Case fans, also known as PC fans or chassis fans, are vital to managing your computer’s temperature and dissipating heat from the CPU, GPU, PSU, storage devices, and other components. The best fans provide efficient airflow while minimizing noise.
Intake vs Exhaust
Intake fans pull cool air into the case, cooling components by forcing the hot air out through the front or back of the case. The exhaust fan blows the hot air out of the case, removing the thermal energy from the inside.
Properly configured intake and exhaust fans create a pressurized system that prevents cool air from stagnating inside the case, and prevents hot air from being pulled out through the back or top of the case. This allows your PC to maintain a cool, stable environment that will not overheat.
The size of a case fan is measured in CFM (Cubic Feet Per Minute), which is a measure of the volume of air the fan can move. High-quality fans are engineered to balance CFM and noise levels, offering a wide range of performance.
Choosing the right case fan size is important, and you should always check your motherboard’s specifications to see which sizes it supports. The most common sizes are 120mm and 140 mm, with the larger 200mm spinners enjoying a resurgence. Using large case fans can offer better airflow and quieter operation, although they may require more power to operate. Most case fans come with rubber mounts and anti-vibration pads to minimize noise.