Magnetic Levitation Case Fans
CORSAIR magnetic levitation fans use a specialized magnetic bearing design to suspend the fan blade, eliminating the physical contact that causes friction in traditional bearings. The result is lower operating noise, higher airflow efficiency, and a longer service life. If you're building a system where acoustics and long-term reliability matter, maglev fans are a strong choice worth understanding before you buy.
What to look for in a magnetic levitation case fan
As you’re shopping, weigh the following specs to decide on which fan to buy.
- Bearing type: Case fans come in magnetic levitation or traditional hydraulic bearing types.
- Size: Be sure to decide between 120mm and 140mm fans to fit your case.
- Compatibility: Make sure your space supports the fan size and type, and that your slots aren’t taken up with other radiator units.
- Static pressure and RPMs: Two ways fans are measured on performance—air pressure and speed, respectively.
- Design: Check for color options and RGB LED functionality.
Are magnetic levitation fans better than other types of case fans?
There’s a lot to consider as you’re picking out your case fans, and bearing type is no exception. A magnetic bearing is a fan unit that uses carefully balanced magnetic force to keep the rotor unit suspended inside the case so there’s no physical friction when the fan moves. This leads to the quietest possible operation, better efficiency, a longer lifespan, and even more customization using more precise performance curves. Other types of fans use physical bearings or hydraulic bearings, which are still quite effective. But the increased friction at play here leads to more noise and more wear over time. Read more about the advantages of magnetic dome technology on the CORSAIR EXPLORER blog.
Not sure which case fans are right for your setup? Try out our Custom PC Builder for recommendations, size guides, and compatibility checks.