If noise is important, prioritize a fan with a low decibel level, or one with several modes you can switch between, so you’ll have quiet options without sacrificing performance when you need it. That said, fans with the highest CFM also tend to be loudest.įan noise (like everything else) is measured in decibels (or dBA), and the smaller the number, the quieter the fan. Speaking of moving air, the stat you want to keep your eyes out for is “CFM,” which stands for “cubic feet per minute.” The higher the number, the more air the fan can move, the better. 120mm and 140mm also (normally) have the same mount size, and larger fans are generally quieter and move more air. Standard sizes range from 80mm to 250mm, and you’ll generally need larger fans for larger PC cases, since they’ll need to move more air. There are a few things you should look for when picking out PC fans.įirst, make sure you measure your PC case to make sure the fan you want will fit in the mounts your case has. Noctua NF-S12B redux-1200 Best Overall PC Fan Check the end of the article for a “buying guide,” which will help you educate yourself on what to look for when buying a new fan, whether you pick up one of our recommendations or not - and click here to see them in the UK. If you are looking to improve the airflow of your setup, or acquire some reliable, high-quality fans to build a new PC, read on to find our list of the best PC fans. How much does style influence your choice? Some fans have flashy LED/RGB lighting. How powerful a fan do you need? You’ll likely need to find a balance between power and noise because the most powerful fans are often the loudest. What size fan will fit your PC case? Many cases can hold several sizes of fans, depending on the location of the fan vents on the case. There are a few things to keep in mind when buying new fans.