Gehäuselüftern

Gehäuselüfter, often referred to as case fans, are essential components in computer systems responsible for airflow and thermal management. Their primary function is to move air into or out of the computer case, thereby cooling internal components such as the CPU, GPU, motherboard, and power supply. Without adequate cooling, these components can overheat, leading to performance degradation, instability, and potentially permanent damage.

These fans typically come in standard sizes, with 120mm and 140mm being the most common. They are mounted in various locations within the computer case, including the front, rear, top, and side panels, to create an optimized airflow path. The direction of airflow is crucial. Intake fans bring cooler ambient air into the case, while exhaust fans expel hot air generated by the components. A balanced airflow, where intake and exhaust are relatively equal, helps prevent positive or negative pressure within the case, which can affect dust accumulation and cooling efficiency.

Gehäuselüfter vary in their specifications, including rotational speed (RPM), airflow volume (CFM - cubic feet per minute), and noise level (measured in decibels). Higher RPM generally means more airflow but also more noise. Many modern gehäuselüfter offer PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) control, allowing their speed to be dynamically adjusted by the motherboard based on component temperatures, thus balancing cooling performance with noise reduction. Additional features can include LED lighting for aesthetic purposes and specialized blade designs for enhanced airflow or reduced noise.