Single Frame Fans or Single Frame Fan Unit is one of the newest things in the PC Case Cooling arena. A single-frame fan unit, also known as an all-in-one case fan, consists of two or three 120mm/140mm fans attached to a single frame. The fans are internally connected and utilize a single connector for both power and RGB lighting (if available). Single Frame Fans are available in 240mm, 280mm, 360mm, and 420mm configurations, with the 360mm fan unit featuring three 120mm fans being the most popular. Using a single-frame fan unit for PC Case cooling has its advantages and disadvantages, which are outlined below.
Advantages of Single-Frame Fan Unit
Below are the major advantages of a single frame fan unit over using individual fans inside your PC Case as Chassis Fans.
Less Cable Clutter – Using a single frame fan unit will have less cable clutter because a single frame fan unit has only one or two cables for power and RGB LEDs (if the fan unit has RGB LEDs) for connectivity, whereas using individual fans, each fan will have one or two cables for power and RGB. For example, if you use a 360mm single-frame fan unit with RGB, then the unit will have only two cables (for most models), one for power and one for RGB LED lighting. Still, when you use three 120mm RGB fans for a 360mm configuration, you will end up connecting six cables, as each fan requires two cables (one for power and one for RGB).
Easy Installation and Removal – Installation and removal of the Single Frame Fan Unit is easy and takes less time compared to installing or removing two or more individual fans of the same size. This is because a single-frame fan unit requires only four screws for installation and has fewer cables to plug into, whereas installing two or three individual fans uses eight and twelve screws, respectively, and more cables to plug into the connectors or headers.
Looks Great and Neat – Aesthetically, single-frame fan units look beautiful and neat compared to using individual fans for PC Case cooling. The single-frame fan unit has fewer screws, and the RGB LEDs can be evenly distributed along the frame without any gaps, making the whole unit look amazing when the RGB LEDs are lit.
Disadvantages of Single-Frame Fan Unit
Below are the major disadvantages of a single-frame fan unit compared to single fans.
Non-Replaceable Fans – The fans on a single-frame fan unit cannot be replaced as they are built into the single-frame or unibody structure. So, if one of the fans fails or gets faulty, i.e., spinning slowly or making noise, then you have to replace the entire frame fan unit, which can be expensive.
Limited Fan Options – Since the fans on single-frame fan units are non-replaceable, you have to settle for the fan specifications provided for the particular unit. You cannot choose the fans of your choice with desirable airflow and static pressure.
Limited Uses – Single Frame Fan Units are designed for use only in PC Cases as Case fans and are not recommended for use on Radiators, CPU Heatsinks, or for other cooling purposes.
Top Single Frame Fan Units
Below are the best single-frame fan units with ARGB LED Lighting for PC Case Cooling.
NXZT F360 RGB Core Single Frame Fan Unit
[Beautiful Design, Good Powerful Fans, Quiet, Fancy RGB Lighting]
The NXZT F360 RGB Core is one of the best single 360mm RGB Fan Units available on the market. The unit comes with three high-performance 120mm ARGB fans, each featuring 8 LEDs, and a two-ARGB LED lightbar located on the sides of the unit. The 120mm fan has a maximum speed of 2400 RPM and comes with Fluid Dynamic Bearing. The fan generates airflow of 75.12 CFM and static pressure of 3.3 mmH2O. The fan has a maximum noise level of 30 dBA, which is not loud and falls on the quieter side.
The fan unit utilizes an 8-pin NZXT connector for PWM and RGB, which can be plugged into the NZXT controller. A splitter cable is also included in the package to connect the fan unit to a traditional 4-pin PWM connector and 5V 3-pin ARGB header on the motherboard. The fan unit is available in two colors, black and white. A 240mm model is also available, having two 120mm fans with the exact fan specifications. You can also check the 240mm model by clicking the link below.
| NXZT F360 RGB Core Specifications | |
| Fan Unit Size | 360mm (120mm x 3 fans) |
| Fan Speed | 500 – 2400 RPM |
| Fan Bearing | Fluid Dynamic Bearing |
| Fan Airflow | 75.12 CFM |
| Fan Static Pressure | 3.3 mmH2O |
| Fan Noise | 30 dBA |
| Connector | 8-pin for PWM & RGB |
| LED Lighting | ARGB |
| Colors | White, Black |
Buy NXZT F360 RGB Core Fan Unit
NZXT F420 RGB Core
[Great Looks, Good Performance Fans, Beautiful RGB Lighting]
The NZXT F420 RGB Core is the larger variant of the NZXT F360 RGB Core, featuring larger 140mm fans. The unit comes with three 140mm fans with different fan specifications. The larger 140mm fans spin at a lower speed while generating higher airflow, with static pressure and noise levels remaining almost the same. The 140mm comes with Fluid Dynamic Bearing and has a maximum speed of 2000 RPM. The fan generates airflow of 98.61 CFM and static pressure of 3.2 mmH2O. The maximum noise generated by each fan stands at 34.5 dBA.
