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Currently, the most common case fans on the market are 12 cm and 14 cm. However, fans pre-installed in cases are still predominantly 12 cm. What are the differences between these two sizes, and should you consider upgrading to a 14 cm fan?

| Differences Between 12 cm and 14 cm Fans |

The primary differences between 12 cm and 14 cm fans are airflow, cooling performance, noise levels, and case compatibility.

When operating at the same speed, a 14 cm fan will generate higher airflow, resulting in better cooling performance compared to a 12 cm fan.

At the same noise level, a 14 cm fan operates at a lower speed while providing stronger airflow. However, at the same fan speed, a 12 cm fan will produce less noise.

Since 14 cm fans require larger spaces and screw holes that specifically fit the 14 cm size, not all cases support 14 cm fans. It’s important to check compatibility before purchasing.

| Who Should Upgrade to 14 cm Case Fans? |

14 cm fans offer higher airflow at full speed, lowering internal temperatures more effectively than 12 cm fans.

14 cm fans tend to be noisier than 12 cm fans. They are ideal for users who typically wear headphones while gaming or using their PC for extended periods.

| Why Aren’t 14 cm Case Fans the Mainstream Choice? |

While some cases come pre-installed with 14 cm fans, 12 cm fans are still the most common choice. This is due to several reasons:

14 cm fans tend to be slightly more expensive than their 12 cm counterparts. For example, the Owl NF-P12 and NF-P14 fans are priced at $20 and $23, respectively. The price difference of $3 per fan can add up to $9 for 3 to 4 fans. However, real-world testing shows that a 14 cm fan only reduces temperatures by about 1 degree compared to a 12 cm fan, which may not justify the higher cost.

↑ Test Results from PC Build (Video from 

Most consumers do not run their PCs at full speed for extended periods. The airflow and cooling performance of 12 cm fans are sufficient for everyday use, so upgrading to 14 cm fans is often unnecessary.





Currently, the most common case fans on the market are 12 cm and 14 cm. However, fans pre-installed in cases are still predominantly 12 cm. What are the differences between these two sizes, and should you consider upgrading to a 14 cm fan?



| Differences Between 12 cm and 14 cm Fans |

The primary differences between 12 cm and 14 cm fans are airflow, cooling performance, noise levels, and case compatibility.



Airflow and Cooling Performance

When operating at the same speed, a 14 cm fan will generate higher airflow, resulting in better cooling performance compared to a 12 cm fan.







Speed and Noise Levels

At the same noise level, a 14 cm fan operates at a lower speed while providing stronger airflow. However, at the same fan speed, a 12 cm fan will produce less noise.







Case Compatibility

Since 14 cm fans require larger spaces and screw holes that specifically fit the 14 cm size, not all cases support 14 cm fans. It’s important to check compatibility before purchasing.



| Who Should Upgrade to 14 cm Case Fans? |

Users with Higher Cooling Needs: 

14 cm fans offer higher airflow at full speed, lowering internal temperatures more effectively than 12 cm fans.



Users Less Concerned About Noise: 

14 cm fans tend to be noisier than 12 cm fans. They are ideal for users who typically wear headphones while gaming or using their PC for extended periods.







| Why Aren’t 14 cm Case Fans the Mainstream Choice? |

While some cases come pre-installed with 14 cm fans, 12 cm fans are still the most common choice. This is due to several reasons:



Lower Cost-Effectiveness

14 cm fans tend to be slightly more expensive than their 12 cm counterparts. For example, the Owl NF-P12 and NF-P14 fans are priced at $20 and $23, respectively. The price difference of $3 per fan can add up to $9 for 3 to 4 fans. However, real-world testing shows that a 14 cm fan only reduces temperatures by about 1 degree compared to a 12 cm fan, which may not justify the higher cost.





↑ Test Results from PC Build (Video from Super Computing Network)



Not Aligned with Market Demand

Most consumers do not run their PCs at full speed for extended periods. The airflow and cooling performance of 12 cm fans are sufficient for everyday use, so upgrading to 14 cm fans is often unnecessary.





14 cm case fans offer better cooling performance, but due to cost-effectiveness and market demand, 12 cm fans remain the mainstream choice.

What Are the Differences Between 14cm and 12cm Case Fans?

How to Guide                                                    

PWM stands for "Pulse Width Modulation," and it controls the fan speed by adjusting the frequency of current pulses. This allows for more accurate fan speed control, which helps optimize both performance and noise reduction.

How to Identify a PWM Fan vs Non-PWM Fan?

