{"id":14485,"date":"2021-11-30T14:51:22","date_gmt":"2021-11-30T13:51:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/g100.us\/?p=14485"},"modified":"2022-06-17T15:28:50","modified_gmt":"2022-06-17T13:28:50","slug":"120-vs-140mm-case-fans","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/g100.us\/120-vs-140mm-case-fans\/","title":{"rendered":"120mm vs 140mm Case Fans - A Clear Winner For Most Cases"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_39 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\">TABLE OF CONTENTS<\/p>\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-668441182fdd4\" class=\"cssicon\"><span style=\"display: flex;align-items: center;width: 35px;height: 30px;justify-content: center;direction:ltr;\"><svg style=\"fill: #7f11e0;color:#7f11e0\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\" \/><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #7f11e0;color:#7f11e0\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\" \/><\/svg><\/span><\/label><label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-668441182fdd4\" class=\"cssiconcheckbox\">1<\/label><input type=\"checkbox\" id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-668441182fdd4\" checked><nav><ul class=\"ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 \"><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/120-vs-140mm-case-fans\/#Understanding_Case_Fan_Sizes\" title=\"Understanding Case Fan Sizes\">Understanding Case Fan Sizes<\/a><ul class=\"ez-toc-list-level-3\"><li class=\"ez-toc-heading-level-3\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/120-vs-140mm-case-fans\/#120_mm_Case_Fans\" title=\"120 mm Case Fans\">120 mm Case Fans<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/120-vs-140mm-case-fans\/#140_mm_Case_Fans\" title=\"140 mm Case Fans\">140 mm Case Fans<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/120-vs-140mm-case-fans\/#Other_Case_Fan_Sizes\" title=\"Other Case Fan Sizes\">Other Case Fan Sizes<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/120-vs-140mm-case-fans\/#Why_120_mm_Fans_Are_Best\" title=\"Why 120 mm Fans Are Best\">Why 120 mm Fans Are Best<\/a><ul class=\"ez-toc-list-level-3\"><li class=\"ez-toc-heading-level-3\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/120-vs-140mm-case-fans\/#Ubiquity_and_Compatibility\" title=\"Ubiquity and Compatibility\">Ubiquity and Compatibility<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/120-vs-140mm-case-fans\/#Lower_Cost\" title=\"Lower Cost\">Lower Cost<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/120-vs-140mm-case-fans\/#Why_140_mm_Fans_Are_Best\" title=\"Why 140 mm Fans Are Best\">Why 140 mm Fans Are Best<\/a><ul class=\"ez-toc-list-level-3\"><li class=\"ez-toc-heading-level-3\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/120-vs-140mm-case-fans\/#Quieter_Operation\" title=\"Quieter Operation\">Quieter Operation<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/120-vs-140mm-case-fans\/#More_Cooling_Power\" title=\"More Cooling Power\">More Cooling Power<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/120-vs-140mm-case-fans\/#How_To_Choose\" title=\"How To Choose\">How To Choose<\/a><ul class=\"ez-toc-list-level-3\"><li class=\"ez-toc-heading-level-3\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/120-vs-140mm-case-fans\/#Choose_A_120_mm_Fan_if%E2%80%A6\" title=\"Choose A 120 mm Fan if...\">Choose A 120 mm Fan if...<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/120-vs-140mm-case-fans\/#Choose_A_140_mm_Fan_if%E2%80%A6\" title=\"Choose A 140 mm Fan if...\">Choose A 140 mm Fan if...<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/120-vs-140mm-case-fans\/#FAQ\" title=\"FAQ\">FAQ<\/a><ul class=\"ez-toc-list-level-3\"><li class=\"ez-toc-heading-level-3\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/120-vs-140mm-case-fans\/#How_Many_Case_Fans_Do_I_Need_For_My_PC\" title=\"How Many Case Fans Do I Need For My PC?\">How Many Case Fans Do I Need For My PC?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/120-vs-140mm-case-fans\/#Should_I_Consider_A_Different_Fan_Size_For_My_Case\" title=\"Should I Consider A Different Fan Size For My Case?\">Should I Consider A Different Fan Size For My Case?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/120-vs-140mm-case-fans\/#What_Are_The_Best_Case_Fans_For_My_PC\" title=\"What Are The Best Case Fans For My PC?\">What Are The Best Case Fans For My PC?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/120-vs-140mm-case-fans\/#Over_To_You\" title=\"Over To You\">Over To You<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<p>Between 120 mm and 140 mm fans, which case fan size is better for you?<\/p>\n<p>That\u2019s the question I\u2019m hoping to answer with this article, by walking you through everything you need to know about these two popular form factors.<\/p>\n<p>Let\u2019s get into it!<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Understanding_Case_Fan_Sizes\"><\/span>Understanding Case Fan Sizes<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>As a general rule of case fans, understand that they\u2019re all measured by the size of the square-shaped fan enclosure: specifically, the length of one of those sides.<\/p>\n<p><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-14491\" src=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2021\/11\/Case-Fan-Dimensions.jpg\" alt=\"Case Fan Dimensions\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1080\" srcset=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2021\/11\/Case-Fan-Dimensions.