We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links. Learn More

 

Best 80mm to 200mm PC Case Fans

As technology progresses to unveil better gaming solutions, Cooling systems play an integral part in keeping things under control. Now a major contribution in this cooling process would be the case fans that allow heat dissipation from the CPU itself and keeps it cool even under intense load so that it never ceases to provide the ideal performance that is best for you and fit for your PC.

The most confusing part while deciding the perfect case fan would be the size. The sizes of the fans differ from the cooling needs of the setup. The more air intake is required, the larger the diameter of the fan. The most preferable or common sizes available are 80mm, 120mm, 140mm, and 200mm. We will be covering all of them so that we could guide you better with the best fan in each size category.

1. Corsair ML120 PRO 120mm

Our Rating: 9/10

Pros

  • Low Noise
  • Customizable RGB
  • Light Weight
  • Great Static Pressure

Cons

  • LEDs are not that bright

RPM: 1600 | Noise: 25 dbA | Bearing: Magnetic Levitation | Diameter: 120mm | RGB: Yes

Corsair ML120 Pro is just as you’d expect from Corsair to deliver, a well crafted and elegant cooling solution. The fan features a premium package with RGB lighting which can be monitored and customized with Corsair’s proprietary Link software.

This not only provides a very well furnished set up but also the performance you’d want as this features a Magnetic Levitation bearing, this technology uses magnetic levitation to eliminate friction between the fan chassis and the blades. This, in turn, reduces the overall noise produced at high RPMs. The exterior of this product might be eye-catching but the output is no less. If you are on the lookout for one of the best 120mm fans then this is your best bet from Corsair.

This amazing piece of tech is quite resilient when it comes to durability as it comes with a five-year manufacturer’s warranty which undoubtedly proves that this purchase of yours would be there to stay and perform for a long time.

2. Fractal Design Venturi HP-12 PWM (120mm)

Our Rating: 8/10

Pros

  • Vibration Dampening Corners
  • High Restriction Airflow Optimized
  • Ideal for large Heatsinks and Radiators
  • PWM Control

Cons

  • No RGB
  • A bit noisier

RPM: 1800 | Noise: 31.7 dbA | Bearing: Fluid Dynamic Bearing | Diameter: 120mm | RGB: No

Fractal Design might not be that well renowned for a lot of consumers out there but it is a well-reputed entity in terms of its performance and output that it generates. It bears a top speed of 1800 RPM along with a low noise profile and Fluid Dynamic Bearing which uses the viscosity of the lubricant to minimize friction as the term is self-explanatory.

This fan has an impressive output as compared to its other competitors and proves to be ideal for radiators and heatsinks, this is also optimized to generate high airflow under considerable adverse restrictions. it is a tad bit noisier than its competition under high RPMs.

The PWM control adds to the functionality of the fan as it manages the usage and speed of the fan based on the temperature of the PC. However, one drawback of this minimalistic design would be the absence of RGB lighting which might have added to the aesthetics for gamers.

The appearance of this fan might not be that appealing but the RPMs and PWM control are. The black and grey exterior with subtle branding adds to the minimalism of the design. The build quality feels quite sturdy and premium to feel along with paralleled performance against other top tier contenders.

3. Noctua NF-A8 ULN Premium (80mm)

Our Rating: 9.5/10

Pros

  • Highly Noise Sensitive
  • Variable Fan Speeds for Ultra-Low Noise
  • Minimal Cable Clutter
  • 6 Year Manufacturer Warranty

Cons

  • RGB is absent

RPM: 1400 | Noise: 10.4 dbA | Bearing: SSO2 Bearing | Diameter: 80mm | RGB: No

Noctua is another underdog when it comes the list of renowned names out there in the market. Not a lot of users are aware of its powerful presence among the 80mm fans. The design helps it to be one of the most noise-sensitive fans that you can come across in this category paired with an SSO2 bearing which reduces the noise to 10.4 dbA.

Technically speaking, it’s quite low and this is the main selling point of this product. Noctua has tried to minimize its cable clutter with this fan while maintaining a decent outlook. A major plus point would be the top speed of 1400 RPMs which can generate a tremendous amount of air flow.

Noctua has always been known for its minimalistic outlook and aesthetics were never their main focus area as it encompasses all its productive energy towards power-packed performance which does not disappoint.

4. be quiet! BL067 SILENTWINGS 3 PWM (140mm)

Our Rating: 8.5/10

Pros

  • Life of 300.000 hours
  • Premium AirFlow
  • Minimal Noise

Cons

  • -

RPM: 1000 | Noise: 15.5 dbA | Bearing: Fluid Dynamic Bearing | Diameter: 140mm | RGB: No

As the name might give out, this fan is supposed to be ultra quiet. be quiet! is the pioneer of producing fans which perform with minimal noise. With the top speed of a 1000 RPMs under the hood and the adequate airflow design, this paves the way for an entirely new player in the 140mm size category.

Usually, fans of this form factor are prone to produce a noticeable amount of noise while performing at their peak but this is not the case with these SilentWings because they are powered by those Fluid Dynamic Bearings which dramatically reduce the friction hence providing a quiet output.

SilentWings come with a three-year manufacturer’s warranty. This complements the 300,000h life span that this fan has and exceeds expectations with its amazing airflow dynamics. The looks of the fan might not be a feast to your eyes but the design is very well thought out and executed as proved by the distinct durability and performance.

5. Cooler Master MegaFlow 200 (200mm)

Our Rating: 8/10

Pros

  • High Airflow
  • Energy Efficient
  • Ideal for extra Graphics Card cooling
  •   Red monotone LED

Cons

  • -

RPM: 700 | Noise: 19 dbA | Bearing: Sleeve Bearing | Diameter: 200mm | RGB: Yes, only Red

Cooler Master MegaFlow 200 is an amalgamation of ingenious design and hardcore power. This is a comparatively larger fan with is 200mm form factor and it features a Sleeve Bearing which provides optimum performance. This is paired with its high airflow output which generally is ideal to install externally with GPUs.

This does not come with an RGB set up but only features a Red monotone LED which gives it an aggressive external look. For a large fan that would ideally cost you more money and energy in the long run, this is known to be quite energy efficient and light on the pockets if you are on a budget.

200mm fans are generally recommended for external cooling for GPUs and to reduce the overall temperature of the case to prevent any long term damages to the internal components. They are mostly required for large heatsinks and radiators that need effective and immediate airflow, which the MegaFlow 200 provides quite conveniently.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Bill Wilson


Bill is a certified Microsoft Professional providing assistance to over 500 remotely connected employees and managing Windows 2008 to 2016 servers.