I'm considering a new PC build and I've got a case that comes with 3 fans. I want to know if that's sufficient along with the cooler that will be included. What's your take on fan numbers for optimal cooling?
5 Answers
I think adding one more exhaust fan at the back would be a good idea. It helps maintain proper airflow. You could go for something like this fan — it's solid and not too noisy.
Yeah, I feel like matching the fans is crucial. If you have different types, they might not perform the same, leading to issues with noise.
From tests, it looks like having just one intake and one exhaust fan puts you in a good spot. Any more than that might not really improve performance much.
You’re covered with fans: 3 from the case, 3 from the AIO cooler, 3 from the GPU, and even one from the PSU. That totals to 10 fans, which is definitely sufficient for cooling!
Your CPU and motherboard will be fine with that setup. No need to add more unless you're noticing high temperatures on the GPU. If you do decide to add, 3x120mm intake fans plus a 140mm exhaust should do the trick pretty quietly.
While you don't have to, adding a single rear fan is a good practice to enhance airflow around your motherboard. You don't need anything fancy. Also, you might want to look into switching to a better SSD that’s around the same price, it could give you much better performance.

I agree with you, but I'd opt for a 140mm fan since the back slot can fit it. It can provide better airflow.