
- Measure dimensions. Refer to your case manual or manufacturer’s website to see the exact measurement and number of compatible fans.
- Will noise be a problem? If you want a silent fan, consider choosing a fan with the least amount of noise. On the other hand, if noise isn’t an issue, chances are you’ll find one that isn’t as quiet but still performs well for less money.
- How do you want to control your fan? Get a 4-pin fan if you want to control the fan speed on the fly with software. Otherwise, a 3-pin fan will suffice for most average users.
Best PC Chassis Fans — The Ultimate Choice
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Noctua NF-A14 — best 140mm case fan
Noctua NF-A14 140mm Case Fan is a premium square case fan that combines high functionality and excellent noiselessness even at high RPMs.
What we like :
- Very quiet
- Award Winning High Quality Case Fan
- Includes anti-vibration mounts
What disappointed us :
- Comparatively high price
- Design shared
The NF-A14 fan with a wide impeller and a rich set of proprietary technologies has proven to be a very efficient solution for use in cooling systems.
Noctua fans do their job well. They really allow you to build a silent system, allowing you to cool all the internal components of the computer.
The Noctua NF-A14 reviewed today can safely be called the leader in the class of 140mm fans. It keeps its characteristics intact: ultra-quiet, premium quality with outstanding performance.
You might think it’s a bit pricey, but given the performance and good warranty support that lasts for six years, it’s reasonable.
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Thermaltake Riing Quad 120mm — Best RGB Case Fan
Thermaltake Riing Quad 120mm fans are highly regarded as the best RGB fans on the market, and this is largely due to their bright 4-sided lighting, reasonable airflow and acoustic performance.
What we like :
- High quality
- RGB Saturation
- Works with ALEXA and Razer Chroma
What disappointed us :
- Expensive
As you can tell from the name, these fans are 120mm in diameter and 25mm deep. These PWM fans have a CFM of 40.9 — one of the lowest on this list — but have a maximum noise level of 25dBA. The bearing type is hydrodynamic, and the addressable RGB lighting is something that can only be envied.
Regarding purchase options, they are only available in triple pack for 120mm and 140mm options. Thermaltake also offers a 200mm variant that comes as a single unit.
Whether you have a Thermaltake case or not, these Riing RGB fans will make your build stand out and even come with a mini fan controller to make your life easier — are excellent fans.
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Noctua NF-A8 PWM — Best 80mm Case Fan
Noctua is the name you can trust when it comes to cooling solutions.
With the Noctua NF-A8 case fan, you get the best performance in the 80mm category. What We Liked :
- High CFM But Low RPM
- 4-pin connector for manual control
- Very quiet; Supplied with low noise adapter (LNA)
- Static fan
What disappointed us :
- Not recommended for large cases
The
NF-A8 features a sophisticated aerodynamic design and Advanced Acoustic Optimization (AAO), which is responsible for keeping noise levels low. In fact, it runs at a maximum of 2200 rpm (with a 4-pin PWM setting) and delivers a noise level of just 17.7 dBA — pretty impressive!
Another contributing factor to this very quiet fan is the SSO2 (Self Stabilizing Oil Pressure Bearing Version 2) that Noctua has incorporated into this fan. They claim that it provides higher accuracy and better durability than conventional bearings.
The 4 rubber vibration damper screws also contribute to the quietness of the profile.
It comes with a 30cm 4-pin-Y sleeved extension cable if you want full control over your speeds. As a static fan, it is ideal for pushing airflow into hard-to-reach places. On the other hand, it also comes with a low noise adapter (LNA), but only use it if you are going to do manual adjustments and be aware that this will limit the fan speed to 1750 rpm.
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Cooler Master MegaFlow 200 — best case fan 200mm
The
Cooler Master MegaFlow 200 is one of the best fans in its category with a whopping 110 CFM to keep your system cool to a minimum.
What we like :
- Very quiet
- 4-pin controller
- Available for 200 mm fan
What disappointed us :
- Requires third-party backlight off software
It is the most efficient and most affordable. You get a 200mm fan that delivers a whopping 110 CFM to keep your system cool around the clock.
Plus, you won’t even need to rev to a thousand to get there, because it hits it at 700 rpm. Although this is the largest fan on our list, it is still fairly quiet (19dBA) and almost as quiet as the Noctua NF-A8 (17.7 dBA). Unfortunately, the color themes are quite limited, offering only black, red, and blue versions. In addition, Cooler Master has used environmentally friendly materials in the manufacture of this fan.
