# Best Fan Upgrades **URL:** \ **Category:** Hardware\ **Tags:** fans\ **Created:** [September 17, 2023, 12:50am UTC](https://forum.45homelab.com/t/best-fan-upgrades/105 "2023-09-17T00:50:40Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Glitch3dPenguin](https://forum.45homelab.com/user_avatar/forum.45homelab.com/glitch3dpenguin/32/2393_2.png) [@Glitch3dPenguin](https://forum.45homelab.com/u/Glitch3dPenguin)\ **Post date:** [September 17, 2023, 12:50am UTC](https://forum.45homelab.com/t/best-fan-upgrades/105/1 "2023-09-17T00:50:40Z")
Hey all! Has anyone looked into what the best Noctua fan replacement will be for the HL15 yet? I am not looking for something quiet just very good performance. It looks like the fans on the HL15 are 3-pin so I am looking at the **[NF F12 iPPC-2000 3-pin](https://noctua.at/en/nf-f12-industrialppc-2000)**. ![dd55f9754d5ef8663a992c2238e02f0a](https://forum.45homelab.com/uploads/default/original/1X/7fddf4aa67762c169f8b572f81cf78a9fa17a5d7.jpeg) **EDIT:** I will am working on a list of fans that COULD be replaced with the OE fans on the HL15. Let me know if there is a fan I should add to this list! | Brand | Model | Size (mm) | RPM | CFM | dBA | Static Pressure | Notes | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Coolerguys | [CG12025L12B2-3Y](https://www.coolerguys.com/en-ca/collections/fans/products/coolerguys-120mm-12v-low-speed-fan?variant=12151406133362) | 120x120x25 | 1700 | 73 | 32.5 | 2.47mm H₂O | OE fans with HL15 | | Noctua | [NF-F12 industrialPPC-2000](https://noctua.at/en/nf-f12-industrialppc-2000) | 120x120x25 | 2000 | 71.6 | 29.7 | 3.94 mm H₂O | 3-Pin & Best Noctua Replacement | | Delta | [FFB1212VH](https://www.delta-fan.com/products/ffb1212vh.html) | 120x120x? | 3400 | 126.85 | 51.9 | 8.29 mm H₂O | 2-pin lead my require modification | | Lian Li | [UNI FAN SL V2](https://lian-li.com/product/uni-fan-sl-v2/) | 120x120x25 | 2000 | 64.5 | 29.2 | 2.59 mm H₂O | RGB & 4-pin | | Lian Li | [ST120](https://lian-li.com/product/st120/) | 120x120x25 | 1900 | 69.17 | 32.0 | 2.6 mm H₂O | NO RGB & 4-pin | | Antec | [Storm 120](https://www.antec.com/product/cooling/storm120) | 120x120x25 | 2000 | 66.56 | 25.8 | 2.7 mm H₂O | NO RGB & 4-pin | ---
**Author:** ![pxpunx](https://forum.45homelab.com/user_avatar/forum.45homelab.com/pxpunx/32/45_2.png) [@pxpunx](https://forum.45homelab.com/u/pxpunx)\ **Post date:** [September 17, 2023, 5:30pm UTC](https://forum.45homelab.com/t/best-fan-upgrades/105/2 "2023-09-17T17:30:35Z")
The Hl14 comes with 6x COOLERGUYS 120X120X25MM 3 PIN FAN MEDIUM. > **[Coolerguys 120x120x25mm 3 Pin Fan Low/Medium/High Speeds](https://www.coolerguys.com/en-ca/collections/fans/products/coolerguys-120mm-12v-low-speed-fan?variant=12151406133362)** > > We trust in our products at Coolerguys and test everything that is sent out! We happily extend a three-year replacement warranty to all our Coolerguys branded products. **CG12025M12B2-3Y** - 1700RPM - 32.5dBA - 73CFM - 2.47mm H2O If you compare the specs of Noctua’s 120mm 3-pin 12V fans, the NF-F12 industrialPPC-2000 comes closest to the CG fan specs. **NF-F12 industrialPPC-2000** - 2000RPM - 29.7dBA - 121.8 m3/h (72CFM) - 3.94mm H2O The NF-A12x25FLX is comes close, but it has lower CFM and static pressure. **NF-A12x25FLX** - 2000RPM - 22.6dBA - 102.1 m3/h (60CFM) - 2.34mm H2O So … I’d argue the iPPC-2000 is the best replacement. I run 3x 140mm iPPC-3000s in another build and they’ve been rock solid, no issues. ---
**Author:** ![Glitch3dPenguin](https://forum.45homelab.com/user_avatar/forum.45homelab.com/glitch3dpenguin/32/2393_2.png) [@Glitch3dPenguin](https://forum.45homelab.com/u/Glitch3dPenguin)\ **Post date:** [September 17, 2023, 9:40pm UTC](https://forum.45homelab.com/t/best-fan-upgrades/105/3 "2023-09-17T21:40:50Z")
> [@pxpunx](#): > > NF-F12 industrialPPC-2000 That is actually really good to know. I did not look at them side-by-side. It looks like the Coolerguys fans ARE better! And that is really cool! I’ll start a comparison chart on the the OG post see what different fans are compatible. ---
