Alternatively referred to as a system fan, a case fan is located inside a computer, attached to the front or back of its case. Case fans help bring cool air into and blow hot air out of the case. They are available in a wide variety of sizes, but 80mm, 92mm, and 120mm (12cm) with a width of 25mm are the most common.
What does a laptop case fan do?
Case fans are among the most crucial components that your PC has. The case fan helps to balance the laptop’s temperatures by increasing the flow of air inside the case and thus bringing the temperature inside the case closer to the outside temperature. But, of course, everything depends on the dimensions of the case fan.
What is a fan and how does it work?
How Does a Fan Work? All fans work on the same basic principle – by moving the air near them via rotating blades and creating a cool breeze. Or, more specifically, while the air doesn’t really become cooler, it has a cooling effect as it allows our bodies’ heat and sweat to evaporate more quickly and thus – cool us down.
What is the size of my case’s fan?
Case fans are usually available in a specific size and these dimensions are identical in most countries. Most 120mm fans are found across the globe. If you’re not certain of your fan’s size in the case and would like to know the dimensions of the case’s fan, we can assist you in this regard.
What are exhaust fans used for?
Another unique type of fan, exhaust fans are used to regulate moisture levels and odors in a room, usually in bathrooms, toilets, and kitchens. Their purpose isn’t so much to cool down or warm up a certain space but to provide ventilation by removing air – typically humid, stale, and contaminated air – from an enclosed space.
How do case fans get power?
There are two common ways fans connect directly to a power supply. Either using a standard 4 pin power connector from the power supply, or by using an adapter board that converts the standard power supply connector to a motherboard-style pin header connector.
Are case fans supposed to always spin?
Depends what you have it plugged into. If you have one of the main power connectors from your power supply plugged into it, it should spin constantly. Check what it is plugged into. If it is plugged into a mobo header and it's not spinning, try another header.
Do case fans need a CPU?
Yes. You need a CPU cooler, whether it be stock or third-party, and regardless of whether you overclock or not. Or else your computer will perform a thermal shutdown as the CPU very quickly reaches dangerously high temperatures at even somewhat tasking operations – If it boots at all.
Do case fans adjust automatically?
Yes, you can run your machine for a long time. As far as cooling goes, the automatic fan control systems constantly check temperatures and adjust fans accordingly. IF you simply want not to turn off your machine but NOT use it at night (idle), check into the Windows feature to use Stand By.
How long can a fan run continuously?
You can leave a fan running continuously for eight hours, on average, without worrying about unexpected ceiling damage or fires in your home. That does not mean, however, that you want to push your fan to its limits.
Why won't my case fans spin?
There are three main reasons why your CPU fan is not spinning properly: the fan is clogged with dust, wires might get stuck in the fan or the fan does not get enough energy supply to spin. But the possibilities and consequently, the potential culprits are endless.
Is 4 fans enough for a gaming PC?
A gaming PC will need at least three case fans to properly regulate heat and keep the components cool. At the minimum, two case fans are needed for optimal cooling, and ideally three. An exhaust fan should be placed on the back panel, while an intake fan should be placed on the front panel.
Is 2 fans enough for a gaming PC?
Case fans are responsible for the airflow going around inside your gaming PC. This brings the question, how many case fans do you need? A minimum of 2 case fans is needed. The first one is for taking in the cool here (intake) and the other one is for bringing the hot air out (exhaust).
Is 1 fan enough for gaming PC?
I recommend at least 2 fans. One for intake and one for exhaust for best results. You can get by with just one fan though if you are careful. Fans are like $5-10 though so it really shouldn't be an issue.
How do I control my case fans?
0:5414:06How To Control Fan Speeds On PC - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou won't be able to adjust the fans using the motherboard unless the hub has a three or four pinMoreYou won't be able to adjust the fans using the motherboard unless the hub has a three or four pin fan connector. Lead that you can then plug into the motherboard.
What RPM should case fans be?
Here are typical CPU FAN RPM Ranges depending on the Fan Size of your CPU Cooler: 140mm Fans: ~400 – 1200 RPM. 120mm Fans: ~500 – 1500 RPM. 92mm Fans: ~600 – 2000 RPM.
Do 3-pin fans run at full speed?
When connected to 3-pin fan headers, the fan will run at full speed (unless the mainboard supports voltage based speed control).
Should my computer fan always be running?
Computer fans constantly run during normal use to cool computer components and prevent overheating. Many computers produce operational temperatures in the hardware-damaging range during normal use and require continuously running fans to not only prevent overheating, but perform optimally.
How fast should my PC fans run?
Your typical CPU fan speed ranges from about 600 RPM to 3000 RPM. However, for a clearer picture, check your CPU Cooler's Product Page. The ideal CPU FAN Speed is a middle ground between: Higher Speed / RPM = cooler CPU = higher CPU performance, and.
How do I make my computer fan spin?
Scroll down to the "Fan Speed Control" section of the page. This section contains the RPM settings for the computer fans. Select the fan you would like to turn up and press "Enter." Choose the desired speed from the list (for example: "400 RPM" or "500 RPM") and press "Enter" again to save the setting.
How do I adjust the fan curve in BIOS?
How to Adjust Fan Curves with BIOS:Navigate to the status menu. ... Select “Fan Speed Control” option. ... Find the fan settings. ... Select the fan you'd like to adjust.Change the fan profile or adjust the fan curve, if available.Go to the “Exit” menu.Save changes.Reboot your computer.More items...
