The best fans for gamer PCs in the UK 2023

In principle, a PC fan should run fast, make little noise and be durable. But finding models that meet such demanding criteria is not easy. To make it easier, here's the Noctua NH-U12S chromax.Black, a fan with incredible performance that's compatible with a case, RAM or PCIe slot.

Noctua NH-U12S chromax.Black 1
9/10

Best value for money

Noctua NH-U12S chromax.Black

The best PC fan

The Noctua NH-U12S chromax.Black is a premium ventirad for large gamer systems. In addition to being efficient, it is discreet thanks to its low noise level and can be bought. And it is sold at a very interesting price.

See price

Measuring 120 x 120 x 25 mm, the Noctua NH-U12S chromax.Black cooler fits most gamer PC cases. Thanks to its thinness, it does not touch the RAM bars and can fit all the current CPU sockets thanks to the Secufirm system. It also comes with a NT-H1 thermal paste.

As a premium quality cooler, the Noctua NH-U12S chromax.Black offers fast and efficient motherboard cooling, even when overclocking. This efficiency is accompanied by a reasonable noise level. In addition to its performance and adaptability, this gamer PC cooler doesn't forget the design, with a uniform black color, uncommon for Noctua.

Cooler Master Hyper 212 RGB Black Edition 2
7/10

Best value for money

Cooler Master Hyper 212 RGB Black Edition

The best entry-level PC fan

Cooler Master has added RGB lighting to its star fridge, the Hyper 212. Just goes to show, you can always improve on a formula that works. In addition to this aesthetic addition, this fan offers slightly better thermal results.

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The Cooler Master Hyper 212 is the favorite vrad for overclockers and hardcore gamers of all kinds. The reason? Its excellent quality/price ratio. This RGB Black Edition iteration of the Hyper 212 is equipped with a 120mm diameter SF120R RGB fan. The 9-blade RGB SF120R fan features narrow and elongated blades.

Compared to the Hyper 212 EVO, the RGB Black Edition offers a consistent cooling improvement of approximately 1°C. The improved mounting system has also significantly reduced fan noise. The noise level does not exceed 30 dB at maximum speed (2000 rpm (PWM) ± 10%).

Noctua NH-D15 3
8/10

Best value for money

Noctua NH-D15

The best high-end PC fan

This gamer PC cooler is undoubtedly one of the best produced by Noctua, both in terms of aesthetics and efficiency. It offers breathtaking cooling performance, keeping the CPU always cool.

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The Noctua NH-D15 does not have the usual configuration of a gamer PC fan. To stand out from the crowd, this cooler adopts a dual tower format with 6 heatpipes. In fact, it has the same cooling efficiency as some watercooling kits! It is also larger than many conventional fans and offers automatic speed control. These features make it one of the most powerful models in the history of PC gaming.

Incredibly, despite its cooling efficiency, the Noctua NH-D15 remains relatively quiet. This will enhance your immersion in your favorite games as you won't be bothered by the incessant whirring of the ventirad. Fully dressed in black, this model has also been designed to accommodate LED lighting with RGB effect, so dear to gamers.

Deepcool Assassin III 4
8/10

A great choice

Deepcool Assassin III

Excellent gamer PC fan

The Deepcool Assassin III should be on every gamer's short list. With 7 copper heatpipes and 2 140mm cooling fans, it offers excellent thermal performance at a very reasonable price.

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The Deepcool Assassin III is a large gamer PC cooler that comes with a set of accessories, including a long reach magnetic screwdriver, a thermal compound syringe, and mounting hardware for most current AMD and Intel CPU sockets, among others. The mounting hardware is nickel-plated for a bright, chrome finish.

The airflow through the Assassin III is through a pair of Deepcool GamerStorm TF-140S fans with a rated speed of up to 1400 RPM (+/- 10%) at full speed. The base of the Deepcool Assassin III is made up of several parts, where 7 heatpipes are sandwiched between the base mounting block and the base plate itself. Installation of the Deep Cool Assassin III is simple. And depending on whether your system uses the included backplate or not, the rest of the installation follows the basic procedure for a PC cooler.

