We are all somewhat obsessed with modern computer games. Games like league of legends and Minecraft keep the gamers hooked for several hours, and not only do they strain gamers' muscles and exhaust the system. The system tends to heat no matter how well it claims to bear stress. To prevent these heat issues from hindering the gaming zest, tech geeks came up with the idea of the best RGB fans. These fans keep up the performance and amplify the looks of the gaming setup.
These fans are attached to the computer or a component that efficiently struggles with thermal issues for active cooling. They work on the convection principle, transfer heat onto the following molecules and thus produce a cooling effect. They keep the system or that component at a moderate temperature as they throw the hot air out and draw the cool air inside the system. This procedure is uncomplicated, but it helps a lot in many ways.
Something amidst the best RGB case fans can step up your game seriously in terms of thermal performance. Even an ordinary-looking fan with the most superficial features but reliable working can do wonders to your system. During intense gaming, when a gamer is trying hard to perform well, and the system is striving to keep up with the burden, these fans assist and satisfy the requirements of both the modern system and the enthusiast gamer.
Quick Shopping Tips:
You may like to consider some simple tips before picking the PC fans.
Airflow: The working of any fan depends upon the airflow it provides. You can calculate it by measuring the total heat your system dissipates with some margin; that will be the power your system demands from the fan to cool down to an optimum temperature. The airflow is responsible for determining the capacity of a fan to work under load, as the higher this number, the higher the capability to throw the hot air out.
Noise: Noise plays a crucial role in the selection of a fan. You measure it by the air, i.e., A-weighted decibels, dbA. Most people tend to spend on fans which the manufacturers claim are whisper quiet. The brands use many techniques and components like fluid bearings, anti-vibration pads, and frictionless blade designs to reduce the noise. To make the noise more inaudible, they manufacture larger fans with less RPM. These fans produce almost the same airflow as the small light-weighted ones and are less noisy.
Speed control: Do the fans have to run ceaselessly at the maximum speed all the time? It might not be the best scenario, as the fans will exhaust soon and give unsatisfactory performance. Speed control holds utter importance. Latest fans come with PWM and different techniques to control the speed according to the load. Speed affects noise and energy efficiency, so make sure that you avoid a fan that lacks any particular feature to control the speed.
Visuals: Who doesn’t love products that perform great and look fantastic as well! Manufacturers are giving neck-to-neck competition to each other as they try to produce admirable, visually attractive performers. It’s the same reason why companies introduced RGB lit fans. With their surpassing performance and impressive looks, they up the ante for average-looking PC fans. Some people prefer plain-looking components without RGB. That’s entirely a matter of choices and personal preferences.
Best PC Fans at a glance:
- Noctua NF-S12B redux-1200
- Corsair LL120 Pro RGB fans
- Cooler Master MF120R A-RGB
- Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM
- NZXT Aer RGB 2 120mm
- Scythe Kaze Flex 120 PWM
- Arctic F12-120
- Cooler Master MasterFan MF120 Halo
The Best PC Fans you can buy in 2022
Noctua NF-S12B redux-1200
Nothing can beat Noctua’s fabulous products when it comes to finding the best PC components and the best RGB fans. Everyone is familiar with this brand as it has been one of the leading companies for the past many years. Here we will be discussing the Noctua NF-S12B redux-1200, a premium fan that costs reasonably. It has a lot to offer, and down below, we will glance at those features. The predecessors of this product were hot shots in the tech world, and so is this one.
Though it is not the latest product manufactured by Noctua, it is still the best PC fan ruling the modest gaming setups for quite a long time now. With its excellent airflow to noise ratio, it provides higher static pressure than its predecessors and rivals. Every other brand faced backlash by users due to quality issues but not once did Noctua give such a reason to complain about or to hate. This fan is sturdy to an exemplary extent and has got your back.
It lacks a little in some areas as companies have introduced many modern technologies to date. There is no vibration damper included, which means you will have to spend on them. But despite that fact, it does not cut short on essential features, quality, or anything beyond these. The speed is right on-point! From way back when the band unleashed this efficient fan until now, it hasn’t lost the charm and is still one of our most recommended products.
Corsair LL120 Pro RGB fans
Finding the right one out of the best case fans is by no means an easy feat. The well-built one has perfect speed, deals right with overheating troubles, and has sparkling RGB lights. Is something that flawless available right now? Yes, here we have the elite and the best overall PC fan. No one is unaware of the humongous brand, Corsair. This company excels in any tech field it steps in, be it any PC peripheral. Corsair LL120 Pro RGB fans prove this point.
This product is one of those few fans, including everything that a PC fan manufacturer can ever come up with since there is perfection in its looks, design, working, everything in short. The users, even the beginners, find the installation of this product utterly uncomplicated and effortless. The well-executed design ensures proper airflow and gets away with the ‘best performer’ title. With this fan, you are the one who controls. Everything works fine.
