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.
Results: LED-to-motor power consumption ratio
Explanatory note: Lighting components significantly impact fan power consumption. These charts show the ratio between LED power consumption and motor power consumption across standard operating modes (from 31 dBA up to maximum RPM). LEDs are consistently set to maximum brightness. Lower ratio values mean lighting comprises a larger portion of the total power. This is not inherently negative–higher LED intensity can be advantageous and is typically adjustable. Details about LED control options are provided in the previous chapter.
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 impeller 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.
Hmm, the 100th fan in the database—counting 140 mm models as well. On Thursday, we’ll do a kind of recap or summary, where all fans tested so far will appear together in the charts. 🙂
After reading the methodology section I’m still uncertain about when the tests were performed with the obstacles infront or behind the fan. Could you please clarify that?
Scenario by scenario, it varies. The radiators (both thinner and thicker ones) are behind the fans, as they are more commonly used in practice, while the dust filters (both nylon and plastic) are in front of them, i.e. in front of the impeller. That also makes more sense.
There is also a hexagonal grille in front of the fan, on the intake side, although in PC cases (for example, on the exhaust) it is often located behind it. We chose this placement because having it behind the impeller doesn’t change the acoustic profile very much, whereas with the opposite orientation, the difference can sometimes be quite significant, especially when it comes to tonal peaks. 🙂
Thanks for the clarification!
Your setup is what I was hoping for, for the reasons you already stated yourself. And just to make sure I’m not misunderstanding a fine detail: Whether **reverse blade fan or regular fan**, your dust filter test setup (both nylon an plastic) will always reflect typical real world usage, i.e. air will be “pulled” through the filter instead of being “pushed” through it. Right? Thanks in advance!
Yes, the dust filters are always on the intake side of the fans. 🙂
For the most accurate comparison possible, reverse fans are also positioned in the same relationship to the anemometer (in pull). That’s a more complicated discussion, but this is always the case regardless of the fan. If we did it the opposite way, in push, the area where we measure the wind/air speed—which is subsequently used to calculate the airflow in cubic units—would be too turbulent, and the results would therefore be distorted. 🙂