You already know the impressive features of the new aerodynamic design of Arctic’s 7-blade fans from our earlier tests. Now we add the results for the ARGB LED versions (P12 Pro A-RGB), which are naturally quite similar, but also show certain differences due to a more light-conductive material. That’s why it’s worth taking another look. The title of this review already hints at where things are heading.
Everything changes with obstacles
So far, we have described how static pressure and airflow measurements are made under conditions where the fan has no obstacles in its path. In practice, however, fans do not usually blow into an empty space, but have a filter, grille or radiator in front of or behind them, the fins of which need to be pushed through as efficiently as possible.
We will also measure both airflow and pressure through practical obstacles for the reasons stated above. These include two types of filters that are usually used in PC cases. One fine – nylon and the other plastic with a thinner mesh. One other obstacle is the hexagonal grille perforated at 50%, on which the vast majority of fans – intake and exhaust – are installed. In some cases, we measure the effect of the obstacles on the results at positions (behind or in front of the impeller) that are used in practice. All obstacles are both pushed through to detect pressure drops, but also pulled through, which in turn speaks to the impact on airflow.
We use two radiators that differ in thickness and fin density. The EK CoolStream SE120/140 is 28 mm thick and the FPI is 22, the Alphacool NexXxoS XT45 v2 is thicker (45 mm) but with less FPI. CoolStream’s fin disposition is also similar in parameters to AIOs. The results on the NexXxoS will again be attractive for those who build their own water cooling loops, where the fans should work well even at low speeds – hence the lower fin density.
These obstacles and especially the radiators, but also the grilles, increase the mechanical resistance in front of the fan, resulting in higher noise levels. However, we will still tune the fan speeds to the specified noise levels of 31 to 45 dBA. Naturally, the speeds will always be lower than when testing without obstacles, but we will maintain the noise levels for clarity. The different noise levels with and without obstacles will only be at maximum power. In this mode it will also be nice to see how the fan design works with the obstacle and in which case the noise level increases more and in which less.
Here we have some direct comparisons with the predecessor (filter, grille, radiator). I think the A‑RGB Pros are a good choice as system fans. For radiators, I don’t think so.
Many thanks! 🙂
Do you think it deserves a Top Notch award?
While the static pressure is over the roof, the actual airflow compared to the other new RGB fan is comparable at best. On one hand, the airflow w/o obstacle and on hexagonal grid lags significantly behind the Momentum RGB, on the other hand, it beats it on plastic filter (due to high static pressure). The P12 Pro is slightly better with radiators, but not far from the Momentum RGB. However, the potential collision with the nylon dust filter prevents it from achieving such a rare award on this site.
At least, that my view, why Ľubo gives it the “Smurt buy” award, where it clearly dominates…although he certainly considered also the “top-notch” award, but…. 😉
–“… “Smurt buy” award, where it clearly dominates…
I overdid it… 😀
…but I was thinking among RGB fans …and taking static pressure into account 😉
I did consider giving it the “Top-notch” award, but in my opinion, the Arctic P12 Pro A-RGB has shortcomings in other areas that hold it back. Sure, it’s excellent in terms of aerodynamics, but it’s still a fan with clear signs of manufacturing compromises. I believe awarding it a more prestigious title like “Top-notch” would be unfair — for example, to a fan like the FD Momentum 12 RGB.