Need help - buying new front fan. Antec SmartCool - Good | Bad ?

[Robster]

Im buying a front fan for my Antec SLK3700AMB case. Dropped by their website and saw the 'SmartCool' fan. Is it any good? Worth the money?

"Variable speed: RPM increases as the temperature rises " <- this sounded good though, but how necessary is it?

the fan..

Im searching for a 120x120 fan, appreciate all help

 

[Robster]

Any suggestions?

 

[suszterpatt]

Are you aiming more for good airflow, or silent operation?




EDIT: if the latter, then you may want to take a look at the GlacialTech SilentBlade 80mm fan. It pushes 25+ cfm at only 19 dB.

 

[Robster]

Im looking for both. But i dont want a screaming computer, hehe. U know what i mean.

GlacialTech SilentBlade 80mm fan which u mentioned, wont fit my front spot? It's a 120mm in the front that i've got room for.. Unless somehow u can manage install it there anyway? =/ Or does that come in 120mm too?

Btw, any knowledge about that Antec fan?



EDIT: saw the 120mm of that SilentBlade.. i'll look into it. still curious though about that antec fan, or any other fans?

 

[suszterpatt]

Well, you linked to a 80mm fan, that's why I thought you need one. But yes, the SilentBlade comes in 120mm too, which pushes 37 cfm at the same noise level.

 

[Robster]

Thx for the tip

 

[CrispyFried]

A smartfan (thermally controlled fan) in a front intake wont really work as expected, it will measure intake temp, ie room temp, and it will always be running at low speed. They work better as exaust fans when they can measure inside case temps to control thier speed.

Unless the fan has a thermal probe on a lead (ala Smartfan II) that can reach into the case. That one doesnt, the temp sensor is built into the fan hub.

 

[Capt Caveman]

If you're going to get an Antec fan, go for a Tri-Cool. It has a little switch that allows you to adjust the speed to your liking. They're good fans.

 

[Robster]

So you suggestin, if i would buy that Antec SmartCool, i should switch my current rear fan (it's just an standard Antec fan that came with my case), and install it on the front. And put the SmartCool at the back?

I dunno which one i should buy, the GlacialTech SilentBlade or the Antec SmartCool. Do you?

 

[CrispyFried]

Yes put the contant speed fan in front as intake and the smartfan in the rear as exaust.

Cant really say anything about the Glacial Tech but I have two Antec Smartfans as rear exausts, Im happy with them. They never get above 2200 rpm so theyre very quiet.

 

[suszterpatt]

Depends on how warm your case gets, and how much noise bothers you.


Looking at the specs here, I'd say that the GlacialTech fan is better than the Antec below 35 °C (similar airflow with notably less noise). If your case is usually cooler than that then go with the GlacialTech, otherwise you'll need the extra airflow of the Antec fan at those temps.

 

[Robster]

Thanks guys.

I ordered the GlacialTech fan since my computer does not heat that much. I figured i go with the quieter one at that level of temperature.