Choosing among the best data center cooling systems in this lineup comes down to rack space, airflow needs, and whether you need intake or exhaust. I’d start with the PROCOOL TV480 for its stated 212 CFM airflow and three-year limited warranty, or the TV380 if reversible fan direction helps match your cabinet layout. For a shallow 1U slot and a quieter stated operating level, the ProCool TV640 is a different kind of pick, though its 48 CFM output is much lower.
These are rack-mounted air-moving units, not complete data center cooling plants. They cannot replace room-level cooling, airflow containment, monitoring, or capacity planning. My ranking weighs stated airflow, fit, direction, noise, warranty, and how clearly the product information supports a buyer decision. The strongest airflow figures come with higher noise figures, while compact 1U choices save rack height at the cost of less published airflow. Treat the listed specifications as product claims and confirm dimensions, power, mounting, and airflow direction against your rack and equipment before ordering.
Key Takeaways
- The PROCOOL TV480 leads this group for buyers prioritizing its stated 212 CFM intake airflow, standard 19-inch rack fit, and three-year limited warranty.
- The PROCOOL TV380 offers 159 CFM intake airflow and fans that can be flipped, giving it more layout flexibility than the fixed-direction models.
- The ProCool TV640 uses only 1U of rack height and lists 30.8 dBA, but its 48 CFM figure makes it a lower-output choice than the 2U units.
- The TV480-E is the lineup’s dedicated exhaust option; its 212 CFM figure is useful only if exhaust placement fits the cabinet’s airflow path.
- The NavePoint unit packs four fans into 1U and uses 110V power, but the supplied information does not state airflow, noise, or warranty.
| PROCOOL TV480 2U Rack-Mount Intake Fan |  | Best Overall for High Airflow Intake | Model: TV480 | Rack size: 2U, 19-inch rack | Dimensions: 19 × 3.5 × 2 inches | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| PROCOOL TV380 2U Rack Mount Intake Fan |  | Best for Reversible Airflow | Rack size: 2U, 19-inch | Dimensions: 19 × 3.5 × 2 inches | Airflow: 159 CFM | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| ProCool TV480-E 2U Rack Mount Exhaust Fan | | Best for Dedicated Exhaust | Rack size: 2U | Dimensions: 19 × 3.5 × 2.5 inches | Airflow: 212 CFM | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| ProCool TV640 1U Rack-Mount Intake Fan |  | Best Compact, Lower-Noise Pick | Rack size: 1U | Dimensions: 19 × 1.75 × 2 inches | Airflow: 48 CFM | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| NavePoint 1U Rack-Mount Cooling Unit with Four Fans |  | Best for a Four-Fan 1U Configuration | Fan count: 4 | Rack height: 1U | Dimensions: 20.9 × 15.9 × 2.36 inches | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| data center cooling system | Dimensions | Rack size | Airflow | Noise level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PROCOOL TV480 2U Rack-Mount In | 19 × 3.5 × 2 inches | 2U, 19-inch rack | 212 CFM | 45 dBA |
| PROCOOL TV380 2U Rack Mount In | 19 × 3.5 × 2 inches | 2U, 19-inch | 159 CFM | 43 dB listed; 44 dBA also stated |
| ProCool TV480-E 2U Rack Mount | 19 × 3.5 × 2.5 inches | 2U | 212 CFM | 45 dBA |
| ProCool TV640 1U Rack-Mount In | 19 × 1.75 × 2 inches | 1U | 48 CFM | 30.8 dBA |
| NavePoint 1U Rack-Mount Coolin | 20.9 × 15.9 × 2.36 inches | — | — | — |
More Details on Our Top Picks
PROCOOL TV480 2U Rack-Mount Intake Fan
The PROCOOL TV480 earns the lead position because its stated 212 CFM intake airflow is the highest figure in this lineup, and its specification set includes rack dimensions, power, noise, material, and warranty. It is a 2U metal unit for a standard 19-inch rack. Compared with the 159 CFM TV380, the TV480 claims more airflow, but it does not offer the TV380’s reversible fan direction. That distinction matters if your cabinet layout may change or if you need one model to handle more than one airflow configuration.
The tradeoff is audible operation: its listed 45 dBA is higher than the TV640’s 30.8 dBA, while the TV640 also takes half the rack height. For a server room where airflow through a rack takes priority, that may be an acceptable compromise; for a quiet office or open workspace, it deserves careful placement. The three-year limited warranty is a useful stated support detail, though it does not establish expected service life or maintenance needs.
