Keep Your Hardware Cool With the Best PC Fan
Reviewing the Best PC Fans of 2022 in Detail
Noctua NF-P12 Cooling PC Fan – Best Overall
Our top pick may strike you as pretty ordinary, but we assure you it is not. The Noctua NF-P12 PC cooling fan is a high-quality product that provides impressive airflow with minimal noise output. It is specially designed to cool down high-demanding components like the processor.
This 120mm PC fan has won numerous awards for its performance. It is rated for 450 to 1,700 rotations per minute, meaning it can move a lot of air in very little time. Despite its high maximum speed, the fan generates minimal noise. Plus, the two-tone gray color means it will blend in with other computer components without appearing odd.
Pros
- Quick and easy to install
- Operates with a low noise output
- Matches with most computer cases
Cons
- Anti-vibration mounts sold separately
UpHere PC Fan – Budget-Friendly
If you are not into performance gaming or video editing, the UpHere Computer Case Fan is the right choice. It is a simple fan without any high-end features, yet it is a high-quality PC fan with low noise and an even lower price. It comes as a set of three individual case fans, each measuring 120mm in diameter.
This PC fan operates at 1,200 RPM, circulating about 38 CFM of air while emitting 19 decibels of noise. It is available in two color options, white and black, so you can pick the one that matches your case.
Pros
- It comes as a set of three high-quality fans
- Available in two color options
- Well-designed fan body and blades
Cons
- No colorful RGB lighting effects
Corsair PC Cooling PC Fan – Highest Airflow Rating
Our next pick is a three-pack of powerful cooling fans from Corsair. The AF120 PC fans have pleasing aesthetics and deliver fantastic performance with the peak 1,400 RPM and 52 CFM airflow rating. They provide incredible airflow with minimal noise.
Under normal working circumstances, the PC fans produce about 26 decibels of noise, but the output may increase when the PC is stressed. The fans lack RGB effects, but they have built-in LED lighting that combines with the opaque blade design to create a mesmerizing effect.
Pros
- Rugged and stable fan structure
- Circulate lots of air with less noise
- Creates stunning LED illumination
Cons
- Not compatible with PMW control
Antec Prizm Series RGB PC Fans – Best Value
This pack of 5 RGB PC fans from Antec is a solid choice for those on a tight budget. The Prizm series fans measure 120mm in diameter with a 3-pin ARGB and 4-pin PMW interface. Each of these fans contains 18 addressable LED lights, creating 16.8 million colors.
The PC fans come with one control hub that enables you to adjust its speed between 500 to 2,000 RPM. At maximum speed, the fans move 45.03 CFM of air while emitting 32.6 decibels of noise. Lastly, the reinforced frame structure also helps in reducing turbulence and noise.
Pros
- Durable and sturdy construction
- Create smooth RGB effects
- Arrive sync-ready for easy setup
Cons
- Noisier than other options
Cooler Master Halo PC Fan – Best RGB Effects
Our next pick also comes as a set of three PC fans. We like the Cooler Master MF120 Halo PC Fans for the colorful effects. They feature two RGB rings, each consisting of 24 LEDs. These lights are all individually controlled so that you can create a wide variety of effects.
The translucent, hybrid fan blades also help diffuse the colors, so they pop brightly. You can adjust the fan speed between 650 to 1,800 RPM with an airflow rating of 47 CFM. The PC fans also come with an ARGB controller to help you personalize your fans.
Pros
- Comes with an ARGB controller for easy customization
- Create an attractive halo of light
- Two light rings for a mesmerizing halo effect
Cons
- Noise output increases at higher speeds.
Finding Your Next High-Quality PC Fan Buying Guide
A faulty fan can quickly bring your system to its knees. That's why taking the time and finding the most suitable one for your PC is essential. Here's a buyer's guide to help you out:
Finding the Right PC Fan for Your System
A PC fan may be the most basic computer accessory, but the sheer volume of technical terminology can easily confuse anyone. Here are a few tips to help you choose the best PC fan for your needs.
Size
The size of a PC fan is determined by its diameter. They come in a vast range of sizes, from 120mm to 200mm. While your required fan size depends upon the available space, we recommend getting the biggest fan you can fit and afford. This is because the larger fins not only move more air but also do so without needing to spin too fast or making much noise.
Speed
The speed at which a PC fan spins is measured in revolutions per minute or RPM. Fans with higher RPM ratings turn faster for better airflow but are pretty noisy. The ones with a lower RPM rating may be less noisy but cannot move much hot air. Your choice entirely depends upon your preference and need. It is also possible to get a fan controller to help you manage the fan speed.
Airflow
Like the everyday household fans, the quantity of air a fan can push across acts as the decisive factor in your purchase. The higher the airflow rating, the more heat is expelled from the system. You should keep this point in mind and look for a fan that can circulate more air across your system to disperse the heat effectively.
Types of PC Fans
Many people are only aware of the fan found inside the case or a computer system. Read on to find out about the other types of PC fans and why they’re essential for your system/
Case PC fan
Case fans are the PC coolers found inside the case of the computer CPU. These are located towards the side and help circulate the air inside the case. These are the most common types of PC fans. You are better off having two of these: one to bring in the cool air and one to expel the hot air.
CPU PC fan
CPU fans are located inside the CPU, on top of the computer's processor. They are designed in a way to keep the heat off the processor. They pull the hot air and blow it away to keep the processor cool.
Video card PC fan
This fan is found on the video card of your PC. Modern graphics call for powerful video cards for playing games, editing videos, or other graphic-intensive tasks. That's why a fan becomes necessary to protect it from overheating.
Power supply PC fan
As the name suggests, these fans are found inside your PC's power supply. Since the component draws all the current for the system, the power supply is quick at heating up. The fan keeps it cool, preventing system failure.
