90mm cooling fan

Types of 90mm cooling fans

90mm cooling fans are widely used in electronic devices to dissipate heat. They are small and square, with each side measuring about 90mm (3.5 inches), which is equivalent to 9 centimeters. The fans are functional tools that allow people to create open spaces around components without using excessive amounts of energy. Generally, 90mm fans come in two major types: AC (alternating current) and DC (direct current) fans.

• A 90mm AC cooling fan: An AC fan is powered by an alternating current. It circulates air by converting electric energy into mechanical energy. Usually, the electric motor inside of it spins around, which makes the blades of the 90mm AC cooling fan to rotate. This movement creates a force that pulls or pushes air to cool down hot parts or make the environment comfortable. Considering their benefits, 90mm AC fans are mainly used in bigger computers and some home electronic stuff like TVs and game consoles.
• A 90mm DC cooling fan: A DC cooling fan is designed to run on direct current. Just like an AC fan, a DC fan moves air by turning electric energy into movement energy. DC fans are smaller, quieter, and more energy-efficient compared to their AC counterparts. Because of these benefits, a DC 90mm cooling fan is ideal for using in tight spaces or situations where silence and low power consumption are important.

Specification & maintenance of 90mm cooling fan

Specifications for a 90x90mm AC cooling fan will vary depending on the application and the design. The voltage is essential to consider, and for many 90mm DC cooling fans, it is 12V. Many also offer a range of operating voltages (7-13V). The power in watts taken by the fan relates to the amount of air moved. More power will move more air, but it is essential to find the right balance between noise and the power used. For a 90mm cooling fan, the power usage is around 3-5 watts. The size means that it is quieter than many smaller fans, but noise levels are still found in the specifications. The noise level is around 25-30dB(A), which is comparable to the sound of rustling leaves.

Another vital specification is the speed measured in RPM. A 90mm fan can spin around 2000-3000 RPM. The airflow capacity is also crucial, and in a 90mm fan, it will be around 30-50CFM. Higher CFM means more air is moved. Some 90mm fans have the CFM in the specifications, along with the static pressure, which is around 2-3 mmH2O. The MTTF, or Mean Time To Failure, is also essential. A typical 90mm fan will have an MTBF of around 50,000 hours or 5 years. Other details like bearing type are also found in the specification. A 90mm cooling fan will use sleeve, fluid, magnetic levitation, or ball bearings. The anti-vibration rubber pads are also included in the details, along with the RPM monitoring function, whether it is PWM controlled or not, the connector, and the IP dust and water rating.

Maintaining the 90mm fan is about ensuring that it works correctly. The overall care is cleaning the outside with compressed air and a soft brush to remove any debris. It helps to do this periodically. Fans with an IP rating can be washed with a damp cloth and a cleanser, but it is better to avoid using water on fans without that rating. Before cleaning the fan, the buyer should confirm the method required to avoid damaging the fan. A fan with a rubber pad will require less cleaning than one without. If there is any corrosion, cleaning the fan with a corrosion remover and anti-oxidant can help.

Scenarios of 90mm cooling fans

Some usage scenarios for a 90mm CPU fan are as follows.

• Desktop computers:

In traditional desktop computers, a 90mm CPU cooler fan is usually mounted on top of the CPU heat sink. It helps to dissipate heat from the processor to ensure stable performance and prevent overheating.

• Gaming PC:

Gaming PCs require powerful CPUs to run high-performance games. In order to ensure that the CPU can fully play its performance and maintain an appropriate operating temperature, a 90mm CPU cooler fan with stronger cooling performance is used.

• Workstation Computers:

Workstation computers need to process large amounts of data and perform high-intensity computing tasks, which generate a lot of heat. Therefore, 90mm CPU cooler fans with higher cooling capacities and multi-fan configurations are used to ensure that the machine operates stably and efficiently over long periods of time.

• Small form factor PCs:

Small form factor PCs require compact 90mm CPU cooling fans. These small fans provide sufficient cooling power while saving space to meet the needs of small chassis designs.

How to choose 90mm cooling fans

When selecting a 90mm AC cooling fan, there are several important factors to consider.

• Noise level: While 90mm fans are generally quieter than their larger counterparts, some models are significantly quieter than others. Fan noise is measured in decibels, with higher decibel levels indicating louder operation. Choosing a fan that produces less noise is ideal, especially for users who prioritize a quiet computing environment.
• Fan speed: The speed at which a fan rotates is typically measured in revolutions per minute (RPM). It can vary from 3,000 to 5,000 or even more. Some 90mm cooling fans allow users to adjust RPM to increase or decrease fan speed, while others have a fixed speed. Generally, faster fan speeds tend to create more noise.
• Airflow: While older fan designs relied on noise to indicate their presence, modern fans are engineered to move air efficiently. Parameters such as CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute) and static pressure quantify a fan's ability to push air. CFM denotes the amount of air a fan circulates in one minute, while static pressure measures the force exerted against resistance. Higher CFM ratings and static pressure values indicate greater airflow and resistance tackling capacity, respectively.

FAQ

Q1: What is the bearing type used in a 90mm fan?

A1: The 90mm cooling fan uses different bearing types depending on the design and model. It can be a ball bearing, fluid bearing, or sleeve bearing. Among them, the ball bearing fans are reliable and have a long life. They suit lasting applications. The life of the fluid bearing is lesser than that of the ball bearing, but it makes less noise. Fluoroadin sleeve bearings are suited for fans where noise is more important than longevity. Some 90mm coolings fan manufacturers may use some hybrid bearing.

Q2: How many CFM does a 90mm fan have?

A2: CFM or cubic feet per minute is the measurement of air flowing. A 90mm fan can have different CFM values depending on the design, speed, and other environmental factors. The typical CFM for a 90mm fan is between 40 to 60. Some high-speed models can go up to 100.CFMs.

Q3: Which is better, 92mm or 120mm fan?

A3: A 120mm fan is larger than a 92mm fan. It will move more air at a better CFM. If the goal is to keep things cool, a 120mm fan will do a much faster job. However, the 120mm fan will make more noise than the small 92mm. If the application requires a lot of cooling and noise is not a problem, then a 120mm fan is better. In other applications where large size, weight, and noise are more important, the 92mm may be a better choice.