Any need for brand name?

[Sniper82]

Cooling fans that is? Is there much difference in case cooling fans? I see a cyber cooler 80mm ball bearing fan on ebay for $0.99 each and Sunon/Delta for $3.99+. Specs look about the same. Is a fan a fan as long as it uses ball bearings?

 

[Reliant]

Some larger name brands have warrenties, so you might want to check and see if that is the diff.

 

[StattlichPassat]

Absolutely use brand names. You don't want something as crucial as your HSF to be something 'so-so'. Fork out a little bit more (like 10 bucks) and get a nice Thermaltake or Cooler Master. I recommend the Thermaltake Volcano 6 Cu ($11).

 

[Windogg]

Like others have said, saving a couple of bucks on a cooling fan is silly when you consider how much you paid for the rest of your components. Different brands do vary in quality greatly. In addition, many of the cheaper fans tend to be nosier too. I personally would trust a sleeve-bearing (Papst) or similar technology (Panaflo Hydrowave) over a no-name ball bearing.

Again I use the large OEMs as a benchmark for what I buy. In addition to Sunon, Delta, YS Tech and Panasonic, I also look at Sanyo Denki (used on Intel retail heatsinks), ADDA, Nidec (HP and Compaq), and a few others.

Windogg

 

[Adul]

it is worth it for fans. You want them to last a while.

 

[japetto]

I definately agree with the majority on this one... With name brand models there is usually some level of security that simply does not exist with generic products. Of course there are exceptions, but the last thing one should skimp on is fans, <U>any fans</U>. A hot chip or system is a system with a lower-limit life span. And one that's kept cool...