Low-Noise 80mm Intake Fans?

[vicwang]

I'm looking to replace my rather loud high-speed 80 mm case intake fan (Top Motor/Dynaeon) with a quieter one, but it doesn't seem like there's too many that produce the CFM I'm looking for... I don't have the exact CFM rating for it, but I would estimate it at 50 CFM (by comparing it to my other fans).

It seems that almost all low-noise brands like Panaflo, Papst, Vantec Stealth, etc. are only available in the 20-30 cfm range, with the only exception I've been able to find so far being the Panaflo FBA-08A12H (39.6 CFM). However, I've heard there is a higher-output Panaflo that outputs more than 39.6, but I haven't been able to find it.

Anyone have any good recommendations? Obviously anything producing 50+ CFM is not going to be very "low noise", but I'm just looking for something quieter and more efficient than the one I'm using now, without much of a performance dropoff.

 

[evlyons]

I'm still trying to find the right case fan myself (see other post by me), but in my search I did find the following at www.coolerguys.com:

http://www.coolerguys.com/cpucool/medfans.shtml
Mechatronics 80mm (Ultra High Speed) $12.95 - 53 CFM - 39 dba
Delta 80mm Case fan (Extra High Speed 80CFM) $21.95 - 80.16 CFM - 52.5 dba
Delta 80mm Case fan (Ultra High Speed 68CFM) $21.95 - 68.5 CFM - 48.5 dba
Sunon 80x80x25mm (ULTRA HIGH SPEED) $9.95 - 50.6 CFM - 40.6 dba

These seem quite high in the dba area, but if your willing to sacrifice noise for lower temps, then any of the above seem the way to go.

Just my $0.02.

-earle.

 

[L00PY]

Do these guys have your Top motor fan? I'd be surprised if your fan was actually putting out 50 CFM.

In any case, the higher output Panaflo is the U1A model. I know Newegg carries them.

Personally though, I don't believe in high output case fans. With a good case design and/or nicely routed cables, you can get comparable case temps with quiet low output fans.

 

[vicwang]

<< Do these guys have your Top motor fan? I'd be surprised if your fan was actually putting out 50 CFM. >>



It's very possible that it's closer to 40 CFM... Mine had a slightly different model number (I think it was something like "SM-H" instead of "BA"), but I was estimating its output compared to another fan rated at 40 CFM, and the Top Motor is definitely outputting more airflow... It may just be that the other fan's output is overstated, or the Top Motor one understated.

In any case, I think I'll give that Panaflo U1A a shot. Either that, or I'm considering a case mod to put a 120mm fan in there instead .

Thanks for the info!

 

[degeester]

Check out Gizzo's page for a comparison on fans. LInk

 

[Neuroanatomist]

Also check sidewindercomputer's listening room for fan specs and sound recordings of various fans

 

[lenjack]

Sanyo Denki Petit Ace 32. 53 cfm, 39 dB.

 

[herbage11]

I like my Panaflo L1A's. They are very quite but don not put out massive air flow. I also have a couple Enermax Fan II. They put out more air and are only slightly louder. My HD cooler has a 92mm Enermax and that thing pumps out the air but there again is a little louder. Sounds to me like the Panaflo U1As are the ones for quite performers. Good luck.