The CPU fan cools the computer’s main processing unit and can be noisy. When choosing a new fan, consider the decibel levels, pitch of sound, and size. High-quality heat sinks can also reduce the need for the fan to turn on frequently.
Responsible for cooling the main processing unit in a computer, the computer processing unit (CPU) fan configuration usually consists of a heat sink and a fan to blow the air. Most modern computer systems also have sensors that tell the computer to turn on the fan when the sensor detects high temperatures which can cause suboptimal performance from a CPU. When you’re cooling a CPU and want the room to be quiet, choosing the right fan for your CPU can make a significant difference in the noise levels your cooling system produces. When deciding on a new quiet CPU fan for your computer, the most important things to keep in mind are the decibel levels of the fan’s sound, the pitch of sound the fan produces, and whether the size of the fan will fit your existing computer.
CPU fan manufacturers include labels that identify the sound levels in decibels (dB) that the fan typically produces. You can find the sound levels listed in a table located somewhere on the side or back of the CPU box. Manufacturers also list sound level specifications for their hardware online. When comparing computer fan sound levels, the higher the decibel level, the louder the fan will be. A quiet CPU fan often advertises its decibel level prominently on its packaging; an exceptionally quiet CPU fan will produce about 19 decibels of sound when running.
When choosing a quiet CPU fan, you need to consider not only the volume of the fan, but also the pitch of the sound. High-pitched fans often create a more strident sound than fans that make a lower sound. The sound pitch of the fan is measured in Hertz (Hz). Hertz indicates the frequency of sound indicated in cycles per second; the higher the Hertz number, the higher the pitch. Sometimes, the pitch of a quiet CPU fan can be a matter of personal preference; if you find the high-pitched hum more offensive than a high-pitched fan, you might opt for a fan with a higher-pitched sound.
In some situations, such as in a recording studio, a fan may not be quiet enough. Other options for cooling a computer when absolute silence is needed include water cooling systems and large heat sinks. With CPU fans, the less often the fan turns on, the quieter the room will be. Using a properly installed, high-quality heat sink can help move heat away from the CPU more efficiently, reducing the CPU temperature faster so the sensor turns on the fan less frequently. Copper, a metal with high thermal conductivity, is the best metal to look for in a heat sink.
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