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Cooler Master Silencio FP 120 — the best silent case fan
Cooler Master Silencio FP 120 PWM really lives up to its name: Silencio – silence even at high pressure.
What we liked :
- Very quiet; almost inaudible
- Also great as a radiator fan
What disappointed us :
- Only available in black (without LEDs)
At first you would mistake this for a standard 120mm fan, but if you look closely, this black fan case has a very distinct sickle-shaped blade.
This is what makes the fan run silently at high pressure. In addition to using a dynamic bearing (LDB), it also uses Silent Driver IC technology, which provides smoother rotation and less torque impulse for minimal vibration and ultra-low noise.
Although you can manually control the fan using third party software such as SpeedFan (thanks to the 4-pin connector), you don’t have to do this to reduce noise.
Other factors that make this fan silent are the 4 metal screws and 4 anti-vibration rubber screws it comes with. Great quiet choice!
What to Check Before Buying a Case Fan
When shopping for the best PC fans, there are a few things to keep in mind so that they not only fit your system, but also effectively cool it.
Let’s move on to the most important things to consider when considering the best fans of 2022.
Static pressure or air flow fans?
The first thing you need to consider is whether you should use the High Static Pressure Fan or the High Airflow Fan .
This is determined by the actual shape of the fan blades, so there are fans that are identical in make and model except that they have different blades.
You do not need to look at the data sheet to determine if the fan generates static pressure or air flow .
Just look at the fan and judge the distance between the fan blades. If the distance between the blades is small, this is static pressure. If the distance is large enough for your index finger to pass, it’s airflow.
Air flow fans
They work best if there are no restrictions in front of and behind the fan. For example, if you have a case that has a lot of open space, this should improve airflow efficiency.
Static pressure fans
Static pressure fans distribute air more evenly. This means they are not as powerful, but they can do the job well when there are obstructions such as components and heatsinks.
Airflow (CFM)
Fan airflow determines the amount of air the fan can pass through in a minute.
Generally, the higher the CFM rating, the better. However, when dealing with obstructions, static pressure can be more effective with less airflow.
The ideal CFM for a system is unique on a case-by-case basis as there are many factors to consider such as case size, design, amount of heat your processor is pumping out, the type of processor you are using, GPU fans and the number of case fans which you can install.
Fan size (mm)
Why do you need a big fan? It’s pretty simple: they move more air.
If you are not sure which size is right for your application, just check the specifications of your case. You can also visit the manufacturer’s website to see the dimensions and specifications of your case. And if all else fails, just take a measuring tape and measure the fan inside the case.
Below are some of the most common fan sizes and the distance between their threaded holes:
| Fan size | Distance between tapped holes |
|---|---|
| 80 mm | 72 mm |
| 92 mm | 83 mm |
| 120 mm | 105 mm |
| 140 mm | 124. 5 mm |
| 200 mm | 154 mm |
Fan speed (rpm)
The fan speed is measured in rpm (revolutions per minute). The higher the RPM, the more air is drawn into the system. RPMs directly affect the noise level of a fan, because the faster it spins, the more noise it makes.
This can also affect the size of the fan. While you can run a small fan at high speed, it will likely be louder. So you can use a larger fan at a slower speed instead.
To get the right RPM for your rig, simply set the fans to maximum speeds using third party software such as SpeedFan : Increase the speed by 25% until the fan is too loud and the temperature is acceptably low.
Fan bearing type
Most fans today use three main types of bearings:
- Plain bearing
- Double ball bearing
- Hydraulic and hydrodynamic bearing
Plain bearing
This type of bearing is the cheapest and is rated for 40,000 hours at 60°C. Such a bearing is maintenance-free and has a low noise level during operation. These types of fans are recommended to be installed vertically.
However, it should be noted that they tend to fail without any warning, despite the low noise level during operation.
Double ball bearing
Double ball bearing is more expensive than plain bearings but lasts longer up to 60000-75000 hours at 60°C.
Unlike plain bearings, they can be installed in any position and are also louder. This is why they are not recommended for home use, but are ideal for server farms.
Hydraulic and hydrodynamic bearing
These are premium class bearings. They are capable of operating up to 100,000-300,000 hours of use at 60°C.
