Measuring the size of the CPU fan is important when you are upgrading or replacing the fan. Whether you are maintaining the compatibility or just keeping the equipment, it is important to know how to measure a CPU fan? In this blog we will give some tips for measuring the size of a CPU fan.
Table of contents
Why measure a CPU fan?
First of all it is very important to know why you are measuring a CPU fan. Below is the importance of understanding the method of measuring a CPU fan.
- Compatibility:- It is important to know whether a new fan fits in the CPU socket.
- Cooling performance:- Precise sizing improves the airflow which keeps the system cooler.
- Noise levels:- Larger fans process more silently because of the lower RPMs.
How to measure a CPU fan?
Now we will have an insight of the method for measuring a CPU fan. Consider below:-
Shutdown the PC
This is the first step for measuring a CPU fan. Shutdown the computer and unplug it. This is the most important step in order to ensure safety.
Navigate the CPU fan
For navigating the fan of the CPU you have to open the CPU case. Several cases have screws at the back that are to be removed. When you have opened the CPU case, navigate the CPU cooler. The CPU cooler is located at the top of the CPU on the motherboard.
Remove the CPU fan
For the most precise measurement remove the CPU fan. This choice is optional for the user. If the user is enable for getting correct measurements without removing the CPU fan then there is no need to remove.
Measure the fan size
This is the most important steps to measure a CPU fan size. The size of the CPU fan is measure in width, usually measured in millimeters. The average size of the CPU fan is 80mm, 92mm, 120mm and 140mm. Follow the below steps:-
- Fan frame: (Width x Length):- Use the measuring tape to measure one side of a fan to another. Measure the length by going across the square frame of a fan.
- Fan thickness (Depth):- Measure the depth of the fan. Usually the depth of a CPU fan is approximately 25mm thick.
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Check the mounting holes
The next step to measure a CPU fan is to check the spaces between the mounting holes. This makes sure that the fan fits onto the heat sink precisely. Normally the mounting holes match the size of the fan. Due to this the size of mounting holes is the same as the size of the fan.
Measure the fan’s connector type
CPU fans come with different power connectors such as with 3-pins or 4-pins headers. This shows that the CPU fan is powered and controlled. Check whether the connector is attached to your fan or not. Also compare it with available slots on your motherboard or fan controller.
Reinstall the fan
If you had removed the fan, then place it back to the heatsink and close it with screws. After that plug the power connector back into the motherboard. After all this, close the case and reconnect the power.
By properly following these steps, you can easily measure the size of the CPU fan.
Fan size and performance
Different sizes of CPU fans give different performance. For example larger fans such as 120mm or bigger have capability to provide more air at low RPMs. This leads to a silent process. On the other hand, smaller fans such as (80mm or 92mm) fans have to run fast in order to move the same amount of hair. This could result in increasing the noise while operating.
Below are some average size of computer fan and their working:-
- 80mm:- Use in older systems.
- 92mm:- It is used in systems that give a good balance between size and performance.
- 120mm:- This is the most common CPU fan size that is being widely used. It is best because of its exceptional airflow and noise control.
- 140mm:- This size of CPU fan is used in systems that require maximum cooling efficiency.
Conclusion
Measuring a CPU fan is not such a difficult task. Measuring a CPU fan guarantees that you have purchased the right size for good performance. A correct measure of CPU fans helps you in getting the right size of processor. This results in decreasing noise while processing and guaranteeing an efficient system.
