After many years, we finally managed to get our hands on the Antec Storm 120. That is, 120 mm fans combining an attractive (and efficient) geometry with good price accessibility. Although these are not outright cheap fans, the price is still relatively low. The result is quite appealing. Don’t look for technical perfection here, but “for that kind of money” it is good. Especially if you also value other things than the price/performace ratio.
Evaluation
In the main aspects (airflow, i.e., cooling performance), the Antec Storm 120 fan is average to below average. Its price is similar, so one might describe it as a “grey average” fan. This trend is also reflected in the coefficient expressing the price-to-airflow ratio.
In the results we traditionally include performance through various types of obstacles, from dust filters (nylon as well as plastic), through a grille, to a thinner and a thicker radiator for a liquid cooler. We did not achieve the lowest-noise mode on the grille because it could not be configured. Even at the minimum speed the fan was faster (and therefore noisier) than required.
With a retail price of around 15 EUR, the results can be described as attractive, but these fans do not exactly “set the world on fire”. For example, the usually cheaper Arctic P12 Pro fans typically rank higher, and more such examples could certainly be found—or you will likely spot them in the charts yourself.
Despite the above, Antec in the form of the Storm 120 offers an aerodynamically efficient fan where at lower speeds (roughly below 1200 RPM) we did not record any vibrations, while at higher speeds (above 1300 RPM) some are present. The speed range is also relatively wide (approximately 565–1944 RPM), which on one hand makes the fan suitable for quiet operation but also allows for higher airflow.
It is also fair to note that with PWM control the fan motor does not “turn off,” which in other words means it always spins. In principle this does not necessarily cause any issues, but some users may have reservations about this behavior. It is individual and everyone must assess it for themselves.
So should you buy it or not? That is a question that is difficult to answer objectively. However, we can say that the Antec Storm 120 is a “universal” fan (i.e., suitable for any type of environment) that does not deliver top-tier efficiency, but is available in stores at a relatively lower price. At the same time, no dramatic shortcomings are associated with this fan that would deter its target group of users.
English translation and edit by Jozef Dudáš
| Antec Storm 120 |
| + Suitable for any use |
| + Cooling efficiency (airflow/pressure per unit of noise) at a high level |
| + High airflow and static pressure even through restrictive obstacles |
| + Wide speed range... |
| + ... and a relatively powerful motor (~5 W) |
| + Quiet motor and bearing operation |
| + Exceptionally low, negligible vibrations at lower than high speeds |
| - Does not support passive mode, it does not “switch off” at low PWM intensity... |
| - … and relatively higher minimum speeds (from roughly 565 RPM) |
| Approximate retail price: 15 EUR |
PC fans are available for purchase at the Datacomp e-store
Next up will be ID-Cooling… with one aerodynamic feature that none of the fans we’ve tested so far make use of. 🙂