The 10 Best Case Fans for Gaming

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Penned by Austin Carroll

Austin Carroll is a writer and web designer from Eugene, Oregon. He's been at HGG for five years and maintains an active role designing and develop... Read more

Reviewed by Benjamin Barr

The best case fans keep your PC cool and ready for high performance tasks. Whether you’re a gamer, designer, or simply a performance enthusiast — the right fan can make or break your computer setup. Many times, PC cases will come with a few fans already built-in. But for powerful builds, you may want the extra cooling power of a quality fan (or two).

To that end, we’ve developed a list of the 10 best case fans for achieving maximum performance from your PC. No matter if you’re building a new PC or simply upgrading your cooling system, we’ve got you covered. Ready to take the heat off? Let’s get started.

10 Best Case Fans

We’ve curated this list of the best case fans, and we’ve included various sizes and types for every need.

1. CoolerMaster SickleFlow LED Case Fans

Our pick for one of the best quiet case fans

If you’re looking for one of the best silent case fans, you’re in luck. The CoolerMaster SickleFlow boasts some of the quietest blades on the market, with a dBA of just 19. Plus, they’re lightning quick with powerful airflow and LED illumination! They come in standard 120mm x 25mm dimensions with optional 80mm and 92mm variations for different case sizes.

Snapshot:

• 120mm x 25mm (optional 80mm or 92mm)
• Speed 2000RPM / Airflow 70 CFM
• Noise (dBA) 19
• LED illumination
• Curved blades and 50,000 hour lifespan

2. Corsair Air Series AF120

Our pick for one of the best 120mm case fans

The Corsair Air Series features some of the best cooling components around, and the AF120 is no exception. The fans feature LEDs in various colors and a powerful 52 CFM for high airflow from custom-molded blades. Expect exceptional performance from these 120mm fans, available in single and double packs.

Snapshot:

• 120mm x 25mm
• Speed 1500RPM / Airflow 52 CFM
• Noise (dBA) 25
• LED illumination
• Custom-molded for powerful performance

3. Arctic F12 120mm Fan

Our pick for one of the best computer case fans

The Arctic F12 features an innovative design with quiet blades and speedy RPMs for convenient cooling and high airflow. The circulation system boasts a unique two-way installation, blowing warm air out and drawing cool air in for maximum efficiency. It dons fluid dynamic bearings for long service life, and you’re guaranteed a lasting investment that will cool your PC for years to come.

Snapshot:

• 120mm x 25mm
• Speed 1350RPM / Airflow 74 CFM
• Low-noise operation
• No LEDs
• Long service life & two-way installation

4. Rosewill 120mm Case Fan 4-Pack

Our pick for one of the best budget case fans

Rosewill is known for their affordable accessories, and these 120mm case fans live up to expectations. They offer great airflow and whisper-quiet operation for powerful circulation and sound isolation. The sleeve bearings are smooth and consistent, and you can expect a long lifespan without the added cost. They’re some of the best cheap case fans on the market.

Snapshot:

• 120mm x 25mm
• Speed 1200RPM / Airflow 38 CFM
• Noise (dBA) 22
• No LEDs
• Affordable option with extensive lifespan

5. Noctua NF-P12 Case Fan

Our pick for one of the best PC case fans

With perfect consumer ratings, the Noctua NF-P12 case fan boasts high-performance and outstanding blade quality. It features top-notch 71 CFM airflow and low noise operation, ensuring great circulation without the frustration. The PWM design offers adjustable speeds and the SSO-bearings boast the longest lasting mechanics on our list.

Snapshot:

• 120mm x 25mm
• Speed 900RPM / Airflow 71 CFM
• Noise (dBA) 13
• No LEDs
• PWM controls, SSO-bearings, and 150,000 hour lifespan

6. PC Cooler 120mm Moonlight Fan 3-Pack

Our pick for one of the best LED case fans

If you’re a fan of LEDs, the Moonlight case fans are a fantastic choice. In addition to adjustable light levels, these fans feature flexible speeds with incredible RPMs and solid hydraulic bearings. The lifespan is estimated at 30,000 hours, and the shockproof design ensures a quality product that protects your PC.

Snapshot:

• 120mm x 25mm
• Speed 1000-1800RPM / Adjustable airflow
• Low-noise hydraulic bearings
• LED illumination
• PWM controls and multipurpose cooling

7. Thermaltake Riing LED Case Fan 3-Pack

Our pick for one of the best case fans for gaming PC

The Riing LED case fans by Thermaltake are powerful units that will keep your PC cool and ready for action. Choose from a variety of different colors, each featuring a concentrated compression blade that’s engineered for precision airflow. The hydraulic bearings are powerful yet quiet, with high airflow and noise levels starting at 19 dBA. A fantastic choice.

