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Are you considering on removing or upgrading your computer case fan?
A case fan is important in a computer since it helps in extending its lifespan. During operation, the CPU may overheat, and the in-build fan cannot efficiently cool the system. The fan is overworked, making it have a shorter lifespan than it should.
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Is it Worth Getting Computer Case Fans?
You probably get confused about whether or not you need computer case fans upgraded when your computer gets pretty heats but still works fine. Computer cases come with standard in-built fans aimed at helping them cool down.
Sometimes, these fans are inefficient when you use your computer to work on massive projects, edit photos/videos or play lots of games. The internal fans cannot keep up with the input, making it heat up and produce a lot of noise.
One solution to these problems is getting a new computer meant for commercial use. But, such computers are costly and may interfere with your budget. The other option is getting a fan for your device.
Case fans are priced differently, depending on their quality. We think it is worth the upgrade on computer case fans.
Premium fans are more durable, quieter, and more effective at keeping your computer cool. The downside is that they are expensive.
Cheaper case fans on the other hand may break faster and although it can cool down your computer, it won’t do it effectively.
With an upgrade, you can operate your computer with negligible noise and without worrying about the heating problem with case fans.
Is 1 Fan Enough for a Gaming PC?
Unlike regular computers, gaming PCs are built with heavy components that allow them to withstand long hours while running games.
As a result, they have 3 in-built fans that help the system cool itself so that gamers can enjoy having uninterrupted fun.
But is 1 fan enough for a gaming PC? No. When considering adding extra fans to your computer, one will not be efficient. The minimum number of fans recommended is 2 – an intake and exhaust fan.
Often, we are tempted to imagine that since the device is heating from the inside, an exhaust fan will be all we need. Wrong!
When you use an exhaust fan alone, a negative pressure is created. As a result, it also created static electricity, which is a problem since it will attract dust to the inner components of your device.
The intake fan helps create the balance. After the warm air has been taken away from your device, the intake fan will replace that space with cooler air, preventing the creation of static electricity.
Are 5 Fans Enough for a Gaming PC?
The number of fans you use on your gaming PC depends on many factors. For example, if you own a computer that is not meant for high performance, 2 fans will be enough.
However, if yours is created for high performance, and you intend to keep upgrading it, more fans will definitely be ideal.
With a high-performing gaming PC, 5 fans will be enough in the ratio of 3:2 for input to output. Here, we put the issue of creating negative pressure into consideration. Having more input fans than output fans is considerable. The 5 fans are efficiently used as 1 for the CPU, 1 for the PSU, 1 for the GPU, and 2 for the case.
With these fans, you can successfully lower the temperature in your gaming machine from 20 – 50. Although adding fans from 2 to 5 seems efficient in reducing the temperatures, it does not always translate to the more fans used, the better the results.
The idea is to ensure you do not create negative pressure. The airflow is more important than the number of fans you use.
The positioning of these fans is also essential. Some positions may negatively affect the fans’ efficiency, while others may help maximize their output.
Can You Have Too Many PC Case Fans?
Gaming PCs basically have no limit to the number of fans you can use. What’s important is the least number of fans you can use. Otherwise, having more fans means better cooling when your computer is heavily operated.
However, for gaming PCs used for light operations, having more than 2 case fans can be considered having too many. Why? Because the computer does not produce a lot of heat, that requires more cooling.
You will realize that only a few fans will be working while others remain irrelevant.
Having too many case fans is a waste and an added expense that can be avoided altogether. Also, when you have too many fans and fix them poorly, they can lead to damage as you create an imbalance, leading to negative pressure.
How Much Does a Fan for a PC Cost?
There is no fixed price for PC fans. Their prices are determined by the brand, features, quality and other factors. Manufacturers cater to different clients, depending on their budgetary plans.
That is, some clients will be comfortable buying high-end fans that have incredible features at high prices.
However, some may be willing to have high-end fans but lack the purchasing ability. As a result, they settle for cheap fans that lack some features.
Another thing that determines the price of a gaming PC’s fan is the retailer. Though in the same quality category, some can be priced differently depending on the retailer.
To compare different prices, you can check online retailers such as amazon, newegg, and bestbuy to know how much you are likely to spend.
We like to compare prices across different platforms because sometimes one retailer is cheaper than the other, or one may have the part we’re interested in.
On average, be ready to spend anything between $10 and $120+.
If you’re patient, jot down the fan(s) you’re interested in and wait for them to go on sale.
How Do You Install a Computer Case Fan?
When you have identified your computer needs extra cooling, it’s time to act. If you have already bought the case fans, here is how you install them:
Understand Your Fan’s Mechanism
You do not just unpack your fan and go straight to the installation. Firstly, examine how it works before fixing it on your computer. Which direction does the fan blow the air? You can learn that by looking at the arrows usually drawn on the fans.
Some brands do not have these arrows, and it is up to you to figure them out before fixing them on the PC.
Set up Your Fans
The aim of setting up the fans is to create a wind tunnel.
To do this, you will need both the intake and exhaust fans, having more exhaust fans than the intakes. You may wonder why you need more exhaust fans, yet you get a negative pressure when the exhausts are more than the intake fans.
In this case, we want to create a vacuum. When the vacuum has been created inside the case, it helps remove hot air from your device and cool it simultaneously.
Install the Fans
Use a screwdriver to tighten the screws of your fans. While doing so, ensure you do not tighten them too much or expose the cables to the blades where they can be damaged.
Connect the Fans
An adapter can be handy when you are working on many fans. Otherwise, use the fan connectors on the motherboard to connect the fans.
Close Your Case
Close the case before testing your fans to prevent the creation of negative pressure, which can affect your results.
Monitor the Performance
Monitor whether your fans are working by opening the BIOS. Also, check whether the fans are cooling the PC’s temperature, and you are set to enjoy your gaming experience.
Conclusion
Are you considering adding fans to your gaming PC? This article has a lot of helpful information that will help you understand case fans and make an informed decision.