It would be unfair to highlight only the exceptional radiator performance of the Arctic P14 Pro A-RGB fans in the title. They’re remarkably appealing in other scenarios as well. Whether they’re more attractive than the Fractal Design Momentum 14 RGB is something you’ll have to judge for yourself. In many respects, these new fans have the upper hand—though it must be said their manufacturing costs are somewhat lower.
Base 6 equal noise levels…
There are several options by which to normalize the test modes for fans. In the previous chapter, we wrote that perhaps the least appropriate option is equal speed.
Settings according to the same static pressure or flow are for consideration, but we find it most sensible in the long term to normalize the measurement modes according to the same noise levels. Firstly because decibels are a logarithmic unit and all others scale linearly, but mainly because you can orientate fastest by the same noise levels. The easiest way to compare the efficiency of fans is just by how they perform at the same sound pressure level. Of all the options, this is the one that most people can best imagine and bounce off of when considering other variables.
The individual noise level modes are adjusted from low levels continuously to higher levels. All users will find their results in the tests, regardless of whether they prefer very quiet operation at the limit of audibility or whether high performance is paramount.
The quietest mode corresponds to 31 dBA, followed by 33 dBA, and for each additional mode we add 3 dBA, which always doubles the noise level (36, 39, 42 and 45 dBA). Finally, we measure the fans at maximum power. Here, each one already has a slightly different noise level, which we also report. If there are missing measurements between the results for any of the fans, this means that it was not possible to set the target noise level. Either because its minimum speed exceeds the quietest mode of 31 dBA or vice versa because the fan is quieter than 45 dBA at maximum power.
It is important to add that our noise level measurements are incomparable to the values quoted by the fan manufacturers in their specifications. One of the reasons is because we use a parabola-shaped collar around the sensor of the noise meter, which increases sensitivity. This is important in order to distinguish and set to the same noise level even modes at very low speeds, especially 31 dBA.
The noise meter next to the fan is quite close for sufficient resolution. The distance between the frame and the sensor is 15 centimeters. The sensor is positioned in such a way that there is no distortion or that the noise level measurements are not affected by airflow. Therefore, the noise meter is centered perpendicularly to the frame that defines the depth of the fan. Everything is always at the same angle and at the same distance. We use an inclinometer and markers to set the distances precisely and always the same.
We use a Reed R8080 noise meter to measure noise levels. This allows real-time averaging of samples, which is important for fine-tuning individual modes. We tune the fans until the specified noise level is reached to two decimal places, for example 31.50 dBA. The noise meter is the only instrument we calibrate inside our testlab. The other instruments have been calibrated by the relevant technical institutes. However, in the case of the noise meter, calibration is required before each test and we therefore have our own calibrator. This is already calibrated externally according to the standard.
If we’re looking for other 140mm candidates to compare this to, it would be nice to see how you rate the InWin AN series; I know from practical experience it seems to slurp through foam filters with aplomb.
They have a min RPM of 900. For me that’s a massive dealbreaker
I assume we’re talking about InWin fans? Yes, for a 140 mm model, even 900 RPM can already be aerodynamically noisy for some people. 🙂
That is only if managed by PWM mode, not DC (voltage).
I argue it doesn’t matter that much today as every 4-pin (PWM-mode) fan can also be controlled by DC-mode by the motherboard and most software used.
Voltage (DC) is somewhat less fine-controled (steps), but still good enough to not notice the difference in everyday usage.
Basicall all motherboards support both modes and using LibreHardwareMonitor (used by fancontrol (fancontrol is the GUI)), makes usage of both modes easily.
https://www.cybenetics.com/evaluations/fans/50/
The issue here I see is that no one except hwbusters have tested these Diamond-rated airflow-baddies yet, and they only relied on PWM-mode (for finer granularity testing obviously). 850 RPM minimum thus.
So we don’t know – unless e.g. Commodore Jeep-Eep tells us – how they behave in DC-mode.
You’re right—with some fans, DC voltage control results in lower speeds than PWM control. However, it can also be the other way around—PWM can sometimes achieve lower speeds than DC. It’s individual. As for how it works in the case of the mentioned InWin fan, Commodore Jeep-Eep will have to clarify. Of course, motherboards have the option for DC control, but sometimes the voltage they can supply to the fan is too high and does not reach the minimum at which the fan can spin only symbolically, at low speeds.
…and on the other hand, some fans respond perfectly to PWM and with DC regulation they click or have fluctuating RPM, etc….such as the TT TF 12Pro. 😉
Under my use conditions I’ve yet to have anything I’d call objectionable, though I do tend to be a ‘set the fan curve aggressive because better to burn bearings then sound’ type.
Should read: silicon
Good day,
answer the question below please about these Inwin AN140 fans DC-mode behaviour.
Starting fan speed, minimum fan speed, maximum fan speed, erratic behaviour, how fine-tuned is the control?
Thanks!
“slurp through foam filters with aplomb”, I really don’t understand what that means 😀
A new explanation please. You wanted to inform they make loud noises through nylon dust filters, grills etc.?
Nylon filters should not significantly increase noise; in fact, they may even have the opposite effect—achieving lower noise. This is typically at lower airflow (since part of the filter’s surface is always blocked—otherwise it wouldn’t work, haha… and that results in a drop in pressure/flow). Higher noise is unlikely because the structure of a nylon filter usually does not promote turbulence that increases noise. On the contrary, it tends to smooth airflow, eliminating microturbulence at the intake and thus reducing noise. It doesn’t always happen, but sometimes, with certain aerodynamic fan designs, it does. 🙂
They are insanely loud, like drown out a sound bar loud.
As I mentioned in the previous comment—the way to lower noise is by reducing the RPM through regulation.