I would choose this model when the rack has 2U available, the cabinet needs intake airflow, and the published output is a meaningful selection factor. I would skip it when the installation needs exhaust, unusually quiet operation, or a complete cooling solution rather than an individual rack fan. The 212 CFM figure is a product specification, not a guarantee of cooling for a given equipment load.
Pros:- Highest listed airflow in this comparison at 212 CFM
- Designed for standard 19-inch server racks
- Metal construction and stated three-year limited warranty
- Power and rotational speed are specified
Cons:- Uses 2U of rack height
- 45 dBA may be too loud for some work areas
- Fixed intake configuration offers less directional flexibility than the TV380
Best for: Rack operators seeking the lineup’s highest stated airflow for intake in a standard 19-inch cabinet.
Not ideal for: Buyers who need exhaust airflow, a 1U unit, or a low-noise fan for a nearby occupied workspace.
- Model:TV480
- Rack size:2U, 19-inch rack
- Dimensions:19 × 3.5 × 2 inches
- Airflow:212 CFM
- Noise level:45 dBA
- Voltage and power:12 V; 23.04 W
- Material:Metal
- Warranty:3-year limited warranty
Our verdict“Choose the TV480 for the strongest stated intake airflow and a clearly specified 2U rack unit, provided its noise and fixed direction suit your cabinet.”
PROCOOL TV380 2U Rack Mount Intake Fan
The PROCOOL TV380 is the most adaptable pick when airflow direction needs to match a rack’s layout. Its fans can be flipped to change between intake and exhaust, giving it an advantage over the fixed-intake TV480 and the exhaust-only TV480-E. The stated 159 CFM sits below both of those models’ 212 CFM claims, but the direction option may be more useful than maximum output when the cabinet’s existing airflow path is the main constraint.
It is a 2U metal unit for a 19-inch rack, and its listing gives 17.28 watts, 12 volts, and a three-year warranty. One specification needs checking: the noise is listed as 43 dB in one place and 44 dBA in another. Those figures use different notation and do not provide a consistent basis for comparison with the TV480’s 45 dBA. I would confirm the current product documentation before choosing this for a noise-sensitive installation.
This model makes most sense when a buyer wants a single unit that can be configured to suit airflow direction, or when the TV480’s higher stated airflow is not needed. Compared with the TV640, it consumes another rack unit and provides a much higher listed airflow; compared with the TV480-E, it gives up stated airflow in return for a reversible configuration. It remains a rack fan, not a replacement for room cooling or a managed hot-aisle and cold-aisle design.
Pros:- Fans can be flipped to change airflow direction
- 159 CFM listed airflow for a 2U unit
- Metal construction for a 19-inch rack installation
- Three-year warranty is stated
Cons:- Airflow rating is lower than the TV480 and TV480-E
- Noise is listed inconsistently as 43 dB and 44 dBA
- Requires 2U of rack space
Best for: Rack operators who need to choose intake or exhaust direction during installation or adapt the unit to a specific cabinet airflow path.
Not ideal for: Buyers who need the lineup’s highest stated airflow or require an unambiguous noise specification.
- Rack size:2U, 19-inch
- Dimensions:19 × 3.5 × 2 inches
- Airflow:159 CFM
- Noise level:43 dB listed; 44 dBA also stated
- Voltage and wattage:12 V; 17.28 W
- Airflow direction:Intake; fans can be flipped for exhaust
- Material:Metal
- Warranty:3 years
Our verdict“Pick the TV380 when reversible fan direction matters more than the TV480’s higher stated airflow.”
ProCool TV480-E 2U Rack Mount Exhaust Fan
The ProCool TV480-E fills a clear role in this group: it is the dedicated 2U exhaust option. Its stated 212 CFM airflow matches the intake TV480, and both list 45 dBA. The choice between them is chiefly about direction and placement. If air needs to be pulled out of a cabinet at a specific point, the TV480-E’s exhaust configuration is more directly aligned with that job; if air must be introduced, the TV480 is the better fit.
That focused role earns it a place ahead of the smaller-output TV640, but its information is thinner than the TV480’s. The supplied description gives dimensions, airflow, and noise, without listing voltage, wattage, construction, or warranty. Compared with the TV380, it offers 53 CFM more stated airflow, but lacks a stated option to flip the fans. The TV380 can suit a changing layout; this model is the more straightforward choice when exhaust is already the requirement.
