Best 140mm Case Fans – A Buyer’s Guide for 2020
When you’re a hardcore gamer or handle resource-intensive tasks such as video editing, then your system’s temperatures are bound to elevate to high levels. Sure, your PC comes integrated with stock case fans, but if you’re a gamer, these existing case fans will not cool your gaming rig sufficiently.
In any case, the original case fans tend to work harder leading to skyrocketing noise levels. Left unmanaged, the excessive heat will eventually lead to the premature wear and malfunctioning of the components.
Our Top Pick 2020
Noctua NF-A14 PWM
Budget Pick
Corsair Air Series AF140
Premium Pick
Corsair ML140
Top Pick: Noctua NH-D15 Case Fan
Noctua NH-D15 is a pretty solid dual premium grade fan that brings to the table high-efficiency levels and a quiet operation. It sports aerodynamic design measures as well as expanded heat-pipe design that ensure enhanced heat distribution and air flow. This is why we picked it as the best 140mm case fan.
As such, it’s a noble idea to invest in some aftermarket case fans that can cool your system so it doesn’t crash or damage. Case fans with larger blades circulate more air at lower speeds and are usually quieter, which is why 140mm case fans are so popular.
There’s a wide variety of 140 case fans on the market that you might be spoilt for choice. And truth be told, it can be somewhat hard to decide.
But to save you the trouble, we scoured the market & forums and identified a couple of case fans with impressive, design, airflow and low noise levels.
We then prepared a quick comparison table, reviewed the case fans then included a quick buying guide.
Best 140mm Case Fans - Comparison Table
1. Noctua NF-A14 PMW Premium Quiet
Noctua NF-A14 PWM is a quality premium 140mm case fan. Featuring 140mm mounting holes, the fan is a perfect superior grade replacement for 140mm case fans and 140mm water cooling radiators.
Its impeller features classic aerodynamic design measures such as the suction side Flow Acceleration Channels. It works by increasing the speed at the most integral outer blade regions effectively reducing suction side flow separation. What results is better efficiency and lower vortex noise.
The case fan sports a Stepped In-let Design that helps add turbulence to the air influx effectively allowing the transition from laminar flow to turbulent flow. All that helps reduce the intake noise, enhances the suction capacity and heightens the flow attachment.
Noctua NF-A14 PWM comes integrated with Anti-Vibration Pads crafted from extra-soft silicone that help reduce the transmission of vibrations. At the same time, the full capacity is with all the mounting systems such as standard screws.
What’s more, Noctua NF-A14 PWM features the optimized second gen time-tested SSO bearing exclusively to Noctua. SSO2 is in such a way that a rear magnet sits closer to the axis for additional stability, precision, and durability.
For automatic speed control through 4 pin headers, Noctua NF-A14 PWM comes with the Noctua’s custom designed NE-FDI IC. Its Low Noise Adapter makes it possible to reduce optimum speed from 1500mm to 1200mm during PWM control.
Besides, the case fan features a brass bearing shell milled by CNC which ensures the maximum possible level of manufacturing precision, improved long term stability, and minimum tolerance.
Pros
Cons
2. CORSAIR Air Series AF140 Quiet Edition
CORSAIR Air Series AF140 features custom-molded blades crafted for high-volume delivery. With a high 66.4CFM airflow, then this case fan is guaranteed to keep your system cool and performing at its peak. The case fan blades are also ultrathin to ensure less noise and turbulence. It runs at 1200 RPM.
And with the sleeve bearing in the picture, the vibration level is completely reduced to ensure a quiet operation. They run remarkably quietly at 25dBA ensuring there are no unnecessary distractions. Compared to their other typical counterparts, these fans deliver better performance.
The case fan has a translucent hue, with frosty texture and are available in different colors. Choose from the red, blue, purple and white. Even better, the LED come with LED lighting that makes that complements their sleek look while creating that much wanted dramatic effect.
CORSAIR Air Series AF140 has been crafted to ensure high airflow as well as large volume cooling. This is the case fan for those restricted space with no less than 3cm of clearance. It’ll work perfectly if mounted at the rear top of your PC so they can act as exhaust fans for all your system's components that fill the case with heat. Moreover, they can work as unrestricted intake fans for side panels or bottom intakes.
Also, the fan is a 3 pin connector and will hook to the motherboard as long as the motherboard has 3 pin case connector. It’s also possible to control speed.