**Author:** ![pxpunx](https://forum.45homelab.com/user_avatar/forum.45homelab.com/pxpunx/32/45_2.png) [@pxpunx](https://forum.45homelab.com/u/pxpunx)\ **Post date:** [September 18, 2023, 4:30am UTC](https://forum.45homelab.com/t/best-fan-upgrades/105/4 "2023-09-18T04:30:44Z")
The iPPC-2000 is actually a little better; it has a higher static pressure @ 3.94mm H2O. And it’s quieter. ---
**Author:** ![Glitch3dPenguin](https://forum.45homelab.com/user_avatar/forum.45homelab.com/glitch3dpenguin/32/2393_2.png) [@Glitch3dPenguin](https://forum.45homelab.com/u/Glitch3dPenguin)\ **Post date:** [September 18, 2023, 5:00am UTC](https://forum.45homelab.com/t/best-fan-upgrades/105/5 "2023-09-18T05:00:01Z")
Yeah, after having it on the chart I would also say the Noctua fan is pretty dang good. That higher static pressure is huge! ---
**Author:** ![Fossil](https://forum.45homelab.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/f/47e85d/32.png) [@Fossil](https://forum.45homelab.com/u/Fossil)\ **Post date:** [September 26, 2023, 9:08am UTC](https://forum.45homelab.com/t/best-fan-upgrades/105/6 "2023-09-26T09:08:06Z")
Does one really need those static pressure fans for the HL15? I will be running 8 drives to start with, a Ryzen 5 CPU and a HBA, NIC, GPU. The GPU has a little fan and the CPU cooler will have its own fan. The HBA and NIC have heatsinks. I’ve also been looking at these which are a little cheaper than the Notcuas. But I have no experience with either brand to be honest. [P12 PWM PST | Pressure-optimised 120 mm Fan with PWM PST | ARCTIC](https://www.arctic.de/en/P12-PWM-PST/ACFAN00137A) The Arctic ones also come in a 5 pack for only €30. ---
**Author:** ![Hutch-45Drives](https://forum.45homelab.com/user_avatar/forum.45homelab.com/hutch-45drives/32/64_2.png) [@Hutch-45Drives](https://forum.45homelab.com/u/Hutch-45Drives)\ **Post date:** [September 26, 2023, 1:49pm UTC](https://forum.45homelab.com/t/best-fan-upgrades/105/7 "2023-09-26T13:49:00Z")
Hi @Fossil, Static pressure fans are not needed. Please feel free to install any 120mm fan you would like. ---
**Author:** ![Glitch3dPenguin](https://forum.45homelab.com/user_avatar/forum.45homelab.com/glitch3dpenguin/32/2393_2.png) [@Glitch3dPenguin](https://forum.45homelab.com/u/Glitch3dPenguin)\ **Post date:** [October 2, 2023, 7:27am UTC](https://forum.45homelab.com/t/best-fan-upgrades/105/8 "2023-10-02T07:27:08Z")
Are you looking to make the case a little quieter? The fans you listed are okay but the ones that come with the HL15 are actually better. The Arctic fans you posted have a 100RPM higher speed but everything else is lower across the board. I would just stick with the stock fans. 😀 45 Drives picked out some really good OEM fans. ---
**Author:** ![Glitch3dPenguin](https://forum.45homelab.com/user_avatar/forum.45homelab.com/glitch3dpenguin/32/2393_2.png) [@Glitch3dPenguin](https://forum.45homelab.com/u/Glitch3dPenguin)\ **Post date:** [November 16, 2023, 1:10am UTC](https://forum.45homelab.com/t/best-fan-upgrades/105/9 "2023-11-16T01:10:19Z")
I really wish I could go back and edit this post to add more fans in the future but this forum limits you on how long you have to edit posts. I cannot continue to edit this post so I will continue to update [this spreadsheet](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/14r9OLmzgMhxON7IVLTbaHZIbbLsqMZ4Z8l_BX-a57R4/edit?usp=sharing). ---