I would select it only after checking the rack’s air path and confirming that the unit will exhaust where intended. A fan that moves air in the wrong place can disrupt an otherwise sensible intake-to-exhaust pattern. Buyers who need detailed electrical or warranty information should obtain those details before purchase. As with the other products here, this unit cannot size or condition air for an entire data center.
Pros:- Dedicated exhaust configuration
- 212 CFM stated airflow
- Fits a standard 19-inch rack
- Compact 2U form factor
Cons:- 45 dBA listed noise level
- No voltage, wattage, material, or warranty details supplied
- No stated fan reversal option
Best for: Buyers who specifically need a 2U exhaust fan to remove air from a standard 19-inch rack cabinet.
Not ideal for: Buyers who need intake, reversible direction, or fuller published electrical and warranty specifications.
- Rack size:2U
- Dimensions:19 × 3.5 × 2.5 inches
- Airflow:212 CFM
- Noise level:45 dBA
- Type:Rack-mount exhaust fan
- Rack fit:19-inch cabinet
Our verdict“Choose the TV480-E when fixed exhaust placement is the deciding need and the airflow path has been checked.”
ProCool TV640 1U Rack-Mount Intake Fan
The ProCool TV640 stands apart by using just 1U of rack height and listing a 30.8 dBA noise level. It is the most suitable option here when a rack has limited space for auxiliary cooling or sits near people who may be sensitive to fan noise. Its stated 48 CFM is far below the 159 CFM TV380 and the 212 CFM TV480, so the compact footprint comes with a clear airflow tradeoff.
Compared with NavePoint’s four-fan 1U unit, the TV640 at least has a published airflow and noise figure, which gives a buyer more to compare. NavePoint specifies its fan count and 110V power but supplies no airflow or noise rating in the provided details. The TV640’s own listing remains sparse: it does not provide voltage, wattage, warranty, or much installation and compatibility information. I would verify those points, along with the precise rack clearance, before treating it as a drop-in fit.
This pick works best as a compact intake unit where modest stated airflow is enough for the intended use. It is not a sensible stand-in for a higher-output 2U fan when heat removal needs are substantial. Nor does a lower listed noise figure prove quietness under every installation; placement, obstruction, and surrounding equipment affect what a buyer hears.
Pros:- Uses one rack unit
- 48 CFM airflow is stated
- 30.8 dBA noise level is stated
- 19-inch rack-mount format
Cons:- Much lower stated airflow than the 2U models
- Limited installation and compatibility information
- No warranty or electrical details supplied
Best for: Buyers who have only 1U available and want a stated airflow and noise figure for a compact intake fan.
Not ideal for: Operators who need high airflow, detailed electrical specifications, or documented reliability and warranty information.
- Rack size:1U
- Dimensions:19 × 1.75 × 2 inches
- Airflow:48 CFM
- Noise level:30.8 dBA
- Type:Intake fan
- Intended use:Network servers, data centers, and industrial rack cabinets
Our verdict“The TV640 is the compact choice when 1U space and its listed noise figure matter more than high airflow.”
NavePoint 1U Rack-Mount Cooling Unit with Four Fans
The NavePoint 1U cooling unit brings four fans into a single rack unit and runs on 110V, which may suit a buyer looking for a multi-fan format with a familiar mains connection. A lighted rocker switch makes the power state easy to see at the unit. Those details distinguish it from the TV640, which lists a lower-noise figure and airflow but does not specify its power requirements in the supplied information.
The central limitation is how much performance information is missing. No airflow or noise rating is provided here, so I cannot compare its cooling output directly with the TV640’s 48 CFM, the TV380’s 159 CFM, or the TV480’s 212 CFM. Four fans do not by themselves establish greater airflow or better rack cooling; fan size, speed, and the unit’s path through the rack also matter. The unit’s listed dimensions are 20.9 × 15.9 × 2.36 inches, so buyers should check the full mounting and clearance requirements rather than relying on rack height alone.
I would consider NavePoint when the four-fan layout, 1U form, 110V supply, and visible switch match an existing installation, and when the seller can answer questions about airflow, noise, and warranty. Compared with the TV640, it offers more fan elements but less published performance data. Compared with the 2U models, its space claim is smaller, but the absence of an airflow figure makes it difficult to judge for a demanding cabinet.
