Can someone explain the difference between these sets of fans?

Big Boss94

Big Boss94

Big Boss94

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I'm after some fans for my first build, some for the case, some for the AIO radiator. I'm not sure whether I want PWM or the type without, I could just do with some advice.

Corsair -
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=FG-015-CS&groupid=701&catid=2331
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=FG-010-CS&groupid=701&catid=2331

Noctua -
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=FG-044-NC&groupid=701&catid=2331
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=FG-042-NC&groupid=701&catid=2331
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=FG-037-NC&groupid=701&catid=2331
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=FG-036-NC&groupid=701&catid=2331

I'm looking to slap some quiet fans on the Corsair H105 I plan to buy, and some good performing quiet fans for a case. If anyone could explain which type I'd be better going for, it'd be greatly appreciated.
 
I'm not the most informed person but for a rad you want Pwm fans with a good static pressure

Like the first lot the cosair sp120 Pwm


Hope this helps



Colin
 
PWM generally affords the user better control over fans.

I've always been very happy with my Noctua fans and they are still going well after so many years.
 
If you have a fan controller then PWM isn't that useful, if you want the fan's to do their thing automatically then PWM is what you want. I prefer to set it up myself and have a constant noise rather than an oscillating one.

Generally you want High static pressure (mmH2O) and a reasonable speed but I don't recommend above 1800RPM for non-PWM unless you have a fan controller or don't mind noise.
 
I'm not planning on getting a fan controller, so I guess PWM will be the better choice got me. I've been looking for high pressure low noise static fans such as the Corsair SP120's, just not sure if the PWM type are the same as the quiet edition, can't handle loud noisy fans. I've been looking into the Noctua Redux as case fans, still waiting on some reviews, but I'd consider putting someone on the cooler I intend to get if there applicable, as Noctua is top dog in the world of fans. I'm holding off until September for the release of haswell e, x99, so I've got a fair bit of time.

Thanks so much for you help anyways guys, it always amazes me how friendly users of these forums are.
 
Yeah, I'm a bit confused about this topic, just been doing some research and apparently PWM aren't ideal for over clocking. If anyone could shed some light on whether I'd be better off going for PWM or 3 pin, it'd be greatly appreciated.
 
The following is based on my limited knowledge of fans and electronics:

PWM fans use PWM (pulse-width modulation) to control their speed, meaning that they integrate better with motherboard fan control software and provide more precise control over fan speed. Standard 3-pin fans are controlled by altering the voltage going to the fan motor. Most fan controllers are based around simple voltage control, which is why PWM is considered unnecessary when using a fan controller.

I don't think this should affect the cooling performance in any way, it's basically your choice as to how you're planning to control the fans.
 
Depending upon upcoming a Noctua reviews, I think I may just grab a set of them or corsair af/sp's 3 pin and just run them at 12v via molex to 3 pin adaptor to the psu.
 
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I've just run into trouble with PWM fans. My Asus mobo is apparently PWM, but I have just been informed that it's only the CPU fan that supports this. My old stock 3 pin fans were fully controllable with the mobo fan program but the PWM fans are not. PITA for me and wasted postage charge. My recommendation (from my own experience only) is if you currently have 3 pin fans and can control the fine with fan control software or a separate fan controller , stick with what works!!
 
Cheers for the reply pilsburypie, bummer to hear about your pwm's, definitely a confusing topic, particularly for me planning my first build. I think I'm going to go with 3 pin fans, and run them as well as my radiator pump at 12V via molex to 3 pin adapters into my PSU, 7V if the fans are silly noisy. That way I kind just run them on the hardware side of things. Thanks for the advice though, let me know how you get on if you get another set of fans, all the best mate.
 
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God knows why I'm providing advice.... I can't even sort out my own system. It sound to me like you are gonna run your fans at a constant speed slower 7v speed. Doesn't seem great to me. It'll be overly noisy when you don't need the cooling and not cool enough when you do. Some mobos come with their own fan control software. My Asus did. The 3 pin fans were easy as pie to set up when plugged into their respective fan headers. You just set temp and speed and forget about it. Ups and lowers the speed automatically from then on.

The other option is an external fan controller. I prefer the first option as it is what I've been used to and am striving to regain.

Just my opinion. (A very limited one!)
 
I'm pretty confused in general, I understand what your saying, I justI don't know whether I want the PWM or 3 pin versions, I've got every other component for my upcoming build selected, it's just down to the rad and case fans, and how I'm going yo power them. Had I assembled a computer prior to this, I'd know, but without any previous knowledge, I'm just going in circles.
 
PWM fans can also be controlled as if they are 3 pin fans provided the connectors fit. Go for PWM if in doubt. It would be a shame if you went 3 pin and then realised your control options are limited. I've not looked at PWM fans though and how they compare to similar 3 Pinners recently though so maybe there are some noise or speed differences that are undesirable.
 
I'm planning a build in September-December following the release of Haswell E, X99, DDR4 etc. This pc will be for predominantly gaming, editing, rendering. I've got the funds ready and want a high end build for maximum performance and longevity. I've likely described it poorly, but I need to understand which types of fans I should get for the AIO radiator and the case itself, either 4 pin PWM or 3 pin DC, and how to power them. This probably isn't relevant, but here are my planned components.

CPU - I7 5930K/5960X
Motherboard - Asus Rampage V X99 (waiting for info)
RAM - Corsair DDR4
Heatsink - Corsair H100i/H105
Power Supply - Seasonic 1000/1200W Platinum
GPU - Maxwell/780Ti (SLI in the future)
SSD - Samsung 256Gb 840 Pro
Hard drive - Western Digital Caviar Black x 2 (Raid 0)
Case - Corsair Graphite 760T/780T
Case/ Heatsink fans - Corsair SP120 Quiet edition/AF120/140 Quiet edition (potentially Noctua redux, need to see some reviews)

I'm happy with all of the components there I'm just massively confused about which type of fan to go for and how to power them. I don't know whether to run them at 12V, or 7V via molex adapters. Is this a good route, and would I be better off with PWM or DC? I understand this is an ideal way of powering the fans on the hardware side of things, but what if I didn't want constant full load airflow, I'd rather not have a dedicated fan control but would like lower RPM when idle and higher when gaming etc. I apologise if this is confusing,I'm massively perplexed myself.
 
DC control is as good and PWM fans do tick.

Noctua never got into PWM for a long time due to this and even their in house PWM controller ticks but less than others.
 
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Thanks for all the feedback guys, sorry for this late response, but I'm all sorted now. Can I just ask one more thing, the standard fans cases come with, take the Corsair 760t for example, are the two front and the one exhaust fans all 3 pin?
 
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