Like the double ball bearing, they can be mounted in any position. They also have the lowest noise levels and are suitable for both server and home use, although they are intended for home use as they are a little more expensive.
Noise level (dBA)
Fan noise is measured in A-weighted decibels (dBA). A-weighted decibels is the volume of airborne sounds perceived by the human ear. Almost all manufacturers of case fans indicate the noise level.
Some factors that contribute to fan noise include:
- Type of bearing used
- Distance between blades and outer ring
- How blades are designed
- How fast the blades rotate
Noise levels typically range from 10 to 36 dBA. Either way, you’ll want a fan with minimal noise, for obvious reasons.
Here is the volume scale of these noises compared to normal sounds:
| Sound level | Noise at this sound level |
|---|---|
| 10 dB | Breathing |
| 20 dB | Rustling leaves/Whisper |
| 30 dB | Bedroom at night |
| 40 dB | Babbling brook |
| 50 dB | Normal conversation |
Fan power connectors
There are 3 types of fan power connectors:
Connector types affect compatibility, so check the connector type on your motherboard before purchasing.
Fan Aesthetics
Case fans can be used to enhance the look of your PC with color rings or RGB lighting. However, when it comes to fans, we tend to focus more on functionality as this will help extend the life of the entire system.
Airflow Direction
When installing fans in your case, you will need to select whether the fan will be a supply or exhaust fan. Ideally, you should make sure you have at least one input and one output, but don’t worry too much about the ratio.
Some terms to be familiar with:
- Neutral air pressure — when the amount of incoming and outgoing air is equal. Technically, you will never achieve perfect balance, but you can get close.
- Positive Air Pressure — Fans draw in more air than they blow out. This can cause air to escape through smaller openings, leading to dust deposits in unpredictable places.
- Negative Air Pressure — Fans push more air out of the case, reducing cooling efficiency.
Obviously neutral air pressure should be aimed for and a good way to evaluate this is to measure the total CFM of all intake fans and the CFM of all exhaust fans.
You get positive air pressure if the intake CFM is higher and negative if the exhaust is higher. An equal CFM indicates that you have approximately neutral air pressure. Be aware that if the fan is blocked, it will not be able to reach the maximum CFM.
Which fan to choose for cooling
Now you have a list of the best PC case fans. We made sure to include several different options to cover a fairly wide range of consumer needs. Each fan has been tried and tested with several different chassis options to ensure we recommend the very best when it comes to case fans.
If you need a 140mm fan that not only promises performance but is quiet, nothing can compete with the Noctua NF-A14 . This is one of the best case fans on the market.
In 120mm territory, the Thermaltake Riing Quad with RGB option will look brilliant inside any tempered glass case.
This high-performance, relatively low-noise fan does a good job of enhancing the aesthetic appeal of your build.
We personally recommend the Noctua NF-A8 PWM fan if you have a case that requires an 80mm fan. It delivers an amazing amount of CFM without being overly loud. But remember that it doesn’t have RGB.
If you need a big fan to keep everything cool, the Cooler Master MegaFlow 200 is hard to beat with its high CFM and very low noise.
If you’re dreaming of a truly silent case, Cooler Master Silencio FP 120 PWM is one of the quietest fans.
Best PC Case Cooling Fans in 2021
Case fans may not seem essential, but they make a big difference in thermal management. You can greatly improve the airflow inside your PC case by installing a pair of quality fans. This leads to a decrease in temperature in all directions. RGB-enabled case fans can also enhance the look of your device.
But finding a quality fan is not easy.
They are not as popular as other components, so you won’t find many reviews of specific models. They are also a kind of commodity that users take on a “just as long as it fits” principle, without researching which ones are the best.
We’re going to change that today. Here you will find a list of best PC case fans you can buy right now. We show you the best fans of all sizes, RGB fans and the quietest case fans on the market.
Get ready to discover the world’s best computer case fans in all categories.
Best Chassis Cooling Fans
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Arctic F8 Silent 80mm — affordable silent fan
Arctic F8 Silent The is a great little fan that runs very quietly. Its nominal noise level is only 15 dB (at 1200 rpm), which should not be heard by the average person. Incredible silence is replaced by an inexpressive air current. Arctic F8 Silent does not provide significant airflow.
