Different Computer Case Fan Sizes » PC Fan Types From 40 to 200mm Fans.

The range of computer case fan sizes is huge from 40 to 200mm fans or even more than that. However, the majority of tower fans are rarely used in cabinets. At least not currently. Models, like the 80mm ones, that were used in the past extensively, but now no longer last in our PC Case.

Since the beginning of the PC building, the cooling fan has been an integral part of our PC cabinet. Either in the processor, heatsink, memory, graphics card or in the boxes themselves. In fact, except for some models, it is normal that there is at least one fan necessarily inside our PC tower to cooling the internal components.

It is worth and very important to control the temperature of our modern computers to avoid any thermal throttling. The fans are one of the key pieces that’s why there is a huge variety of computer case fan sizes available in the market including various standards.

In this post, I will help you to know ‘what are sizes of fans are there for PC towers‘. Follow this guide PC fan types to find out which one you need for correct cooling and extending the life of the components of your personal computer.

Different Computer Case Fan Sizes

Computer Case Fan Sizes

Basically, the PC case fan sizes have two dimensions, the first is diameter and 2nd is the width (thickness). It is normal when we talk about cooling fan sizes, the given dimensions are 120 x 25 mm. This means that the fan is 120mm in diameter and 25mm thick.

Let’s get to know the different computer case fan sizes:

1. 80mm (3.1 Inches)

The fans of 80mm are conventional models that are being widely used for a decade for cooling the components. However, as of today, they are still very common in CPU heatsinks for maintaining good CPU temp, and even on some models of graphics cards.

They were characterized by being models that turned at quite an RPM (Rotations Per Minute) between 5,000 and 7,000 RPM. This fan creates a lot of noise and great average pressure.

80mm case fans

And for being remarkably loud. Currently, such cooling fans are being used for small PC cabinets types like small Mini ITX, Mini STX, or Mini ATX cases, as well as SFF, HTPC.

2. 92mm (3.6 Inches)

When larger fans were required, 92mm variants of these same models were released as an improvement on previous 80mm models. But with less RPM due to its size.

Despite the fact that that they work at lower rpm, it is still evident that, except for the models of certain brands, they are still louder than average. However, models with this diameter are often used a lot in the heatsinks of some graphics cards.

In the chassis, they have hardly been used as such, except in specific models. They currently have little use in the market compared to other computer case fan sizes.

3. 120mm (4.7 Inches)

The 120mm diameter is the standard case fan size. Especially once it replaced the old 80 and 92mm, fan models, for cooling the most PC case as a standard fan size.

The 120 mm fans are much more flexible and can be used for immense use than the previous models. There is no doubt of these fans that suits your needs either is it Mini ITX, Mid-tower or Full tower PC build.

120mm standard size computer case fans

I suggest you fo opting 120mm cooling fans if your PC tower supports it. As well as they are of all the most commonly used form factor fan sizes in the computer and are even seen in high-end cooling PCs.

The great advantage of these fans is that it allows having a lot of airflows without giving up a much noise. However, it is entirely model-dependent. Such fan models can rotate at a low rpm, for users who seek low noise in PC case, to models that rotate at 3,000 RPM, for those who look for the maximum benefits.

It should also be noted that, due to how common they are, it is very likely that your tower and heatsinks are compatible due to their higher static pressure with this format and have mounted to place them properly in our equipment.

You may also have 120mm fans inside your PC case check out by measuring with ruler!

4. 140mm (5.5 Inches)

These models are the second-most computer case fan sizes widespread today. Their larger size places them more as a compliment than as a substitute and more favorable than 120 mm fans. It is more normal to see them installed (or with the possibility of being installed) in full and the certain mid-tower of PCs.

They airflow bit much than the 120mm ones, however, they have less static pressure than these as a general rule. High-end fans are needed to achieve static pressure equal to or similar to a 120mm mid-range fan.

