Alright. I've currently got 3 case fans in my box made by a company called "Power Logic." They push 39 cfm @ 32dBa, sleeve bearing. One intake, two exhausts.
They're loud.
But they push a lot of air.
Right now, my dorm room is routinely between 76 and 80 degeees Fahrenheit (according to my Galilean thermometer, which is only accurate to 4 degrees, but it's cool-looking ) and this setup keeps the case at 36C under full load, and the proc. at about 52C (have the Antec "Solution" HSF on the proc--http://www.antec-inc.com/pro_details_cooling.php?ProdID=77049#)
I've been considering replacing them with the Vantec Stealth fans, because my room is very small and the noise is slowly driving me crazy Stealths are only 21 dBa, but they only push 27 cfm. They are also expensive.
What would you guys/ladies suggest? This computer seems to like to lock up when the proc pushes 60C, so a further increase in temps isn't desired. Would 12 fewer cfm (well, 12 in, 24 out) matter that much vis-a-vis the amount of noise it would save me? I wish I could test some out w/out spending ~$25.
I'll probably wind up just buying and testing them out, but if you have any experiences I'd appreciate your suggestions! Thanks a lot!