Corsair SP120 Quiet Edition for H100i

[Vragensteller]

Currently I have a Corsair H100i installed at the top of the case. The radiator is on top and the fans under that, blowing air towards the top in a push configuration. I'm quite happy about this, except for the noise that the fans are making. It's not incredibly loud, but it's still loud enough to distract. This is why I'm currently looking replace them with Corsair's SP120 Quiet Edition, which has a maximum RPM of 1450, and has rubber around the fans that is missing on the stock fans (SP120L).

Question 1: I know the RPM on the stock fans are higher, and therefore the cooling is probably better since the fans themselves are identical. Still though, I'm currently not overclocking (I'm planning on tinkering in the future though) and undervolted my i5-4670k to a stable 1.010 volts on stock speed, which makes it run 15 degrees cooler in a 'High' stress test with IntelBurnTest than with stock voltage. So I could let this compensate for potential degrees to be added by switching the fans. Will the SP120 Quiet Edition be a good choice?

Question 2: Performance Edition has - I believe - a cap of 2350 rounds per minute but is aside from that completely identical to the Quiet Edition. If I can limit these to 1450 (and thus make them exactly the same as the QE) or lower via the bios while the fans are connected in the fan headers on the motherboard, I would go for those. However, does that still mean It would go to like 600 RPM when the computer is in idle or is the 1500 fixed on that moment? Currently the stock fans are connected to the H100i water-block, not the fan headers. What will be the best way to connect the fans; water-block or fan headers?

Motherboard: MSI Z87-G45 Gaming
CPU: i5-4670k @3.4Ghz (3.8Ghz Turbo)
GPU: Asus GTX 770 Direct-OCII

 

[bigshootr8]

From someone who has used the h100i and the corsair SP120 quiet edition fans and I will say no they aren't a good choice for overclocking. The performance edition is preferably a better option to go with as you'll have a higher RPM to go from I would pick up the Performance edition with the PWM feature. That is the only way you'll be able to control the fan speed. Now I personally went with the Noctua NF-F12's and my temps dropped dramatically going from the quiet edition to the Noctua fans and they are a little quieter believe it or not then the Corsair Quiet edition fans. So its really up to you what you go with but if you stick with Corsair PWM performance fans.
Corsair SP120 PWM Fans
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835181040
The fans I picked up
Noctua NF-F12 PWM fans
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835608026

 

[Vragensteller]

So the Performance Edition is quieter than the H100i and has full speed control with Corsair Link? Also, should they be connected to the pump or to individual fan headers on the motherboard?

 

[bigshootr8]

The performance edition fans are a little louder but I would say that they aren't loud to the point where it would cause an issue and with corsair link with it connected with the fan connections you'll be able to monitor the fan rpm and slow them down if you need them to be.

 

[Vragensteller]

Wait, the SP120 PE is louder than the non-rubberized SP120L that came with the H100i at the same speed? That seems very weird to me.

 

[mechan]

These are probably the best two options for radiator fans from a performance/noise standpoint:
http://www.noctua.at/main.php?show=productview&products_id=43&lng=en&set=1
http://www.scythe-usa.com/product/acc/051/d1225c12b1ap_detail.html [the AP13 version]

I personally plan to get an H100i and pair it with the Noctua fans.

 

[bigshootr8]

The stock fans that come with the h100i are louder then the performance edition fans. The SP120L's are louder

 

[Vragensteller]

And about my question about how to connect the fans, should they be connected to the waterblock and Controlled via Corsair Link or straight into the Z87-G45 motherboard on the CPU fan headers??

 

[mechan]

And about my question about how to connect the fans, should they be connected to the waterblock and Controlled via Corsair Link or straight into the Z87-G45 motherboard on the CPU fan headers??

That obviously depends on whether you plan on using Corsair Link.

I personally don't use it ... my fans are quiet enough at stock speed and I run then at full speed attached to motherboard 3-pin connectors. If your fans are loud enough to annoy you, plug them in into a PWM header on the the MB (for auto control) or Corsair Link (for a more customized approach).

Also note many MB fan headers are also not real PWM pins (e.g. on many Asus boards) despite having 4 pins. The CPU labeled fan head generally is though. Check the manual to be sure.

If you find the answers helpful do select a best answer please.

 

[bigshootr8]

I use the corsair link. You need PWM fans to really make use of it if you get the normal 3 pin fans don't bother with the link.

With the h100i you don't get to plug into the waterblock like you did with the h100. Their are fan extensions that you plug into.

Would I use it sure but only if you get PWM fans that can have fan speed changed. Otherwise link will do nothing and you would need a fan controller to change the RPM's on the fans whether the board has a fan controller like many asus boards do or one that doesn't where you need a fan controller.