**Author:** ![SpringerSpaniel](https://forum.45homelab.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/s/db5fbb/32.png) [@SpringerSpaniel](https://forum.45homelab.com/u/SpringerSpaniel)\ **Post date:** [November 16, 2023, 3:02am UTC](https://forum.45homelab.com/t/best-fan-upgrades/105/10 "2023-11-16T03:02:53Z")
I found the Coolermaster SickleFlow 120 RGB and for anyone who can’t drive ARGB either using their mainboard or who wants to perhaps integrate it to their ZigBee, this seems great. > **[Amazon.com: Cooler Master SickleFlow 120 V2 RGB Square Frame Fan, RGB 4-Pin...](https://www.amazon.com/Cooler-Master-SickleFlow-Customizable-Computer/dp/B086HN1TFP)** > > SickleFlow 120 V2 RGB, is our signature cooling performance with a rejuvenated ARGB design, provides a specific air cooling solution. Revised curve blade design to improve airflow and air pressure. A refreshed frosted blade to enhance light... It’s $12.99 per fan which doesn’t seem awful for RGB. What does everyone else think? ---
**Author:** ![Glitch3dPenguin](https://forum.45homelab.com/user_avatar/forum.45homelab.com/glitch3dpenguin/32/2393_2.png) [@Glitch3dPenguin](https://forum.45homelab.com/u/Glitch3dPenguin)\ **Post date:** [November 16, 2023, 4:45am UTC](https://forum.45homelab.com/t/best-fan-upgrades/105/11 "2023-11-16T04:45:18Z")
> [@SpringerSpaniel](#): > > I found the Coolermaster SickleFlow 120 RGB and for anyone who can’t drive ARGB either using their mainboard or who wants to perhaps integrate it to their ZigBee, this seems great. I added this fan to the Spreadsheet I am working on: > [@Glitch3dPenguin](#): > > I cannot continue to edit this post so I will continue to update [this spreadsheet](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/14r9OLmzgMhxON7IVLTbaHZIbbLsqMZ4Z8l_BX-a57R4/edit?usp=sharing). ---
**Author:** ![00firestar00](https://forum.45homelab.com/user_avatar/forum.45homelab.com/00firestar00/32/91_2.png) [@00firestar00](https://forum.45homelab.com/u/00firestar00)\ **Post date:** [November 23, 2023, 6:37am UTC](https://forum.45homelab.com/t/best-fan-upgrades/105/12 "2023-11-23T06:37:03Z")
I was thinking of picking up these [Noctua NF-P12 redux-1700](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CG2PGY6/) they are 25.1dba, 2.83 mmH₂O for 70.8 CFM Unless you actually need the industrial ratings on the iPPC variant, this thing is no-frills and nearly half the cost. Seems like a good trade over the stock fans and only losing out on 2CFM The slight caveat of them only being in 4pin pwm config (in case that matters to people) I might even split the difference and do the iPPC in the front and redux in the back. ---
**Author:** ![Glitch3dPenguin](https://forum.45homelab.com/user_avatar/forum.45homelab.com/glitch3dpenguin/32/2393_2.png) [@Glitch3dPenguin](https://forum.45homelab.com/u/Glitch3dPenguin)\ **Post date:** [November 23, 2023, 10:09pm UTC](https://forum.45homelab.com/t/best-fan-upgrades/105/13 "2023-11-23T22:09:14Z")
This is a really good looking fan! I added it to the [spreadsheet](https://forum.45homelab.com/t/best-fan-upgrades/105/9) that I have been working on. It seems like for the price, it’s actually a really freaking solid fan. ---
**Author:** ![ZVeguillaCotto](https://forum.45homelab.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/z/7c8e57/32.png) [@ZVeguillaCotto](https://forum.45homelab.com/u/ZVeguillaCotto)\ **Post date:** [November 25, 2023, 12:17am UTC](https://forum.45homelab.com/t/best-fan-upgrades/105/14 "2023-11-25T00:17:05Z")
Does anybody know if\>25mm fans would work? Many of the YT videos I see online imply a 30mm fan has more static pressure and/or CFM for less noise. When I saw my HL15, the front-fan-array seemed a little shy of using all the space available. Do we know the maximum fan depth it will fit? The mid-fan-array can of course use more depth barring cables and other mods. ---