This product might sound ridiculously high-priced as the software acts wonky sometimes, and noise level under stress is kind of annoying. It is not the most reliable thing; in fact, it is somewhat fragile. Nevertheless, with its incredibly flashy RGB and spectacular cooling performance, it is hard to fight the urge to get this product. Considering the performance, we conclude that this fan is worth every bit of its cost, and maybe a little more too.
Cooler Master MF120R A-RGB
Cooler Master is another one of our favorite and the most famous brands. Gamers have liked this brand over the past years due to the phenomenal performance its products deliver. As the name shows, this company has a knack for doing great at cooling computer systems. While digging into the best RGB case fans, we came across Cooler Master MF120R A-RGB, one of its kind. Initially, we thought it was an average performer, but we still hoped since the manufacturers are well-known for their dedication.
This product outperformed all of its rivals and worked better than what we were hoping to see. When a gamer pressurizes the system, this spectacular fan acts as a savior for the system and solves the overheating issues. A sharp noise often accompanies an excellent airflow which is not a great combination, right? This fan prevents noise to the greatest extent. The sound-absorbing rubber pads help a lot here to contribute to making it the best RGB fan out there.
The RGB lighting is on the whole ‘another level as it makes the system look quite grand. Another great thing about this product is the price tag. It is much more affordable than other alternatives and rivals. It’s not the most pocket-friendly, but still an economical option. Massive demand shows how gamers and other PC users adored this due to its sheer performance. Thanks to its user-friendly design, it makes gaming a piece of cake.
Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM
A little while ago, Noctua flaunted its modern product and stated, “next-generation 120mm A-series fan”. Yes, that was about the gem they unleashed a little later, Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM. Noctua has always been known for its thermal performance, which is excellent beyond imagination. But the acoustic performance we get this time is something praiseworthy. The rubber gasket this product comes with wards off vibration and makes the user more comfortable and satisfied.
Let’s not omit the mind-boggling fact that the manufacturers are confident in this product. A 6-year warranty means you can play around with this product for as long as possible. Not the toughest of the situations will make this strong fan break a sweat, and in our opinion, that is a huge offer. This fan is the best high-air case fan for the most legitimate reasons. The box contains screws and other accessories which you need to install this fan.
The color scheme is not so appealing, and it would not look great with all the setups. For those who are hoping for an RGB feature, this fan can be a bit disappointing. However, when the performance is over the top, looks don’t matter that much. This long-awaited product is one of the most suitable case fans. The gamer community is quite satisfied as this fan has the all-rounder nature everyone yearns for these days.
NZXT Aer RGB 2 120mm
NZXT is a famous brand that builds high-end hardware. The products it manufactures are treated to the eyes. From the aesthetic point of view, nothing can beat the NZXT Aer RGB 2 120mm by this company. It might not be the best one of the lot nor the most pocket-friendly product, but it indeed is amongst the best RGB fans. The RGB feature induces a unique funky vibe in its sophisticated design. Moreover, setting it up was quite the child’s play as we already had the accessories right out of the box.
These fans provide the ultimate airflow, and we do appreciate that. This fan’s sharp blades and speed are the foes of overheating and don’t let it stay and ruin the components. But, in return, they produce pretty irritating noise. Especially when you are trying to concentrate, the noise can be a culprit by making you lose focus. The speed efficiency and the noise both surprised us in two different ways.
Though we came across severe drawbacks, such as the noise and price to performance ratio, we would still not hesitate to declare it the best RGB-effect fan. For most gamers and PC users, this product is a go-to option. Other than the wee issues, it does not have any significant thing that we could consider as a deal-breaker. So we recommend this product to people who do not care about the noise and are happy if they get the performance they desire.
Scythe Kaze Flex 120 PWM
Not so well-known and not so great, just so-so maybe, that’s what Scythe looks like at first impression. But not mentioning Scythe Kaze Flex 120 PWM here in the list of the best RGB case fans would have been unjust. Why? You will find out in an instant. What do you usually look for in a fan that you need for your mid-tier gaming build? Firstly, the airflow and fan speed, indeed. Secondly, the noise it produces may produce under the burden. And subsequently the price, looks, and many other tiny factors that mean a lot.
This best addressable PC fan comes with the best structure and a solid design that makes airflow better than many more of its competitors. The high-speed fan performs well at getting rid of hot air. Coming towards the noise point, it is not the quietest product, but it does not produce a weird ear-piercing sound either. It is a unique product with enough potential to impress us both in thermal and acoustic performance. As tech experts and having a perfectionist side, we were not expecting such a modest product to satisfy us. Nonetheless, it did.
Considering the price tag, which is a privilege, we respect the manufacturer’s effort and quality. You get to squeeze the most out of your system while this fan protects it from the heat, and you don’t even have to break a bank to have it. Some people here for the best RGB fans might not adore this fan, but not everyone is a pretentious, flashy RGB fan. So this product is just the right pick for that kind of PC user.
Arctic F12-120
If you are dazzled by the superabundant amount of cooling products and feel somewhat lost at the moment, you need to try a bit low-profile product yet amongst the best case fans. Arctic F12-120 is not the rage of the moment. But if you are a gamer who does not traumatize his system to uncontrollable extents but still needs a PC fan as a backup or an essential requirement, this product is undoubtedly the one for you. If you want to feed your system some fresh air, this fan promises that you will not regret this purchase.