A PWM fan typically uses a small 4-pin connector. When this 4-pin connector is plugged into the motherboard, it receives PWM signals from the motherboard, adjusting the current switching frequency through pulses, which in turn controls the fan speed. Therefore, any fan with a 4-pin connector is likely a PWM fan, while fans with fewer pins are generally not PWM-controlled.

PWM fans adjust their speed based on system temperature, allowing for precise regulation of fan speed. Some software even enables manual adjustment of fan speed.

Because the system adjusts the fan speed based on the computer’s load, the fan is not constantly running at high speeds. This reduces wear and tear on the fan and helps extend its lifespan.

At lower loads, the fan can run at slower speeds, reducing noise. At higher loads, the fan speed increases to ensure effective cooling and gaming performance.

The DM12 Pro is a 4-pin PWM fan that doesn’t require a control box to daisy-chain multiple fans. The fan frame features a sleek design with LED lights that create a more even glow across the fan. The DM12 Pro also offers both positive and negative blade options, making it an essential fan for a "sea-view" style case.

The Gauss G24 ARGB Fan is darkFlash's first fan to use magnetic connections, eliminating the need for messy cables between fans. This enhances the efficiency of building a DIY PC. Despite using magnetic connections, the fan doesn’t compromise on performance and boasts a maximum speed of 2000 RPM, making it ideal for use as a radiator fan in water cooling setups.

PWM Fans: The Best Choice for Efficient Cooling and Silence

PWM fans are an excellent choice for combining high cooling efficiency with low noise levels, especially for gaming PCs and systems under high-load conditions.





PWM stands for "Pulse Width Modulation," and it controls the fan speed by adjusting the frequency of current pulses. This allows for more accurate fan speed control, which helps optimize both performance and noise reduction.



How to Identify a PWM Fan vs Non-PWM Fan?

A PWM fan typically uses a small 4-pin connector. When this 4-pin connector is plugged into the motherboard, it receives PWM signals from the motherboard, adjusting the current switching frequency through pulses, which in turn controls the fan speed. Therefore, any fan with a 4-pin connector is likely a PWM fan, while fans with fewer pins are generally not PWM-controlled.



Reasons to Choose a PWM Fan

1. Precise Fan Speed Control

PWM fans adjust their speed based on system temperature, allowing for precise regulation of fan speed. Some software even enables manual adjustment of fan speed.







2. Extended Fan Lifespan

Because the system adjusts the fan speed based on the computer’s load, the fan is not constantly running at high speeds. This reduces wear and tear on the fan and helps extend its lifespan.







3. Better Noise Control

At lower loads, the fan can run at slower speeds, reducing noise. At higher loads, the fan speed increases to ensure effective cooling and gaming performance.







Recommended PWM Fans

DM12 Pro A-RGB Cooling Fan

The DM12 Pro is a 4-pin PWM fan that doesn’t require a control box to daisy-chain multiple fans. The fan frame features a sleek design with LED lights that create a more even glow across the fan. The DM12 Pro also offers both positive and negative blade options, making it an essential fan for a "sea-view" style case.







Gauss G24 ARGB Fan

The Gauss G24 ARGB Fan is darkFlash's first fan to use magnetic connections, eliminating the need for messy cables between fans. This enhances the efficiency of building a DIY PC. Despite using magnetic connections, the fan doesn’t compromise on performance and boasts a maximum speed of 2000 RPM, making it ideal for use as a radiator fan in water cooling setups.







PWM Fans: The Best Choice for Efficient Cooling and Silence

PWM fans are an excellent choice for combining high cooling efficiency with low noise levels, especially for gaming PCs and systems under high-load conditions.

A PWM fan utilizes current adjustments to control the fan's speed, enabling precise fan speed regulation. This helps achieve a balance between fan performance and noise levels.

What is a PWM Fan?

Whether you're choosing a fan for an air cooler or a water cooler, the fan's role in dissipating heat from the case is essential. To help you make an informed decision, here are the five key factors to consider when picking a fan:

Common fan sizes on the market are 120mm (12cm) and 140mm (14cm). Larger fans, such as the 140mm ones, can provide greater airflow and thus better cooling performance, especially at the same RPM (revolutions per minute). However, not all cases can accommodate 140mm fans, so it's important to check the size compatibility of your case before purchasing. If you can fit the larger fan, it’s generally worth opting for it due to its superior airflow.

A fan with a higher RPM can deliver more airflow and pressure, which means it can move heat more efficiently. However, the trade-off is that higher speeds often result in increased noise and potential fan vibrations. To address this, many fans now come with PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) speed control, allowing the fan to adjust its speed based on the system’s temperature. Under heavy load, the fan will increase its speed to cool down the components quickly, and when the system is under light load, the speed will decrease to maintain basic cooling while minimizing noise.

