Replacement Chassis Fans

Time to replace my Corsair AF140 case fans and looking for you input guys

My current fan setup is as follows: (1 or 2 current fans beginning to fail)

• Front: 2 x Corsair AF140 White LED fans (Intake)
• Top (Rad): 2 x NZXT 140mm Aer P radiator-optimized fan (Push Exhaust)
• Back: 1 x Corsair AF140 fan (Exhaust)
• Bottom: 1 x Corsair SP120 Fan (Intake)

My proposed fan setup: (Budget constraints)

• Front: 2 x NF-A14 PWM chromax.black.swap (Intake)
• Top (Rad): 2 x NZXT 140mm Aer P radiator-optimized fan (Push Exhaust)
• Back: 1 x NF-A14 PWM chromax.black.swap (Exhaust)
• Bottom: 1 x Corsair SP120 Fan (Intake)

Recommended by Noctua:

Email support recommendation after asking them for advice:

Dear Andrew.

first of all many thanks for your interest and your inquiry at Noctua.

The best possible Airflow for your case looks as follows:

• Front: 2x NF-A14 PWM chromax.black.swap
• Top (Rad): 2x NF-A14 PWM chromax.black.swap
• Back: 1x NF-A14 PWM chromax.black.swap
• Bottom: 2x NF-S12A PWM chromax.black swap.

This configuration would give you the best possible airflow, but it's neither cost-effective nor quiet.

Here's my recommended configuration.

• Front: 2x NF-S12A PWM chromax.black.swap
• Top (Rad): 2x NF-A14 PWM chromax.black.swap in push mode.
• Rear: None
• Bottom: 1x NF-S12A PWM chromax.black.swap

I'll briefly explain why this config is the best in terms of airflow/noise ration and price.

The NF-A14 doesn't like it when there isn't enough space on the suction side and will emit an annoying suction noise if placed in the front of your case. Our NF-S12A PWM has a very neutral and pleasant sound to it, while still moving a lot of air.

Having 2x NF-S12A PWM in the front and 1x NF-S12A PWM chromax.black.swap on the bottom instead of 2x NF-A14 PWM will give you higher airflow while also being quieter. This solution is a bit expensive but definitively worth it.

It's not necessary to mount fans on the back of your case, since your 3x NF-S12A chromax.black.swap and 2x NF-A14 PWM chromax.black.swap (mounted on the radiator) will provide sufficient airflow.

Archie123 said:

I have the 140mm be quiet silent wings 2 1000rpm fans , two intake at front 1 exaust at rear all connected directly to 12v not controlled , so all running at max 1000rpm . Move a massive amount of air and super quiet. I have 2 noctua industrial fans cooling my cpu rad , they are not quiet at high rpm :/ Noctual are a decent fan but way way overpriced

Thanks you for your input @Archie123

Only time I run my fans @ full speed is when Benchmarking and the highest is 50% while gaming.

I am using the Phanteks fans that came with the case right now. They seem pretty good and are pretty quiet. For my radiator I use Noctua IPC Industrial 3000 RPM fans. No, they are not quiet at full speed. Sound more like a 747. But I usually run them at around 1400 RPMs and are not bad at all. If benching, I will turn them up. They have more static pressure than any fans I could find, which is most important on a radiator.

essenbe said:

I am using the Phanteks fans that came with the case right now. They seem pretty good and are pretty quiet. For my radiator I use Noctua IPC Industrial 3000 RPM fans. No, they are not quiet at full speed. Sound more like a 747. But I usually run them at around 1400 RPMs and are not bad at all. If benching, I will turn them up. They have more static pressure than any fans I could find, which is most important on a radiator.

Cheers Steve for your input, always appreciated.

essenbe said:

I am using the Phanteks fans that came with the case right now. They seem pretty good and are pretty quiet. For my radiator I use Noctua IPC Industrial 3000 RPM fans. No, they are not quiet at full speed. Sound more like a 747. But I usually run them at around 1400 RPMs and are not bad at all. If benching, I will turn them up. They have more static pressure than any fans I could find, which is most important on a radiator.

When did you become an Moderator? or have you always been one and I have never noticed?

Been that way for a long time.