Case fans are made for ventilating a computer case. This category holds single fans and multi-fan packs, plus a few CPU air coolers. Over 500 models come from Thermaltake, Corsair, NZXT, ARCTIC, be quiet! and other makers.
It suits anyone building a new PC, replacing a noisy fan or improving airflow inside a case.
How to choose a case fan
Size. Most fans in our range are 120 mm (12 cm), followed by 140 mm, with some 80 mm and 60 mm models too. Check which fan openings and mounting points your case or radiator has before anything else. A larger fan moves the same amount of air at lower speeds, so it is usually quieter.
Airflow or pressure. Some fans are designed for high airflow, others for high static pressure. Pressure-optimised models push air better through dust filters, radiators and dense fins, while a rear exhaust position usually needs only a high-airflow fan. Manufacturers state this in the specification.
Connector. A 4-pin (PWM) connector lets the motherboard vary fan speed smoothly over a wide range, while a 3-pin fan is controlled by voltage, which is simpler and less precise. Most fans in our range use 4-pin, and some use 3-pin. Count the fan headers on your motherboard first, since several fans can share one header through a splitter.
Bearing type. Our range includes mainly fluid dynamic (FDB) and rifle bearings, along with hydraulic, HDB, sleeve and dual ball bearing models. Fluid dynamic and similar bearings are generally quiet and long-lived, while plain sleeve bearings are cheaper but can wear sooner, especially when the fan is mounted horizontally.
Pack size. Most listings are single fans, but there are also packs of three, four or five. A three-fan pack is handy for covering a 360 mm radiator or for matching the front and rear of a case.
Brands in our range
- Thermaltake: widely known for its Riing series fans with addressable RGB lighting.
- Corsair: known for the LL and QL series with RGB lighting controlled through iCUE software.
- NZXT: makes the Aer series fans, which match its own cases well.
- ARCTIC: famous for its P series fans with high static pressure, often chosen for radiators and dust filters.
- be quiet!: a German maker known for the quiet Silent Wings and Pure Wings series.
- Fractal Design: best known for quiet cases, so its fans pair naturally with the Define series.
- Deepcool: also makes CPU coolers and cases, so you can build a matching set from one maker.
Also in our range: Inter-Tech, Iceberg Thermal, Sharkoon, Akasa and Cougar.
Frequently asked questions
Should I choose a 120 mm or 140 mm case fan?
Choose the size your case supports, because openings and screw holes are usually made for one size. If both fit, a 140 mm fan moves the same amount of air at lower speeds and is generally quieter. 120 mm fans are more common and fit more radiators.
How many fans does a PC case need?
Usually at least one intake fan at the front and one exhaust fan at the rear. A system with a separate graphics card benefits from another fan at the front or top. What matters most is that intake and exhaust airflow are roughly balanced.
How can I tell which way a case fan blows?
Most fan frames have arrows showing the airflow and rotation direction. Air leaves from the side where the supporting struts are and is drawn in from the opposite side. Check the arrows before mounting so the fan points the way you want.
What is the difference between a 3-pin and a 4-pin case fan?
A 4-pin fan is controlled by the motherboard with a PWM signal, so its speed changes smoothly over a wide range. A 3-pin fan is regulated by changing the voltage. Most modern motherboards support both, but PWM control is usually more precise.
