fan mounting: rubber grommets vs. screws

[guermantes]

Hi,
Is there a noise consideration to take account of when choosing whether to mount a fan (Slipstream 800) with rubber grommets or metal screws?
Or is it just a trade-off between rubber grommets bring simple to install and screws being durable over time?

Thanks!

[m1st]

If the fan vibrates badly, using rubber grommets can help isolate the vibration and keep it from spreading to the case. I can't say how effective they are, since I usually start out with fans that don't vibrate all that much...

[ffha]

Rubber plugs are NOT easy to install, but they will last just as long as regular screws do.

They do make a difference when used to mount high RPM fans, but you're better off getting yourself a higher quality fan or fan controller than trying to reduce the sound production of your current one with such plugs.
For me, the difference is negligible and I prefer to mount my fans (including the Slipstream 800) with screws for ease of installation/removal.

[mkk]

No need for anything with well behaved fans like the Slip Streams or most other relatively low speed fans today. Depending on the position of a fan an alternative mounting system like for instance silicone plugs can however also be quicker to mount/remove than screws. With any problematic kind of fan like a high speed or ball bearing it's best to do away with screws altogether. In some situations where turbulence and/or restrictive exhaust grills rather than vibration is the problem, grommets can be of some use as spacers if any other kind of spacer is not easily made.

[guermantes]

Alright! Thanks a lot for your answers.
I'll mount them with screws, then.
Thanks!

[Lithium466]

I got a slipstream 1200 running ~600-700rpm, and my Thermaltake Tsunami (aluminium) case is so cheap that I am "forced" to use silicone plugs (screws do make a lot more noise)
But with a case such as Fractal R3, I don't think you may encounter such issue

Edit : For me Nexus or Nexus-like (Zalman, Xthermal, etc...) silicone plugs are the most efficient...and quite convenient to use.