Buying guide • November 2023

Best ventirad for gamer PC

Any specific needs?

The best PC fan

The best entry-level PC fan

The best high-end PC fan

Excellent gamer PC fan

Your guide : Samuel

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Comparison table of the best fans for gamer PCs

TOP OF THE TOP CHEAP TOP OF THE LINE EXCELLENT
Noctua NH-U12S chromax.Black 5
9/10
Cooler Master Hyper 212 RGB Black Edition 6
7/10
Noctua NH-D15 7
8/10
Deepcool Assassin III 8
8/10
OUR SELECTION
Noctua NH-U12S chromax.Black
Cooler Master Hyper 212 RGB Black Edition
Noctua NH-D15
Deepcool Assassin III
The Noctua NH-U12S chromax.Black is a premium ventirad for large gamer systems. In addition to being efficient, it is discreet thanks to its low noise level and can be bought. And it is sold at a very interesting price.
Cooler Master has added RGB lighting to its star fridge, the Hyper 212. Just goes to show, you can always improve on a formula that works. In addition to this aesthetic addition, this fan offers slightly better thermal results.
This gamer PC cooler is undoubtedly one of the best produced by Noctua, both in terms of aesthetics and efficiency. It offers breathtaking cooling performance, keeping the CPU always cool.
The Deepcool Assassin III should be on every gamer's short list. With 7 copper heatpipes and 2 140mm cooling fans, it offers excellent thermal performance at a very reasonable price.
Premium model with monstrous performance
Excellent heat conduction
Highly efficient dual-tower design, suitable for the most powerful gamer PCs
Excellent thermal performance
Thin and light profile
Improved cooling over the Hyper 212 EVO
Easily attached to most common processors
Simple installation
Can accommodate RGB LED backlighting
Quietest in the Hyper 212 line
Rival some watercooling kits
Fine design, no lighting

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Report an error, request the addition of a feature to the table, or suggest another product. Thank you for your kindness!

Buying guide - ventirad for gamer PC

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How to choose your ventirad for gamer PC

Does your processor tend to heat up easily? In that case, you'll need to choose the right cooler for your gamer PC. With so many models available on the market, choosing one is not always easy. In the rest of this comparison, we'll give you the most important parameters to consider before you buy.

#1 - Noise pollution

When running at full speed, computer case fans can make a lot of noise. Some fans are even equipped with magnetic levitation technology to produce as little noise as possible. Generally, fans around 800 rpm are the least quiet

. The vertical or horizontal position of the fan inside the case is also critical, as the noise caused can be different.

#2 - The number of revolutions per minute

The

processor's rotational frequency is a measure of the fan's power. The higher the frequency, the faster the fan removes heat

inside the computer case. This will allow the other components of the computer to function properly. The number of revolutions per minute is a good indicator of the fan's performance. Nevertheless, expect the fan to be much louder depending on its performance.

#3 - Its compatibility with the motherboard

For

optimal fan efficiency, make sure the fan is compatible with the computer's motherboard. It should be noted that it does not require any driver

to operate the case fans. Nevertheless, the fan will need to fit the socket of the motherboard to work properly.

#4 - The materials used

Most fans are made of copper or aluminum. Copper provides a better heat conducting and venting system for your computer. Although copper dissipates heat better

, it should be noted that it is heavier than aluminum. If you opt for copper fans, make sure your motherboard is compact enough that it won't warp when it comes into contact with the hardware.

#5 - The dimensions of the fan

A larger PC fan provides more ventilation for your computer case. Plan on a much larger case in this case. So, before you buy the fan, make sure of the dimensions of the available slot on your case. On the market, fans can be up to 20 cm in diameter.

How to install a PC fan on a gamer PC?

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The process to follow in order to install a gamer PC fan can vary from one model to another. In any case, this one should not be too complex. Therefore, you can do it without resorting to the services of a professional.

First, you need to remove the old gamer PC fan, remove the remaining thermal paste and clean the surface with a cotton swab dipped in 90° alcohol. Once the alcohol has dried, apply a dab of thermal paste to the surface, without getting any on the socket.