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2021\/11\/Case-Fan-Dimensions-300x158.jpg 300w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2021\/11\/Case-Fan-Dimensions-1024x540.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2021\/11\/Case-Fan-Dimensions-768x405.jpg 768w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2021\/11\/Case-Fan-Dimensions-1536x810.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px\"><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-14491 lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%202048%201080%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" alt=\"Case Fan Dimensions\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1080\" srcset=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%202048%201080%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2021\/11\/Case-Fan-Dimensions.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2021\/11\/Case-Fan-Dimensions-300x158.jpg 300w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2021\/11\/Case-Fan-Dimensions-1024x540.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2021\/11\/Case-Fan-Dimensions-768x405.jpg 768w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2021\/11\/Case-Fan-Dimensions-1536x810.jpg 1536w\" data-src=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2021\/11\/Case-Fan-Dimensions.jpg\"><\/p>\n<p>So a 120 mm fan may sound like it isn\u2019t particularly large, but it\u2019s about the size of an average adult's palm.<\/p>\n<p>This is also why a 140 mm case fan can sound and look so similar but still have such different characteristics- that extra 20 mm of surface area on each side adds up.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"120_mm_Case_Fans\"><\/span>120 mm Case Fans<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>120 mm case fans are the most common case fan size on the market and are compatible with the widest range of builds.<\/p>\n<p>Even larger PC cases that have plenty of room for larger fan sizes will still support mounting 120 mm fans, and many consumers default to buying a 120 mm case fan as a default option, even if their case may actually support a larger fan size.<\/p>\n<p>This doesn\u2019t always just come down to familiarity, either, as 120 mm case fans (in general) trend lower in price than their more specialized 140 mm or larger counterparts.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"140_mm_Case_Fans\"><\/span>140 mm Case Fans<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>140 mm case fans are the second-most-common case fan size on the market but tend to cost a little more and aren\u2019t as widely-compatible as 120 mm case fans. Namely due to the rise of HTPC, Mini ITX, and even some Micro ATX cases, 140 mm case fans aren\u2019t always compatible if you plan to build an SFF (Small Form Factor) PC build.<\/p>\n<p>However, the larger fan size does come with its own benefits, and with most Micro ATX and ATX cases, a 140 mm case fan in the same place as a 120 mm case fan can provide better results.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Other_Case_Fan_Sizes\"><\/span>Other Case Fan Sizes<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Besides the two big popular case fan sizes, it\u2019s also worth considering that there are other, less conventional fan sizes out there.<\/p>\n<p><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-14493\" src=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2021\/11\/Uncommon-Fan-Sizes.jpg\" alt=\"Uncommon Fan Sizes\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1080\" srcset=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2021\/11\/Uncommon-Fan-Sizes.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2021\/11\/Uncommon-Fan-Sizes-300x158.jpg 300w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2021\/11\/Uncommon-Fan-Sizes-1024x540.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2021\/11\/Uncommon-Fan-Sizes-768x405.jpg 768w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2021\/11\/Uncommon-Fan-Sizes-1536x810.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px\"><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-14493 lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%202048%201080%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" alt=\"Uncommon Fan Sizes\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1080\" srcset=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%202048%201080%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2021\/11\/Uncommon-Fan-Sizes.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2021\/11\/Uncommon-Fan-Sizes-300x158.jpg 300w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2021\/11\/Uncommon-Fan-Sizes-1024x540.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2021\/11\/Uncommon-Fan-Sizes-768x405.jpg 768w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2021\/11\/Uncommon-Fan-Sizes-1536x810.jpg 1536w\" data-src=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2021\/11\/Uncommon-Fan-Sizes.jpg\"><\/p>\n<p>For some SFF cases (or particularly beefy and bold ATX cases), for instance, 200 mm fans are becoming more common as a way to massively ramp up airflow without needing a large number of 120 or 140 mm fan mounts.<\/p>\n<p>On the opposite end of the spectrum, some users may also find themselves pushed toward fan sizes of 80 mm and lower.<\/p>\n<p>These are ideal for super low-profile builds and are sometimes even mounted in places that weren\u2019t actually meant to be used for fans. (ie, a passive exhaust vent on a giant VCR being used as an 80 mm fan mount after the internals have been gutted and replaced with a Mini ITX PC).