The advantages of magnetic dome bearings in fans

Bearings are vital to the design of a PC fan. Much like any other application, bearings in PC fans make sure that the fan stays together, and moves the right way. However, while doing this, bearing need to minimize friction. Less friction results in a faster, more efficient fan that will also last longer as there will be less wear and tear over time.

Given the importance of bearings to the design of PC fans, we're going to give you a quick lesson on magnetic bearings, and compare them to other bearing types.

Bearing selection can influence the silent hum of an optimized PC or a whirring sound that demands attention. High-quality bearings reduce friction as the fan spins, facilitating a smoother and quieter rotation while also minimizing heat build-up, which can otherwise impact the performance and lifespan of both the fan and the PC system. From sleeve bearings, which offer cost-effective simplicity, to advanced magnetic bearings designed for superior lifespan, each type plays a pivotal role in cooling technology.

Simply put, magnetic dome bearings allow for contactless rotation of the fan's blades. This is achieved through the careful balance of magnetic forces to suspend the rotor within the fan's casing, virtually eliminating friction and wear.

Physical bearings vs magnetic bearings:

Traditional PC fans use physical sleeve or ball bearings to support the rotor. These bearings, while effecive, can suffer from wear and tear over time, leading to noise and reduced lifespan. Magnetic dome, on the other hand, not only ensures a quieter operation but also offers a significant increase in the fan's longevity.

Fluid bearings vs mechanical bearings:

Fluid bearings contain fluid between the static and moving parts. This results in very little friction and therefore more speed with less wear and tear over time. These are typically quieter than physical bearings, but not quite as quiet as magnetic bearings.

Silent Operation: With no physical contact between the rotor and the casing, magnetic dome bearing fans produce a significantly lower level of noise compared to their traditional counterparts. The advantage is clear with a silent or near-silent rig.

Enhanced Efficiency: By minimizing friction, magnetic dome bearing fans can spin more easily and require less energy to operate, improving overall efficiencywith less power consumption.

Extended Lifespan: Without the wear and tear associated with physical bearings, the life of a magnetic dome bearing fan can be more than doubled. Their long-term durability means less maintenance and fewer worries about breakdowns.

Increased Performance and Customizable Curves: CORSAIR Magnetic Dome Bearing fan models offer the ability to adjust the fan's behavior via software, allowing users to tailor the cooling performance to their specific needs. Paired with enhanced RPM control, this results in better thermal regulation.

To bring home the benefits of magnetic dome fans, here's a comparison. In a traditional fan, we might see a lifespan of around 40,000 hours, while a magnetic dome bearing fan can push that number to 200,000 hours or more. In terms of decibel levels, a typical fan might produce 24dB under the same operating conditions that a magnetic dome bearing fan could reach as low as 10dB—quite the considerable difference, particularly in a smaller system.

Similarly, in terms of RPM control, a magnetic dome bearing fan can offer a much finer degree of adjustment, spinning as low as 400 RPM, which traditional fans might find hard without stalling, all the way up to a blistering 2,400 RPM where necessary.

The integration of Magnetic Dome Bearing technology in PC fans is just one example of how innovation in PC gear is often about the small details. These details, however, have sweeping implications for noise reduction, energy efficiency, and performance.

If and when you're ready to purchase new fans for your PC, we welcome you to check out our webstore where you will find a large selection of fans including those with magnetic dome bearings.