120 cooling fan

Types of 120 cooling fans

The 120mm computer cooling fan is popular because of its compactness and efficiency in heat dissipation. Nonetheless, there are 120 cooling fans of different types.

• AC cooling fan

  The AC 120 cooling fan works under alternating current. It directly plugs into a wall socket for power. The design contains two blades, whose angle affects the amount of air pushed. Many accessories use the fan, including refrigerators, computer power supplies, and transformers. One of the advantages of this type is that it lasts several years. Also, the user does not spend a lot on replacement costs.

• DC cooling fan

  A DC 120 cooling fan operates under direct current. It uses 12 volts of direct current power but can work in options like 5, 7, and 10 volts. The internals of a DC fan includes a stator, rotor, and motor. Compared to the AC type, the DC fan has more blades between 7 and 15. Also, the blade's curvature is more pronounced. These features increase the airflow and pressure of the DC fan. Devices like computers, game consoles, and LED lights use DC cooling fans. One of the advantages is that they are energy efficient. Manufacturers design them to operate with less power. An electronic device can have several DC cooling fans.

• Blade design

  Due to its small size, a 120mm cooling fan must have a blade design that moves as much air as possible. Some manufacturers settle for two wide blades that push a lot of air. Others have settled for three to five longer blades that focus on moving air with higher pressure.

• Bearing design

  A 120 fan's bearing impacts its lifespan and noise output. The 120mm sleeve bearing fan has a shaft with a lubricant-filled sleeve. As the shaft moves, the lubricant allows it to rotate smoothly. Although affordable, sleeve bearings wear out faster and generate more noise with increased use. On the other hand, the 120mm ball bearing fan uses two or more balls to provide support to the rotor shaft. The balls sit in a circular case, and as the rotor turns, the spheres roll. This design lasts longer than the sleeve bearing. It is also more resilient to heat. However, it produces more noise than a sleeve bearing fan.

Specifications and maintenance of 120 cooling fans

Specifications for 120x120mm cooling fans vary depending on the manufacturer.

• Dimension

  120mm fans are square. Their other dimension is their depth, which determines whether they are standard, slim, or thick. A 120mm slim cooling fan has a depth of 15mm to 25mm. Standard fans are 25mm thick, while thick fans can be around 38mm.

• Power Rating

  A 120mm cooling fan generally runs on 12 volts DC. The power rating determines how much power the fan uses. Most 120mm fans have a power rating of 0.60 watts to 7.2 watts. The rotational speed influences the power usage.

• Airflow

  The amount of air the fan moves is measured in CFM (cubic feet per meter).120mm cooling fans that run at 1200RPM have an average airflow of 65 to 79 CFM. Fans running at 2000RPM can have an airflow of 90 to 130 CFM.

• Static Pressure

  A 120mm PC cooling fan’s static pressure is measured in mmH2O. It shows the fan's ability to push air through tight spaces like heatsinks. The static pressure for 120mm fans is between 1.5 to 5 mmH2O.

• Noise Level

  A 120mm cooling fan's noise level is measured in decibels (dBA). The noise level depends on the rotational speed and airflow. The range is 20 to 35dBA, with 20dBA being the quietest.

Like all electronic equipment, the 120mm fan requires regular maintenance and cleaning to function at its best. Manufacturers usually provide maintenance guidelines to ensure the fan lasts for many years.

It is essential to keep the fan's surfaces clean and free from debris. Dirt accumulation on the blade surfaces makes the fan harder to rotate, increasing the noise level and degrading performance.

The first maintenance step is to inspect the fan to see if there are any screws that require tightening. With the help of a screwdriver, gently open the fan and clean all the surfaces with a microfiber cloth. A compressed can of air can be used to blow off any remaining debris from hard-to-reach areas. Users should raise the fan's blades slowly with a stick to facilitate cleaning. After cleaning, close the fan and make sure all screws are firmly secured.

Some 120mm cooling fans are equipped with RGB lighting effects. Their maintenance is the same, but users should ensure the lighting components aren’t damaged. Also, users should avoid getting the RGB components wet during cleaning. Nonetheless, if the components have hardened dirt, they can be carefully and gently cleaned with a slightly damp cloth.

