CPU coolers and fans are one of
the main culprits for loud PC's. These particular coolers either come with
efficient low speed fans, built-in temperature control, or comes with no fan at
all. Low speed fans can be used with CPU coolers when the heatsink itself is
very efficient in dissipating heat. Only poorly designed heatsinks and
overclocked systems will require medium and high speed fans for the CPU cooler.
Fanless CPU coolers are excellent
alternatives but they require case fans to be installed. Properly mounted intake
and exhaust fans will create enough airflow to cool the fanless CPU coolers
without a fan dedicated to blowing air through the heatsink.
For heatsinks that require fans,
we recommend you to pick a fan from our Quiet Fans
section for lowest noise output.
In addition to a performance
heatsink, performance thermal compound should also be used to help increase
cooling efficiency. SVC recommends Arctic Silver 5.