Hi, i'm looking to improve the noise/performance of my Xigmatek HDT-S1283 CPU by replacing the fan.

Which fan around 1000rpm – 1200rpm would best suit the HDT-S1283 while remaining quiet without compromising performance too much.

I have read scythe are currently the top fan makers at low RPM/noise at the moment, but there are a lot of different fans. So which fan should i get? should i consider a non scythe fan?


Scythe Ultra Kaze 120mm Fan 1000rpm 120 x 38mm
Scythe SlipStream Fan 1200rpm 120mm x 25mm
Scythe S-FLEX 120mm Fan 1200rpm 120 x 25mm
Scythe Kama PWM 120mm Fan Blue LED 120 x 25mm

I'm thinking of getting one of these, but im not sure which one.
Any suggestions would be great thanks,
Tom

Slipstream all the way. You can undervolt the 1200rpm model to be very quiet (<1000rpm) and retain the option of higher speed if you need it or get the 800rpm version and run it full tilt. Both are good options, however the 1200rpm version (along with any other 120mm fan at this speed) will not be quiet.

I think the S-FLEX would be better. The Slipstream, while a good chassis fan, is not the best heatsink fan since it doesn't handle pressure that well.

I think that silent PC review should rally do a test with certain heatsinks to see which ones work best.

This is my thinking:
SlipStream has the highest airflow but lowest air pressure, making it the quietest fan but not the most effective.

Sflex has good static pressure but doesn't have the best airflow.

Ultra Kaze has the highest pressure but is a louder design.

Question is though, which fan could be the most quiet at a given performance point. This is what needs to be tested i feel.

I think i will go the Sflex as its got good pressure and is quiet. But im unsure if this is the right decision.

If you have any thoughts on this, opinions or advice please do post.
Cheers,
Tom