Computers, Hardware

Choosing the Right Case Fan for Your Computer

Computers and more specifically processors tend to heat up a lot especially as a result of continuous intense activity. If you have a proper case fan, however, the negative effects of this heat will be eliminated and your computer will perform significantly better. Another benefit of cooling is that many of the parts will last much longer.

The problem that many people face nowadays is that their pre-built personal computers come with case fans that are inadequate and simply cannot manage to keep the right temperature. This often leads to the untimely breakdown of various expensive components such as central processing units, graphic cards and other important parts.

cpu-coolingBecause better cooled systems generally run more smoothly, the first thing that many people do after buying a computer is to replace the case fan. However, going to the store and simply buying the first case fan that looks good is not the right approach. There are certain things that need to be considered in order to make the right choice. Here they are:

Size

Fans come in various sizes, but they are not that different from each other. The width of most case fans usually varies between 40 and 140 mm. The height is usually 10 to 20 mm. Choosing the right case fan size is of utmost importance. In general, the bigger the fan is, the more air it will be able to circulate and extract. You should make sure that a case fan is neither too big nor too small for your needs.

Connection

Not all case fans use the same power source. Some case fans connect to the motherboard while others connect directly to the power supply unit. The important thing to consider here is that the speed of the case fans that connect to the motherboard can be controlled using software.

Noise

Case fans produce a certain amount of noise when they are active. It is recommended that the fan you want to buy is as quiet as possible so that it doesn't disturb your comfort. The noise that case fans produce is measured in decibels. This can range between 18 dB to 35 dB or more. Keep in mind that the amount of noise that the fan produces isn't always an indication of quality. This usually depends on the design of the fan.

Cooling

Of course, one of the most important things about case fans is how effective they are. CFM (or cubic feet per minute) is the unit used to measure the cooling properties of case fans. Needless to say, high CFM means better quality.

Looks

It is important to note that the way a fan looks doesn't have anything to do with its cooling properties or quality. Some people prefer fans with neon lights, while other people only care about performance.

Keep these 5 points in mind next time you are choosing a case fan for your computer. Always make sure to pick one that is suitable for your needs and don't make assumptions about the quality from the way a fan looks.

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