I'm getting ready to build my PC, and I'm wondering how many case fans I should install for an air-cooled setup. I plan to use an AMD Ryzen 5 9600X along with an RTX 5070 Ti, and I'm considering a Phantom Spirit 120 EVO cooler because it's a solid choice for around $40.
I'll probably get a case like the 4000D, but I'm still deciding on one that looks sleek and provides good airflow. I'm seeing cases with up to 10 fan mounts, but do I really need that many? I'm curious about having enough airflow versus having too much. What's the right balance?
5 Answers
I'd recommend starting with at least four fans—three front intakes and one rear exhaust. Ideally, five or six would be better, adding a couple more for top exhausts. It helps with maintaining good airflow and temperatures, especially if you consider future upgrades.
Two intake fans and one exhaust is pretty standard for 95% of setups. Going beyond that doesn't really make a significant impact on temperatures. More fans can let you run them at lower speeds, which might be better for noise levels if you care about that.
Honestly, the front fans and the EVO cooler will cover most of your needs. Adding extra top or rear fans may not help much and could even hinder airflow if not arranged properly.
The number of fans you need really depends on your room temperature and how effective your CPU cooler is. Even just starting with one intake and one exhaust is a good move. Remember, it's not just about the number of fans; it's about how well they manage airflow in your case.
For most builds, three fans should do the trick—two front intakes and one rear exhaust. You can add more fans if you want, but after a certain point, it won't make a big difference in cooling performance. If you're looking for fans, check out the Arctic P12 Pro 5-pack; it's pretty affordable at around $28 right now. Just aim for three intake and one or two exhaust fans, and you should be solid!
Thermalright offers some decent fans at under $4 each if you want to save a bit.
Thanks for that insight! My room usually stays below 32°C, so I think I'll be fine with fewer fans.