When it comes to gaming PCs, an efficient and effective cooling system is a must to get the most out of your computer and also to extend its life. Even with giant leaps in performance and hardware, the go-to cooling system is still the primitive process of taking cold air in and pushing the warm air out.
This is the crucial job that your fans serve. But RGB fans do more than just cool down your computer. With its aesthetic lighting and design, you can turn that plain box into a monster light show. So if you want to level up your PC with this “cool” upgrade but don’t know where to start, this guide is for you. This article will show you the 5 best RGB fans, so you don’t have to tire yourself looking for a decent one.
Things To Look For in an Rgb Fan
When we say RGB fans, it’s a given that we want it to look dope. But, never overlook the features that are essential to performance and adequate airflow. Here are the things that should be on your checklist when buying an RGB fan.
Fan Type
Basically, there are two types of PC fans, these are CPU fans and case fans. Knowing the differences between these two is essential in buying a fan that will suit your needs. CPU fans are connected to the processor’s heat sink, and its main purpose is to keep the CPU cool by removing the hot air inside.
Meanwhile, case fans can be positioned more freely around your case. They serve as a ventilation system that circulates air around your computer case. Case fans also prevent dust and debris from sticking into your hardware by moving them through the chassis.
So if your priority is to keep your CPU cool, get a CPU fan. But if you want an all-rounder that can be freely positioned to fit your lighting design, case fans should be your choice.
Quick tip: Most of the time, PCs should have one CPU fan and multiple case fans. This will ensure a proper cooling system for your computer. Also, make sure that you have more fans who take in air than fans that exhaust air to prevent forming a vacuum inside the chassis.
Fan Size
PC fans can be as tiny as 25mm and as big as 250mm. Choosing which size your fans will depend on your needs, priorities, and budget. There are 4 most common fan sizes; 80mm, 120mm, 140mm, and 200mm. Each of these has its own uses, pros, and cons. Let’s go over them.
- These are small fans, and they produce less air. So if your PC doesn’t get too hot, it can be a good option since it is cheaper.
- A little bit bigger than 80mms and it can provide more air while having a slow operation, so they produce less noise than the smaller ones.
- This size is in the goldilocks zone with a great balance of air production, little noise, and less power consumption. With large blades, it doesn’t need to spin abruptly as it can produce sufficient air with minimal spinning.
- Of course, with very big blades, 200 mm fans can produce more air with much less noise. The only downside is its bigger power consumption.
So it all depends on the heating of your rig.If it heats up really quickly, you will need a bigger fan that is capable of producing more air. Every rig is different, so you should check how fast yours heat up first.
Fan Speed
Fan speed is measured using RPM or Revolutions per minute. This is an important aspect that greatly contributes to the overall performance of your fan. At first glance, faster is always better because it can provide better airflow. However, remember that the higher the RPM of a fan, the more noise it produces.
So it’s essential that you find the perfect balance between the two. A larger fan with less RPM would give better airflow, produce less noise, and save some power as well. The beauty of today’s RGB fans is that many of them come with built-in RPM controllers, allowing you to balance the speed and noise of your fan.
Fan Noise
This is a factor that can either make or break a good fan. With gaming being developed to be as immersive as possible, fans that produce loud and irritating background noises should be thrown out the window. Just kidding, but nobody really wants a noisy case fan to ruin their experience, right?
Noise comes from the rotation of the fan and can be a good indicator of how well your fan is performing. Smaller models need to spin faster in order to produce adequate airflow, but in exchange, they produce a lot of noise.
So we suggest that you buy a bigger fan which has less noise. Only if it fits your budget, of course, since larger fans tend to be more expensive. But it’s all worth it if it means getting rid of that disturbing loud noise inside your PC.
Fan Aesthetic
Of course, we can’t forget about the main selling point of RGB fans. All these amazing features could be present, but your RGB fans would be like any other normal fan without colors and looks. Some of you may even want to buy RGB fans just to up your computer’s looks without even caring about other important benefits they give.
Looks, colors, lights, and aesthetics are just as important as any other feature we talked about. You have to make sure that the fans you buy will fit the design and theme you want. RGB fans come in many different looks and colors, so it’s really up to personal taste at this point.
Quick tip: You can match your fans with the design and color of your keyboard and mouse. Or, if you have other RGB fans installed already, make sure that you buy something that will go with the design.
Best Rgb Fans
Now that you know the qualities of a great RGB fan, it’s time to decide which one to buy. Now you don’t have to spend hours searching for the right one online because we have brought you the top 5 RGB fans here.
Corsair Ql Series, QL120 Rgb
This is RGB fan is the best all-rounder we can find. Colors? Check. Airflow? Given. Low-noise? Perfect.
