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Cheap but good case fans

Wufflez
By Wufflez
in Cooling
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I'm looking for a cheap 120mm exhaust fan. Something that's somewhat quiet with a stock intel heat sink and a 280x that'll be in a Corsair Spec-01

Black or black and red colored fan will do. Doesn't exactly need frills

I'm not too familiar with what fans are good so I really need some help 

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I'm looking for a cheap 120mm exhaust fan. Something that's somewhat quiet with a stock intel heat sink and a 280x that'll be in a Corsair Spec-01

Black or black and red colored fan will do. Doesn't exactly need frills

I'm not too familiar with what fans are good so I really need some help 

 

SP120 QE from Corsair. Red ring on a black frame.

The projects never end in my line of work.

CPU: Dual Xeon E5-2650v2 || GPU: Dual Quadro K5000 || Motherboard: Asus Z9PE-D8 || RAM: 64GB Corsair Vengeance || Monitors: Dual LG 34UM95, NEC MultiSync EA244UHD || Storage: Dual Samsung 850 Pro 256GB in Raid 0, 6x WD Re 4TB in Raid 1 || Sound: Xonar Essense STX (Mainly for Troubleshooting and listening test) || PSU: Corsair Ax1500i

CPU: Core i7 5820k @ 4.7GHz || GPU: Dual Titan X || Motherboard: Asus X99 Deluxe || RAM: 32GB Crucial Ballistix Sport || Monitors: MX299Q, 29UB65, LG 34UM95 || Storage: Dual Samsung 850 EVO 1 TB in Raid 0, Samsung 850 EVO 250GB, 2TB Toshiba scratch disk, 3TB Seagate Barracuda || PSU: EVGA 1000w PS Platinum

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Budget?

If you ever need help with a build, read the following before posting: http://linustechtips.com/main/topic/3061-build-plan-thread-recommendations-please-read-before-posting/
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Budget?

Looking at options, one under 20 and another under 15?

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Looking at options, one under 20 and another under 15?

That's not exactly cheap but okay.

If you don't mind the look, the NF-S12A is the best fan in your case: http://pcpartpicker.com/part/noctua-case-fan-nfs12aflx

Otherwise, NF-S12B: http://pcpartpicker.com/part/noctua-case-fan-nfs12bredux1200pwm

or the non-pwm variant capped at 700rpm if you want to save a few bucks and don't need as much performance: http://pcpartpicker.com/part/noctua-case-fan-nfs12bredux700

If you don't dig the grey, Hyperboreas are quiet but not nearly as quiet as the suggestions above: http://pcpartpicker.com/part/rosewill-case-fan-rocf11004

If you ever need help with a build, read the following before posting: http://linustechtips.com/main/topic/3061-build-plan-thread-recommendations-please-read-before-posting/
Also, make sure to quote a post or tag a member when replying or else they won't get a notification that you replied to them.

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SP120 QE from Corsair. Red ring on a black frame.

A static pressure fan for an exhaust, doesn't that sound like a waste?

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A static pressure fan for an exhaust, doesn't that sound like a waste?

Yep, that would be a waste. 

If you ever need help with a build, read the following before posting: http://linustechtips.com/main/topic/3061-build-plan-thread-recommendations-please-read-before-posting/
Also, make sure to quote a post or tag a member when replying or else they won't get a notification that you replied to them.

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That's not exactly cheap.

If you don't mind the look, the NF-S12A is the best fan in your case: http://pcpartpicker.com/part/noctua-case-fan-nfs12aflx

Otherwise, NF-S12B: http://pcpartpicker.com/part/noctua-case-fan-nfs12bredux1200pwm

or the non-pwm variant capped at 700rpm if you want to save a few bucks and don't need as much performance: http://pcpartpicker.com/part/noctua-case-fan-nfs12bredux700

If you don't dig the grey, Hyperboreas are quiet but not nearly as quiet as the suggestions above: http://pcpartpicker.com/part/rosewill-case-fan-rocf11004

Quiet isn't the focus 25 dbA or lower will do, sorry I should of specified. I want something that pushes decent air and will last. I was looking at corsair AF fans. What do you think of them? If that isn't cheap I'd be curious to see recommendations for under $10

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A static pressure fan for an exhaust, doesn't that sound like a waste?

 

Waste of a static pressure bit, but they still have pretty decent airflow, but you can adopt them to other parts later, specifically, if you want to add a radiator. That was my thinking, but otherwise an AF120 would be fine.

The projects never end in my line of work.

