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.
… and of airflow
With airflow measurements, we can well explain why the test tunnel is shaped the way it is. It doesn’t consist of two parts just so that the “exhaust” can be conveniently clogged for pressure measurements. The anemometer (i.e. the wind speed measuring instrument) is held together by two parts, two formations, through the flanges.
The front part, at the beginning of which the fan is mounted, becomes steadily narrower and from about two thirds of the way through the cross-section is smaller than that of a 120 mm fan. The reason for this is that the cross-section of the anemometer is always smaller than that of the fans tested. The taper towards the anemometer fan is as smooth as could be chosen and the tunnel walls are smooth. This has minimized the occurrence of unnatural turbulence.
The difference between the cross section at the intake (fan under test) and at the constriction point (anemometer) also means a difference in dynamic pressure, the principles of the Venturi effect apply here. In order to avoid distortion at this level and to ensure that the fan airflow is not different from what it actually is, the Bernoulli equation must be applied to the measured values (for maximum accuracy, the calculation also takes into account the internal cross-sectional area of the anemometer, i.e. its inactive part ). After all this, it is again possible to confront our results with the paper parameters.
We use an Extech AN300 anemometer with a large 100 mm fan for the measurements. Its big advantage over other anemometers is that it is made for bidirectional sensing. This allows tests at different fan orientations. However, the “pull” position is more suitable or accurate for measurements, even though it may not seem so at first glance, but we’ll explain.
Here, we get to the second part of the tunnel, the part behind the anemometer. It is part of the whole device, mainly to allow a laminar flow of air to arrive at the impeller of the anemometer. Otherwise, uncontrolled side whirls would be reflected in the results, which are inconsistent with accurate measurements. Therefore, we will test the flow in the pull position. If anyone would like us to elaborate more on this topic, we can elaborate further at any time in the discussion below the article. Ask away. 🙂
In regard to the anemometer, we shall return for a bit to noise measurements and to setting modes according to fixed noise levels. It may have occurred to you as you were reading that the anemometer fan is also a source of sound that needs to be filtered out when measuring fans. For this reason, we insert a securing pad between the frame and the anemometer fan before each measurement and mode setting according to the fixed noise level. This, by the way, also holds the anemometer fan during static pressure measurements.
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.