ARCTIC S8038-10K
Bottom line: The ARCTIC S8038-10K ($10.99 on Amazon as of 2026-10-06): Dual ball bearings resist heat and dust for longer service life than sleeve-bearing fans; main trade-off: 38 mm thickness will not clear standard 80x80x25 mm fan mounts or slim cases.
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-06. Price and availability subject to change.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Dual ball bearings resist heat and dust for longer service life than sleeve-bearing fans
- ✓ 51 mmH2O static pressure pushes air through dense radiator fins and mesh filters
- ✓ PWM range spans 500-10000 RPM, so it idles quiet and ramps only under load
- ✓ 173.30 m3/h peak airflow from an 80mm frame, sized for 2U server chassis
- ✓ 30 cm cable plus 4-pin plug also works on 2-pin and 3-pin motherboard headers
Cons
- ✗ 38 mm thickness will not clear standard 80x80x25 mm fan mounts or slim cases
- ✗ 10000 RPM top speed is audibly loud in an open desktop or living-room build
- ✗ No RGB or addressable lighting, so it clashes with themed windowed builds
- ✗ Single 12 V DC fan per package; multi-fan radiators need several purchases
SpecPicks Verdict
SpecPicks scored ARCTIC S8038-10K using a rating × review-volume × price-fit model applied to published specs and reviews across the retro cpu coolers & fans category. ARCTIC's retro cpu coolers & fans lineup sits within the broader category mid-tier; price and specs are the deciding factors over brand loyalty here. Judge it on the specification table and the price rather than on sentiment: check the figures that decide your use case, then put it side-by-side with two or three close alternatives in the Compare tool before clicking through.
Common buyer scenarios for retro cpu coolers & fans of this kind: matching it to an existing build, replacing a failing part, or upgrading from a previous-generation equivalent. Check the spec table below against your current setup — particularly socket / form-factor / power-rating fields — and confirm compatibility on the retailer's listing before purchase. Prices and stock are set by the retailer and may have moved since this page was last updated.
Key Features
- The impeller of the S8038-10K is held in place by two ball bearings, making it not only particularly durable but also less sensitive to external influences such as heat and dust
- The S8038-10K has a wide speed range that can be regulated via PWM and voltage. With up to 10000 rpm, it provides an ideal balance between cooling performance and noise
- With a static pressure of 51 mmH₂O and a maximum airflow of 173,30 m³/h, the S8038-10K is a true all-rounder and is suitable as both a radiator fan and a case fan
- The S8038-10K fits into 2U server cases and serves as an upgrade or replacement for a CPU fan, radiator fan or for system ventilation
- The fan has a standard 4-pin connector and can also be connected and controlled on 2-pin and 3-pin headers, while the 30 cm cable allows flexibility in positioning
Full Specifications
| Brand | ARCTIC |
|---|---|
| Color | Black |
| Model | ACFAN00279A |
| Voltage | 12 Volts |
| Wattage | 15.6 watts |
| Material | Polycarbonate |
| Dimensions | 80x80x38 mm |
| Unit Count | 1.0 Count |
| Part Number | ACFAN00279A |
| Material Type | Polycarbonate |
| Cooling Method | Air |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Air Flow Capacity | 173.3 Cubic Feet Per Minute |
| Compatible Devices | Server |
| Included Components | S8038-10K |
| Power Connector Type | 4-Pin |
| Warranty Description | 6 years |
| Maximum Rotational Speed | 10000 RPM |
| Item Dimensions L x W x H | 3.15"L x 1.5"W x 3.15"H |
| Global Trade Identification Number | 04895213704298 |
| Full listing title | ARCTIC S8038-10K - Server Fan, 80x80x38 mm, 500–10000 RPM, PWM Regulated, 4-pin Connector, 12 V DC, Rack Cooling Fan - Black |
Ready to buy?
ARCTIC S8038-10K - Server Fan, 80x80x38 mm, 500–10000 RPM, PWM Regulated, 4-pin Connector, 12 V DC, Rack Cooling Fan - Black is listed on Amazon. Price, availability, shipping and returns are set by Amazon and its sellers — check the listing for current terms. SpecPicks earns a small commission on qualifying purchases — thank you for supporting independent review work.
*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-06. Price and availability subject to change.
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