Help Me Decide On A Better (Quieter) CPU Fan

[Dan]

I'm using the infamous Delta "screamer" on a ThermalRight SK6 and it's time for something quieter. I overclock though so I want the best trade-off possible between cooling performance (CFM's) and noise (dBA's). So far I've narrowed it down to a 60mm Thermaltake (CFM = 31; dBA = 28) or a 60mm Sunon (CFM = 36; dBA = 32). Am I on the right track or is there something else I should take a look at?

(Note: I also looked at the YS Tech (CFM = 40.1; dBA = 48.2) and the Sanyo Denki (CFM = 21; dBA = 28).

 

[gogeeta13]

Well, I have the vantec all copper HSF on the way to me, and I will be doing some extensive testing with different fans. I will be sure to link you all to it when I am done

 

[vampiro]

From what I have heard there is a less noisy delta that performs better than the Sunnon you are looking at. You might do a search on the forums for it, and see what you come up with.

 

[Phinance]

Check out Gizzo's fan page. Sort by ratio - it'll give you a fairly good break down of what's available.

 

[Dan]

I had certainly checked out Gizzo's fan page; it's very useful. As suggested I also did a thorough search of other threads and found some great info. I just ordered a 92mm-60mm adapter from CPUFX and a couple of 92mm Sanyo Denki's from 2CoolTek. One of the fans will be used with the adapter on my SK6. The other one will replace an 80mm intake fan in the lower front of the case.

Thanks everyone for the tips and suggestions.

 

[need4spd]

Hey there

I have a Athlon 1.4 @1.6 and it is running at 46C...
I am using the SK6 and the YSTech 27CFM fan.
Works great!

The noise level is A-OK...

 

[skrill]

If you decide to ditch the SK6, check out my quiet Swifty MC462.

 

[tazdevl]

Skrill,

Go check out coolerguys. They have a Mechatronics 80MM fan that puts out 53 CFM @ 39 DBA. Also I'm using a fan adapter with a SK6 & Panaflo H1A 40 CFM/32DBA 80 MM. Mighty quiet and pretty cool.

Performane of the SK6 and 462 are close enough that I don't know if it's worth the increase in price.

 

[skrill]

Thanks for the tip Taz.

I would love to try the Mechtronics fan -- but I have a feeling the 45cfm Delta will perform as well or better (much like my experience with the Sunon 80mm 50cfm). Even though the Mech fan has a higher rated CFM -- it may not focus its stream of air as well as the Delta does. Apparently the Delta's directional fins and 38mm size (height) allows it to focus its airstream more effectively than higher rated 80mm x 25mm. And thus, my lower temps with the 45cfm Delta versus the 50cfm Sunon.

It seems that while CFM is important -- but the focused air-pressure a fan delivers is equally so.

Another side not -- I am a little wary of the 39db rating given that the fan supposedly spins at 4500 rpm (my Delta is only 3400). I will bet the Mechtronics is louder (or at least higher pitched) than the Delta (the Sunon I tried as significantly louder and more intense sounding than my Delta).

All that said, I will likely try the Mechtronics out -- just to see how it performs.