We confess that at first, we were under the impression that such a modest PC fan would not fit the criteria of the high-end and sophisticated products. But it turns out; this is a little beast that can turn your thermal game upside down even with that humble design. This fan is heavy on the reliability and feature set side and lighter on the pocket. That is why it is suggested as the best budget PC fan, a treat for budget builders.
Even if it costs less than others, it still has excellent control over noise and is energy efficient. Surprisingly, while keeping the economic mindset in mind while manufacturing this fan, the company did not cut a sorry figure about the specifications and instead set an example. This product proves that you don’t have to go all out to build a good gaming PC. All you have to do is, use your wits and choose wisely. The much-acclaimed noiseless design is worth all the praise, indeed.
Cooler Master MasterFan MF120 Halo
Would that be the right decision to take a plunge and spend a bit more on a fan that promises exceptional performance? Well, if it is trustworthy, you should give it a go. Cooler Master is a brand that is not new to this field. Ever since this company emerged, nothing hindered the way of its innovation. The Cooler Master MasterFan MF120 Halo by this brand needs no introduction. When we narrowed down the list of the best case fans, we knew that this is the one that has the extra edge everyone is looking for nowadays. Let’s have a brief look at some of the awe-striking features that make it an elite-class product.
At first look, this fan looked like a product that shines bright among others and distinguishes itself quite radiantly. With the plethora of features, this fan made its way straight to the top-notch products and is doing great so far. Most gamers love the RGB feature in components of their gaming builds. The dual loop of blazing RGB lights present on this product makes sure that the looks of your setup are on fire! Most users acknowledge that this is the best 200mm PC fan as it packs everything in it.
When you spend extravagantly on an accessory that was a demand and not a necessity, you must watch various aspects. Build quality is one of them, and this fan slays at the quality point. Its high-quality and perfectly put-together blades move a ton of air and balance the airflow and static pressure. If you end up deciding on getting this fan, rest assured, buddy! One can never go wrong with a Cooler Master product, and that’s a fact.
Conclusion
All the PC components are crucial for optimum performance. Even the minor ones mean a lot when it comes to having excellent performance. You can certainly not deny the importance of a PC fan no matter what type of burden you put onto your system. There are a lot of fans in the market, but to find one amongst the best case fans, you need to know why you need it in the first place and what type of fan will do good. They come in various styles and differ in working.
A fan works on some fundamental thermodynamics principles. It chucks the hot air out and lets the cooler air in, thus maintaining the temperature at a temperate point. When a gamer dives into his favorite game and keeps burdening the system, the temperature goes out of the hands. As the competition intensifies, the system struggles and tries hard to keep up with the stress. But all this makes the components hot, and this overheating can cause devastating effects on your gaming system. But a compatible fan can alleviate this awful pain and take this stress off your system.
So to assist you with the tedious task of finding the best RGB case fans, we brought this topic up here. Out of all the fans trending in the tech market nowadays, we have mentioned the best ones. What type and size do you prefer, and how about aesthetics? Have you decided on an all-rounder item already? We hope this scavenge will now pay off, and choosing the right fan among these has now become an easy-breezy decision to make. Best of luck with the shopping spree.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best 120mm PC fan?
Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM has got to be the best 120mm PC fan that not only resolves overheating issues but also offers a sturdy build quality. If you need something that does not leave you with regrets and works fine for many years to come, this fan is the correct item. It is the most durable PC fan with an astounding 6-year warranty! Hard to believe, right? But it is what it is, the best product which is the need of the hour.
Are expensive PC fans worth it?
This is kind of a grey area; there is not a yes or no answer to this question since not all the exorbitant PC fans are worth their costs. Some look good, and some perform well. Only a few, like Corsair LL120 Pro RGB fans, are great at both these areas. It makes each cent of their price worthy with the outwitting performance. The vibrant looks with controllable RGB and out-of-the-world thermal performance are enough to startle all of its rivals. Every user loved the easy installation this fan offered.
What fans should I put on my PC?
PC gaming requires a lot of effort and pleasing, brushed-up components. But if you have got no time to ponder and research about the best PC fans, you can trust Cooler Master MasterFan MF120 Halo and sit back and enjoy the stupefying performance it delivers. Out of hundreds of products, this is the one with the most noiseless operation and feature-filled design. It gets rid of the hot air and helps your setup look fantastic with the RGB lighting. Performance, looks, and noiselessness, what else does a gamer want.
Are there better fans than Noctua?
Noctua has been a big shot for about a decade, and we acknowledge their efforts to make it to the list of top brands. A product like Noctua NF-S12B redux-1200 will surely step up the gaming performance as you will no longer have overheating issues to worry about or noise that bothers you. Despite being modest, it will be of great assistance. But if you need something other than Noctua for a change, Scythe Kaze Flex 120 PWM is an excellent option. It has the latest features and will suit most of your needs.