Position the new cooler so that the holes in the motherboard bracket and the holes in the gamer PC cooler are aligned. Screw or rotate the gears depending on the type of mount. Then plug in the power supply of the gamer PC cooler and you're done.

.

PC fan or watercooling kit ?

Ventirad for gamer PC

The ventirad is the most common cooling system on gamer PCs. It consists mainly of a fan and a radiator, hence the name "ventirad". It comes in a wide variety of models and ranges. The fan capacities depend on the range, but also on the model. For the most powerful processors, it makes high-end ventirads. Indeed, an entry-level model is likely to be ineffective, especially when overclocking.

Noise emission is the main defect of the ventirad. The fan emits quite a lot of noise which can be disturbing, especially when the PC is running at full speed. On the other hand, it is particularly affordable since the most expensive high-end models can be bought for around a hundred euros.

Watercooling kit

The watercooling kit is the ultimate in PC cooling. As the name suggests, this system incorporates liquid cooling which is particularly effective. Temperature increases of the CPU are limited as much as possible with a watercooling kit. In terms of design, this cooling system has an impressive look that gamers particularly appreciate.

The installation of a watercooling kit is not very easy though, especially if the case is small. It is also necessary to plan a rather important investment to offer this kind of cooling system for PC gamers.

Verdict

If you're on a budget, a cooling fan is the best choice. If you choose your cooling unit carefully, you'll find a model that will stabilize the temperature of your PC gamer in any situation. If you're really sensitive to noise, you can opt for a watercooling kit, provided you pay the price.

Why buy a fan for a gamer PC?

To prevent your computer from overheating

Everyone knows that computers generate heat when they are running at full speed. With a fan, your case can be cooled at all times, and the heat will be released. If you use a gamer PC, you can't do without a fan to limit the risk of your machine overheating. Some fans are even equipped with heat sensors to better control the temperature of other computer components.

Optimal computer use

Even if the graphics card and processor already have their own fans, heat is retained in the case. To remove this heat, the case must be equipped with a fan to dissipate all of the heat, allowing all of the computer's components to function normally. In short, the case fan will allow your computer to gain in performance. It is an essential accessory for gamers who are looking for a lot of power for their computer.

Improve the design of your case

For a better aesthetic to your case, the fan will not only cool your computer, but also beautify your PC. Equipping the fan with LED lights is a great way to give your computer a modern look. In addition, you have the possibility to customize the effects and lights to enhance your case.

Keep the interior of the case clean

The fan keeps the temperature inside the case comfortable. The wind it causes also removes dust that resides inside the CPU and will keep it clean. Light foreign bodies will not be able to get inside the case, thanks to the air released by the fan.

For a more ergonomic computer

Install a fan on your case if you want to keep your CPU components running smoothly. With a fan, the computer will perform better and the components will last longer. This will save you a lot of money, as the risk of failure of the computer components is minimized. This means that you will not have to spend a lot of money on repairing or purchasing PC components.

The best brands of fans for gamer PCs

In our opinion, the best brands of fans for gamer PCs in 2022 are :

Noctua
Deep Cool
Be quiet!
Cooler Master
ARCTIC

Noctua - Noctua is the reference in PC cooling systems. The brand offers innovative, high-performance and quiet models that are widely used throughout the world.

Deep Cool - Deep Cool has been offering PC cooling equipment since 1996. The brand is known for its innovations, but also for the quality of its components.

Be Quiet - With its evocative name, Be Quiet! emphasizes the silent nature of its fans for gamer PCs. It also stands out for its affordable entry-level product line.

Cooler Master - Cooler Master is one of the market leaders in cooling systems for gaming PCs. It also offers a wide range of cases for gamer PCs.

ARCTIC - As one of the most famous brands of gamer PC coolers and computer cooling equipment, Arctic is known for its innovations, but also for its high-end equipment.Back to the comparison chart

What is the price for a ventirad for gamer PC

The diagram below will help you to get an idea of the typical prices for each price range (entry-level, mid-range and high-end).

However, more expensive does not necessarily mean better.

We therefore advise you to always consult our ranking before deciding, rather than blindly relying on price ranges.

