Key Points
- Noctua NF-A12 is Reddit’s best overall case fan, known for its outstanding performance and reliability.
- Arctic P12 is recommended for high static pressure situations and offers a five-pack option for larger computer cases.
- Phanteks t30 stands out for its superior performance, unique noise reduction design, and robust build.
- MSI Silent Gale is the best choice for low noise, thanks to its hydraulic bearings and PWM control for adjustable fan speeds.
- Lian Li Al 120 is praised for its modular design, elegant RGB lighting, and simplified installation process.
- BeQuiet SilentWings 4 is endorsed for its quiet operation, anti-vibration mounting system, and potent airflow.
- Scythe Gentle Typhoon is known for its high static pressure capabilities, impressive cooling performance, and robust construction.
- Noiseblocker NB-eLoop Fan B14-PS features a unique bionic loop rotor design, high airflow and pressure, and low noise levels.
- Corsair ML Series stands out for its magnetic levitation technology, providing quieter operation and higher performance, although some users have reported longevity issues.
When it comes to computer components, case fans are a vital part of the equation. They keep your computer cool, maintaining the efficiency and lifespan of your components. But how do you know which fans to choose? Leave it to the ever-knowledgeable Reddit community to help us with this task. After combing through several threads on /r/buildapc, we have compiled a list of the best case fans recommended by Reddit users. So let’s run through these fans and find out why they made the cut.
Below are some of Reddit’s best picks for case fans on the market today.
- Best Overall: Noctua NF-A12
- Best for High Static Pressure: Arctic P12
- Best Fan Design: Phanteks t30
- Best for Low Noise: MSI Silent Gale
- Best Modular Design: Lian Li Al 120
- Best for Low Vibration: BeQuiet SilentWings 4
- Best for Robust Construction: Scythe Gentle Typhoon
- Best Rotor Design: Noiseblocker NB-eLoop Fan B14-PS
- Best for Innovation: Corsair ML Series
Best Overall: Noctua NF-A12
- Size:120mm
- Connector type: 4-pin
- Max RPM: 2000
- Max noise: 22.6dB(A)
- Includes swappable anti-vibration gaskets in 7 colors
The Noctua NF-A12 stands out as one of the best Reddit case fans, as mentioned in the r/buildapc thread. It is a product highly revered for its outstanding performance and unparalleled quality. Noctua, a brand recognized for its distinctive brown color scheme, has consistently maintained a top-tier status in the PC cooling industry due to its exceptional reliability.
In particular, the NF-A12 model is a paragon of Noctua’s commitment to excellence. It integrates three critical elements — impressive airflow, superior pressure performance, and quiet operation — making it a favorite among PC builders. This model truly encapsulates Noctua’s pioneering spirit and dedication to quality. This has earned it a well-deserved spot in many PC builds worldwide.
Check the Noctua NF-A12 out on Amazon.
Best for High Static Pressure: Arctic P12
The Arctic P12 fan is an outstanding model that has earned much praise in various tech discussions. It stands out in this post by Imminent_Tuber due to its high static pressure. It can efficiently push air through restricted areas, such as heatsinks or radiator fins. This attribute is especially important in situations where components are tightly packed. This is often the case in modern gaming and high-performance setups.
In addition, the Arctic P12 offers a fantastic deal with its five-pack option. This package can be particularly advantageous for users aiming to cool larger computer cases that can accommodate multiple fans, or even for those maintaining several systems simultaneously.
Check the Arctic P12 out on Amazon.
Best Fan Design: Phanteks t30
- The fan is made of LCP that has been reinforced with glass fiber
- Features Hybrid, Performance , and Advanced fan modes
- Size: 120mm
- 30mm fan thickness results in better airflow
The Phanteks t30 showcases remarkable innovation in fan design and functionality. It stands out due to its superior performance and the unique approach it takes to reducing noise. This innovative design entails a complex assembly, fine-tuned to minimize sound emissions while ensuring uncompromised airflow.
This fan’s robust build is another key selling point. Constructed from high-quality materials, it promises long-lasting durability and resilience. Its robustness does not impede its efficiency. In fact, the Phanteks t30 excels at maintaining optimal airflow, making it a valuable asset in any PC setup.
Check the Phanteks t30 out on Amazon.
Best for Low Noise: MSI Silent Gale
- Includes a mini LCD display on the fan's pump block
- Supports LGA1700
- Includes a fan for the VRM
- Designed for near silent operation
The MSI Silent Gale is an exceptional computer case, meriting its inclusion on our list due to its remarkable performance, as thoroughly discussed in LittleYellowFox’s post. The MSI Silent Gale has hydraulic bearings that are engineered to reduce friction, which in turn reduces operational noise. This makes the Silent Gale not just effective but also quiet during operation, thereby living up to its name.
Adding to its impressive performance, the Silent Gale comes with Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) control. This technology enables users to adjust fan speeds based on their particular cooling requirements. Whether you are engaged in demanding tasks that require high-speed cooling or more casual usage where silence is the preference, you can adjust the fan’s speed accordingly.
Check the MSI Silent Gale out on Amazon.
