Preferred bearing type for a CPU fan

Question

I've been doing some research into my first computer build and have come to a cross-roads when choosing my CPU fan.

I have been told of various bearing types such as ball, sleeve, rifle, magnetic and fluid.

I'm sure there's no outright winner from any of these fan types (Because every rule has its exceptions). I'm looking for the type that tends to be most reliable as well the quietest.

I'm aware that this may come across as an opinion-based question. If answers could possibly give examples of past experience or even records of comparisons between different types(both noise and reliability) I think that would avoid that problem.

Any input is much appreciated, thanks!

Answer 1

Ball bearing, to be more precise, two-ball bearing fans are by far the most reliable.

Life expectancy in average is 95,000 hours at 25C or 55,000 at 60C, compared to sleeve bearings 80,000 hours at 25C or 30,000 at 60C for top models. But ball bearing is probably the noisiest of all. But noise effect is not strictly proportional to bearing type.

Aerodynamics and the fin design are of huge influence on noise. So instead of looking for the bearing type, it is better to look at some fan tests and choose the CPU fan that best suits your needs.