<\/p>\n<p>Now that you have a decent understanding of various case fan sizes, let\u2019s put our two contenders head-to-head.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_120_mm_Fans_Are_Best\"><\/span>Why 120 mm Fans Are Best<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Ubiquity_and_Compatibility\"><\/span>Ubiquity and Compatibility<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The first and most obvious benefit of a 120 mm fan is that it\u2019s most likely going to be compatible with your build of choice.<\/p>\n<p>It is extremely rare for even the smallest HTPC or Mini ITX cases to NOT have one or two 120 mm fan mounts, and even on large Extended Tower cases, you can still mount plenty of 120 mm fans.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Lower_Cost\"><\/span>Lower Cost<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Another factor is cost. Even if you can fit a 140 mm fan in the same slot, sometimes consumers prefer the savings that they get by opting for 120 mm instead.<\/p>\n<p>We wouldn\u2019t necessarily recommend this as the deciding factor if you have 140 mm as an option, but it\u2019s still worth noting as a legitimate pro in favor of 120 mm fans.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_140_mm_Fans_Are_Best\"><\/span>Why 140 mm Fans Are Best<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Quieter_Operation\"><\/span>Quieter Operation<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>So it turns out that if you take two fans side-by-side and run them at the same high RPM, the smaller one is actually going to be louder.<\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019re hoping to reduce the noise levels generated by your PC, a bunch of smaller fans is probably not what you\u2019re going to want.<\/p>\n<p>In this case, <strong>140 mm fans are considerably quieter than their 120 mm counterparts when running at the same RPM<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-14494\" src=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2021\/11\/Small-vs-Large-Fans.jpg\" alt=\"Small vs Large Fans\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1080\" srcset=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2021\/11\/Small-vs-Large-Fans.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2021\/11\/Small-vs-Large-Fans-300x158.jpg 300w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2021\/11\/Small-vs-Large-Fans-1024x540.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2021\/11\/Small-vs-Large-Fans-768x405.jpg 768w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2021\/11\/Small-vs-Large-Fans-1536x810.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px\"><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-14494 lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%202048%201080%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" alt=\"Small vs Large Fans\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1080\" srcset=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%202048%201080%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2021\/11\/Small-vs-Large-Fans.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2021\/11\/Small-vs-Large-Fans-300x158.jpg 300w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2021\/11\/Small-vs-Large-Fans-1024x540.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2021\/11\/Small-vs-Large-Fans-768x405.jpg 768w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2021\/11\/Small-vs-Large-Fans-1536x810.jpg 1536w\" data-src=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2021\/11\/Small-vs-Large-Fans.jpg\"><\/p>\n<p>This usually means you can get the same or better cooling at a lower noise level, especially if you choose fans optimized for quiet operation.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"More_Cooling_Power\"><\/span>More Cooling Power<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The larger surface area provided by 140 mm fans also allows them to have more overall cooling power, at least when placed side-by-side with a like-for-like 120 mm fan.<\/p>\n<p>There is some nuance to this point, and it will depend on what fans you\u2019re actually buying.<\/p>\n<p>As a general rule, though, a larger fan is going to push more air, quieter, than a smaller fan running at the same speed.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_To_Choose\"><\/span>How To Choose<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Choose_A_120_mm_Fan_if%E2%80%A6\"><\/span>Choose A 120 mm Fan if...<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>You\u2019re building in an HTPC or Mini ITX case<\/li>\n<li>In a larger case, if the price savings are worth the trade-off over getting 140 mm<\/li>\n<li>You want to carry over your fans to a new PC, eventually<\/li>\n<li>If you have a cluttered Case and need high static pressure<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Choose_A_140_mm_Fan_if%E2%80%A6\"><\/span>Choose A 140 mm Fan if...<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>You want quieter operation from your fans (especially for large air coolers or radiators)<\/li>\n<li>You\u2019re building in a compatible Micro ATX case<\/li>\n<li>You\u2019re building in a standard ATX or extended ATX case<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-14495\" src=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2021\/11\/Factors-to-consider-when-purchasing-Case-Fans.jpg\" alt=\"Factors to consider when purchasing Case Fans\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1080\" srcset=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2021\/11\/Factors-to-consider-when-purchasing-Case-Fans.