Scenarios of 120 cooling fans

The 120mm cooling fan serves a wide array of usage scenarios, ranging from personal use to industrial applications. Here are some common scenarios where the 120 fan plays a critical role.

• Computer Cooling: The 120 PC cooling fan is primarily used in desktop computers. It is positioned beside the CPU, power supply, and GPU to dissipate heat. The fan ensures computer components function optimally and prevents unexpected shutdowns or malfunctions caused by overheating. Additionally, it extends the lifespan of the computer hardware.
• Overclocking: Some computer users may decide to increase the clock rate of the CPU/GPU beyond the manufacturer's default settings to boost performance. While this will put the components under extra pressure and make them generate more heat, incorporating a 120 overclocking fan will ensure adequate cooling. Thus, it allows the component to sustain the overclocking performance.
• Server Racks: A 120 server fan is a key component in maintaining the cooling structure of server racks. It's common to see multiple 120mm fans configured in a single server unit. The fans work collectively to push out heat generated by the CPU and other components. This helps the entire server to stay functional and supports optimal performance in data centers.
• Robotics: The robotics industry relies on the 120 axial fan to cool critical components, such as the CPUs of control boards and motor drivers. The consistent airflow from the fan assists in averting thermal-related issues, promoting the reliability and efficiency of the robot systems.
• HVAC Systems: The 120 HVAC fan is frequently utilized in air conditioning and heating systems. It contributes to the circulation of air within indoor settings and aids in the cooling of condensers and radiators.

How to choose a 120 cooling fan

There are several important factors business buyers need to consider when choosing a 120mm CPU fan for their customers.

• Airflow

  Airflow is the amount of air the fan pushes through the case measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM). Business buyers need to choose a fan with a high CFM value. This will ensure it effectively cools the entire system. A 120mm fan with an airflow of 50 CFM to 60 CFM should be adequate for most builds.

• Static Pressure

  Static pressure refers to the fan's ability to push air through dense obstructions like heatsinks or dust filters. It is measured in mmH20. When business buyers intend to use the fan in cases with lots of heatsinks or tight spots, they should prioritize static pressure over airflow. A 120mm fan that has a static pressure rating of 2.0 mmH20 to 3.0 mmH20 is suitable for such applications.

• Noise Level

  The noise level of a 120mm cooling fan is expressed in decibels (DBA). To ensure customers enjoy a quiet computing experience, business buyers should opt for fans with a noise level of around 18 to 24 DBA. This will ensure the system operates quietly. Normally, the lower the DBA rating, the quieter the fan will be.

• Connector Types

  120mm cooling fans come in different connector types. The fan's connector determines how it receives power from the motherboard. For a simple connection, business buyers can choose 3-pin fans that plug directly into the motherboard. If customers want more control over the fan's speed, they can opt for 4-pin PWM fans.

• RGB Lighting

  some customers may prefer coolers with RGB lighting. In this case, business buyers should choose 120mm RGB fans with customizable LED lights. These types of fans add aesthetic value to the entire build.

• Fan blade design

  The performance of a 120mm fan can be significantly affected by the design of the fan blades. To ensure optimal airflow and static pressure, business buyers should select fans with well-engineered blades.

Q&A

Q1: Do 120mm fans move enough air?

A1: 120mm cooling fans are sufficient for small enclosures and components like CPUs and GPUs. They provide an airflow of about 80-140 CFM, which is adequate to cool the heat generated by these components. While larger fans move more air, they are unnecessary for smaller devices.

Q2: Is a 120mm cooling fan loud?

A2: Compared to smaller fans, 120mm cooling fans are quiet. Their noise level of 25-35 decibels is comparable to a whisper or rustling leaves. Larger fans are quieter because they rotate at lower speeds to move the same amount of air as smaller high-speed fans. However, the noise level will increase if the fan has speed PWM control to boost cooling.

Q3: Do 120mm fans have RGB?

A3: There are 120mm cooling fans with and without RGB lighting. The non-RGB options are plain black or white. Fans with RGB lights allow users to customize how their case looks, but the lights only work with fans connected to a compatible RGB controller.