Cooling fans are devices that move air to dissipate heat. They are used in addition to heat sinks and liquid cooling systems to keep a PC or computer component from overheating. Although they don’t make the heat go away, they help to reduce a CPU or GPU temperature and prevent overheating, which can damage the system and shorten its lifespan.
There are many factors to consider when selecting a fan, including the size and power of the fan, airflow rate, noise level and the operating environment. In most cases, larger fans have more power and can move more air than smaller fans. However, higher-powered fans may also generate more noise. Additionally, the fan’s dimensions and mounting holes must be compatible with the equipment to which it is attached.
For example, a square 120 mm fan with mounting holes in the corners is best suited to cooling a CPU and ATX power supply, while a circular 80 mm fan will work well with SFX power supplies, graphics cards, and northbridges. If you want your fan to have a minimal visual impact, consider a tower fan with a small footprint that will keep the cool air moving without being a distraction in your living room. Additionally, if you prefer to control your fan via an app or voice commands such as Alexa or Siri, look for a model that offers these features. Finally, if you want your fan to turn off automatically or at a preprogrammed time, check for a sleep timer.