The summary of ‘These Are The BEST PC Fans for Air & Water Cooling’

This summary of the video was created by an AI. It might contain some inaccuracies.

00:00:0000:19:47

In this video, Mike from Hardware Canucks evaluates different computer cooling fans categorized by their price, with in-depth analysis of their performance focusing on high-end and budget-friendly options. Notable fans such as the Noctua Industrial PPC 3000, Phanteks T30, and Corsair ML120 Pro are scrutinized for their rotational speeds, noise levels (measured in decibels), airflow efficiency (cubic feet per minute), and specific use cases. The Noctua NF A12, Cooler Master SF-120M, and Arctic P12 PWM PST are also highlighted for their strong performance in various scenarios.

Mike delves into the pros and cons of these fans, revealing that while higher-RPM fans like the Noctua PPC and Phanteks T30 offer exceptional cooling, they can be noisy. In contrast, models like the Arctic P12 present a balanced budget-friendly option, combining affordability with adequate performance. The performance of these fans is tested under conditions simulating real-world applications, such as cooling a high-end CPU with a Corsair H60 radiator. The Phanteks T30 and Gentle Typhoon emerge as top contenders for noise-normalized high static pressure environments.

The analysis concludes that while fans like the Phanteks T30 and Nidec Gentle Typhoon deliver unparalleled performance, lower-cost alternatives such as the Arctic P12 provide great value. The overarching theme emphasizes making informed decisions based on the specific needs of balanced performance, noise levels, and budget constraints.

00:00:00

In this part of the video, Mike from Hardware Canucks discusses various computer fan options, organizing them into two price categories: over $30 and under $30 USD. He begins with more expensive fans, highlighting models like the Noctua Industrial PPC 3000 and the Phanteks T30, which has a unique 30mm thick frame and offers multiple operational modes. He also covers other notable high-end fans, including the Noctua NF A12 and the Cooler Master SF-120M. Then, he shifts to the sub-$30 category, expressing interest in budget-friendly options and encourages viewers to suggest additional budget fans in the comments.

00:03:00

In this segment of the video, the speaker introduces the new Razer Blade 15 laptop, highlighting its portability and high performance with NVIDIA’s latest GeForce RTX 30 series GPUs, including up to RTX 3080. It boasts impressive visual capabilities, low latency for gaming due to advanced features like ray tracing, and offers display options from full HD 360Hz to 4K OLED, all packed in a matte black chassis with an anti-smudge coating.

The segment also covers high-performance fans starting with Corsair’s ML120 Pro without RGB, which supports higher rotational speeds. Other fans mentioned include the Be Quiet Silent Wings 3 High Speed, Nidec Gentle Typhoon, Scythe’s Wondersnail, and Arctic P12 PWM PST. Each fan is described with its unique features, such as rotational speed capabilities, pricing, noise performance, and specific use cases, primarily for cooling high-end systems. The diverse pricing and targeted applications of these fans are emphasized.

00:06:00

In this part of the video, the speaker discusses the impracticality of buying multiple specific fans, as the combined cost could exceed the price of a computer case. They explain fan speeds ranging from 1850 to 3000 RPM, highlighting the notable noise levels, especially at higher speeds like the Noctua PPC’s and Phanteks T30’s 3000 RPM. The video further compares the included accessories between different fans, noting that some premium fans come with minimal extras while others, like the Phanteks T30, offer extended mounting screws for unique designs. The speaker mentions a detailed methodology for testing fan performance, accessible via a linked Google Doc. Finally, they introduce a chart comparing the fans’ airflow (in cubic feet per minute) and noise levels (in decibels), starting from a 36-decibel noise floor.

00:09:00

In this part of the video, the discussion centers on evaluating various fans based on their airflow (CFM) and noise levels (decibels). The fans tested include the Corsair ML120 Pro and several others like the NF A12, Arctic P12, and the Cooler Master SF120M. The Arctic P12 showed impressive performance at 38 decibels, while the gentle typhoon fan stood out for its efficiency and low noise at full speed. The Noctua PPC model did not meet expectations, whereas the Phanteks T30 excelled with its ability to reach 3000 RPM and push around 100 CFM at 56 decibels. The next step involves testing these fans with an air restriction, using a Corsair H60 radiator to measure airflow post-obstacle.

00:12:00

In this part of the video, the reviewer discusses the performance of various fans under different conditions, focusing on cooling potential and noise levels. Key points include:

1. Cooling Performance: When tested at full speed without any restrictions, the ultra-fast 3000 RPM fans performed the best. The Noctua 812 showed a significant improvement, jumping up the performance chart.

2. Noise Normalized Testing: Setting all fans to a constant 39 decibels, the Phanteks T30 outperformed others, followed closely by the Gentle Typhoon and Noctua 812.

3. Real-World Application: Installing these fans on an H60 cooler and testing them on a 5950x CPU, the results showed varying temperature drops. The Phanteks T30 and Gentle Typhoon delivered impressive temperature reductions around six degrees, indicating their superior performance under noise-constrained conditions.

Overall, the segment provides insights into which fans are optimal for high static pressure and quiet operation environments, with the Phanteks T30 and Gentle Typhoon leading in performance.

00:15:00

In this part of the video, the speaker analyzes the performance of various cooling fans, emphasizing the significant improvement of 10.5 degrees over stock configurations. They highlight the trade-off between performance and acoustics, noting the particular strengths of Fantix and Noctua PPC fans. Decibel levels are added to analyze noise, revealing that while the ML 120 Pro fan performs well, it is very loud. Fans are tested on a Noctua U12S cooler showing minimal performance differences among several models, with the A12 standing out for its quiet efficiency. Phanteks fans excel when space and noise are not issues. The segment concludes with the Corsair ML 120 Pro being deemed the worst in terms of noise and performance relative to its cost, while the Arctic P12 is highlighted as the best budget option due to its affordability and acceptable performance.

00:18:00

In this part of the video, the speaker discusses the value of different PC cooling fans. They highlight one affordable fan that offers great value for its price. They also mention the Nidec Gentle Typhoon fan as an excellent all-around option suitable for various situations. Additionally, they identify the Phanteks T30 as the best fan on the market, despite its higher price and thicker design. The segment concludes with the speaker expressing their hope that the video helps viewers make informed decisions about choosing fans based on value, versatility, and top-tier performance.

Scroll to Top