CPU: Dual Xeon E5-2650v2 || GPU: Dual Quadro K5000 || Motherboard: Asus Z9PE-D8 || RAM: 64GB Corsair Vengeance || Monitors: Dual LG 34UM95, NEC MultiSync EA244UHD || Storage: Dual Samsung 850 Pro 256GB in Raid 0, 6x WD Re 4TB in Raid 1 || Sound: Xonar Essense STX (Mainly for Troubleshooting and listening test) || PSU: Corsair Ax1500i

CPU: Core i7 5820k @ 4.7GHz || GPU: Dual Titan X || Motherboard: Asus X99 Deluxe || RAM: 32GB Crucial Ballistix Sport || Monitors: MX299Q, 29UB65, LG 34UM95 || Storage: Dual Samsung 850 EVO 1 TB in Raid 0, Samsung 850 EVO 250GB, 2TB Toshiba scratch disk, 3TB Seagate Barracuda || PSU: EVGA 1000w PS Platinum

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Quiet isn't the focus 25 dbA or lower will do, sorry I should of specified. I want something that pushes decent air and will last. I was looking at corsair AF fans. What do you think of them? If that isn't cheap I'd be curious to see recommendations for under $10

AF120 QE's are good but are still worse than anything I listed. 

Under $10, you might have to be less picky about looks.

Silent12: http://pcpartpicker.com/part/gelid-solutions-case-fan-fnpx1215

Cheaper 3pin version: http://pcpartpicker.com/part/gelid-solutions-case-fan-fnsx1210

Waste of a static pressure bit, but they still have pretty decent airflow, but you can adopt them to other parts later, specifically, if you want to add a radiator. That was my thinking, but otherwise an AF120 would be fine.

The AF120 trumps the SP120 in performance/noise in just about any scenario that isn't a rad or dense heatsink. 

If you ever need help with a build, read the following before posting: http://linustechtips.com/main/topic/3061-build-plan-thread-recommendations-please-read-before-posting/
Also, make sure to quote a post or tag a member when replying or else they won't get a notification that you replied to them.

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The AF120 trumps the SP120 in performance/noise in just about any scenario that isn't a rad or dense heatsink. 

 

No doubt. But at least for me, I like having an option of either, to aid in any future expansion.

The projects never end in my line of work.

CPU: Dual Xeon E5-2650v2 || GPU: Dual Quadro K5000 || Motherboard: Asus Z9PE-D8 || RAM: 64GB Corsair Vengeance || Monitors: Dual LG 34UM95, NEC MultiSync EA244UHD || Storage: Dual Samsung 850 Pro 256GB in Raid 0, 6x WD Re 4TB in Raid 1 || Sound: Xonar Essense STX (Mainly for Troubleshooting and listening test) || PSU: Corsair Ax1500i

CPU: Core i7 5820k @ 4.7GHz || GPU: Dual Titan X || Motherboard: Asus X99 Deluxe || RAM: 32GB Crucial Ballistix Sport || Monitors: MX299Q, 29UB65, LG 34UM95 || Storage: Dual Samsung 850 EVO 1 TB in Raid 0, Samsung 850 EVO 250GB, 2TB Toshiba scratch disk, 3TB Seagate Barracuda || PSU: EVGA 1000w PS Platinum

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No doubt. But at least for me, I like having an option of either, to aid in any future expansion.

I can see that but the build is for my less techy friend who I doubt will be doing much upgrading
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AF120 QE's are good but are still worse than anything I listed.

Under $10, you might have to be less picky about looks.

Silent12: http://pcpartpicker.com/part/gelid-solutions-case-fan-fnpx1215

Cheaper 3pin version: http://pcpartpicker.com/part/gelid-solutions-case-fan-fnsx1210

The AF120 trumps the SP120 in performance/noise in just about any scenario that isn't a rad or dense heatsink.

Those are good looking fans imo but white will conflict with the color matching too much
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I really like Arctics and Fractals fans a lot, they are very quite in my case.

Desktop: i9 11900k, 32GB DDR4, 4060 Ti 8GB 🙂

 

 

 

 

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He's stuck deciding between a couple of fans, he especially likes these two though http://pcpartpicker.com/part/enermax-case-fan-uctb12nr and http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835200068R

They both perform well but I'd go with the quieter Hyperborea.

If you ever need help with a build, read the following before posting: http://linustechtips.com/main/topic/3061-build-plan-thread-recommendations-please-read-before-posting/
Also, make sure to quote a post or tag a member when replying or else they won't get a notification that you replied to them.

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CoolerMaster Jetflo 120, very underrated fan. I don't know why anyone hardly mention this fan.

 

 

I have 5 of these fans before I switch to Noctuas, they are great fans, a bit noisy though, but I was running at 100% RPM all the time. They cost $12 here in Australia so if you live in North America it should be even cheaper.

 

EDIT: Spelt CoolerMaster wrong

CPU AMD FX-8350 @ 4.0GHz | Cooling AMD Stock | Motherboard AsRock 970 Extreme4 | RAM 8GB (2x4) DDR3 1333MHz | GPU AMD Sapphire R9 290 Vapor-X | Case Fractal Define R5 Titanium | 


Storage Samsung 120GB 840 EVO | PSUThermaltake Litepower 600W | OS Windows 8.1 Pro 64-bit


Upgrading to - Intel i7 - New motherboard - Corsair AIO H110i GT watercooler -  1000W PSU


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CoolerMaster Jetflo 120, very underrated fan. I don't know why anyone hardly recommend this fan.

