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.
Measuring the intensity (and power consumption) of lighting
Modern fans often include lighting. This is no longer a “cooling” parameter, but for some users the presence of (A)RGB LEDs is important. Therefore, we also measure how intense this lighting is in our tests. These tests are the only ones that take place externally, outside the wind tunnel.
We record the luminosity of the fans in a chamber with reflective walls. This internal arrangement is important to increase the resolution for us to measure anything at all with lower luminosity fans. But also so that the readings do not blend together and it is obvious which fan is emitting more light and which one less.
The illumination intensity is measured in the horizontal position of the fan, above which is the lux meter sensor (UNI-T UT383S). This is centered on the illumination intensity sensing chamber.
The illumination is controlled via an IR controller and the hue is set to RGB level 255, 255, 255 (white). We record the brightness at maximum and minimum intensity. According to this, you can easily see if the brightness is high enough, but conversely also if the lower level is low enough for you.
In addition to the brightness intensity, we also measure the power consumption that it requires. This is again through the shunt, which is between the Gophert CPS-3205 power supply and the (A)RGB LED driver. After this we get a reading of the lighting power consumption. In the graphs we show it separately, but also in sum with the motor power consumption as the total maximum fan power.
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.