But, if you want complete silence , this is what you need.
The hydraulic dynamic bearing guarantees a long service life. This fan will serve you for a very long time. The fan does not support RGB, its design is neutral. But, the small size combined with impressively low noise levels make the Arctic F8 Silent ideal for small form factor builds. What we liked :
- Extremely quiet
- 6 year warranty
What disappointed us :
- Average air consumption
- No RGB support
-
Noctua NF-R8 PWM is the best 80mm case fan
The Noctua NF-R8 redux is an impressive little fan. Its maximum noise level is 17.1dBA, which is excellent, especially for an 80mm fan. Small fans are usually louder than large ones. But, the real achievement is to provide an excellent airflow of 53.3 m³/h at an inaudible noise level.
The fan can rotate up to 1800 rpm, but such a high rotation speed is not accompanied by noise.
A self stabilizing oil bearing is the best you can get in case fans. It is quiet and durable. Although the fan does not have RGB support, it looks good with a combination of black rotors and a pale gray casing.
What we like :
- Incredibly quiet
- Excellent airflow with low noise
- SSO bearing — the best on the market
- 6 year warranty
What disappointed us :
- No RGB support
- Expensive for an 80mm fan
-
be quiet! Pure Wings 2 — with reliable airflow
be quiet! The Pure Wings 2 is almost as quiet as the Noctua. At a nominal level of 18.2 dBA at maximum speed, the noise level is almost the same as a Noctua fan. In other words, in a typical PC case, both are inaudible.
But despite its quiet design, this fan delivers an airflow of 44.45 m³/h, which is lower than the Noctua model.
On the other hand, it’s noticeably cheaper, so if you’re planning on getting multiple fans, we’d recommend it instead of the Noctua Noctua NF-R8 redux. The
fan features a screw bearing that is incredibly durable and quiet even after years of use. There is no RGB support, but we really like the design. This is the most beautiful 80mm fan on the market. We are confused by the three-year warranty period and the lack of PWM support.
What we like :
- Quiet
- Stylish design
- Good performance for the price
What disappointed us :
- No RGB support
- No PWM support
- 3 year warranty only
-
Arctic F12 PWM — Best Budget 120mm Case Fan
If you’re looking for an extremely affordable 120mm case fan with superior performance, Arctic F12 PWM is the perfect choice. It features a low noise level of 23 dBA and an air flow of 90.
1 m³/h. This combination of very low noise levels and impressive airflow is commendable. Hydraulic dynamic bearing ensures quiet operation and long service life. Just be aware that it is not as durable as Noctua’s self-stabilizing oil bearing. The fan can reach 1350 RPM and has a neutral design without RGB support.
What we liked :
- Great performance for the price
- 6 year warranty
- Impressive air flow
What disappointed us :
- No RGB support
-
Corsair Ql120 RGB Best 120mm RGB Fan
The Corsair Ql120 RGB is a decent fan in itself. Its noise level is 26dBA, which is higher than other 120mm fans we have reviewed in this article. In real life, it can go up to 38dBA at full load, which is a pretty good result. The air flow is 71 m³/h, which is also lower than both 120mm fans we have presented.
But, this one has a great RGB function. First, you get 34 LEDs with 4 light zones. The RGB LEDs can be controlled using Corsair’s own iCUE app, which can be used to create stunning animated lighting effects. The fan supports immersive lighting that reflects the color of the games you play.
On the other hand, the price is high, and if you care more about high airflow and low noise, you should get Arctic F12 PWM or Noctua NF-F12 PWM. But if you like RGB effects, the Corsair Ql120 RGB is the best choice in the 120mm case fan market.
What we love :
- Excellent quality of
- Wide range of programmable RGB effects
- Great design
RGB LEDs
What disappointed us :
- High price
- Average air flow and noise level
- 2 year warranty
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Noctua NF-F12 PWM is the best 120mm silent fan
The Noctua NF-F12 PWM is twice the price of the Arctic F12 PWM, but if you want the best quiet case fan, get this one.
This fan is perfect for quiet PC builds as it puts silence above everything else. The standard fan noise level is 22.4 dBA, which is excellent. Real tests confirm the low noise level. When fitted with the included Low Noise Adapter (LNA), the noise level is reduced to 18.6 dBA. Here is the silence. Air consumption is 93.4 m³/h without LNA and 74.3 m³/h with noise adapter installed. You don’t have to worry about vibration noise because the fan comes with soft silicone anti-vibration pads.
