Top 10 Quietest PC Fans

Deep
13 Aug, 2025

Quietest PC Fans: The Ultimate Silent Cooling Buyer’s Guide

If you’ve ever been deep into a gaming session, editing an important video, or just working late at night, you know how annoying a noisy PC can be.
The constant whirring of fans can break your focus, ruin immersion, and make your expensive build feel cheap.

Quietest PC Fans
Quietest PC Fans

The good news? You don’t have to choose between cooling power and silence anymore.
The quietest PC fans on the market today deliver excellent airflow at whisper-level noise — some are so quiet you’ll have to check if they’re even running.

In this guide, we’ll break down exactly what makes a fan quiet, review the quietest PC fans in 2025, and give you tips on how to make your PC even quieter.

What Makes a PC Fan Quiet?

Before jumping into the list, it’s important to understand the factors that affect fan noise:

  1. Noise Level (Measured in dBA) – Anything under 20 dBA is considered extremely quiet.

  2. Fan Size – Larger fans (140mm or more) can move more air at slower speeds, reducing noise.

  3. RPM (Revolutions Per Minute) – Lower RPM generally means less noise, but airflow must be balanced.

  4. Bearing Type – Fluid Dynamic Bearings (FDB) and Magnetic Levitation (MagLev) are quieter and last longer than sleeve bearings.

  5. Vibration Control – Rubber mounts and anti-vibration pads help absorb noise.

List-Top 10 Quietest PC Fans

1. Noctua NF-S12A ULN

  • Noise Level: 11.9 dBA

  • Airflow: 63 CFM

  • Bearing: SSO2 (Self-Stabilizing Oil-Pressure Bearing)

  • Why It’s Quiet: Extremely low RPM, advanced bearing tech, and premium build quality.

  • Best For: Silent enthusiasts and workstation PCs.

  • Buy Now

Pros:
✅ Virtually silent operation
✅ 6-year warranty
✅ Anti-vibration pads included

Cons:
❌ Brown/beige color isn’t for everyone
❌ Pricier than most 120mm fans

2. be quiet! Silent Wings 4

  • Noise Level: 15.5 dBA

  • Airflow: 60 CFM

  • Bearing: Fluid Dynamic Bearing

  • Why It’s Quiet: Precision-engineered blades and frame design to minimize turbulence.

  • Best For: High-end gaming and premium builds.

  • Buy Now

Pros:
✅ Excellent cooling-to-noise ratio
✅ Premium materials and design
✅ Long lifespan

Cons:
❌ Expensive
❌ Limited RGB options

3. Phanteks PH-F140MP

  • Noise Level: 19 dBA

  • Airflow: 68 CFM

  • Why It’s Quiet: Larger size allows slower RPM without sacrificing cooling.

  • Best For: Cases that support 140mm fans, airflow-focused builds.

  • Buy Now

Pros:
✅ Moves more air at slower speeds
✅ Affordable compared to Noctua
✅ Sleek black design

Cons:
❌ May not fit smaller cases

4. Corsair AF140 Quiet Edition

  • Noise Level: 18 dBA

  • Airflow: 67 CFM

  • Why It’s Quiet: Tuned for low noise while still offering decent airflow.

  • Best For: Mid-range builds that value aesthetics.

  • Buy Now

Pros:
✅ Stylish design
✅ Decent airflow for noise level
✅ Budget-friendly

Cons:
❌ Not as silent as Noctua or Arctic fans

5. Arctic F12 Silent

  • Noise Level: 8.5 dBA

  • Airflow: 37 CFM

  • Why It’s Quiet: Extremely low RPM and efficient blade design.

  • Best For: Budget builds and secondary cooling.

  • Buy Now

Pros:
✅ Ultra-affordable
✅ One of the quietest fans ever made
✅ Energy efficient

Cons:
❌ Low airflow for high-performance systems

6. Noctua NF-A14 PWM

  • Noise Level: 19.2 dBA

  • Airflow: 82.5 CFM

  • Bearing: SSO2 Bearing

  • Why It’s Quiet: Large 140mm design allows for high airflow at low RPM, plus anti-vibration corners.

