80mm or 120mm Fan For Side Panel? Or two?

DAnDan · 18 Apr 2008 at 23:38

I'm just about the swap all the fans on my case for new ones, as the current ones are far, far too noisy for me.

I have the choice or 1 or 2 fans on the side panel of my case, either 120mm, or 80mm. Are 120mm fans generally noisier, or quieter than 80mm ones?

I have the zalman fan controller, so I can always change the speed to suit the needs. I'm thinking a 120mm fan at a low speed may be more effective/noice friendly than a 80mm one going faster to move the same air?

Or 2 120mm fans at a very low speed?

Cob · 18 Apr 2008 at 23:40

120mm fans are quieter and shift more air. Always go for 120mm fans if given the choice.

siege2 · 18 Apr 2008 at 23:41

why dont u do the 7 volt trick to make them quite. On the 120 mm ones that is. do a google.com search "7 volt trick"

DAnDan · 18 Apr 2008 at 23:46

I've already payed for the fan controller, and honestly I like the idea of being able to control the fan speed for the occasion.

So 120mm fans are the way to go then? Thanks

siege2 · 19 Apr 2008 at 10:41

yep they are, smaller ones tend to produce less air flow and make more noise, with the fan controller or 7 volt trick u can then reduce the fan speed IE less air flow and less noise with the 120 mm fans to get a more quieter PC.

Junk · 19 Apr 2008 at 11:00

another vote for 120.

Nexus DS 12 (i think) are virtually silent.

siege2 · 19 Apr 2008 at 11:10

Fans are never going to be quote "Silent", If they shift air flow then we all know doing that causes friction therefore making noise.

WJA96 · 19 Apr 2008 at 11:13

If you have a Gigabyte motherboard then make sure you get PWM fans eg. AC or Scythe 120mm PWM. These actually speed up and slow down properly under motherboard control.

In reality though - if you have a properly designed case, and a tidy install, then 1 or 2 120mm fans is all you need.