Is 12 CFM enough for a CPU fan?

[nobb]

Hi.
I am thinking about replacing my current cpu fan with a Vantec Stealth 60 mm. According to the manufacturer, the air flow of these fans is only 12 CFM. I was wondering if this would be too low and cause overheating problems. I am using an Athlon 3000+. Comments would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[mindwreck]

definitely too low.

 

[Fullmetal Chocobo]

No.... I see absolutely no reason to go below 25, and 35 is better. At 50+, you really start hitting diminishing returns for air cooling. So I think the best thing is to get a 55 CFM rated fan, and put it on a fan controller to control the temp / DB as necessary.

 

[imported_Sincity]

Agreed...too low. Are you able to buy an adapter to fit a 80mm fan?

 

[JEDIYoda]

avoid the Vantec stealth at all costs...it will be quiet for a few days then all hell will break loose...its a loud fan compared to the CoolerMaster fans and others..

 

[imported_rod]

12cfm on the stock heatsink won't be enough.

If you really want to minimise noise while keeping temp's down, you should look at getting a new heatsink and fan. If your look around, you should be able to find a thermalright XP-90 and a low speed 90mm fan for under US$40.

RoD

 

[Ping to the Pong]

too low, i say just change out the heatsink for one that can fit larger fans

 

[cyberknight]

yeah consider getting a new 3rd party heatsink/fan.

and if you want a quiet fan, do not get Vantec Stealth. They are crap low quality fans with a lot of motor noise and clicking.

 

[nobb]

Ok so I should avoid the Vantec. I tried to do some research and I thought that the Vantecs had pretty good reviews, and they are rated at ~21 dB. According to you guys, does this mean that Vantecs are falsely advertised? From this website, are there any fans which are recommended? Preferably something quiet. I would prefer to buy the fans locally.

http://www.memoryexpress.com/index.php?PageTag=&page=cat&memx_menu=86&SID=

Thanks.

 

[RallyMaster]

I believe the common suggestions are Nexus, Panaflo and Cooler Master but since you're looking at a 60 mm, I don't think those apply. Whatever you do, avoid the Thermaltakes. They may say they're a very quiet 19 dbA but when you put them inside your comp, they're going to be something like 38dbA. They'll only seem quiet to you if you dwell inside a large computer store in China during the day.

Edit: From that website, the 80 mm Zalman looks tasty.

 

[imported_Sincity]

Yeah....my Stealth crapped out in less than a year. I only run the computer about 5 hours a day average.