Case fans are intake and exhaust fans for PC cases, sold singly or in multi-fan packs, alongside a few fans made for processor coolers. They suit anyone building a new PC, replacing a noisy fan or improving airflow in a hot case. Our range has over 350 models from Thermaltake, Corsair, NZXT, Arctic and Fractal Design, among others.
How to choose a case fan
Size. 12 cm is the most common size in our range, followed by 14 cm. A 14 cm fan moves a similar amount of air at a lower speed, so it is usually quieter, but only if your case has 140 mm mounting positions. Smaller 8 cm and 6 cm fans are meant for compact cases or processor coolers. Check the fan positions in your case manual before ordering.
Airflow or static pressure. Fans tuned for high airflow work best in open front panels and as rear exhausts. Fans tuned for static pressure push air better through dust filters, dense mesh, heatsinks and radiators. Manufacturers usually state both values, plus noise in dBA, so compare them rather than relying on size alone.
Connector and speed control. A 4-pin fan can be controlled by the motherboard through PWM, so it slows down at idle and speeds up under load. A 3-pin fan is controlled by voltage, which works on most boards but with a narrower speed range. Our range includes both, and a few fans use 6-pin connectors, so check what they plug into. If you are fitting several fans, count the free headers on your motherboard and consider a fan hub.
Bearing type. Fluid dynamic bearings are the most frequently listed in our range and are known for low noise and a long service life. Hydraulic, rifle and sleeve bearings are also available. Sleeve bearings are generally the simplest and tend to wear faster, especially when the fan is mounted on its side. Dual ball bearings cope well with heat and long running hours, though some are slightly louder.
Pack size and lighting. Most listings are single fans, but many are packs of three, which suit a front intake or a radiator. Colour matters mainly for looks: black is the most common finish, with white available for lighter builds. Fans with RGB lighting usually need a compatible controller or motherboard header, so check this before buying.
Case fan brands in our range
- Noctua: Austrian manufacturer known for very quiet fans with a long service life and a distinctive brown and beige finish.
- be quiet!: German brand whose Silent Wings and Pure Wings fans are built around low noise.
- Arctic: known for affordable fans with high static pressure, and for multi-packs that suit filling a whole case.
- Corsair: makes RGB fans managed through its iCUE software, often sold in packs with a lighting controller.
- NZXT: offers plain, quiet Aer fans as well as RGB versions that match its own cases.
- Thermaltake: sells fans with addressable lighting that syncs with common motherboard lighting software, alongside simpler non-lit models.
- Fractal Design: Swedish case maker whose Aspect and Dynamic fans are made to match its own cases.
- Cooler Master: known for its SickleFlow and MasterFan lines, which cover both airflow and static pressure designs.
- DeepCool: offers low-cost 120 mm fans, often with lighting included.
Also in our range: ASUS, Aerocool and Akasa.
Case fan FAQ
What size case fan do I need?
Look at the fan positions in your case, because the mounting holes decide the size. Most ATX cases take 120 mm fans, and many also support 140 mm at the front, top or rear. The case manual lists which sizes each position accepts.
How many case fans does a PC need?
Most PCs work well with at least one intake fan at the front and one exhaust fan at the rear. Gaming or high-performance builds often add a second or third intake fan and an exhaust at the top. The right number depends on how much heat your processor and graphics card produce.
Is a 3-pin or 4-pin case fan better?
A 4-pin fan gives finer control, because the motherboard can adjust its speed with PWM signals. A 3-pin fan still works on most boards and is controlled by voltage. If your board has 4-pin headers and you want quiet running at idle, 4-pin is the better choice.
Should a case fan blow in or out?
Fans at the front and bottom of the case normally blow in, and fans at the rear and top normally blow out. Most fans have arrows on the frame showing airflow and rotation direction. Keeping slightly more air going in than out helps reduce dust build-up.