The benefits of these fans are closely linked to those of the 120 mm fans. In spite of the fact that they have few keys up their sleeve that makes them the top choices of many users at the same time, the prices bit expensive.

I suggest you use 140mm cooling fans in the cabinet types like Mid-Tower ATX, Full Tower ATX, and Extended ATX Towers with Supported liquid cooling radiators if you are familiar with the prices.

5. 180mm (7 Inches)

The fan of 180mm variants is rare; They are hardly manufactured and are only compatible with full towers, not with the different heatsinks that we can find inside. Obviously, they have large airflow due to their size.

In general, they are usually models that have a large airflow useful for creating positive air currents, rotating at relatively low rpm, on the other hand, their static pressure is quite low.

6. 200mm (7.9 Inches)

200mm-size-pc-fan

These 200mm large size fans have only been developed to be used in specialized computer cabinets for more than obvious reasons, first is its size and when you see their large flow of air they move. But is yet more uncertain than 140 mm fans.

Especially since they run at low rpm (about 800 rpm on average). This means that they are generally quiet in operation. Because of their enormous size, they are quiet and move an immense amount of air inside our towers.

However, its pressure is relatively low, so its usefulness lies in keeping a directional flow as opposed to in keeping up negative or positive air flows. On the off chance that the case can’t stack two 120 mm fans in advance, chances are a single 200 mm fan will be utilized all things considered.

The full ATX towers that provide 200 mm fan support are rare. That’s why such large fans are build by the limited manufacturers for large extravagant ATX Full Towers or specialized ITX/MATX small form factor PC case.

Also, fan sizes like 220mm and even more exist in the market but in limited supply made for the rare number of PCs.

Conclusion: What Case Fan Size Do I Need?

For most of the average PC users, the 120mm (4.7 inches) size of the cooling fan is considerable. It can be used well in all the mid and full tower sizes.

Make sure to take into account the important factors like RPM, PWM, CFM, etc while buying PC cabinet fans. You can read the below given frequently asked questions related to computer case fan sizes.

FAQs

What are the standard PC fan sizes?

In the majority of computers, the most standard fan sizes are likely to have 120mm x 25mm means 4.7 inches in diameter and 1 inch in width. While other computer case fan sizes like 180, 200 and 220mm fans are, specifically for big size PC towers.

Do bigger the size of the case fan is better?

Yes, the fan size technically matters. The bigger the size of a fan, the simpler it will be for moving a greater volume of air and (with the right placement) the more it will offer along with the heatsink to cool a space. However, it is in no way, the only factor to consider. The intensity of the fan in cycles every moment; the average flow generated; and even the pressure generated, all are factors that add to the convenience of a fan in our equipment.

What are PWM fans in PC Case?

PWM stands for ‘Pulse With Modulation’ also known as 4 pin fan connectors. I always recommend you to have PWN fans because it enables you to control things like fan speed and RPM. Fans without PWM will simply run at full potential and speed all the time, which means full power consumption with the loudest noise profile at the same time loses efficiency and life sooner than PWN fans.

What is case fan RPM?

RPM stands for ‘Rotations Per Minute’, is a measure of fan speed. The higher the fan speed will be more airflow as well as noisy the fan will be and the more power consumption. Similarly, the lower the fan speed will be less airflow as well as quieter. However, it won’t be cooled nearly as well. It is one of the factors to take into account while buying a case fan. A big reason to have PWM fans is with the goal that things like your RPM can be automatically controlled by the system, so your fans run quietly when less processing is going on, and just increase during intense tasks.

What is CFM in case fans?

CFM stands for ‘Cubic Feet per Minute and is a measure of airflow of the fan by the fan motor and an important metric to look out for while buying the fan. Here also, the higher the CFM, the more the airflow for cooling. For higher CFM you need maximum RPM speed you can control through the software only in PWM fans but not in Non-PWM fans. The average CFM of fans with 120mm lies between 40-50 CFM. Excess CFM is technically possible from the large size of fans. But at the same time, you have to consume a lot of power and noise levels.

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