The Best PC Fans For Your Next Build

PC fans are one of the most important components in your PC. It keeps the rest of the computer at safe temperatures so it can function. Overheating in your PC can cause poor performance in your hardware, so if your PC is getting too hot, it may be time to invest in a better PC fan.

Here are the best PC fans you can buy.

What You Should Look For in a PC Fan

Fans should be able to rotate at high speeds (rpm) to keep your computer safe from overheating. However, a fan with too high rotational speeds is prone to being noisy. Although less effective, fans that operate on a lower rotational speed are less audible. The noise factor will vary in importance from person to person.

Best Overall PC Fan: Noctua NF-S12B

If you’re looking for the best solution to an overheating PC, the Noctua Nf-S12B is the most viable for you. Its design is incredibly efficient, as its aerodynamic blades give you high-performance cooling at 700Rpm. The low rotational speed of this fan along with its anti-vibration bumper pads makes this fan practically inaudible.

Best Budget PC Fan: ARCTIC F12

The ARCTIC F12 is the best choice for a tighter budget. Its design allows for great airflow and ventilation. The fan spins at 1,350Rpm and can be installed in two ways: to breathe cool air, or to exhale warm air.

Best Silent PC Fan: be quiet! Silent Wings 3

A PC fan that’s buzzing aggressively can distract you from your task at hand. The Silent Wings 3 Cooling Fan spins at 1,600Rpm and will last for 300,000 hours. It is designed to reduce power use, vibration, and noise while keeping a fast rotational speed and a high air pressure.

Best RGB PC Fan: Corsair LL Series LL120

This RGB fan from Corsair can add a pleasant aesthetic to your PC. It comes with 16 RGB LED lights and can rotate up to 1,500-rpm. This PC fan comes in a pack of three, which can all be controlled with a single node.