Is it OK to replace Scythe Mugen-2 CPU cooler fan?

[wrc05]

Hi There,

I'm a newbie and I've ordered a core i7 920 + Scythe Mugen-2 CPU cooler.

Is it OK to replace the default Scythe Slip Stream 120mm fan:

Dimension: 120 x 120 x 25 mm
Speed: 324 ~ 1,200 rpm (±10%) PWM Function
Noise Level: 0 - 26.50 dBA
Air Flow: 0 - 74.25 CFM


with Cooler Master 120mm Red LED fan:

Dimension: 120 x 120 x 25 mm
Speed: 2000 rpm
Noise Level: 19 dBA
Air Flow: 90 CFM
LED: 4 Red

as I want to light up my cabinet.

Kindly advise,
Cheers.

 

[yh125d]

You can yes, but it will be noticably louder, since its 2000rpm instead of 1200. It should run cooler however

 

[wrc05]

many thanks :thumbsup: yh125d for your quick response...

louder hmm, thought that the noise level of 19dBA (Cooler Master) is less than Scythe's (0-26.5dBA)

got it, 2000rpm is way more than 324~1200rpm


cheers mate

 

[Harvey]

It depends on what you're trying to achieve. The spec sheet for the fan doesn't specify that it supports the PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) speed control function, so you may lose that, and you will always run at max speed and get maximum cooling with the maximum noise level from the fan, whether or not it's needed.

That's not necessarily bad, especially if you're considering overclocking your CPU, but you should be aware of it if you want the variable speed feature. Also, the max speed for the Cooler Master fan is higher, but the noise level is spec'd lower than worst case spec for the Scythe Mugen-2, which would be at its maximum speed. That means the Cooler Master fan will be quieter than the Scythe Mugen-2 when it's providing max cooling.

One other thing you may want to consider. Both fans use sleeve type bearings. If you want better reliability and longer life, look for a fan with double ball bearings and similar specs. for example, these two from Newegg:

Rosewill RFX-120 120mm Case Fan - Red

Rosewill RFX-120 120mm Case Fan - Blue

Here's Newegg's list of 120 mm fans with double ball bearings, lowest to highest price. You'll have to check the specs for speed, control and noise for those that interest you.

 

[wrc05]

kudos Harvey for explaining all the points in-depth.

 

[yh125d]

Yes, the CM @ 2000rpm is rated at 19dB, and the scythe at 1200rpm is at 26.5dB. I'm sure I don't have to tell you that something doesn't look right there. I can tell you from experience that any 120mm fan at 2000rpm is going to be quite a bit loouder than a similar fan at 1200rpm (its the same change as an antec tricool on low vs on high, and theres definitely a noticable increase in noise)

 

[imported_Scoop]

You CAN replace it, but there's absolutely no reason to do so. Unless you want a louder system. If you want to have more effective cooling, I'd suggest adding another one of those fans for a push/pull setup. Doesn't generate too much more noise but the cooling will improve noticeably. You need to get the extra clips for the second fan and I'm not even sure if the fan is available for retail but there should be something similar available.

 

[wrc05]

once again, many thanks guys for clearing my doubts.
i'll stick to the default cooler & later on will decide to go for PUSH/PULL or LED setup...

cheers