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2021\/11\/Factors-to-consider-when-purchasing-Case-Fans-300x158.jpg 300w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2021\/11\/Factors-to-consider-when-purchasing-Case-Fans-1024x540.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2021\/11\/Factors-to-consider-when-purchasing-Case-Fans-768x405.jpg 768w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2021\/11\/Factors-to-consider-when-purchasing-Case-Fans-1536x810.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px\"><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-14495 lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%202048%201080%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" alt=\"Factors to consider when purchasing Case Fans\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1080\" srcset=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%202048%201080%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2021\/11\/Factors-to-consider-when-purchasing-Case-Fans.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2021\/11\/Factors-to-consider-when-purchasing-Case-Fans-300x158.jpg 300w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2021\/11\/Factors-to-consider-when-purchasing-Case-Fans-1024x540.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2021\/11\/Factors-to-consider-when-purchasing-Case-Fans-768x405.jpg 768w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2021\/11\/Factors-to-consider-when-purchasing-Case-Fans-1536x810.jpg 1536w\" data-src=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2021\/11\/Factors-to-consider-when-purchasing-Case-Fans.jpg\"><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"FAQ\"><\/span>FAQ<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Many_Case_Fans_Do_I_Need_For_My_PC\"><\/span>How Many Case Fans Do I Need For My PC?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Well, it depends, and we\u2019ve actually <a href=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/how-many-case-fans\/\">gone over this pretty extensively elsewhere on the site<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>In general, though, you want at least 3. 2 for intake, 1 for exhaust.<\/p>\n<p><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-14496\" src=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2021\/11\/Intake-vs-Exhaust-Fans.jpg\" alt=\"Intake vs Exhaust Fans\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1080\" srcset=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2021\/11\/Intake-vs-Exhaust-Fans.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2021\/11\/Intake-vs-Exhaust-Fans-300x158.jpg 300w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2021\/11\/Intake-vs-Exhaust-Fans-1024x540.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2021\/11\/Intake-vs-Exhaust-Fans-768x405.jpg 768w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2021\/11\/Intake-vs-Exhaust-Fans-1536x810.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px\"><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-14496 lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%202048%201080%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" alt=\"Intake vs Exhaust Fans\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1080\" srcset=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%202048%201080%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2021\/11\/Intake-vs-Exhaust-Fans.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2021\/11\/Intake-vs-Exhaust-Fans-300x158.jpg 300w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2021\/11\/Intake-vs-Exhaust-Fans-1024x540.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2021\/11\/Intake-vs-Exhaust-Fans-768x405.jpg 768w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2021\/11\/Intake-vs-Exhaust-Fans-1536x810.jpg 1536w\" data-src=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2021\/11\/Intake-vs-Exhaust-Fans.jpg\"><\/p>\n<p>As you get more case fans, you want to maintain the rule of having more intake than exhaust to maintain an ideal positive pressure configuration.<\/p>\n<p>With a positive pressure configuration, you\u2019ll minimize dust buildup inside your PC while still enjoying the best airflow.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Should_I_Consider_A_Different_Fan_Size_For_My_Case\"><\/span>Should I Consider A Different Fan Size For My Case?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Well, if your case is compatible with both 120 mm and 140 mm fans, you\u2019ll generally want to get the 140 mm.<\/p>\n<p>If your case is compatible with 200 mm fans, however, you\u2019ll most likely want to use those slot(s) where they\u2019re available, as cases with 200 mm fan mounts are often optimized for said 200 mm fans.<\/p>\n<p>If your case or mod project is too small for even a 120 mm fan, you\u2019ll want to look into 80 mm and smaller case fan sizes.<\/p>\n<p>However, you may not get the same cooling results you would expect from such small fans, so be sure to build with those thermal limitations in mind. Might I recommend a <a href=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/open-air-vs-blower-style-gpus\/\">blower-style graphics card<\/a> for SFF PC builders?<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Are_The_Best_Case_Fans_For_My_PC\"><\/span>What Are The Best Case Fans For My PC?