Pros:- Four fans in a 1U rack-mount unit
- 110V, 50/60 Hz power listed
- Lighted on/off rocker switch
- Weight and unit dimensions are specified
Cons:- No airflow rating supplied
- No noise level supplied
- No warranty or fan performance details supplied
Best for: Buyers who specifically want four fans in a 1U unit with 110V power and a visible on/off switch.
Not ideal for: Operators who must compare airflow capacity or noise before buying, or who need a published warranty in the supplied specifications.
- Fan count:4
- Rack height:1U
- Dimensions:20.9 × 15.9 × 2.36 inches
- Weight:13.47 pounds
- Voltage:110 V, 50/60 Hz
- Switch:Lighted on/off rocker switch
- Color:Black
- Airflow and noise:Not provided in supplied specifications
Our verdict“Choose the NavePoint only when its four-fan 1U format fits your rack and you can confirm the missing airflow and noise details.”
How We Picked
I ranked these five products for the specific job their listings describe: moving air through or out of a 19-inch server rack. I compared stated airflow, rack height and dimensions, intake or exhaust configuration, noise figures when available, power details, construction, and warranty information. Those details matter because a high airflow number does not settle whether a fan fits a rack plan, moves air in the needed direction, or can be tolerated in the surrounding workspace.
The TV480 takes the lead because its listing combines the highest stated airflow in the group, 2U rack fit, metal construction, and a three-year limited warranty. The TV380 follows because its 159 CFM intake rating and reversible fans give it useful flexibility, though its noise specification is inconsistent. The TV480-E serves buyers who specifically need an exhaust unit, while sharing the 212 CFM and 45 dBA figures of the intake TV480. I place the two 1U products lower because their supplied descriptions leave important performance information out: the TV640 lists 48 CFM, and NavePoint provides no airflow figure.
I have not treated these models as substitutes for facility cooling equipment. The supplied information does not establish cooling capacity for a full data center, suitability for a specific heat load, or verified performance under a particular installation. I also do not infer compatibility beyond the described rack format. A buyer should check clearances, fan orientation, electrical requirements, cable access, and the rack’s existing front-to-back airflow path before choosing.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Best Data Center Cooling Systems
I would choose a rack cooling fan only after identifying where air enters and exits the cabinet, how much rack space is free, and what the product’s specifications actually establish. These units move air at the rack; the correct choice depends on a planned airflow path and the equipment’s thermal needs.Start with the rack’s airflow path
Map the equipment’s intended airflow before choosing between intake and exhaust. Many rack servers draw air from the front and discharge it at the rear, but the cabinet layout and surrounding equipment determine how that air travels. The TV480 is an intake model, the TV480-E is an exhaust model, and the TV380 lets the installer flip its fans. That flexibility can help if the rack configuration calls for a different direction, but it does not remove the need to place the unit where it supports the cabinet’s overall path.
A poorly placed fan can circulate already-warm air or work against other fans. Check whether the front and rear of the rack are open, whether blanking panels are in place, and whether equipment blocks the fan’s path. A rack fan can assist movement through a cabinet; it cannot compensate for every gap or obstruction.
Compare airflow figures with care
The published airflow figures range from 48 CFM for the TV640 to 212 CFM for the TV480 and TV480-E. That makes the TV640 a lower-output compact option on paper, while the TV480 models suit buyers focused on higher listed flow. The TV380 falls between them at 159 CFM and adds reversible direction. The NavePoint has four fans, but no airflow number is included in the supplied information, so I would not rank its cooling capacity from fan count alone.
CFM is one input to a cooling decision, not a direct statement of how much heat a system can handle. Fan performance changes with resistance from grilles, filters, and equipment. Compare manufacturer data for the intended setup and the server heat load, and seek a qualified facilities assessment for a rack with significant thermal demand.
Balance rack space against noise
A 1U unit preserves more rack space than a 2U model. That makes the TV640 and NavePoint attractive where every rack unit is allocated, but only the TV640 has a listed airflow figure, and its 48 CFM is below the 2U choices. A 2U fan such as the TV480 may offer higher stated airflow while taking space that could otherwise hold equipment or blanking panels.
Noise figures also vary. The TV640 lists 30.8 dBA, while the TV480 and TV480-E list 45 dBA. The TV380 listing gives both 43 dB and 44 dBA, which is not a clean comparison. NavePoint has no noise rating in the information provided. Noise depends on installation and measurement conditions, so I would treat these as listing specifications and ask for comparable measurement details when acoustic limits matter.