When it comes to RGB LEDs, it features 8 LEDs per fan and two LED lightbars along the two larger sides of the unit. For connectivity, it utilizes an 8-pin connector for PWM & RGB, compatible with the NZXT fan controller or the bundled fan splitter cable. Alternatively, you can use it with the motherboard’s 5V RGB header. It comes in black or white colors, and a smaller 280mm model with two 140mm fans is also available; you can check it out using the link provided below.
| NZXT F420 RGB Core Specifications | |
| Fan Unit Size | 420mm (140mm x 3 fans) |
| Fan Speed | 500 – 2000 RPM |
| Fan Bearing | Fluid Dynamic Bearing |
| Fan Airflow | 98.61 CFM |
| Fan Static Pressure | 3.2 mmH2O |
| Fan Noise | 34.5 dBA |
| Connector | 8-pin for PWM & RGB |
| LED Lighting | ARGB |
| Colors | White, Black |
Buy NZXT F420 RGB Core Fan Unit
Cooler Master SickleFlow Edge 360 ARGB Fan Unit
[Competitive Pricing, ARGB Lighting, Good Performance]
The Cooler Master SickleFlow Edge 360 ARGB is a 360mm single-frame fan unit that offers performance comparable to the NZXT F360 RGB Core, albeit at a lower price. The unit also features fancy ARGB LED Lighting on the fan and a little bit on the frame. The single-frame fan unit comes with three 120mm fans with Loop Dynamic Bearing. The fan’s speed is in the range of 690 to 2500 RPM and generates airflow of 190 CFM (combined) and static pressure of 3.54 mmH2O (per fan). The maximum noise level of the fan is 38.5 CFM, which is slightly louder than average.
The unit features an 8-pin connector for power and RGB, and the 8-pin cable splits into a 4-pin PWM and a 5V 3-pin ARGB cable for use in standard headers or connectors. The unit also comes with an A1 Mini LED controller, which plugs into the USB header on the motherboard, for use with Cooler Master’s MasterCTRL software. The unit features a hollow frame, making it lightweight. Overall, a good single-frame fan unit that is better suited for the front panel of the PC Case. It is available in both black and white colors.
| Cooler Master SickleFlow Edge 360 ARGB Specifications | |
| Fan Unit Size | 360mm (120mm x 3 fans) |
| Fan Speed | 690 – 2500 RPM |
| Fan Bearing | Loop Dynamic Bearing |
| Fan Airflow | 190 CFM (63 CFM per fan) |
| Fan Static Pressure | 3.54 mmH2O |
| Fan Noise | 38.5 dBA |
| Connector | 8-pin for Power and RGB / 4-pin PWM and 5V ARGB |
| LED Lighting | ARGB |
| Colors | White, Black |
Buy Cooler Master SickleFlow Edge 360 ARGB Fan Unit
Thermalright TL-UB36 Single Frame Fan Unit
[Budget Pricing, Minimalist ARGB Lighting, Standard Connectors, Silent Fans, Good Performance]
Thermalright TL-UB36 is a budget 360mm single-frame fan unit that offers good performance and features at an affordable price. It comes with three 120mm fans with servo-grade S-FDB V2 bearings and has a maximum speed of 2150 RPM. The fans generate airflow of 69 x 3 CFM and static pressure of 2.87 mmH2O. The fans are silent, with a maximum noise level rating of 27 dBA. The RGB LEDs on the unit are placed around the fan’s structure and the unit’s borders. The ARGB lighting is done tastefully and not flashy. For connectivity, it comes with a 55 cm long cable having 4-pin PWM and 5V 3-pin ARGB connectors. The Thermalright TL-UB36 Single Frame Fan Unit is available in two color options: black and white.
| Thermalright TL-UB36 Single Frame Fan Unit Specifications | |
| Fan Unit Size | 360mm (120mm x 3 fans) |
| Fan Speed | 2150 RPM (Max) |
| Fan Bearing | S-FDB V2 Bearing |
| Fan Airflow | 69 x 3 CFM |
| Fan Static Pressure | 2.87 mmH2O |
| Fan Noise | 27 dBA |
| Connector | 4-pin PWM |
| LED Lighting | ARGB |
| Colors | White, Black |
Buy Thermalright TL-UB36 Single Frame Fan Unit
JONSBO ZA-360BR Reverse Fan Unit
[Reverse Blade Fans, Infinity Mirror Effect, Affordable Pricing, Adequate Performance, Quieter]
JONSBO ZA-360BR is a single-frame fan unit with reverse-blade fans. The reverse-blade fans are designed for use at the bottom and sides of the PC Case. The fan unit features three 120mm reverse-blade fans equipped with FDB bearings and a maximum speed of 1800 RPM. The fan delivers airflow of 44.58 CFM and static pressure of 1.71 mmH2O. The maximum noise level of the fan is 31.6 dBA, which is on the quieter side. The ARGB lighting is visible on the fan and the sides of the frame. The ARGB lighting on the frame sides creates an infinity mirror effect that is truly stunning. For connectivity, it uses a 4-pin PWM connector for power and a 5V 3-pin ARGB connector for ARGB lighting customization and synchronization. The price of the unit is on the affordable side and is available in two color options, black and white.
Note: Regular fan blades models of this single frame unit are also available in 240mm and 360mm sizes with model numbers JONSBO ZA-360B and JONSBO ZA-240B.
| JONSBO ZA-360BR Reverse Fan Unit Specifications | |
| Fan Unit Size | 360mm |
| Fan Speed | 700 – 1800 RPM |
| Fan Bearing | Fluid Dynamic Bearing |
| Fan Airflow | 44.58 CFM |
| Fan Static Pressure | 1.71 mmH2O |
| Fan Noise | 31.6 dBA |
| Connector | 4-pin PWM and 3-pin 5V ARGB |
| LED Lighting | ARGB |
| Colors | White, Black |
Buy JONSBO ZA-360BR Reverse Fan Unit
Budget 360mm Single Frame Fan Units
Queries?
If you have any doubts regarding Single Frame Fan Units, Case Fans, or PC Cooling in general, then let me know your queries in the comment section below.
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