QUIET Case fan comparison: Need suggestions

[jjlawren]

I'm sick of the noise my system fans make. So I'm upgrading. I've got a few 80mm fans in mind that are as quiet as possible. I'm just looking for additional suggestions and notes from experience about them.

Panaflo L1A - 24CFM @ 21dBA - $9.50 Link.

PC Power
& Cooling - 28CFM @ 20dBA - $9.60 Link.

ADDA - 26.2CFM @ 22.5dBA - $8.00 Link.

I'm sure there's others that I've left out, but these are a few that seem to be running the quietest. I've seen before that PC P&C's claim for 28CFM is slightly overstated, and actually runs at about 24CFM.

Can anyone attest to these decibel ratings? Are there any other reasonable suggestions out there? Any response would be greatly appreciated.

--jason

 

[GiZzO]

bam! check out my site on quiet fans:

GiZzO's Fan Site

 

[mechBgon]

I've had the Panaflo L1A and Silencer, both are both much quieter than typical case fans. I was intrigued by the fans mentioned in this thread too.

 

[GiZzO]

Id highly recommend Papst. PCP&C are still really great fans even if they blow about 24cfm, tho this has not been really tested to say it is just an assumption by a couple users, in fact it might even blow 28 CFM in a different manner like it spreads out the air (less directed), cause most of us go by crude testing by putting out hand infront of the fan saying it blows alot less then advertised but thats really just measuring air presure. But its scores are kinda unbeleivable in the first place so i highly doubt it does get 28cfm.

Instead of using 80mm fans a much better solution is 92mm, you get alot more reasonable CFM at low dB, the hum is actully lower pitched at the same dB. My fav fan is the Nidec Wide body its the only 32mm wide 92mm fan on my page, also has a long life span of 120k twice as much as the legendary Papst fans.

Nidec M34720...... 21.7dB / 34 CFM

 

[jjlawren]

Do you know where I can find a Nidec fan? I've looked around, but I can't find any reliable sources. Any leads would help. Thanks in advance.

 

[dxkj]

YGPM jjlawren

 

[lhampel]

WHat size do you need? I've got a 92mm Nidec that I'm not currently using.

If your interested in 80mm fans?? Give Sanyo Denki a try, been using them for years & haven't had one quit yet.

 

[jjlawren]

Well, the Nidec that GiZz0 mentioned specifically. And I'm looking for silence, with reliability a secondary concern.

 

[jjlawren]

One more bump for help.

 

[Jhhnn]

You did your homework well, the three you mention are very comparable quiet fans. None of them will react well to any restriction at all, they need open airways. The PCP&C price includes shipping on orders over $15, as I recall.

Unless you case specifically accomodates 92mm fans, or unless you are interested in more advanced mods, just go with some of the 80mm's.

Nidec Home

 

[jjlawren]

Well, if I can get a 35% airflow increase with the same decibel rating (and most likely at a lower audible frequency), I'll definitely be willing to do some modding. Like I said, I'm sick of the noise.

So, if anyone knows where to get these widebody Nidecs, I'd love to hear it.

 

[lhampel]

I've got a Nidec (92mm) M33418 (.16amp)
Specs-
CFM: 35
db: 26.4

Comes with Chrome Grill
LMK if you want to do some trading.

If your looking to the best cooling mod that won't increase the sound of the fan(s) at all, you'll need to design & build an AIR DUCT. The A/D is a great way to get the most performance out of any fan setup, without any disadvantages or unwanted sound increase.

 

[Lagster]

go with the Panaflo's !!!