It's probably due to them being loud and not cheap. 

Noctua already fulfilled the niche with their NF-S12 and NF-F12 iPPC fans which are quieter and at this point, cheaper with their redux line than Jetflos.

If you ever need help with a build, read the following before posting: http://linustechtips.com/main/topic/3061-build-plan-thread-recommendations-please-read-before-posting/
Also, make sure to quote a post or tag a member when replying or else they won't get a notification that you replied to them.

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It's probably due to them being loud and not cheap. 

Noctua already fulfilled the niche with their NF-S12 and NF-F12 iPPC fans which are quieter and at this point, cheaper with their redux line than Jetflos.

They are less than $12 AUD (even cheaper in the States). And it is not that loud, just don't run it at 100% RPM 24/7, this is true for any fan that runs at 2000RPM. It comes with a speed limiter cable so you can run it at 1600RPM or less. The NF-S12 max RPM is 1200RPM so ofcourse it will be quieter than a 2000RPM fan. The NF-F12 is 2 decibels quieter than a Jetflo 120 but almost cost three times as much ($12 AUD to $33 AUD). 

 

Run the thing at 1300-1500RPM and it wouldn't be as loud as it being at 2000RPM.

 

Jetflo 120

 

Noctua NF-F12

 

I did end up replacing my Jetflo 120 fans with Noctua A14 fans, but for the price the Jetflo is excellent.

 

EDIT: Sorry for poor grammar.

CPU AMD FX-8350 @ 4.0GHz | Cooling AMD Stock | Motherboard AsRock 970 Extreme4 | RAM 8GB (2x4) DDR3 1333MHz | GPU AMD Sapphire R9 290 Vapor-X | Case Fractal Define R5 Titanium | 


Storage Samsung 120GB 840 EVO | PSUThermaltake Litepower 600W | OS Windows 8.1 Pro 64-bit


Upgrading to - Intel i7 - New motherboard - Corsair AIO H110i GT watercooler -  1000W PSU


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They are less than $12 AUD (even cheaper in the States). And it is not that loud, just don't run it at 100% RPM 24/7, this is true for any fan that runs at 2000RPM. It comes with a speed limiter cable so you can run it at 1600RPM or less. The NF-S12 max RPM is 1200RPM so ofcourse it will be quieter than a 2000RPM fan. The NF-F12 is 2 decibels quieter than a Jetflo 120 but almost cost three times as much ($12 AUD to $33 AUD). 

 

Run the thing at 1300-1500RPM and it wouldn't be as loud as it being at 2000RPM.

 

I did end up replacing my Jetflo 120 fans with Noctua A14 fans, but for the price the Jetflo is excellent.

Hm...? http://pcpartpicker.com/search/?q=jetflo

Decibel ratings don't tell that much when the noise signatures are different but I was mostly referring to NF-S12's anyway as they are optimized for airflow like Jetflos. It was more of an explanation of why Jetflos haven't caught on than 'because they are bad'--they aren't.

Also, AF120's hog much of the spotlight.

The normal NF-F12 isn't the proper comparison to a Jetflo. I was referring to iPPC's due to Jetflos being a cheap but real contender specifically when it comes to rad performance when noise isn't an issue and at a much lower price point. 

If you ever need help with a build, read the following before posting: http://linustechtips.com/main/topic/3061-build-plan-thread-recommendations-please-read-before-posting/
Also, make sure to quote a post or tag a member when replying or else they won't get a notification that you replied to them.

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I think the Scythe Slip Stream PWM should be given some consideration. I remember getting it relatively cheap at around $10.

 

It is extremely quiet even at 900rpm, pushes a significant amount of air, and is pwm.

 

Excellent fan, can't say enough about it.

 

http://www.scythe-eu.com/en/products/fans/slip-stream-120-pwm.html

Arc Midi R2 | Asus Maximus VII Hero | Intel i5 4690k | Asus GTX 970 Strix | Corsair H80 | Crucial M4 128gb | 8gb 1333 Mushkin Silverline | EVGA G2 750

Filko Ninja TKL Cherry MX Black | Mionix Naos | Fiio e10k | Edifier S330D | Sennheiser HD558 | Blue Snowball | Asus PA238QR | Samsung BX2250

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I think Bitfenix Spectre (non pro) is a good budget option. I also heard good things about the Rosewill Hyperborea, also known as the Akasa Apache.

I cannot be held responsible for any bad advice given.

I've no idea why the world is afraid of 3D-printed guns when clearly 3D-printed crossbows would be more practical for now.

My rig: The StealthRay. Plans for a newer, better version of its mufflers are already being made.

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