Recommendations for Quiet Computer Fans for Canopy (AC)

C

Confuse

Member
I'm looking switch out my old metal Radioshack fans (I think they're 120mm) for some quieter that won't rust. Does anyone have any recommendations on quiet computer fans that would suit my needs? These are AC fans, so if I could preserve the wiring, that'd be great. Just need something that pushes a decent amount of air through my canopy to keep the tank cool when temperatures rise. So while being quiet is important, I would like something QUIETER than my old RadioShack fans (which are pretty noisy) for something that doesn't compromise air flow too much.

Any suggestions are appreciated!
 
Look at newegg. All the fans have sound and air rating.
You can see the noise level in db, lower the better.
 
I believe they all get noisy as time goes by. I've had both AC and DC fans, while the DC fans are quieter, they don't give the same amount of flow/air. They have a decent selection at Fry's Electronics!


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Don't buy the Radmax A/C fan from Fry's, works great and was silent for 24 hours before it got super noisy, I could here it halfway thru my house. I took it back. I'm still looking for something that'll be silent for more than 24hrs.
 
Thanks for the heads up guys! I found this site on super quiet fans which appears very useful.

https://www.quietpc.com/120mmfans

I'm just not sure exactly what the right choice would be for me. I want my cake and to eat it too (super quiet and push a ton of air through). lol So right now, I'm trying to go down the list to find a reasonable compromise.
 
Personally, I would get a good SERVICEABLE fan (one that can be taken apart), and get either some glycerin or petroleum jelly and basically coat a rag in it.

Then, rub down all the pieces with said lube. It doesnt evaporate like water (but it will dry up eventually). It will slow the rate of rust significantly, and its vapors will have only the most minimal of hazards, if any, on your tank.

Sent from my 1+3t
 
Thanks. Keep the suggestions coming!

I'm just trying to determine the relationship between the fan's RPM and airflow/noise. I assume that the higher the RPMs, the higher the airflow and noise, right?

And I know it's subjective, but what dB level is "quiet" or "tolerable" for running fans in a canopy?
 
Larger fans also have a better airflow/noise ratio. If you got room you might want to look at the 200mm fans.
 
So I decided to go with the Noctua's. I know they're pricey, but they appear to be one of the best when it comes to air flow and dB and have rave reviews across the computer/overclocking forums. If I can quiet down my system with these, then I'll be a happy camper. I've ordered two to replace my old fans, and if they're quiet enough, I'll get two more to place at the top of the canopy since I removed the old fans from there for being too loud.

Thanks for all the suggestions guys!

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00KFCRATC/ref=od_aui_detailpages00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
 
Confuse said:
So I decided to go with the Noctua's. I know they're pricey, but they appear to be one of the best when it comes to air flow and dB and have rave reviews across the computer/overclocking forums. If I can quiet down my system with these, then I'll be a happy camper. I've ordered two to replace my old fans, and if they're quiet enough, I'll get two more to place at the top of the canopy since I removed the old fans from there for being too loud.

Thanks for all the suggestions guys!

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00KFCRATC/ref=od_aui_detailpages00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Click to expand...

just an FYI, these are PWM fans which your computer's motherboard will control the speed according to your temp sensors. I am not sure how it will work as a stand alone fan for your canopy. It may be running at full speed 3000 rpm, which will probably be quite loud

check out the specs

https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835608052

RPM
3000 RPM
Air Flow
186,7 m³/h
Noise Level
43,5 dB(A)


43.5 db is loud!!
 
I went with a pair of AC Infinity,s from Amazon. Just to test effectivness. They work really well, AC adaptor to USB, 3 speed in line switch and USB port to daisy chain more. Very quiet even on high speed although I run em full time on medium. I use them mostly to vent heat away fron the LED light bars in the canopy. And they keep the display a few degrees cooler than room temp without excessive evaporation.
 
Last edited:
bowlopho said:
just an FYI, these are PWM fans which your computer's motherboard will control the speed according to your temp sensors. I am not sure how it will work as a stand alone fan for your canopy. It may be running at full speed 3000 rpm, which will probably be quite loud

check out the specs

https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835608052

RPM
3000 RPM
Air Flow
186,7 m³/h
Noise Level
43,5 dB(A)


43.5 db is loud!!
Click to expand...

My original plan was to use O2Surplus' PWM to 0-10v converter and hook it up to my Apex to control, but I'm still waiting to see if it'll work for 12v. If not, I'm going to use them with a fan controller with knobs (PWM vs. 12V?) so I can fine tune the flow coming in and out. With the Apex, I could have potentially adjusted the fan speed based on tank temperature or an ambient temp probe and raise or lower the airflow based on temperature, but we'll see.
 
I wired up a 9v (or maybe 12v?) wall wart to them. They come with different cables, I believe each one uses a resistor to run them at different speeds, depending on model. I'll try to snap a pic in the morning.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
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