It’s hard to get low noise levels and strong airflow at the same time, but Noctua manages to combine inaudible noise levels with reliable airflow. The second generation self-stabilizing oil bearing will last a lifetime while still providing quiet operation. We didn’t like the design, but if you prefer a silent PC build, this is the one for you.
What We Liked :
- Great Airflow
- Impressively low noise level
- LNA and anti-vibration pads included with
- 6 year warranty
What disappointed us :
- No RGB support
- Fan colors are far from attractive
-
be quiet! Silent Wings 3 140mm PWM is the best 140mm for 9 silent builds0035
The be quiet! Silent Wings 3 140mm PWM is an excellent quiet PC fan in the 140mm range.
It provides an almost inaudible noise level of 15.5 dBA, which is confirmed by real tests. We get a dense air flow of 101 m³/h; impressive considering the extremely low noise level. The anti-vibration mounts are designed to reduce vibration and further reduce the already impressive noise levels. The design is excellent. Completely black, slim and perfect for any case. The hydrodynamic bearing guarantees a low noise level even after many years of operation (lifetime 300,000 hours). If you want an extremely quiet 140mm case fan with reliable airflow, this is the one to go for.
What we liked :
- Extremely low noise
- Excellent airflow for a quiet fan
What disappointed us :
- No RGB support
- 3 year warranty
-
Corsair LL140 RGB — Excellent RGB fan
The Corsair LL140 RGB is an excellent RGB fan with relatively low noise and stable airflow.
Each fan is equipped with 16 RGB LEDs to create interesting lighting effects. The level of customization is pretty good, but below the Corsair Ql120 RGB fans. Noise levels are good but not exceptional. At 25 dBA at maximum speed, you will almost not hear the fan. The air flow is 87.5 m³/h. Again solid, but nothing remarkable.
The main thing is that the fan provides enough airflow for any build and the noise is almost inaudible. If you like RGB effects, this is one of the best 140mm RGB case fans you can buy right now.
Buy these in a set of two to get the RGB LED Controller and Lighting Node Pro needed for this RGB extravaganza.
What we like :
- Superior RGB tuning
- Attractive design
- Sufficient airflow for most builds
What disappointed us :
- Average noise level
- Average air flow
- 2 year warranty
-
NZXT AER RGB 2 — best 140mm fan performance with RGB
If you’re looking for a powerful, noise-efficient and RGB-ready case fan, get the NZXT AER RGB 2 140mm fan.
The fan has an acceptable volume at maximum load and a decent airflow of 155 m³/h, which is excellent, especially compared to the relatively low noise level. The fan is equipped with a hydrodynamic bearing, which guarantees a long service life and a high level of silence even after several years of operation. We like the design — minimalistic, but very attractive.
RGB support is the main feature of this fan model. First of all, the fan is compatible with NZXT HUE 2 RGB controllers. The HUE 2 system supports a huge number of RGB presets and also allows users to play with their own designs. The price is also quite affordable for a powerful and relatively quiet RGB fan. The only thing we don’t like is that it only has 8 RGB LEDs per fan. This is too little.
What We Liked :
- Great Airflow
- Quiet
- Stylish design
- NZXT HUE 2 RGB Platform
What disappointed us :
- Only 8 RGB LEDs per fan
- 2 year warranty
-
Thermaltake Riing Plus 20 RGB TT Premium Edition is the best 200mm RGB fan
If you want the best computer case fan, buy this one.
This is a large 200mm RGB-enabled fan that also packs some impressive specs. The air flow rate of 200 m³/h is impressive. Noise levels are not that great. At nearly 30dBA, this fan could be quieter, but at least the RGB features are excellent. The 24 LEDs on each fan are divided into 12 addressable sets. Powerful customization features work with the TT RGB Plus app to create a light show. The fan and its RGB controller support voice control, which we really like.
The design is excellent, minimalistic, with all black colors and an emphasis on the RGB function. All in all, this is the best 200mm fan you can buy. The only serious drawback (besides the price) is only 1 year warranty.
