Arctic P12 Max: Five blades pushed to the limit

Before Arctic transitions to its new, 7-blade fan design, let’s take a closer look at the one that has characterized the company for many years. And even though the 5-blade fans of the “P” series had certain shortcomings, they demonstrated just how efficient even low-cost designs can be. In the case of high-speed models, such as the tested P12 Max, they also show how far cooling performance can be pushed.

Results: Frequency response of sound w/o obstacles

Measurements are conducted using TrueRTA, which captures audio data across 240 frequency bands within the 20–20,000 Hz range. To facilitate comparisons between articles, we extract and present the dominant frequency from each of three spectral bands: low (20–200 Hz), mid (201–2000 Hz), and high (2001–20,000 Hz) in standardized bar graphs.

However, for an even more detailed analysis of the sound expression, it is important to perceive the overall shape of the graph and the intensity of all frequencies/tones. If any aspects of the graphs or data tables are unclear, detailed interpretation guidelines are provided in this article.

Most fan-related acoustic activity occurs within the 70–7000 Hz range. Frequencies above 7000 Hz typically represent electromagnetic interference from the test environment, while the lowest bands below 70 Hz may also include such noise, albeit mixed with aerodynamic sound. Although we could exclude these frequency extremes, they are retained to detect and visualize potential anomalies.



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Why is a value sometimes missing for a fan? There can be several reasons. Most commonly, it’s because the fan couldn’t be regulated to the target noise level. Some fans have higher minimum RPM (or they spin slowly but have an excessively noisy motor), or they are simply slower models that can’t reach higher decibel thresholds. Results are also omitted from graphs if the rotor scrapes against the mesh of a nylon filter. In such cases, we classify the combination as incompatible. And of course, a zero in the graphs naturally appears in situations where we record an actual 0.00. This often occurs at extremely low speeds when obstacles are present or during vibration measurements.


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Primarily quieter operation: Arctic P12 Pro (A-RGB) LN fans

Arctic has expanded its fan portfolio with new P12 Pro (A-RGB) models carrying the “LN” suffix in their designation. This stands for “low-noise” and in practice mainly means that maximum speeds are capped lower than on the original (P12 Pro/A-RGB) fans. However, the aerodynamic design itself remains unchanged, with the primary difference being the motor. At the same time, these are still affordable fans. Read more “Primarily quieter operation: Arctic P12 Pro (A-RGB) LN fans” »

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The end, or just the beginning? 100 fans in HWCooling tests

Our database now includes one hundred fans—75 in the 120 mm format and 25 models with a physical size of 140 mm. In this article, we have compiled all data into unified charts. What was once separated for clarity is now brought together again, and the commentary will also include a… look ahead regarding fan testing. But we can already reveal that there is still a lot more to come. Read more “The end, or just the beginning? 100 fans in HWCooling tests” »

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Arctic P12 Pro Reverse A-RGB: Looking good, working well!

The impeller is oriented so that, in the installed position, nothing visually obstructs the view. This refers to the stator struts, which can otherwise “spoil” the appearance. But this is not just about looks—it is about combining them with the efficient geometry of the proven five-blade design with a stabilizing ring (familiar from the P12 A-RGB). It is not exactly the same design, though, if only because what used to be behind the impeller is now in front of it. Read more “Arctic P12 Pro Reverse A-RGB: Looking good, working well!” »

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Comments (6) Add comment

  1. Overall quite similar behaviour (at same noise levels) vs the ARGB variant. Not too much compromise at lower speeds unlike the P14 Max, which is good to see.

    One thing I just noticed is the different stator ribs compared to other fans in the Arctic P family. Now they’re thicker and straight (like many other fans) rather than thin and curved. This perhaps sacrifices a tiny amount of airflow but is needed for supporting the higher RPM and rotor weight.

    1. Good point. The P12 Max fan is about 20 grams heavier than the P12 A-RGB. And it doesn’t even have any LEDs, which also add some weight. While we don’t know the exact difference in material density – since the P12 Max uses PBT for its rotor and the P12 A-RGB likely uses polycarbonate – there’s definitely some variation happening at that level too. 🙂

      1. it seems the spam filter worked better with the older version… the Indonesian university bot seems pretty persistent (that’s the 3rd time I’ve noticed it) 😉
        … I’m attaching the response to this thread so you don’t have a problem deleting it

        1. so now, I’m really curious if there will be any answer 😀
          …now you chose a different approach instead of deleting… we’ll see 😉

    1. Is there any other information you’re interested in? Let us know, and we’ll do our best to provide whatever is within our capabilities. 🙂

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