Can I put a case fan on a heatsink?

[MrN1ce9uy]

Will a case fan work to cool a cpu heatsink if they are both the same size? It looks like they will be interchangeable.

One of these : http://

To replace the smaller one here:

 

[Archaic59]

Heat sink should have a static pressure type fan (SP). Case fans are air flow (AF) type.

Example-
http://www.corsair.com/en/air-series-sp120-high-performance-edition-high-static-pressure-120mm-fan

 

[genthug]

Agreed with the above^ but that can typically be worked around if you just put a beefy enough fan on it 😛 SP is definitely better though. Better air movement per dba than an airflow fan on a heatsink or a radiator. But to answer your question: as long as the heatsink has screw holes on it that match that fan's size, you can absolutely interchange the fans.

 

[sizzling]

As above, it should have a static pressure fan which is designed to push air though an obstruction (cooler) but it would work but not as effectively as the correct fan

 

[MrN1ce9uy]

Thanks. I didn't know about static pressure. I'm unsure as to whether I should replace the whole heatsink. It's an old LGA 775 with a C2D and the current heatsink and fan cool it just fine; the only problem is the fan makes a clicking noise.

I was wanting to put a case fan on it as they are cheap. But now that you mention SP, do all heatsinks come with SP fans?

This one doesn't say. I've spent enough money on the machine already and I'm not wanting to spend a lot. I also don't want it making racket such as with the clicking noise coming from the fans.

 

[genthug]

You'd have to contact the seller to get that information. Not all of them do. Some manufacturers put AF fans on it because they're typically cheaper than SP fans. I know the majority of the AIOs I've been looking at have AF fans on them. If you're not wanting to drop too much money on the system before you upgrade, an AF fan will do you fine. Just make sure it has screw holes to match the size, and you'll be golden.

 

[MrN1ce9uy]

You'd have to contact the seller to get that information. Not all of them do. Some manufacturers put AF fans on it because they're typically cheaper than SP fans. I know the majority of the AIOs I've been looking at have AF fans on them. If you're not wanting to drop too much money on the system before you upgrade, an AF fan will do you fine. Just make sure it has screw holes to match the size, and you'll be golden.

Thanks!