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Last but not least, <a href=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/best-case-fans\/\">where can you find the best case fans for your PC<\/a>?<\/p>\n<p>Well, besides that pretty link I just placed to a more detailed breakdown on exactly that, I\u2019m going to plug a few recommendations from that article right here for your convenience.<\/p>\n<p>For 120 mm fan users, I heartily recommend the <a class=\"thirstylink\" title=\"Noctua NF-P12 redux-1700 PWM, High Performance Cooling Fan, 4-Pin, 1700 RPM (120mm, Grey)\" href=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/recommends\/noctua-nf-p12-redux-1700-pwm-high-performance-cooling-fan-4-pin-1700-rpm-120mm-grey\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noindex noopener noreferrer\">Noctua NF-P12 redux<\/a>. This is a 120 mm case fan with full support for PWM (fan controls) and <a href=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/cpu-fan-rpm-guide\/\">speeds of up to 1700 RPM<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-14497\" src=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2021\/11\/Automatic-PWN-Fan-Control.jpg\" alt=\"Automatic PWN Fan Control\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1080\" srcset=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2021\/11\/Automatic-PWN-Fan-Control.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2021\/11\/Automatic-PWN-Fan-Control-300x158.jpg 300w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2021\/11\/Automatic-PWN-Fan-Control-1024x540.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2021\/11\/Automatic-PWN-Fan-Control-768x405.jpg 768w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2021\/11\/Automatic-PWN-Fan-Control-1536x810.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px\"><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-14497 lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%202048%201080%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" alt=\"Automatic PWN Fan Control\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1080\" srcset=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%202048%201080%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2021\/11\/Automatic-PWN-Fan-Control.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2021\/11\/Automatic-PWN-Fan-Control-300x158.jpg 300w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2021\/11\/Automatic-PWN-Fan-Control-1024x540.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2021\/11\/Automatic-PWN-Fan-Control-768x405.jpg 768w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2021\/11\/Automatic-PWN-Fan-Control-1536x810.jpg 1536w\" data-src=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2021\/11\/Automatic-PWN-Fan-Control.jpg\"><\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s balanced for both high airflow and high static pressure, which means it should work well mounted just about anywhere inside your PC, even on a cooler.<\/p>\n<p>For 140 mm fan users, I recommend the <a class=\"thirstylink\" title=\"be quiet! Silent Wings 3 140mm PWM High-Speed, BL071, Cooling Fan\" href=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/recommends\/be-quiet-silent-wings-3-140mm-pwm-high-speed-bl071-cooling-fan\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noindex noopener noreferrer\">be quiet! Silent Wings 3<\/a>. This fan is a 140 mm case fan with PWM support that supports speeds of up to 1600 RPM.<\/p>\n<p>As the branding implies, it\u2019s also extremely quiet when under load, making it ideal for use with liquid cooling radiators or just as quiet case fans in general. It leans a bit more toward static pressure for use with coolers but should work just fine as an intake or exhaust, too.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Over_To_You\"><\/span>Over To You<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>And that\u2019s it, for now! Do you have any lingering questions not answered by this article that you don\u2019t think are covered by one of the others linked? Just want some input on a 120 mm or 140 mm fan you have your eyes on buying? <a href=\"#comments\">Comment<\/a> below or let us know in our <a href=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/forum\/\">expert forum<\/a>!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Between 120 mm and 140 mm fans, which case fan size is better for you? That\u2019s the question I\u2019m hoping to answer with this article, by walking you through everything you need to know about these two popular form factors. Let\u2019s get into it! Understanding Case Fan Sizes As a general rule of case fans,...<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2339,"featured_media":14487,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[74],"tags":[181],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14485"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2339"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=14485"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14485\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":17122,"href":"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14485\/revisions\/17122"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/14487"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=14485"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=14485"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=14485"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}