Entry-level
20 £ to 70 £
Mid-range
70 £ to 90 £
High-end
more than 90 £
Price range diagram

Tips

Take into account the air flow.

To keep your computer cool, give it some room to "breathe" by removing any obstacles to airflow. Clear the free space around your PC, make sure nothing is in the way of airflow: furniture, walls, other devices... especially at the back, as a lot of hot air comes out the back of the computer case.

Stop overclocking (if you don't know what you are doing).

If you overclock your PC hardware but have not taken other precautions to keep it cool, we recommend that you reconfigure your hardware to factory settings. This is because overclocking puts a lot of strain on your PC, so it will heat up faster and more intensely to deliver that strain.

Use your PC with the case closed.

You might think that using your computer with the case open might make cooling easier. This seems logical-if the case is open, there would be more airflow, which would help keep the computer cooler. Unfortunately, heat isn't your PC's only enemy; there's also dust and dirt. When the case is left open, dust and debris clog the cooling fans faster than when the case is closed. The fans slow down and fail much faster than usual. A clogged fan does a poor job of cooling your computer's expensive components.

Clean up your computer.

The

fans inside your computer are there to keep it cool. But they can be hindered by dirt and dust and pet hair of all kinds. One of the most effective ways to cool your PC is to clean the internal fans. Simply turn off your computer, open the case, and use compressed air to remove the dirt from each fan.

Move your computer.

If

the area where you use your computer is too hot or too dirty, your only option is to move the

computer.

A cooler, cleaner place in the same room may be fine, but you may need to consider moving the computer elsewhere.

FAQ

What is the best cooler for gamer PC?

The best gamer PC fan depends on your needs and budget. Read our buying guide to find out which products are the best.

Can I keep my original CPU cooler?

Yes, but if you're going to overclock, you'll need to get a better PC gamer that can handle the new power provided by the processor.

Do I need to use thermal paste to attach a fan unit?

Yes, the use of thermal paste is unavoidable unless you use the original AMD or Intel CPU cooler.

How do I know if a gamer PC fan is compatible with my processor?

Normally, the manufacturer of the gamer PC issues a list of compatible processors. Plates that adapt the fixation of the ventirad with the socket can also be delivered with the ventirads or bought separately.

Do you need a high-end fan to cool a gamer PC?

The choice of the fan will depend mainly on the level of overclocking. From a light overclocking (more than 200 MHz), you will need at least a mid-range PC gamer fan.

Sources

Note: Below are some of the sources we have consulted in writing this article. Links to other sites are not continuously updated. It is therefore possible that a link may not be found. Please use a search engine to find the desired information.
  1. , openclassrooms.com
  2. , aidewindows.net
  3. , crucial.fr
  4. , ginjfo.com
  5. , apcpedagogie.com
  6. , leparision.fr
  7. , lescahiersdudebutant.fr
  8. , neoconfig.com
  9. , lesnumeriques.com
  10. , lifewire.com
  11. , pc-boost.com
  12. , materiel.net
  13. , amazon.co.uk
  14. , futura-sciences.com
  15. , boulanger.com
  16. , boulanger.com
  17. , powerlab.fr
  18. , darty.com
  19. , roi-du-silence.com
  20. , miroir-mag.fr
  21. , fnac.com
  22. , ldlc.com
  23. , cybertek.fr
  24. , 01net.com
  25. , amazon.co.uk
  26. , rueducommerce.fr
  27. , multi-hardware.com
  28. , darty.com
  29. , fnac.com
  30. , cdiscount.com
  31. , malekal.com
  32. , cdiscount.com
  33. , meilleur-ventilateurs.eu
  34. , topachat.com
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Updates

March 2022 : Translation of this buying guide from our partner meilleurtest.fr

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Our selection
Noctua NH-U12S chromax.Black 9
Noctua NH-U12S chromax.Black
Cooler Master Hyper 212 RGB Black Edition 10
Cooler Master Hyper 212 RGB Black Edition
Noctua NH-D15 11
Noctua NH-D15
Deepcool Assassin III 12
Deepcool Assassin III

Lecteurs

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