Best fans + rads for silence ?

[eXile6]

So I need some help with picking out the best fans for silent operation, while still having good performance.

Silence is defined differently by everybody so to give you a range of what I am expecting speed wise, it would be between 600-1000rpm depending on how well the fan performs on lower RPM. Right now that's out the way here is what I have thought of so far:

Radiators: I am going to be going with 2x 420mm rads but I am not sure which or how thick yet.

Fans: Either the NB-BlackSilent Pro 140mm or NB-eLoop® Series 140mm. I have Noctuas currently but want to try NBs and see how they perform. If they are not up to the job, I have 6x NF-A14s to put on there.

So my main questions are, what radiator should I look for, a thick one and do push pull with low rpm fans, or a thin one which performs well with low RPM in just either push or pull? Any specific models you guys recommend?

And my other question of course is which fans, the Black Silent Pros or the Eloops? They will be the PWM variants btw.

Or do you think I should ditch the 420 rads and go 360s with same fans but in 120mm form?

The case will be the newly released be quiet! Dark Base Pro 900 and my PC theme is monochrome (so grey/black and maybe a tad of white).

Thanks!

 

[nass]

for rads depending on your case design and layout I find the crossflow rads the best for layout and tube runs, personally run my fans in push so I can clean them now and again without removing the rads.

Fans this time went with Deepcool TF120's and run at around 800 rpm, fans u mentioned are fine though ie: noiseblockers.

Have only used 120mm fans though myself, old fashion I guess.

 

[Warchild]

Fin density of rads can also be a factor. Since they can dictate what fans you need.

Example - the older EK XT series radiators are great, but when used in conjuction with the EK Vardar, the Vardars need to spin at a higher RPM to get the same heat disippation that would be found with Vardars combined with EK "new" coolstream series.

I know its only minor differences, but when silence becomes a deciding point, everything helps!

 

[Tolemac]

F4 Vardars fella

 

[Warchild]

F4 Vardars fella

I have so many problems with them I would suggest no.

the big issue is the power range 35-65%. When using in this range, the fans can whine/whistle due to the pwm frequency if using a fan controller like the aquaero.

if below 35% they are silent. I know the OP wants silent, but he should still have a product that remains silent when over 35% PWM. EK get a lot of RMA on these fans apparently (admitted by EK support themselves) and even though they happily replace all fans until you get ones that do not make noise because of PWM signal its just too much hassle

Using them on the mobo directly is fine, I guess its just fan controllers that are the problem. I have replaced a total of 26 fans now. Finally I have mine that do not make noise at any PWM setting (excluding sound made from the fan blades cutting through air)

That being said, performance wise they are absolutely amazing, hence why I put up with the troubles of replacing them time and time again.

 

[Tolemac]

I have so many problems with them I would suggest no.

the big issue is the power range 35-65%. When using in this range, the fans can whine/whistle due to the pwm frequency if using a fan controller like the aquaero.

if below 35% they are silent. I know the OP wants silent, but he should still have a product that remains silent when over 35% PWM. EK get a lot of RMA on these fans apparently (admitted by EK support themselves) and even though they happily replace all fans until you get ones that do not make noise because of PWM signal its just too much hassle

Using them on the mobo directly is fine, I guess its just fan controllers that are the problem. I have replaced a total of 26 fans now. Finally I have mine that do not make noise at any PWM setting (excluding sound made from the fan blades cutting through air)

That being said, performance wise they are absolutely amazing, hence why I put up with the troubles of replacing them time and time again.

Dude I have 2 F4 Vardars on my Rad and 2 F3 vardars in the front I can hear my pump over these fans temps are good buddy

 

[Warchild]

Dude I have 2 F4 Vardars on my Rad and 2 F3 vardars in the front I can hear my pump over these fans temps are good buddy

How are they connected? To your motherboard?

As I said the fans are amazing and the best I have owned. I too have silent F4 fans now. But it took a ridiculous amount of returns. I had mine hooked up to the aquaero 6xt. EK admitted that each fan has their own pwm characteristic and theyou admit some have a bad pwm frequency noise emitted. That's why they were ok with so many exchanges.

Right now I'm sitting with very silent vardars at 40% pwm and very satisfied. But would I recommend them? Tough one. Due to the issues I have had I'd say no. But performance wise I'd say yes vardars all the way.