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The thread discusses the maximum achievable RPM for 120/140 mm case fans without modifications. The original poster seeks to identify the highest RPM fan available, with responses suggesting checking manufacturer specs and sharing personal experiences, including a Thermaltake fan reaching 2000 RPM. The conversation also offers advice on evaluating fans based on airflow (CFM) rather than RPM alone, emphasizing that higher RPM does not necessarily equate to better cooling performance.
RyanBaskett

RyanBaskett

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Thread Author #1
Anyone know what the highest possible RPM you can get out of a 120 / 140 mm case fan is, from any manufacturer, and at any price. With the EXCLUSION of modifying the case fan itself. What is the highest possible 120 / 140 mm case fan you can buy?

Thanks
 

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Ryan, just FYI, it is true that for a given fan, the faster it turns, the more air it will move, but two things to consider:
  1. It isn't linear. If you double the speed, you won't double the air moved, and you rapidly reach diminishing returns where it takes a lot more energy to increase the speed and you gain little additional air movement.
  2. The blades are as important as the speed. Just because one fan has higher RPMs than another, doesn't mean it moves more air.
The thing to compare is CFM (the direct measurement of how much air it moves).
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Jimbo22

Jimbo22

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#2
You'll have to check the manufacturer specs for each fan you're interested for min and max RPM's.
 

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kemical

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#3
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Ralph Bromley

Ralph Bromley

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#4
I use these thermaltake case fans:
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=899135

2000 RPM speed demons powerful enough to keep my Phenom II x6 processor cool, I run at 44 degrees Celsius and it stays at that medium temp all around (the max temp is 55 degrees Celsius).
Only thing that can get my temp lower is cleaning the dust out of my build, but I am not due for another week.
Other then that, she stays relatively cool even with the stock heatsink.
 

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Fixer1234

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#5
Ryan, just FYI, it is true that for a given fan, the faster it turns, the more air it will move, but two things to consider:
  1. It isn't linear. If you double the speed, you won't double the air moved, and you rapidly reach diminishing returns where it takes a lot more energy to increase the speed and you gain little additional air movement.
  2. The blades are as important as the speed. Just because one fan has higher RPMs than another, doesn't mean it moves more air.
The thing to compare is CFM (the direct measurement of how much air it moves).
 

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RyanBaskett

RyanBaskett

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Thread Author #6
Hmm, thank you for the tip I will start looking more closely at these things. 🙂
 

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