Airflow (CFM - Cubic Feet per Minute): Airflow refers to the volume of air the fan can move per minute. A higher airflow means the fan can remove heat more effectively from the case.

Static Pressure (mmH2O): This measures the fan's ability to overcome resistance to airflow, such as when there are radiators or cooling fins in the way. A fan with higher static pressure is better suited for use with radiators or heat sinks, where airflow is obstructed and needs extra force to pass through the components.

There are various types of bearings used in computer fans, such as Fluid Dynamic Bearings (FDB), Hydraulic Bearings, and Sleeve Bearings. The type of bearing affects the fan’s lifespan, noise level, and stability. Fluid Dynamic Bearings (FDB) are often considered the best because they provide a balance of low noise and high performance. A well-designed fan with quality bearings can provide high airflow and pressure while maintaining quieter operation over time.

The position where you install your fan is just as important as the fan itself. Even with a high-performance fan, poor airflow management in your case could prevent the fan from performing at its best. Ensuring that your case has a good airflow path is essential for optimal cooling. The fan should ideally create a smooth intake and exhaust airflow system, directing cool air into the case and pushing hot air out. For tips on the best installation directions for case fans, consider exploring guides on 

The Best Fan Installation Direction for Your PC Case.

The performance of your computer fan is influenced by several factors, including size, speed, airflow, pressure, bearing type, installation position, and environmental conditions. When choosing and installing a fan, it’s essential to balance all these elements to achieve the best cooling performance and overall user experience. Additionally, regular maintenance and cleaning of your fans will help extend their lifespan and maintain stable performance. A little extra care will go a long way in ensuring your cooling system works efficiently for years to come.





Whether you're choosing a fan for an air cooler or a water cooler, the fan's role in dissipating heat from the case is essential. To help you make an informed decision, here are the five key factors to consider when picking a fan:



1. Fan Size 

Common fan sizes on the market are 120mm (12cm) and 140mm (14cm). Larger fans, such as the 140mm ones, can provide greater airflow and thus better cooling performance, especially at the same RPM (revolutions per minute). However, not all cases can accommodate 140mm fans, so it's important to check the size compatibility of your case before purchasing. If you can fit the larger fan, it’s generally worth opting for it due to its superior airflow.



2. Fan Speed

A fan with a higher RPM can deliver more airflow and pressure, which means it can move heat more efficiently. However, the trade-off is that higher speeds often result in increased noise and potential fan vibrations. To address this, many fans now come with PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) speed control, allowing the fan to adjust its speed based on the system’s temperature. Under heavy load, the fan will increase its speed to cool down the components quickly, and when the system is under light load, the speed will decrease to maintain basic cooling while minimizing noise.







3. Airflow and Static Pressure

Airflow (CFM - Cubic Feet per Minute): Airflow refers to the volume of air the fan can move per minute. A higher airflow means the fan can remove heat more effectively from the case.

Static Pressure (mmH2O): This measures the fan's ability to overcome resistance to airflow, such as when there are radiators or cooling fins in the way. A fan with higher static pressure is better suited for use with radiators or heat sinks, where airflow is obstructed and needs extra force to pass through the components.



4. Bearing Type

There are various types of bearings used in computer fans, such as Fluid Dynamic Bearings (FDB), Hydraulic Bearings, and Sleeve Bearings. The type of bearing affects the fan’s lifespan, noise level, and stability. Fluid Dynamic Bearings (FDB) are often considered the best because they provide a balance of low noise and high performance. A well-designed fan with quality bearings can provide high airflow and pressure while maintaining quieter operation over time.







5. Installation Position

The position where you install your fan is just as important as the fan itself. Even with a high-performance fan, poor airflow management in your case could prevent the fan from performing at its best. Ensuring that your case has a good airflow path is essential for optimal cooling. The fan should ideally create a smooth intake and exhaust airflow system, directing cool air into the case and pushing hot air out. For tips on the best installation directions for case fans, consider exploring guides on The Best Fan Installation Direction for Your PC Case.







The performance of your computer fan is influenced by several factors, including size, speed, airflow, pressure, bearing type, installation position, and environmental conditions. When choosing and installing a fan, it’s essential to balance all these elements to achieve the best cooling performance and overall user experience. Additionally, regular maintenance and cleaning of your fans will help extend their lifespan and maintain stable performance. A little extra care will go a long way in ensuring your cooling system works efficiently for years to come.

When selecting a computer fan, several factors come into play that can affect its performance. These include fan size, speed, airflow and pressure, bearing type, and installation position.

How to Choose the Right Computer Fan: Key Factors to Consider

As a DIY beginner, you are often reminded to apply thermal paste when installing a cooler, or your system might fail to boot properly. But why is thermal paste so important? What makes this paste so essential?

