Sleeve vs Ball Bearing?

[overpower]

Hi, I was just looking at case fans, and was wondering what the difference is between sleeve and ball bearing solutions. Like benefits and drawbacks. Also, would anyone happen to know what type of CFM and DB ratings I should expect from a 120mm case fan?
Thanks in advance,
OP

 

[Mem]

Ball type is higher quality so will last longer compared to sleeve,as for 120mmm some of the YS-techs are 105cfm and 135cfm for the high performance one,go to their homepage for more info.

 

[GiZzO]

Sleeve fans can generate less noise but there draw back is there lifespan, depending on its spindal speed and quality of the sleeve bearing. There are many different type of sleeve bearings. Hypo, Hydro, Sintec are a couple of the hybred sleeve bearing fans from AddA(hypo), Panaflo(hydro), Papst(Sintec). Which can equal or come close to the lifespan of a ball bearing fan but still have the quietness of a sleeve bearing fan.
Avg Sleeve fan: 20k hours
Avg hybred Sleeve fan: 45k hours
Avg Ball Bearing fan: 50k hours
Most ppl that don't leave there computer on much 20k hours is plenty. cfm can range from 40cfm to 160cfm, and db's can range 21db to 60dB.

Theres also other technologies out there that uses an air cushion that floats over the two friction plates that has really no wear only under start up, and others that use magnetic energy.

GiZzO's Fan Page

 

[Maverick2002]

Guys, let's do the math, by the time a sleeve bearing fan dies on you you will have already bought at LEAST one new system (and that's if you ran your rig 24/7). Personally I'd say go sleeve because they're quieter, but if you can't find 'em right away don't bother, the difference isn't that great. However, those new 80mm and 92mm clear-bladed fans are real nice .

 

[Dethedrus]

GiZzO, you are the man!

I love your site

 

[BraveSirRobbin]

That really is a great fan web-site Gizzo

 

[CarpetMan]

Nice site GiZzO. You have gone to a lot of work there.

 

[ace31216]

Awesome site.....!!!!

 

[GiZzO]

Thanks guys
Do feel free to pass it around.