Fan recommendation for In Win 303 case – quiet or normal performance

Slam · 29 Jul 2016 at 11:28

My plan for this case is to have 3 x 120mm fans in the bottom for intake and 3 x 120mm fans at the top for exhaust (note the vertical orientation of the top fans). Plus I’ll use a 120mm fan at the back of the case as intake (with a filter) to create positive pressure.

Link to case
https://www.overclockers.co.uk/in-win-303-midi-tower-case-white-ca-074-iw.html

I’m probably going to go with Corsair AF120 fans and given that there are so many fans (7 excluding the cpu cooler) I think that quiet 21dBA fans each shifting 39.88 CFM will be enough. The normal versions are 30dBA and move 63.47 CFM each.

I want to use the Phanteks fan controller to add pwm control and power by sata connection to all the case fans.

Link to fan hub
https://www.overclockers.co.uk/phanteks-pwm-fan-hub-ca-009-pt.html

My CPU is a i5 2500k @ 4.2 Ghz and GPU Sapphire R9 Fury nitro.

Any comments welcome!

ttaskmaster · 29 Jul 2016 at 13:25

If you want quiet performance, I'd suggest Noctua fans.
If you want quiet, quiet and nothing but quiet, the Corsair Quiet Edition AF120s.

However if you can squeeze AF140s in instead, particularly on the intakes, that could create better airflow at lower, quieter RPMs and enhance your positive pressure...

Slam · 29 Jul 2016 at 13:54

Thanks, I'll have another look at the Noctuas.

Now I'm thinking about getting regular fans and trusting the fan controller to slow them down and keep them quiet.

Slam · 29 Jul 2016 at 14:19

The Noctua NF S12B fans are as quiet as the Corsairs but shift a lot more air 59.2 CFM. I'm not familiar with the Noctua range but these seem to be the airflow ones (ie not the high static pressure ones)

https://www.overclockers.co.uk/noctua-nf-s12b-redux-1200rpm-120mm-quiet-case-fan-fg-037-nc.html

ttaskmaster · 29 Jul 2016 at 15:27

Slam said:
The Noctua NF S12B fans are as quiet as the Corsairs but shift a lot more air 59.2 CFM. I'm not familiar with the Noctua range but these seem to be the airflow ones (ie not the high static pressure ones)

The S12A shifts a claimed 63 CFM at 1200rpm for a mere 18dB...

Benjamham · 29 Jul 2016 at 17:42

akasa apache fans are very good for case fans, and quite affordable. have a look at the reviews on ocuk.

My basket at Overclockers UK:

1 x Three Fan Bundle - Akasa AK-FN058 Apache Black Super Silent 120mm Fan - 4 Pin PWM= £27.00
1 x Akasa AK-FN058 Apache Black Super Silent 120mm Fan - 4 Pin PWM= £11.99

Total: £48.89
(includes shipping: £9.90)

If you would prefer spending extra for the "best of the best" then go for some noctua fans, but the difference is marginal

doyll · 30 Jul 2016 at 13:53

Phanteks fans are quiet too.

I setup case fans to cycle with component fans. This way the idle slow when system is idling and increase in speed / airflow as system components need it. You might find this basic case airflow guide of interest.
https://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showpost.php?p=26159770&postcount=7

Slam · 30 Jul 2016 at 18:25

Thanks for the recommendations and link to that guide.
I've ordered 3 Noctua NF S12B fans to start with (only have 3 in stock).
I still like the look of the Corsair fans but I'm glad I didn't get them. I'm quite shocked at the number of really positive reviews given the quality the alternatives.

I will try and setup the case fans to respond to cpu fan requirements.