I can recommend Pimoroni's fan shim. They provide a python project that allows you to set temperature thresholds to kick the fan in so it's not on all the time. It's not silent but it's pretty quiet.
Indeed, the fan shim is insanely cool and I just bought one of these the moment that it was back in stock together with my Raspberry Pi 4. It also works on the Pi 3 and 2.
Does it have a standalone mode, where it doesn't need to be controlled by software? I'm interested in using it with prebuilt images that wouldn't be able to run the python to control the fan.
@mindcrime - I can't reply to you due to max depth. The current version doesn't, we're having a new, custom, fan made with an RPM feedback line for a future model but it'll be a couple of months yet.
Never seen these before and just bought one! I'm going to try running some old 3d games via Wine on the Pi and this fan will probably really help performance. :)
Cool fan but it says "not heatsink compatible", so if you are like me and attached the heatsinks that came free with your Pi case, you will be out of luck.
I thought about getting one of these, as they are a little more turnkey... however I couldn’t find an easy way to purchase and get quick shipping in the US. Is there any other way besides ordering through the UK?
https://github.com/pimoroni/fanshim-python