Although the surfaces of the CPU and cooler might appear smooth to the naked eye, they are not perfectly flat. The gaps between them prevent effective heat transfer. Applying thermal paste fills these gaps, allowing the cooler to work at its maximum efficiency.

There are four common methods for applying thermal paste: the dot method, five-point method, cross method, and spread method.

Apply a small dot of thermal paste in the center of the CPU and then press the cooler down to spread the paste evenly between the CPU and cooler.

The five-point and cross methods are similar, ensuring that thermal paste is evenly applied from the center to the corners.

Apply a small amount of thermal paste to the CPU and use a spatula to evenly spread it across the surface.

| What Happens If You Don't Apply Thermal Paste? |

Even with a powerful cooler, if the heat from the CPU cannot be effectively transferred to the cooler, it won’t perform efficiently.

The CPU will throttle due to overheating, leading to a decrease in overall performance.

Prolonged high temperatures can significantly shorten the lifespan of the CPU and other components.

| Thermal Paste Selection and Usage Tips |

When selecting thermal paste, opt for one with a high thermal conductivity rating. Combining this with the proper application technique will ensure the best cooling performance.

Since the motherboard is filled with electronic components, using conductive thermal paste could cause interference or, in the worst-case scenario, permanent damage to your computer's components.

Before applying thermal paste, it’s a good idea to clean the surfaces of the CPU and cooler using alcohol and a cloth to ensure the highest possible cooling performance.

Thermal paste is an essential part of processor cooling. Not only does it improve computer performance, but it also extends the lifespan of your hardware.





As a DIY beginner, you are often reminded to apply thermal paste when installing a cooler, or your system might fail to boot properly. But why is thermal paste so important? What makes this paste so essential?



| Why is Thermal Paste Necessary? |

Although the surfaces of the CPU and cooler might appear smooth to the naked eye, they are not perfectly flat. The gaps between them prevent effective heat transfer. Applying thermal paste fills these gaps, allowing the cooler to work at its maximum efficiency.



↑ From intel official website

| How to Apply Thermal Paste |

There are four common methods for applying thermal paste: the dot method, five-point method, cross method, and spread method.





Dot Method

Apply a small dot of thermal paste in the center of the CPU and then press the cooler down to spread the paste evenly between the CPU and cooler.





Pros: Helps prevent excessive paste from spilling over the edges of the processor.



Cons: The distribution of thermal paste may be uneven around the edges of the CPU.



Five-Point / Cross Method

The five-point and cross methods are similar, ensuring that thermal paste is evenly applied from the center to the corners.





Pros: Ensures an even distribution of thermal paste, improving heat transfer.



Cons: If not applied correctly, thermal paste may spill over the processor.



Spread Method

Apply a small amount of thermal paste to the CPU and use a spatula to evenly spread it across the surface.





Pros: Offers better coverage and heat transfer than the five-point or cross methods.



Cons: If too much thermal paste is applied, it may spill over the edges of the processor.







| What Happens If You Don't Apply Thermal Paste? |

Wasted Cooler Performance: 

Even with a powerful cooler, if the heat from the CPU cannot be effectively transferred to the cooler, it won’t perform efficiently.



Reduced CPU Performance: 

The CPU will throttle due to overheating, leading to a decrease in overall performance.



Hardware Damage: 

Prolonged high temperatures can significantly shorten the lifespan of the CPU and other components.







| Thermal Paste Selection and Usage Tips |

Choose a High Thermal Conductivity Paste

When selecting thermal paste, opt for one with a high thermal conductivity rating. Combining this with the proper application technique will ensure the best cooling performance.







Select Non-Conductive Thermal Paste

Since the motherboard is filled with electronic components, using conductive thermal paste could cause interference or, in the worst-case scenario, permanent damage to your computer's components.







Clean Before Application

Before applying thermal paste, it’s a good idea to clean the surfaces of the CPU and cooler using alcohol and a cloth to ensure the highest possible cooling performance.







Thermal paste is an essential part of processor cooling. Not only does it improve computer performance, but it also extends the lifespan of your hardware.

The surface between the CPU and the cooler is not perfectly smooth, which is why thermal paste is needed to ensure optimal heat transfer.

Why You Must Apply Thermal Paste When Installing a Cooler

As an enthusiast of games and computer DIY in this age, we, darkFlash, feel proud and grateful for keep thinking how to develop impressive and extraordinary products with high-end facilities by assembling and using the PC cases, CPU coolers, case fans, and even gaming chairs and tables in person.

Our goal is to create products that could extremely exert its effect by every user.