Pros
Cons
3. CORSAIR ML140 Premium Magnetic Levitation Fan
Sporting a custom rotor design, CORSAIR ML140 strikes the perfect balance between static pressure and optimum airflow. This the case fan you need if you have a system that handles demanding tasks.
It features magnetic levitation technology that helps ensure that it runs at low noise levels while guaranteeing peak performance and longer service life.
The fan is a workhorse and features 1600 RPM control range that ensures maximum airflow at 55.4 CFM, low noise (20.4 dBA) and incredible performance.
And to use this fan, your motherboard must have an open standard 4 pin connector. It also has PMW speed control that controls how fast the blade runs.
What’s more, CORSAIR ML140 features replaceable corners pre-mounted to anti-vibration rubbers. That way, you can get the fan to match the rest of your build while simultaneously ensuring a quiet operation at high speeds.
CORSAIR ML140 is available in plain, red, blue and white colors. And with the ultra-bright LED mounted to the center harness, the fan will deliver a sharp blast of color and light.
Pros
Cons
4. ARCTIC F14 Silent - Ultra Quiet Case Fan
Let’s begin with the design. ARCTIC F14 Silent Ultra Quiet features blades with an innovative design to enhance the airflow and ensure efficient ventilation. The impeller was crafted with the emphasis on lowering the noise levels while at the same time delivering proper airflow (46 CFM) and pressure.
For a case fan to operate at a low speed while ensuring sufficient airflow and low noise, then it has to have a premium quality motor. ARCTIC F14 Silent comes with a motor designed that combines new alloy/lubricant to reduce noise and friction. The fan speed is 800RPM.
ARCTIC F14 Silent features two-way installation. The first involves blowing the warm air out of the case while the second one requires directing cool air into the case. Besides, the unit hooks to the motherboard and power supply via a 3 pin or 4 pin connectors.
It also sports a fluid dynamic bearing complete with an oil capsule that prevents lubricant leakage. As such, you can be sure ARCTIC F14 Silent runs remarkably quietly at 0.08 sone and has a long life.
Overall, ARCTIC F14 Silent is a perfect case fan for your system. With the innovative blade design, the fan airflow is quite okay at low speeds and will see to it that your PC remains cool. Plus, it’s remarkably quiet.
Pros
Cons
5. Cooler Master Silent Fan
If you want a cooler and more stable system that works at a peak, then a quality case isn’t optional. Cooler Master presents you a pretty solid fan, Cooler Master Silent Fan that works with computer cases as well as radiators.
Cooler Master Silent Fan work best with CM 690 and Centurion 590 mid tower cases. But they’ll also fit perfectly and work efficiently in a couple of other computer cases.
The fan has a 3 pin connector that you should plug directly to the mainboard. If you don’t care about controlling the fan speed, then you’ll be fine with this fan.
Cooler Master Silent Fan boast high 60.9 CFM airflow. That’s slightly above the ARCTIC F14 Silent case fan reviewed above. Relax and let these fan cool your system for maximum performance.
Case fans are supposed to make your computer cool down and run quieter. This fan has a sleeve bearing and operates at 16 dBA. Even if you install two of these in your case, they’ll sit there quietly doing their thing and you’ll barely them.
The case fan is pretty solid and includes no unnecessary components. With the impressive 60.9 CFM airflow, it’s a guarantees these fans will keep your system cool. Plus, you can barely hear the noise even if you get a couple of these to run simultaneously.
Pros
Cons
6. Thermaltake Ring 14 Circular Case Fan
Thermaltake Ring 14 Circular Case Fan sports a unique design. Its Wind Blocker Frame works hand in hand with the Concentrated Compression Blade’s (CCB) pressure feature.
And together, they force the airflow towards the exterior section of the blade effectively creating a compression effect and simultaneously blocking any pressure from escaping. It helps to maximize the static pressure, significantly reduce the blade’s noise as well as vibration.
What’s more, Thermaltake Ring 14 comes with in-mold anti-vibration rubber pads that ensure seamless use for 80% protection coverage, all the corners included.
The case fan also comes integrated with a self-lubricating hydraulic bearing. With the lubrication, you can be guaranteed of greatly reduced operating noise and heightened efficiency. It’s (LNC) Low Noise Cable can cut the noise level by 24% to 22.1dBA.
Thermaltake Ring 14 Circular Case Fan has maximum 51.1 CFM airflow and optimum speed at 1400RPM. The noise for the case doesn’t exceed 28.1dBA.
It also comes with a unique patented LED lighting that makes the system appear sleek and brings a dramatic effect. Plus they come in multiple colors to choose from including red, yellow, green, white and orange.