With four lighting zones and 34 LEDs per fan, the Ql120 RGB can produce mystifying colors in any direction. It also comes with the compact iCUE lighting Node Core and Corsair iCUE, which allows you to easily control your RGB lighting.
This 120mm RGB fan can dish out 41.8 CFM of air with only 1,500 RPM, giving you a hyper cooling performance with minimal noise. You can also use both as an intake or exhaust fan. Pair this with its lighting capabilities, and you have a majestic versatile RGB fan.
Uphere Rgb Series Case Fan
This fan is a beauty when it comes to performance and noise reduction. It is equipped with rubber pads and hydraulic bearing, which massively reduces the spinning and improves overall performance. This hydraulic bearing has a self-lubricating feature which allows it to operate on less noise and provide airflow more efficiently. This friction-reducing substance also gives your RGB fan a longer life, saving you more money.
When it comes to style, this fan is a force to be reckoned with. It has a double LED ring which maintains color and brightness uniformity, and it makes the lighting visible from all angles giving your chassis a cooler look and performance.
It also comes with a remote RGB controller that allows you to easily swap between the cool color and lighting presets included to fit your color settings.
Deepcool rf120M 5in1
If you want full lighting for your rig, this baby is for you. It comes with 6 ultra-bright RGB LED lights. With its full lighting capabilities, you can achieve magical lighting effects for your chassis. The RGB plugs of these fans can be daisy-chained and plugged into the motherboard.
It offers multiple control modes, including; breathing, static state, or multi-color cycling. It’s not noisy either, with only 27db max noise output. So if you want a well-balanced 5-pack RGB fan package, we strongly suggest this one.
Cooler Master Fan Mf200r
Master is all about making it yours. Their brand prides itself in giving customers the chance to make and create something uniquely theirs in terms of function and design while making sure your parts don’t melt.
This is easily one of the best air cooling solutions because of its Direct Contact Technology. Basically, it means a bigger surface area for the copper base and 4 heat pipes dissipating heat away from the CPU. Pair this with a stacked fin array that ensures less airflow resistance and precise airflow, which brings cooler air into the CPU.
It also comes with an RGB LED controller giving you customization options with the press of a button. This isn’t called the Legendary Hyper Air Cooler for nothing.
Inwin Sirius Loop Addressable Rgb Triple Fan Kit
These fans from InWin have integrated technology, functionality, and artistry to produce something top-quality. These fans’ efficient and user-friendly features easily make it one of the best choices for an RGB fan.
Sirius loops are known for their Dual Addressable RGB Lighting Effect. It has larger sickle-shaped blades and a thinner frame allowing the fan to produce better airflow. The fan’s center is built with ventilation holes to cool down the bearings giving the fan a longer life. It has an addressable lighting effect to come with the black fan blades giving you a solid touch of RGB lighting for your build.
You don’t have you worry about noise because it has a maximum noise output of only 27db. Plus, it has four rubber stands placed on its corners. This helps not only with looks but also in reducing vibrations when operating.
FAQs About Rgb Fans
You have learned a lot of things about RGB fans in this article, but surely there are still some questions that run through your mind. Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about RGB fans.
What Are the Benefits of Rgb Fans?
Yes, you already know that fans are responsible for cooling your PC rig down. Because of this cooling system, your PC will be able to maintain top-notch performance. Heating can inhibit your gaming and even damage your components, so having fans will increase the longevity of your computer. Plus, it has the added beauty and aesthetic of RGB lighting.
What Is the Difference Between Rgb Fans and Led Fans?
RGB fans also use LED, but the main difference is they change colors. LED fans that don’t mention RGB only emit one color. So if you want a stylish and flashy look for your build, RGB fans can do the job better.
How Many Rgb Fans Do I Need?
We recommend that your case should have at least 3 fans, especially if it is a gaming PC. This isn’t counting the power supply, CPU, and GPU fans. You always have to make sure you have enough fans to fully optimize your parts for both performance and longevity.
Are Bigger Rgb Fans Better?
In general, yes. Bigger fans can give better airflow at fewer revolutions per minute (RPM), thus having less noise than smaller fans. It’s more efficient and has better performance. But they can be a little more expensive than smaller ones, so consider your budget first.
Can I Mix Fans With Different Sizes?
Yes, as long as they physically fit on your slots and your motherboard has enough header space for you to add the fans. Other than that, you can mix and match fans of different sizes. Just make sure their color and design match your build.
Final Thoughts
So if you want to get the most out of your PC in terms of performance and speed, setting up your fans is a must. Although RGB fans can cost you extra, they can really be a key factor in preserving your PC parts and increasing their longevity. Therefore, you end up saving more money in the long run.
Plus the design, style, and aesthetic RGB fans offer, it is definitely worth investing in one. Now you have everything you need to know to choose the best RGB fan. It’s time to cool that PC down and give it the upgrade it deserves.
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