Hey there! I've got a Qube SNOW_FMMU3 case, and after a year, the stock fans are starting to get noisy and aren't performing well anymore. They can barely pass the "paper test"—there's some airflow, but it's weak. They're powered directly from the PSU, so I can't control the RPM. I'm considering switching to Noctua fans since I already have an NH-D15 cooler that I really like.
Here's what I'm thinking: Should I go for 3x 140mm fans in the front plus 1x 120mm fan in the rear, or just get 4x 120mm fans? Is there a significant advantage in going with 140mm over 120mm? The prices for the Noctua NF-P12 PWM and NF-A14 PWM are about the same right now.
On another note, my NH-D15 only has one fan installed (the second one didn't fit). It runs at a steady 700 RPM, keeping temps between 60-70°C. Would it be a good idea to move that extra fan to the front panel if it fits?
My motherboard has 4 fan headers, and I'm planning to connect two fans per header using splitters. Is it safe to connect a 120mm and a 140mm fan to the same splitter?
Also, I'm curious about how Noctua fans compare to something like the Arctic P14 PRO PST 5-pack. They both come with 6-year warranties, but the Arctic set is significantly cheaper. What should I consider before making the choice?
5 Answers
I'm a bit of a Noctua fanboy myself, but I'd still recommend looking at cheaper options first unless you have high-end components and want everything to match the brown theme. If budget is a concern, you might as well try the alternatives.
I’d say 140mm fans are generally a bit quieter than 120mm ones when they move the same amount of air. If it were me, I'd go for the Arctic P14 Pros—they're solid fans!
I typically buy Arctic fans for my builds. They’re affordable and perform pretty well, comparable to Noctua for regular use. I mostly reserve Noctua for specific situations, like replacements on older tech.
You should really consider the Arctic fans. I've got four in my setup right now and trust me, they're fantastic! I haven't faced any issues, and while Noctua might be the well-known brand, I don't think their performance justifies the price difference at all.
Honestly, Arctic P12 fans provide way better value. The difference in performance isn't that huge, and you'd save a lot of cash compared to Noctua.
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