**Author:** ![Labrat](https://forum.45homelab.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/l/898d66/32.png) [@Labrat](https://forum.45homelab.com/u/Labrat)\ **Post date:** [November 25, 2023, 12:24am UTC](https://forum.45homelab.com/t/best-fan-upgrades/105/15 "2023-11-25T00:24:50Z")
I measured 40mm from the front plate to the front of the drive cage. Anecdotally, I’m using Arctic P12-PST fans which have kept everything cool and they are quiet at whatever speed the IPMI is running them at for “Optimal setting”. ---
**Author:** ![DigitalGarden](https://forum.45homelab.com/user_avatar/forum.45homelab.com/digitalgarden/32/1785_2.png) [@DigitalGarden](https://forum.45homelab.com/u/DigitalGarden)\ **Post date:** [December 7, 2023, 5:41am UTC](https://forum.45homelab.com/t/best-fan-upgrades/105/16 "2023-12-07T05:41:49Z")
What fans are used in the Q30? ---
**Author:** ![Hutch-45Drives](https://forum.45homelab.com/user_avatar/forum.45homelab.com/hutch-45drives/32/64_2.png) [@Hutch-45Drives](https://forum.45homelab.com/u/Hutch-45Drives)\ **Post date:** [December 7, 2023, 1:04pm UTC](https://forum.45homelab.com/t/best-fan-upgrades/105/17 "2023-12-07T13:04:57Z")
Hi @DigitalGarden, The fans in the HL15 and the Q30 would be the same fans. They are CoolerGuys CG12025M12B2-3Y fans ---
**Author:** ![stuhby](https://forum.45homelab.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/s/90ced4/32.png) [@stuhby](https://forum.45homelab.com/u/stuhby)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2024, 10:20pm UTC](https://forum.45homelab.com/t/best-fan-upgrades/105/18 "2024-01-17T22:20:26Z")
Can you simply plug these replacement fans into the same location the stock fans are? Where do they connect? It’s hard to see and I know there’s the proprietary 20-pin cable that plugs into the back-plane power board Will they even reach without extension cables? My main goal is to reduce noise so I’m looking at the Silent Wing 4, but I already own 3 spare AF-12x25s. ---
**Author:** ![Glitch3dPenguin](https://forum.45homelab.com/user_avatar/forum.45homelab.com/glitch3dpenguin/32/2393_2.png) [@Glitch3dPenguin](https://forum.45homelab.com/u/Glitch3dPenguin)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2024, 11:41pm UTC](https://forum.45homelab.com/t/best-fan-upgrades/105/19 "2024-01-17T23:41:07Z")
**No** , any fans - including the stock fans will require you to bypass the power breakout PCB that is included in the HL15 ($800 that doesn’t support controllable fans). Any 120mm fan will fit but you’ll need to wire the fans directly to a motherboard. To make your life easy, you can also get something [like this](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08Q367BXM?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details) to help the PWM breakout for all the fans. ---
**Author:** ![stuhby](https://forum.45homelab.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/s/90ced4/32.png) [@stuhby](https://forum.45homelab.com/u/stuhby)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2024, 11:51pm UTC](https://forum.45homelab.com/t/best-fan-upgrades/105/20 "2024-01-17T23:51:30Z")
Thanks, that’s what I was thinking. Agree, it’s a little disappointing something a simple as fan control isn’t included. Any recommendations where I could mount something like this? [Amazon.com](https://www.amazon.com/Noctua-NA-FH1-Channel-Eight-Based/dp/B0BZQ3NXMD/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2HJJT5O8D3AHB&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.HeMouyrlH0GrVG7DV_mhZV3DZxJaLlYqUnURqwRHkLnHDhmaTThgK8OrvNlrxAUvtJC89D_yq0RCXQFH0zeby6KM4ENQtvvM0Yx8RWX6mzdnOjGlMzfvc3pV3GMTg-yhSeuUnHZ69yuanupF9JkpAra4QLPJr8ItaJnHrx94lSiiUm7pLNrpGvE-xJLSztz7kdYYuZUAU0CeZzO8Zs1i6dviPgTKeZCkcTIkqq4RWiY.g8fIOVdVBYFFRbGXT47a0y2q9feIr_aR6ctl_pC8Wp0&dib_tag=se&keywords=noctua+fan+hub&qid=1705535481&sprefix=noctua+fan+hub%2Caps%2C78&sr=8-1) [Next page](https://forum.45homelab.com/t/best-fan-upgrades/105.md?page=2)