Can I add non-ARGB fans to ARGB P14 PRO on a radiator? Or should they all be of the same kind?
Mixing the fans (P14 Pro with P14 Pro ARGB) is definitely possible. From a technical standpoint it might even lead to more attractive results, since each variant at comparable speeds will produce slightly different tonal peaks, making the cooling a bit quieter overall. So yes, go for it—if you don’t mind the aesthetics and the fact that not all the fans will look the same. 🙂
My InWin 140mm Neptunes bottom out at 900rpm, but I have to run them at a minimum of 1100rpm to avoid quite loud bearing rattle on my top radiator fans. I plan to replace them with these Arctic ones.
Neptune AN140? Are you sure the sound you’re hearing comes from the bearings? Quite a few fans become noisy at the very bottom of their speed range, where the motor itself starts to struggle—right at the threshold of what it can reliably operate at. This is especially common with DC control at low voltage. In any case, yes—using Arctic P14 Pro A-RGB fans with PWM control should allow you to reach significantly lower stable speeds, without increased non-aerodynamic noise. 🙂
It is not in the “Fans Archivy”! Please, fix that.
We’re aware of this. It’s not something we haven’t considered, and it can called a “bug” on the site. Even though the article has the correct category, unfortunately it doesn’t appear in that category’s listing. We hope to fix this in the future. At the moment, there’s nothing I can do about it. I’m sorry, but that’s just how it is.
Lol I have these fans… they are so noisy I’m replacing them not even a week later. The build quality is exactly what you think 100$ will get you. They are exactly what they should be, cheap fans with decent performance that takes a hit on literally every other factor. Fans are ugly as sin. They sound like a mf wind turbine which is completely unnecessary with an aio of any size. It is crazy after buying these hearing all the hype they still get. By far the ugliest thing in my pc right now. You can see through the front plate to the ugly magnetic connector. The fittings are plastic. There’s like 50 wires coming out of the pump if you actually want to control your fans and pump separately. Lmao I could just keep going for days……
The Pro fans have a lot better noise profile in the 800-1200rpm range compared to the regular and A-RGB versions. But they have other issues in the lower rpm range. Staring behavior is terrible, they go to high rpm and then back down.
I returned them too, I rather buy Noctua NF-A14x25 G2 PWM or NF-A12x25 G2 PWM even if they cost a ton more, I already spend half the money on Arctic and quality is very inconsistent, like 8 out of then has weird motor noise, F12/F14 was way better in quality.
It will probably depend a lot on how each fan interacts with the type of obstacle. That is, in terms of acoustic profile… of course, some differences between ARGB and non-ARGB versions due to materials exist, but it’s definitely nothing dramatic if we’re only talking about the fan sound—without an obstacle. With an obstacle it can, of course, be different. The number of possible situations (with obstacles) is basically endless. There are really many possible combinations. 🙂
Yes, the Arctic P14 Pro A-RGB are noisy fans if you run them at maximum speed. After regulating them to lower RPMs, which is possible (so everything is fine), they don’t have to be that loud anymore. You just need to slow them down. This can be done via PWM or DC. 🙂
you’re really not too smart…lol 😉
I wouldn’t go so far as to say Erik isn’t “smart,” but it’s true that those fans (Arctic P14 Pro A-RGB) are more attractive than the situation described in the comment above might suggest.
Thanks for the Artical, only really two questions, how much are these and what’s the noise (db) rating? I could only see N/A. I’ve ordered and recieved two x 140mm extra case fans because my gaming temps were insane. These are Thermaltake Riing blue leds only spin max 1400RPM but make max 22.5dba. Good price at £23.00 the pair. I was reaching silly temps with an I9 14900k and RTX4090. Changing cpu to a Ryzen 9950X3D and upgrading from a good brand 360mm to NZXT 420mm aio should also help. TY for the article once again.
You can find the answers to both of your questions in the test. N/A is not indicated in either of these cases. We only use that label for the MTBF value. 🙂
Hello,
I have a question : which one is better between the Max and the Pro ?
(as a WC radiator fan, and as a case fan)
I should say it’s strange you cannot achieve low noise with P14Max, because it can run at very low speed.
The P14 Pro will be the more suitable fan for your use case. I’d say in every respect. The P14 Max doesn’t allow for such low speeds (as the P14 Pro does). At least, not in the revision we tested (and that revision very likely hasn’t changed to this day?) via PWM control. 🙂
Not exactly scientific, but I’m getting a super annoying whine, almost like a very faint vacuum cleaner at lower RPMs.
https://imgur.com/a/OogMLaT
The bottom graph is my ambient environment, the middle graph is the fan at 20% PWM, and the top graph is 32% PWM where I can most acutely hear the noise. Unobstructed open air BTW. I think the noise I’m hearing is the one right around 4200-4400hz
It’s the same with all of my samples and the more I have in my system, the more they amplify that frequency. I can hear the noise from ~23% to ~34% PWM. It’s a shame because that’s an important range I would otherwise like to make use of.
I see on your testing there’s a small spike around 4800Hz on your 39dba chart. Do you think that’s what I’m hearing? What is usually responsible for a constant 4200Hz noise that occurs only within certain RPM ranges?
Thanks in advanced!
Thank you for the message with the detailed specification of the testing environment.
On your spectrogram, the tonal peaks appear mostly at lower frequencies, which is also illustrated by our graphs. Whether it is 117 Hz or 175 Hz also depends on the fan speed setting.
It is true that we do have a tonal peak before 5 kHz in the graphs at speeds around 1000 RPM, but its intensity (noise level) is relatively low. Nevertheless, it cannot be ruled out that with some particular setting this tonal peak may become stronger and that it is what you are hearing. It is possible. 🙂