Question Best 200mm fan for watercooling

[TheStu]

I have a ThermalTake Core V1 case, which accommodates a 200mm front fan and 2x 80mm rear fans. I am looking at cramming a Phobya 200mm radiator into the front (which should just fit), and an alphacool Solo LT CPU block+pump, but need to figure out which fan would be the best balance between noise and static pressure. I think the answer is the Noctua AF20, but I wonder if anyone has a better option.

 

[KentState]

200mm will be horrible for static pressure in general. I don't think you will find many good options. No way to do a 240 or 280?

 

[TheStu]

200mm will be horrible for static pressure in general. I don't think you will find many good options. No way to do a 240 or 280?

That was also my impression, no one is pushing 200mm in that direction because it's such a niche of a niche. AIOs are making water-cooling way more accessible, so it makes sense that 120mm and 140mm fans would see so much improvement.

I have seen people that were able to fit very specific 240mm rads into the case, because i think technically 2 120mm fans will fit in the front (even if it requires a little bit of drilling). There are mounting points for 120mm and 140mm fans/AIOs, and the case even advertises that it supports those, but I wanted to cool both my CPU (Ryzen 1600) and future GPU (GTX 1080 FE), mostly just for the kicks and to lower noise since the case sits next to me on my desk. I also wanted to go 200mm because A: the mounting holes are already present, B: it seems cool, and C: it has more surface area than a 280mm (39200 mm^2).

My current GPU is a GTX 980ti and it gets noisy, as did my GTX 970 before it. I don't have the 1080 yet, I'm waiting for my friend to get back into the country, but if it is quieter then I might forego the whole project. I also might forge ahead and just cool the CPU.

 

[DrMrLordX]

@TheStu

Amazon.com: Phobya Xtreme V.2 45mm Full Copper Radiator 180/200, 180mm x 1 / 200mm x 1, Single Fan: Computers & Accessories

Buy Phobya Xtreme V.2 45mm Full Copper Radiator 180/200, 180mm x 1 / 200mm x 1, Single Fan: Water Cooling Systems - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

Is that your rad?

 

[TheStu]

Yes

 

[DrMrLordX]

It claims to take fans ranging from 180mm-225mm. There aren't that many good fans in that size range. But, if you have to shop in that range:

Best 200mm Case Fans – 2020 Review - Digital Advisor

No matter what kind of PC you are using, if you notice that it starts running a bit hotter than is ideal for your system, it’s time to look for an efficient

pcgamingbuilds.com

Consider the NZXT FN-200RB. That's the kind of airflow I'd want through a rad, and 37 dBa for one fan isn't too bad. You can also look at the Silverstone AP181, 182, and 183 fans. They have stator vanes which are actually bad for radiators (boo), but their specs are pretty good otherwise. I think the NZXT fan is overall a better choice, though.