  • Best For: High-performance gaming rigs needing maximum airflow without noise.

  • Buy Now

Pros:
✅ Massive airflow for its noise level
✅ Premium Noctua build quality
✅ 6-year warranty

Cons:
❌ Expensive
❌ Beige/brown color scheme

7. Scythe Kaze Flex 120 PWM

  • Noise Level: 14.5 dBA

  • Airflow: 51.17 CFM

  • Bearing: Sealed Precision FDB

  • Why It’s Quiet: Optimized blade design and sealed bearings to prevent dust buildup.

  • Best For: Balanced cooling and silence in mid-range builds.

  • Buy Now

Pros:
✅ Quiet yet effective cooling
✅ Affordable
✅ Durable bearings

Cons:
❌ Not as high airflow as premium options

8. Cooler Master Silencio FP 120 PWM

  • Noise Level: 14 dBA

  • Airflow: 44 CFM

  • Bearing: Loop Dynamic Bearing

  • Why It’s Quiet: Designed specifically for silent operation with a focus on noise damping.

  • Best For: Office PCs, HTPCs, and silent builds.

  • Buy Now

Pros:
✅ Very quiet operation
✅ Dustproof design
✅ Good value

Cons:
❌ Lower airflow for gaming PCs

9. Fractal Design Dynamic X2 GP-14

  • Noise Level: 18.9 dBA

  • Airflow: 68.4 CFM

  • Bearing: Long Life Sleeve Bearing

  • Why It’s Quiet: Low-turbulence blade design and vibration-reducing frame.

  • Best For: Fractal cases and airflow-focused builds.

Pros:
✅ Excellent airflow
✅ Affordable price point
✅ Reliable build quality

Cons:
❌ Sleeve bearings are not as long-lasting as FDB

10. Thermaltake Riing Silent 12

  • Noise Level: 18 dBA

  • Airflow: 40.6 CFM

  • Bearing: Hydraulic Bearing

  • Why It’s Quiet: Silent operation with an added RGB aesthetic for style.

  • Best For: Builders who want a silent yet colorful setup.

Pros:
✅ Quiet performance with RGB lighting
✅ Good for CPU cooling setups
✅ Solid build

Cons:
❌ RGB control may require extra software
❌ Not the highest airflow

How to Make Your PC Even Quieter

Even the quietest fans can get louder if your system isn’t optimized.
Here are some tips to make your PC as silent as possible:

  • Adjust Fan Curves in BIOS – Reduce RPM when temperatures are low.

  • Clean Dust Filters – Dust buildup forces fans to work harder and louder.

  • Use Rubber Mounts – Helps reduce vibration noise.

  • Choose a Sound-Dampened Case – Foam-lined panels absorb noise.

  • Replace Stock Fans – Many prebuilt PCs come with noisy, cheap fans.

FAQs About Quietest PC Fans

Q: Are bigger fans quieter?
A: Yes, larger fans (like 140mm) can move more air at lower speeds, making them quieter.

Q: What’s the quietest PC fan on the market?
A: The Arctic F12 Silent is among the quietest at just 8.5 dBA, but it has lower airflow than premium models like Noctua NF-S12A ULN.

Q: Do RGB fans make more noise?
A: RGB lighting itself doesn’t add noise, but many RGB fans focus more on aesthetics than silence.

Q: Can I run fans at lower speeds for less noise?
A: Yes, but ensure temperatures stay safe — use software to monitor them.

Conclusion

A silent PC is a joy to use, whether you’re gaming, working, or just relaxing with music.
The quietest PC fans in 2025 give you both cooling performance and peace of mind.

If you want the absolute best: Noctua NF-S12A ULN.
If you’re on a budget: Arctic F12 Silent.
If you want premium looks + silence: be quiet! Silent Wings 4.

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