What fans to buy for OC
What fans to buy for OC
Hello,
I am planning to purchase some new fans for my radiator. I currently use an EK SLIM 240 and recently swapped in the EK Vardars (1850 RPM) with a Corsair ML120 120mm Magnetic Bearing Fan - Dual Pack (2400 RPM). However, my temperatures are still quite high....
I found these products:
https://www.scan.co.uk/products/120mm-co...bi-400-240
and
https://www.scan.co.uk/products/120mm-co...ith-lighti
I’m unsure which one is better and want to know the differences. I’m considering a 5GHz setup at 8700k with the Vardars, which gives stable temps of 75-80 degrees.
I’m also looking at:
https://www.scan.co.uk/products/120mm-co...pwm-16-led
and
https://www.scan.co.uk/products/120mm-co...cent-white
There seems to be a difference in the type of bearing (Hydraulic vs. Airflow/Pressure). Also, I need advice on fan speed—would 1500 RPM be sufficient for good temperatures if I add another radiator with 2400 RPM fans?
Thank you!
For those needing strong static pressure in radiator fans, these options work well. If you're okay skipping the LEDs, the Cooler Master Silencio FP120 PWM 2400 is a solid choice.
The distinction lies in the use of bearings versus magnetic levitation. The key difference is that at identical noise levels, the ML performs better. Examining the EK fans suggests they may lack full control or only partial control. The ML units you purchased are fully controllable and reach up to 4.0mmH20, whereas the EK fans seem limited to around 2.2mmH20. This would make the ML units significantly more powerful if set to maximum, though at lower volumes they would be about half as fast—still noticeably outperforming the EK in loud settings. The EK fans are also notably quiet even at higher speeds, making them suitable for general use. I’d also consider the Corsair Hydro H115i (not the Pro version). I own one with two ML140 Pro units; even at 800rpm and quiet mode, I maintain my 8700k under 75°C in stock conditions, surviving tough loads. At maximum settings, it stays below 65°C during stress tests. Gaming temperatures remain under 65°C even in quiet mode, and your Xbox is much quieter than your PC.
Operate the radiator fans by pulling instead of pushing, if feasible. You'll notice comparable outcomes or improved performance, which can prolong their life and reduce noise.
The distinction lies in the fact that the LL employs a bearing while the ML uses magnetic levitation. The key difference is that at identical noise levels, the ML spins more rapidly. Examining the EK fans suggests they may lack full controllability or only partial control. The ML fans you purchased are fully controllable and reach up to 4.0mmH20, whereas the EK fans seem limited to around 2.2mmH20. This would make the ML fans significantly better, especially at maximum volume, though they would be slower compared to the EK fans if speed isn't adjusted. The EK fans are also notably quiet even at higher speeds, making them suitable for general use. I’m also considering a Corsair Hydro H115i (not the Pro version).
I currently own that model with two ML140 Pro units. At 800rpm and running the pump in quiet mode, I maintain my 8700k under 75°C at stock conditions, even under heavy load. At maximum settings, it stays below 65°C, and gaming temperatures remain under 65°C even in quiet mode—making it nearly silent. My Xbox is much louder than my PC.
I plan to purchase an EK Vardar 3000 RPM 5x for both radiators (240mm thick and 360mm thick +5x at 3000rpm), which should support strong overclocking. I’ll add a GPU in the next few months, so I’m considering installing the second radiator now.
What are your thoughts?
Additionally, I’m running a 750W G2 EVGA setup with an i7 8700k, MSI 1080 Ti gaming graphics, ASUS Prime-A Z370, 16GB RAM at 3000MHz, five case fans, two CPU fans, Corsair Crystal 570x. Do you think this PSU will suffice?
rubix_1011 :
Have you calculated system load? 750w should be plenty, but this is a good exercise in understanding how you determine this.
For the fans, sure. Seems fine. You could also get by with the single 360 radiator alone if you wanted.
Well, I will have 2 anyway so ... XD better used them both
😛
No one will judge you for adding too many loops. Because radiators are among the most flexible parts in a loop, it's often beneficial to use more space for heat exchangers.
rubix_1011 :
No one will criticize you for over-radding a loop. Since radiators are some of the least restrictive components in a loop, it is often worthwhile to take advantage of more heat exchanger volume.
Hm ok , well thanks mate
, just last questions I'm considering to buy of these fans please help me to choose one model
https://www.overclockers.co.uk/noctua-nf...61-nc.html
as I see 7.63 static pressure 3000 rpm and 44 db which is low for that high I think
https://www.overclockers.co.uk/ek-water-...0b-ek.html
tis is 2200 rpm Vardar RGB
3.73 static pressure only but still double on what I have.
I have a preference for the EK Vardar community, and since I often use 3000 rpm Ultra Kaze fans during my benchmark watercooling tests, loud fans can be a concern. I've tried the Vardar models on both the EK Predator and the EK A120 kit, and they perform well as solid ~2k fans. Of course, this doesn't compare to those Noctua fans...but are you also familiar with them being 24v?