HAF X Fan Replacement Suggestions

[Zachary0112]

As title suggests I'm needing some help with my HAF X I'm getting a new build and I'm wanting to replace the stock fans with quieter fans with better coolig as I don't wanna have to change the case as I believe HAF X is one of the best cases ever made. If anyone could suggest me 3 x 200x30mm, 1 x 140x25mm and 1 x 230x30mm please. The more quietly they operate the better

 

[BonzaiDuck]

As title suggests I'm needing some help with my HAF X I'm getting a new build and I'm wanting to replace the stock fans with quieter fans with better coolig as I don't wanna have to change the case as I believe HAF X is one of the best cases ever made. If anyone could suggest me 3 x 200x30mm, 1 x 140x25mm and 1 x 230x30mm please. The more quietly they operate the better

I've been through this exercise with three HAF 922s. LED or no LED, I thought the CM fans were limp.

This brings us to the idea of noise. I just bought a noise-meter, and I've discovered that it still reports ~30 dBA when everything in the room and the house is silent. Our 2-year-old energy-efficient refrigerator kicks on, and I'd long concluded that "I can't hear it," but the noise-meter jumps.

So as far as I'm concerned, it's in the ear of the beholder.

I've tried two ~200mm fan replacements so far.

The NZXT FN-200RB http://www.coolerguys.com/840556095...nnelid=FROOG&gclid=CPmZ3ZOwsMcCFRCqaQodZDoNKA

has a rifle-bearing, is rated to provide 166 CFM at its top-end.

It's mounting holes are about 1/8" or so off-center of the CM mounting holes. You'd either have to drill your own, or use wire-ties of a color that matches your case.

Then there's the BitFenix LED Spectre-Pro:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...enix_Spectre_PRo_200mm-_-35-345-035-_-Product

You can, of course, disconnect the LED or integrate it with the HAF switch. You can get them in white, black, Blue-Red-or-Green LED. They've changed the rating on these from 144 CFM to 148.

They'll fit the side and top-panel mounting holes. For the case front, you will have to drill two extra holes in the case-chassis, or use some other klooge-technique to secure the fan. In this regard --the lower front-panel mounting, be prepared for tedium getting it installed.

As for the customer-reviews, I looked at the sparse criticisms on the BitFenix and really don't know what they're talking about. "Clicking noise?" No. "10 CFM?" No.

Neither of these are sleeve-bearing fans. If you plan on a mount to the top or bottom panel, I'd avoid the NZXT fan. You're better off with the BiFenix.

For the Bitfenix, I'd use the rubber fan mounts bundled with the fan -- if possible. I've used Spire acoustic foam-rubber as a noise isolator with wire-ties. But isolating any fan from case-metal will always pay benefits.