Best Modular Design: Lian Li Al 120
- Size:120mm (x3)
- Includes a controller for the fans
- Features a Daisy-Chain style design that uses Slide-in and PIN-to-PIN interlocking mechanisms
- Sold with the L-Connect software from Lian Li
The Lian Li Al 120 is an embodiment of innovative thinking in the realm of computer cooling solutions. This case fan is particularly remarkable due to its ingenious modular design. The modular feature enables users to daisy-chain multiple fans together, resulting in a system that not only looks cohesive and elegant but also simplifies the installation process and cable management dramatically.
Beyond the functional advantages, the Lian Li Al 120 also dazzles on the aesthetic front. Its vibrant, fully customizable RGB lighting system appeals to gamers and tech enthusiasts who enjoy adding a personal touch to their builds. Combined with the unique visual flair it brings, the Lian Li Al 120 effortlessly bridges the gap between form and function, making it a stellar addition to any computer setup.
Check the Lian Li Al 120 out on Amazon.
Best for Low Vibration: BeQuiet SilentWings 4
- Suitable for extreme amounts of air pressure
- Quiet normal operation
- Features anti-vibration style mounting
- Features a fluid-dynamic bearing to ensure smooth, vibration-free cooling
BeQuiet’s SilentWings 4 is frequently heralded as an excellent solution for those who value tranquility in their computing environments. Several Reddit users have endorsed these fans for their notably quiet operation. The SilentWings 4 features a blade design that has been meticulously crafted to balance efficient airflow and reduced acoustics, ensuring your system remains cool without creating a racket.
These fans also incorporate an anti-vibration mounting system, which significantly dampens any potential vibration noise that can be an issue with lesser-quality fans. Not only does this lead to a quieter environment, but it also extends the lifespan of the fan by reducing wear and tear. Beyond their quiet operation, the SilentWings 4 series delivers potent airflow and pressure performance.
Check BeQuiet’s SilentWings 4 out on Amazon.
Best for Robust Construction: Scythe Gentle Typhoon
The Scythe Gentle Typhoon has built a strong reputation for itself within the tech community due to its exceptional performance and durable construction. The core strength of this fan lies in its design, which boasts high static pressure capabilities. Users have noted how smoothly it operates, providing excellent cooling while maintaining impressive noise control, making it a popular choice among both casual users and PC enthusiasts alike.
Moreover, the Scythe Gentle Typhoon not only delivers in terms of performance but also stands out for its robust build quality. Whether used for intensive gaming, high-demand computational tasks, or everyday use, the Scythe Gentle Typhoon continues to impress users. This is due to its capacity to offer high-end cooling solutions without compromising on noise or durability.
Check the Scythe Gentle Typhoon out on Amazon.
Best Rotor Design: Noiseblocker NB-eLoop Fan B14-PS
- Size: 140mm
- Max noise level (dB): 24.28
- Lifetime: 160,000 hours
- Features automatic fan speed control (300-1200RPM)
Renowned for its cutting-edge design, the Noiseblocker NB-eLoop Fan B14-PS has gained considerable recognition in the realm of computer cooling solutions. What truly sets it apart from the crowd is its unique bionic loop rotor design. This innovative approach has been engineered with precision to deliver stellar performance under different operational conditions.
As a result, the NB-eLoop Fan B14-PS offers significantly high airflow and pressure. This ensures the optimal cooling of computer components, which is much desired by tech enthusiasts. What makes the Noiseblocker NB-eLoop Fan B14-PS stand out further is its capacity to deliver these high-performance features while maintaining impressively low noise levels.
Check the Noiseblocker NB-eLoop Fan B14-PS out on Amazon.
Best for Innovation: Corsair ML Series
- Size: 120mm (x3)
- Features RGB LEDs arranged in 2 separate loops on the fan
- Supports automatic fan speed adjustment (600 to 1,500RPM)
- Noise level (dB): 24.8
The Corsair ML Series, including the Corsair LL Series LL120, has generated considerable buzz in the PC building community, for both its innovative features and the controversy surrounding it. This line of fans employs a distinct magnetic levitation technology, an aspect that sets it apart from many other fan models on the market. This unique tech provides several benefits to the users, the key among them being quieter operation and higher performance.
However, it’s important to note that the ML series has also received a fair share of criticism. This primarily stems from longevity issues reported by some users, as highlighted in this comment by Eleanor_tijo. Despite the cutting-edge technology and performance benefits, these fans seem to have a shorter lifespan in certain instances.
Check the Corsair LL Series LL120 out on Amazon.
Conclusion
In summary, Noctua, Arctic, Phanteks, MSI, Lian Li, BeQuiet, Scythe, Noiseblocker, and Corsair all offer fans that have come out as Reddit’s best case fans for their effectiveness in keeping computer systems cool.
As with all computer components, it’s important to consider compatibility along with your specific use case and personal preferences when selecting case fans. Whether you’re an avid gamer, a professional content creator, or someone who simply wants a quiet system for everyday use, there’s a fan on this list for you.
The image featured at the top of this post is ©RSplaneta/Shutterstock.com.
