Noctua fans for Corsair Air 540

azorahai · May 30, 2016

Hi all,

I want to replace my stock Corsair fans in my Air 540 with some Noctua's.

Basically, I need more air circulation to bring the temps down on my two GPUs as they idle at around 43C each.

Should I go for 3 120mm fans in the front of stay with 2 140s?

Also, which specific Noctua's should I get? Noise isn't an issue...I just want the best possible airflow.

Thanks!!

SSL · May 30, 2016

If you want maximum airflow irrespective of noise, the Industrial noctua fans are the way to go. 3000rpm will move the most air, obviously.

3xNF-F12 will move more air. In general, 3x120 fans will out-blow 2x140 given CFM numbers proportional to the fan diameters.

azorahai · May 30, 2016

6 minutes ago, SSL said:

If you want maximum airflow irrespective of noise, the Industrial noctua fans are the way to go. 3000rpm will move the most air, obviously.

3xNF-F12 will move more air. In general, 3x120 fans will out-blow 2x140 given CFM numbers proportional to the fan diameters.

Thanks. What is the difference between pwm and 3 pin?

I want three in the front for intake and 1 140mm fan in the back for exhaust.

SSL · May 30, 2016

1 minute ago, azorahai said:

Thanks. What is the difference between pwm and 3 pin?

I want three in the front for intake and 1 140mm fan in the back for exhaust.

3pin accepts a constant voltage to control RPM. 4pin accepts a PWM signal, which controls fan speed by adjusting the duty cycle of the input voltage, which for PC fans is usually a nominal 12v.

You motherboard should be able to handle either type of fan, although it would be best to check.

Note that noctua industrial fans generally require a true voltage source (such as proved by a motherboard fan header) NOT a resistance-based controller as is found in fan hubs. What this means is that they will not start spinning unless powered properly.

I advise getting PWM fans and connect them to your motherboard. Use your motherboard to create a fan profile, or use the SpeedFan software.

Cyracus · May 30, 2016

if noise isn't an issue the Delta "deafening" 4,600 rpm 120mm fans are the way to go, just make sure all your computer components are secured well, the last time someone dared use those things they got a massive wind storm going and a house fell on this old crazy green hag, then lions and tigers and bears oh my, flying monkeys, yeah, maybe you shouldn't get those

WoodenMarker · May 30, 2016

Idle temps don't really matter though. Are your load temps too high?

azorahai · May 30, 2016

9 hours ago, WoodenMarker said:

Idle temps don't really matter though. Are your load temps too high?

Ya they're throttling a bit and I'm not overclocking the graphics

Vode · May 30, 2016

If you want best airflow get the NF-S12A. But don't use them if you habe dust filters or a couple of hard drive cages in front of them. They move more air than the regular NF-F12s generally.

Or go with Industrial NF-F12 but they are really loud, I know you said noise isn't any issue but the 2000rpm are pretty though to sit next to, let alone three of them... Lol The industrial ones are pretty much meant to be placed in rack mount units...

azorahai · May 30, 2016

1 hour ago, Vode said:

If you want best airflow get the NF-S12A. But don't use them if you habe dust filters or a couple of hard drive cages in front of them. They move more air than the regular NF-F12s generally.

Or go with Industrial NF-F12 but they are really loud, I know you said noise isn't any issue but the 2000rpm are pretty though to sit next to, let alone three of them... Lol The industrial ones are pretty much meant to be placed in rack mount units...

I've only used two 140s in front but I will be going with 3 120s. I assume that there is a W cable where I can use one connector for all three pwm fans?

Vode · May 31, 2016

4 hours ago, azorahai said:

I've only used two 140s in front but I will be going with 3 120s. I assume that there is a W cable where I can use one connector for all three pwm fans?

You can use a splitter. But you will need 2x the noctua PWM splitter. They have some special ones and they are worth. (Some PWM fan gave clicking noises, Noctuas don't click). Basically get those and you won't have any problems.

http://noctua.at/en/products/accessories/na-syc1?___from_store=de