Best CPU Water Blocks

Water cooling is becoming more and more popular as technology and companies release innovative and easy to use systems and components. Every component of a water cooling loop is important. The water block however is a commonly overlooked component that can produce good temp drops. That is compared to a inferior block with less flow potential and cooling capability. A good CPU water block is not cheap with most running $50-$75 each. It is good to do your research before purchasing since most companies offer different accessory bundles and socket compatibility.

Case Fan Buyers Info Guide

This is a short guide on what to look for when buying computer case fans. From general specs to prices and retailers. This will be updated constantly to keep with new technology and other factors. ENJOY!

Fan Dimensions

Case fans come in many diameters and thickness depends on there application. To find the fan that fits you there are a few things to look for. The diameter of the case fan hole, area in front of the fan hole, and the methods of powering the fan. These are critical in which fan is ideal for the location in the case. Most common diameters are: 80mm, 92mm, 120mm, and 140mm. There are several cases which have 180mm, 200mm, and 230mm fans, but these are less common and unique to most applications. Once you have decided what size fan you need, next is to determine to amount of airflow it should have.

Airflow and Noise

Beyond the size of the fan its airflow characteristics are almost as important. There are a few things to look for when choosing the fans your case needs. Airflow(CFM), static pressure, and noise level are key factors of overall

Typical Bearing Designs

Sleeve- Low Cost, Best mounted vertical, Higher temp = higher failure,
Rifle-  Similar to sleeve, Quieter, Spiral groove lubricates bearing to allow horizontal mounting

Ball- Good all around, Quieter at higher speeds, Longer lasting, Mount in any position
Fluid- Higher price, near silent, longer lifespan, Mount in any position
Magnetic- Expensive, Fan Blades are repelled from bearing using magnets

Power Requirements and Connectors

Just about every case fan I have seen or heard of does not require much power at all. If your PSU is solid and runs all your existing hardware there should be no troubles. There are a couple different types of connectors: molex, 3-pin, and 4 pin PWM. Molex are straight off the 12v on PSU, 3-pin can run off controller or motherboard header, and 4-pin PWM is most commonly used off a motherboard CPU header. Nowadays they make fan controllers to handle 3-pin and 4-pin fans. My suggestion is to run 3-pin or PWM fans since they can be controlled several ways and are less cabling to have in case. This is because molex cables have larger connectors then other connectors used. As well as the factor of controlling fans with software or hardware.

Case Fan Manufacturers

Coolermaster

Thermalright

Antec

Nochua

Xigmatek

Masscool

Case Fan Retailers(Click on links to check out sites)

Newegg.com

TigerDirect.com