Pros
Cons
7. Antec TrueQuiet 140 Cooling Fan
Specially crafted, Antec TrueQuiet 140 aims at ensuring that your system is cool, operates quietly and at peak.
The fan features a pretty convenient 2-way switch that makes it possible for you to tune to either the silent or optimum RPM cooling.
As you very well know, cooling is important but there’s much more to functional computing that simply cooling. Antec TrueQuiet comes equipped with silicone grommets plus an innovatively engineered blade that significantly reduces the turbulence, vibrations and the noise level guaranteeing you a quiet operation.
Antec TrueQuiet 140 Cooling Fan has a maximum speed of 1000 RPM with the highest airflow being 32.44 CFM. The maximum noise level is 20.0dBA, which pretty quiet.
The installation of this case fan shouldn’t be hard. Included are tool-less mounting screws that allow for swift and quick installation. It comes with a 3 pin motherboard connector that you can use to hook to the mainboard.
Pros
Cons
8. Noctua NH-D15 PWM
Crafted innovatively, Noctua NH-D15 is a perfect dual tower cooler case fan that’ll withstand the rigors of everyday use and definitely our top pick.
Sporting an expanded heatpipe design. The six heatpipe layout helps increase the surface area effectively enhancing the heat distribution and airflow.
It also features dual elite grade NF-A15 140mm fans complete with PWM for auto speed control. With a sophisticated aerodynamic design measures such as Flow Acceleration Channels, fan ensures unparalleled efficiency and low noise levels.
The dual fans also feature a pro-grade SecuFirm2 multiple socket mounting system that guarantees ideal contact pressure as well as an optimum convenience on virtually any modern socket.
Noctua NH-D15 also comes with Noctua’s exclusive NT-H1 thermal compound. All these make the dual cool fan a perfect choice if you’ve overclocked your system and love to serene working environments.
In single fan mode, Noctua NH-D15 boasts outstanding high-end RAM modules compatibility. The dual case fan features recessed lower fins which provide 64mm clearance for heat sinks bearing tall memory in a single fan mode. Use it with standard height RAM not more than 32mm in the dual mode.
Pros
Cons
What to Look for in the Best 140mm Case Fan – A Quick Buyer’s Guide
Computer components including processors, RAM, and graphics cards have increased in speed as well as power consumption. In turn, the amount of heat produced by the system has also increased.
And with the elevated temperatures, the motherboard tends to throttle or scale the performance down so the temperatures are at normal levels. It means, then, that the CPU and other computer components will not run at peak. Case fans can help remove the excessive heat from the case so performance doesn’t suffer.
Size
Case fans come in various sizes ranging from 25mm to 250mm, but the most popular ones on the market are 80mm, 120mm, 140mm, and 200mm.
Recently, 140mm fan cases have surged in popularity due to the large blades capable will circulate more air at low speeds. They’re quieter and more efficient.
Power Connection Type
How does the computer case fan connect to the system? The 4 pin is the common type and it connects directly to the 4 pin motherboard connector.
Although a 3 pin will also hook to the 4 pin motherboard connector, it does so using only three pins.
The Molex connection type hooks directly to the power supply instead of the motherboard. Some models feature a combination of two connection types, say Molex and 3 pin.
Fan Speed
Measured in revolutions per minute (RPM), the fan speed influences the performance and is determined by the fan size. Large case fans run at lower RPM, circulate more air and are quieter.
Noise Levels
It’s computed in dBA (decibels) and tells how loud the case fan gets when running at its optimum speed. The noise levels range from 10dBA to 35dBA with the noise levels increasing as the case fans size decreases.
Air Flow
Case fan airflow is measured in cubic feet per minute and represents the amount of air that the fan can push per minute. Go for a case fan with a high CFM while still putting in mind the size (in mm) and speed (RPM).
Bearing Type
The most common case fan bearing types are the sleeve bearing, ball bearing and hydrodynamic (fluid) bearing. The hydrodynamic is self-lubricating and is the most durable type. The ball bearing is slightly louder than the sleeve bearing but has a longer lifespan.
Our Conclusion for the Best 140mm Case Fan
Are you planning to upgrade your PC, overclock the processor, enhance the performance and reduce the pressure on the components? Then you need to invest in the best 140mm case fan to keep the system cool. The size, build, airflow, speed and noise levels are just a few of the factors to consider. We hope you've found a case fan that'll cool down your system and keep it at peak performance.