What We Liked :
- Great Airflow
- Excellent RGB features
- Nice design
What disappointed us :
- Dear
- Relatively loud
- Only 1 year warranty
-
Cooler Master MF200R RGB — affordable 200mm fan
Cooler Master Fan MF200R RGB 9The 0006 is a great fan in an RGB case and a solid, affordable alternative to the Thermaltake Riing Plus 20 RGB TT Premium Edition.
The fan provides an air flow of about 153 m³/h. Pretty good for a 200mm fan, but nothing special. The nominal noise level is slightly lower than the Thermaltake model — 28 dBA. Tests show a noise level of about 35 dBA under heavy load, which is a good result. The fan comes with RGB lighting and is compatible with a wide range of third-party RGB lighting control apps, which is definitely a plus.
Wish the fan was offered with an RGB controller. Also disappointing is only one year warranty. Everything else is solid for the price.
What We Like :
- Powerful Airflow
- Pretty good noise level under heavy load
- Support for many third-party RGB applications
What disappointed us :
- No RGB 9 controller included0020
- 1 year warranty
How to Choose Case Fans
If you just want a durable case fan that will improve airflow in your PC case , check what fan sizes your case will support, then invest in a trusted case fan.
In most cases, it will do its job well enough.
But if you need a specific set of features, read our buying guide.
Check fan size and RGB support
Before you even consider purchasing a case fan, check which fan sizes your case supports. Then check how many fans can fit in your case. Only then should you start looking for compatible case fans.
Also, if you have a full size case, check the length of the connecting cable. Most cables should be long enough for regular and ITX cases, but tower cases can be too big and some cables simply won’t reach the fan connectors.
Before installing a purchased fan, plug it into the connector so you can see which way to turn it, depending on whether you want the fan to blow air out of the case or draw cool air into your PC case. So it’s better than installing it first, and then realizing that you messed up the orientation.
Finally, check if the case fan you are interested in has RGB LEDs.
You will not have minimal noise and incredible airflow
Choose one of these two, you can’t have both.
The good news is that silent case fans can have great airflow. Not record-breaking airflow, but low noise that can be almost inaudible. Silent fans are best for most users.
But if you like to overclock and live in a hot climate, optimal air circulation may be more important to you. In this case, forget about the near-zero noise level. If you’re looking for superior airflow, be prepared for more than audible noise from your case fan.
Learn about the different types of connectors
Fans with different housings have different connectors. Most fans come with 3-pin and 4-pin connectors that work with all fan controllers, motherboard fan connector, and fan hub. There are also fans with old Molex connectors, but these days they are quite rare.
Fans with 9-pin connectors are also available. These are usually RGB fans and need the appropriate headers to support various RGB effects. If you buy a case fan with 9-pin connector, it is recommended to purchase it together with an RGB controller from the same manufacturer so that you do not have to worry about connecting a fan.
Static Pressure and Airflow Fans
There’s a lot to be said for the differences between the Static Pressure and the Airflow Fans . In short, the former are great for liquid cooling radiators and air intakes blocked by hard drive shrouds. The airflow fans fit into the chassis air intakes without any obstruction.
What is PWM?
PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) enables intelligent fan control. Users can create different profiles to control all their case fans with just a few clicks. This allows the case fans to run almost silently until the installation is under heavy load. Only under heavy load will the fans spin faster and become audible.
PWM fan control is great, so if you’re looking for a quiet fan, make sure it supports PWM. For those who need high-performance fans and are not bothered by noise, PWM is the way to go. But, we still recommend that everyone look for fans with PWM support.
You can even get a standalone fan speed controller.
They can be used for comprehensive control over each of your case fans, and can even be installed in your PC case.
A few words about the different types of fan bearings
Fan bearings affect performance and noise levels. The best technology (at least for us) is Noctua’s self-stabilizing oil bearing, which is extremely quiet and can last a lifetime.
Another quality bearing is hydrodynamic bearings, which are also very quiet and durable, but not as durable as self-stabilizing oil pressure bearings. Ball bearings are extremely durable, especially at high temperatures. Plus they are very quiet.
Rifle bearings are very quiet and durable. They are not as durable at high temperatures as the other types of bearings mentioned here. Finally, magnetic bearings are high-tech bearings that do not use lubricants. In magnetic bearings, the fan is repelled from the bearing by a magnetic field. They are the quietest and incredibly durable. But very expensive.
If your fan housing has any type of ball bearing, screw bearing, or fluid dynamic bearing, you should be fine.