Snapshot:

• 120mm x 25mm (optional 140mm)
• Speed 1400RPM / High airflow
• Noise 19-25 dBA
• LED illumination
• CCB blades and anti-vibration mounts

8. AigoDIY Halo LED Case Fans 2-Pack

Our pick for one of the best case fan packs

If you’re seeking a pair of case fans, look no further! The Aigo Halo’s offer everything you need with wide-compatibility pin connectors and quality hydraulic bearings. Low noise accompanied by high RPMs means powerful performance without the frustration, and anti-vibration pads keep your PC locked and loaded.

Snapshot:

• 120mm x 25mm
• Speed 1500RPM / Airflow 38 CFM
• Noise 20-32 dBA
• LED illumination
• Anti-vibration pads and hydraulic bearings

9. Corsair LL120 3-Pack LED Fans

Our pick for one of the best RGB case fans

The Corsair LL120 features LEDs with over 16 color options and adjustable loops, lighting up your room in vivid color! As for performance? PWM controls offer dynamic speed adjustment, keeping your computer cool and maximizing air circulation. The LL120’s are also incredibly quiet, making them some of the best case fans on the market.

Snapshot:

• 120mm x 25mm
• Speed 600-1500RPM / Adjustable airflow
• Low-noise operation
• LED Illumination (16 options w/ customizable light loops)
• PWM controls for various fan speeds, airflow levels, and noise output

10. upHere 140mm LED Case Fan 3-Pack

Our pick for one of the best 140mm case fans

Are you working with a powerful gaming rig? If so, you may require help from 140mm case fans for better air circulation and higher performance. Fortunately, the upHere case fans feature high-speed blades that boast powerful 49 CFM airflow. Not only that, but the upHere 140’s are compatible with air cooling and water cooling systems for maximum performance!

Snapshot:

• 140mm x 25mm
• Speed 1000RPM / Airflow 49 CFM
• Noise 23 dBA
• LED illumination
• Wireless controls and molded blade

Case Fan Guide Part I: What is a Case Fan?

A case or system fan is an air cooler that’s attached to the front or back of the computer chassis. Its function is to keep the internal components at an appropriate temperature— too much heat and your CPU and other critical hardware can become damaged or overworked. But how does it all work?

How do Case Fans Work?

While most computer hardware is designed with heat mitigation in mind, high performance PCs running intensive gaming software require a more powerful approach. And that’s where the best case fans come into play.

Like all the best cooling systems, case fans work by removing the excess heat generated by the computer. And the process is actually pretty simple.

First, the heat sink (another crucial cooling component) absorbs the heat generated by the CPU and related circuitry. Then, once the surrounding environment becomes too hot, the fans spin into action and whisk the heat out and away from the computer. The result? A balanced temperature that’s optimized for maximum performance.

Case Fan Guide Part II: Benefits of Case Fans

Aside from keeping your computer cool and ready for action, there are numerous benefits to snagging a powerful case fan:

• System Health. Case fans keep your system in perfect health, ensuring excellent performance and a long lifespan.
• Quiet. The best case fans feature quiet blades that provide optimal air temperatures without making a ton of noise. Be sure to check out the noise or dBA rating to find one that fits your sound requirements.
• Stylish Design. You can find attractive metallic options and case fans with LEDs for a dramatic light show and bonus style points.
• Affordable Solution. Compared to liquid cooling, case fans are an affordable way to keep your system nice and cool. And since the best case fans boast innovative designs and efficient fan blades, you don’t have to sacrifice on performance.
• Ready for Action. Every gamer knows that it’s critical to have a PC that’s ready to go in an instant. Plus, you can rest assured knowing that your case fan can tackle any game you throw at it, from simple indies to Triple-A titles.

Pretty cool, right? And that’s not to mention all the extra perks that come with the best case fans! Be sure to check the specifications of the model that you’re interested in for even more benefits.

Unsure which fan to choose? Let’s take a closer look.

Case Fan Guide Part III: Choosing the Best Case Fan for Your PC

There are many options out there, and it can be challenging to find the best case fan for your rig. Let’s take a look at some of the things to consider:

• Fan size and mounting requirements (80mm, 92mm, 120mm, 140mm)
• Airflow, noise, and other specs
• Required number of fans
• Brand & price

Case fans come in standard sizes, making it easy to find the right fit. Simply use a measuring tape to measure the fan mount, or check out the specifications on the manufacturer’s website. Do note that the most common size is 120mm.

Also, be sure to look for a fan that pumps out enough air and is quiet enough to keep your rig cool and your room comfortable. Compare your favorite brands and options, and find one (or more) in your ideal price range. Once you’ve made your decision, it’s installation time!