Check mounting, power, and clearance
Confirm that the stated rack height and physical dimensions fit the cabinet, including room for rails, cabling, doors, and nearby equipment. A nominal 1U or 2U label does not answer every clearance question. NavePoint’s listed dimensions are wider and deeper than a simple 19-inch face measurement might suggest, so check its mounting arrangement. For the other models, confirm that their stated 19-inch rack format matches the cabinet rails.
Power requirements vary in the available data. The TV480 and TV380 list 12V operation, with wattage specified for each; NavePoint lists 110V, 50/60 Hz. The supplied TV640 and TV480-E details do not include voltage or wattage. Match the fan to available power and follow the manufacturer’s installation guidance rather than assuming the units share a connector or supply.
Treat warranties and missing details as decision factors
The TV480 and TV380 list a three-year warranty, while the TV640, TV480-E, and NavePoint details supplied here do not state warranty coverage. Warranty terms can affect downtime planning, but they do not substitute for published reliability data or service procedures. Ask about replacement availability, return terms, and what the warranty covers before putting a unit into a critical rack.
Missing specifications are meaningful. In this comparison, NavePoint lacks airflow and noise figures, and the TV480-E lacks electrical and warranty details in the supplied data. The TV640 lacks power and warranty details, while the TV380’s noise data conflicts. If one of these details is necessary to approve a purchase, confirm it with the manufacturer or seller before selecting the unit.
Know what rack fans cannot do
These five products are rack-mounted fans; none is described as a complete data center cooling system with refrigeration, humidification, controls, redundancy, or facility-level heat rejection. They can help move air within or out of a cabinet when placed correctly. They cannot establish that a room or data hall has enough cooling capacity for its installed equipment.
For a production environment, coordinate rack fans with room cooling, hot-aisle and cold-aisle management, temperature monitoring, and load planning. If equipment temperatures are already outside their operating limits, investigate the system-level cause rather than adding a fan based on airflow alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which product has the highest stated airflow?
The PROCOOL TV480 and ProCool TV480-E each list 212 CFM, the highest stated airflow in this comparison. The TV480 is configured for intake and the TV480-E for exhaust, so the choice depends on where the rack needs air to move. The published number does not establish capacity for a specific heat load or installation.
Which option is best when I have only 1U available?
The ProCool TV640 and NavePoint are both described as 1U units. The TV640 lists 48 CFM and 30.8 dBA, giving buyers two performance figures to weigh. NavePoint lists four fans and 110V power, but the supplied details omit airflow and noise. If those figures matter to your selection, seek them before choosing the NavePoint.
Should I choose intake or exhaust?
Choose the direction that supports the cabinet’s intended airflow path. The TV480 and TV640 are listed as intake units, while the TV480-E is an exhaust model. The TV380’s fans can be flipped to change direction. Check the server airflow, existing rack fans, and the cabinet layout so the added unit moves air in the needed direction rather than disrupting it.
Can one of these rack fans cool an entire data center?
No product in this lineup is described as a facility cooling system. These are rack-mounted fans intended to move air around or out of a cabinet. A data center also needs room-level cooling designed for its heat load, along with suitable airflow management and monitoring. For production equipment, have the room and rack plan assessed against the installed load.
Which model should I pick if noise matters?
The TV640 has the lowest listed noise figure in this group at 30.8 dBA, but it also has the lowest published airflow at 48 CFM. The TV480 and TV480-E list 45 dBA; the TV380 has inconsistent figures of 43 dB and 44 dBA, and NavePoint does not provide a noise rating in the supplied details. Check how noise was measured and whether the fan will sit near occupied work areas.
Conclusion
For buyers seeking the strongest stated intake airflow, I recommend the PROCOOL TV480, provided its 2U footprint and 45 dBA listing suit the rack. If you need to configure intake or exhaust direction, choose the TV380 and confirm its conflicting noise information. For a dedicated exhaust role, the TV480-E is the direct match, with fewer published support details to verify.
When rack space is tight and a lower stated airflow is sufficient, the TV640 offers a 1U intake format with listed airflow and noise figures. The NavePoint makes sense for buyers who specifically want four fans, 1U height, and 110V operation, but I would first confirm its airflow, noise, and warranty. For any buyer, the final choice should follow the cabinet’s airflow path and the facility’s cooling plan; none of these rack fans is a standalone solution for cooling a data center.
