Scythe S-Flex Case Fan Question (SFF80B vs. SFF80C)

[gldtiamat]

Hello all,

I'm trying to reduce the noise of my computer, but I am also concerned about cooling.

Q9300 @ 3.0-3.5 w/ Hyper 212 Plus (Default 120MM fan)
4GB G.Skill DDR2 800 (6400)
Abit IP 35 Pro Motherboard
Corsair 550vx 550W PSU
XFX Radeon HD 5850
Lian Li PC-60PlusII (2 80MM Fans, 2 120MM Fans).

I've already decided to replace the 2 120MM fans with 2x Scythe S-FLEX SFF21E 120MM Case fans. They run at 1200RPM with 20.1 dBA.

The 80 MM case fans I'm debating between are Scythe S-FLEX SFF80C 80mm (2000RPM, 20.0 dBA) and SFF80B (1500RPM, 12.2 dBA).

I'm concerned about balancing both temperature and noise. If the 80C operates at 20.0 dBA, would it roughly match the noise output of the SFF21E? If so, then it's an easy decision to purchase that model. If it's more complicated, then that's another story. The reviews are all in favor of the SFF80B, but again, I'm looking to balance both my needs.

If any of you can offer any recommendations, it'd be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

[davcon]

It looks to me that you already have a good understanding of quality fans.
The 120mm S-Flex E is exactly what i would recommend.
I think you would have a hard time hearing anything annoying with specs under 20 decibels.
Good picks and i see no problems well done.
http://www.silentpcreview.com/article689-page1.html

 

[gldtiamat]

Thanks for getting back to me, Davcon.

I actually had another quick question. While I did decide to go with the 120MM Scythe S-Flex E (1200rpm) and the 80MM Scythe S-Flex C (2000RPM) for case fans, I now have a question about fan replacement on the CM Hyper 212 Plus.

Since I'm going with E's for the case fans, should I also go with E's for the CPU? Alternatively, if I go with F for the CPU (I think this is the recommended), should I go with F's for the case fan.

Part of me thinks I should go with a combination of the two, but I'm not a sound engineer and don't know how that works out. Part of me thinks the F's will drown out the E's, which is fine. On the other hand, if there are multiple F's in configuration, I'm not sure if it'd just make one holistic sound or if the accumulation will be louder than an E and F configuration.

If anyone is knowledgeable on how sound works, your feedback would be greatly appreciated.

 

[davcon]

Hmmm! i would probably put the E's on the cooler since the fins do most of the heat dissipation.
For case circulation it makes more sense to me to use the higher cfm F's.
I really don't think noise is going to be an issue with your fan choices other then air movement noise going over grills and components.
Btw i own that cooler on my 2nd rig and when i replace the fan E's or these will be going on mine are the 120mm which are out of stock at this site and cheaper
http://www.directcanada.com/products/?sku=14650AC0345&vpn=X-Silent-140&manufacture=THERMALRIGHT
I already own the X-silents on my main rig and they're dead quiet i had to check them for the first couple of days to see if they were spinning.
Btw the X-silent 120mm are 1200rpm and cost under $7 Canadian sleeved and under 20 decibels.