How do fans work?
All fans work on the same basic principle – by moving the air near them via rotating blades and creating a cool breeze. Or, more specifically, while the air doesn’t really become cooler, it has a cooling effect as it allows our bodies’ heat and sweat to evaporate more quickly and thus – cool us down. The same principle works for other things such ...
How do heat powered fans work?
Also called stove fans, heat powered fans work by generating their own electricity or rather – kinetic energy. They do that by transforming the heat from a stove of a furnace they’re placed on.
How does exhaust fan work?
Another unique type of fan, exhaust fans are used to regulate moisture levels and odors in a room, usually in bathrooms, toilets, and kitchens. Their purpose isn’t so much to cool down or warm up a certain space but to provide ventilation by removing air – typically humid, stale, and contaminated air – from an enclosed space.
Why are exhaust fans important?
Exhaust fans are pretty much essential for any residential or commercial building today as without them toilets, bathrooms, and kitchens can easily reach insufferable moisture or odor levels. What’s more, especially in smaller apartments or office spaces, exhaust fans can help reduce the humidity in the whole place as kitchens and bathrooms can “leak” moisture throughout the rest of the place if said moisture isn’t dealt with.
What is an electric fan?
Electric fans are usually quite simple in their design. They are comprised of an electric motor that powers the movement of the fan blades via a shaft. The motor will usually have different speed settings and electric fans can also come in various shapes, sizes, and models.
Is a heat powered stove fan energy efficient?
Not only is this a pretty unique and 100% energy-efficient way to power a fan but heat powered stove fans also have the opposite purpose to standard electric fans – they don’t aim to cool us down but to distribute the warmth generated from the stove or furnace better around the room.
Is a whole house fan better than an air conditioner?
As we said, whole house exhaust fans are usually outclassed by air conditioners, however, they are significantly more energy-efficient and can save you a lot of money over time. And, if the climate conditions are just right, a whole house fan can also be very effective, eliminating the need for an AC unit almost completely.
How Does a Case Fan Work?
Computer fans use either an axial or centrifugal design. Axial fans intake and exhaust air along the blades' rotational axis, whereas centrifugal fans exhaust air perpendicular to the axis of rotation.
What determines the cost of a case fan?
The type of bearing used in a case fan determines its cost, lifespan, and operating noise.
Why does a high airflow fan underperform?
The same high-airflow fan severely underperforms in this role because the restrictive radiator mesh requires a fan generating higher static pressure to push air through it. Such fans have specialized blade geometries designed to sacrifice airflow to improve static pressure, measured in Pascals (pa) or millimeters of water (mm H2O).
Why use a higher airflow fan?
A higher airflow fan is ideal when you're exhausting hot air out of the case. The path taken by the air when exiting the case is entirely free of obstructions in this configuration. Now imagine the same fan employed to push cold air through a liquid-cooled radiator. The thick radiator with its dense fin structure presents a significant amount of resistance to airflow.
How is fan performance determined?
Fan performance is determined by two mutually exclusive metrics of airflow and static pressure. The former measures the amount of air moved by a fan in a given time, usually expressed in cubic feet per minute (CFM). Higher the airflow of a fan, the greater the volume of air it can move, which positively impacts cooling performance.
How much RPM does a motherboard fan spin?
Not surprisingly, a typical 200mm fan spins at a maximum of 800 RP M to deliver nearly the same amount of airflow as a 120mm fan operating at its 2000 RPM limit.
What are the parts of an axial fan?
A typical axial fan is comprised of three main parts—the hub, blades, and frame. The blade and frame are simple plastic parts, but the hub houses the most expensive and important components, such as the motor, bearings, and electronics.
How does a centrifugal fan work?
A centrifugal fan has a low air capacity but a high resistance to different air pressures. This is because a centrifugal fan can increase the speed and volume of the airflow using the rotating impellers in the fan. The fan uses the centrifugal force which is provided by the rotation of the impellers . In this way, kinetic energy of the air or gases is increased in a higher pressure.
What does a centrifugal fan do?
We’ll start with the basics. A centrifugal fan is a mechanical device which ensures the movement of air or other gases in a certain direction. This centrifugal fan is excellent at handling high pressure differentials, allowing you to use it in a variety of environments. Centrifugal fans often contain a tubular housing to guide the outgoing air in a certain direction. Or over a heat sink. In some cases, material is transported through the fan. Then the best option is to select straight blades and an open impeller construction. Furthermore, such a centrifugal fan can also be used to extract fumes, gases and dust. Do you wish to blow the room dry? That is also not a problem with a centrifugal fan.
How can you maintain the centrifugal fan?
A great advantage is that no special tools are required to carry out maintenance on your centrifugal fan. A small tip in advance: perform maintenance when the power is disconnected. Obviously, only trained people and skilled personnel should perform maintenance on the centrifugal fan. Since the centrifugal fan can handle high pressure differences, it is important to have this maintenance done in a timely manner. Lubricating the bearings at the right time intervals with the right amount of grease: you need a specialist for that. If this maintenance is not carried out correctly, there is a chance of permanent damages. Furthermore, during maintenance, the tension of the belts is examined for the optimal use of your centrifugal fan. That way, the lifespan is extended. The flexible coupling in the centrifugal fan is checked and lubricated with the recommended lubricant once every 3,000 operating hours. Finally, all parts that have come into contact with the air flow are checked and then cleaned. This way you are assured of the best maintained centrifugal fan.
