We won’t keep you in suspense – the Noctua NF-A12x25 G2 (PWM) is the most efficient fan we’ve ever tested. It clearly outperforms its predecessor (NF-A12x25 “G1”), as well as the Phanteks T30 and all competing 120 mm fans in the extensive database we’ve built so far. The NF-A12x25 G2 consistently comes out on top, making it an uncompromising choice for the most demanding PC builds. Read more “Noctua NF-A12x25 G2 PWM: The king is dead, long live the king!”
For a long time, Fractal Design didn’t have fans with impeller geometry that looked “efficient” at first glance. Now come the Momentum fans, which finally do, and the improvement (compared to Aspect models) is clear. This puts the competition on alert, and more importantly, it finally opens up the potential to improve FD’s coolers and cases on the fan level. We’re starting off by testing the most affordable 120 mm model – the Momentum 12. Read more “Time for a change. Fractal Design Momentum 12 (Black) tested”
So, we have results for a Thermalright fan. While the first attempt (or second, if we count the now-discontinued model X-Silent 120) didn’t quite hit the mark, it’s probably fair to say that this is a more attractive option than the Scythe Kaze Flex II 120. Yes, these two fans are being directly compared because they share an unusual trait – they spin in the “reverse” direction, from left to right. And as you know, most fans spin the other way… Read more “Thermalright TL-C12C fan: Also works in reverse”
The Adata Vento Pro PWM fans face a tough challenge ahead. They associate themselves with the legendary Gentle Typhoon D1225C fans, claiming to address the major shortcomings of the older GT models. And you probably know what those are – extremely high vibrations. These should not affect the XPG fans. The aerodynamic design they’re built on is excellent in the best sense of the word, and there’s no need to debate that. Read more “Adata XPG Vento Pro 120 PWM: Refining the “imperfect””
It is possible to illuminate the impeller even when black blades are used. This is demonstrated by the F7 X120 fans, where CPS PCCooler achieves illumination in a different way than usual. The result is impressive – not only in terms of ARGB LED aesthetics, but also regarding cooling efficiency. Also elegant is the daisy-chaining of multiple fans side-by-side (or stacked vertically) using a single cable connection. Read more “CPS PCCooler F7 X120: ARGB specialist for liquid coolers”
Before Arctic transitions to its new, 7-blade fan design, let’s take a closer look at the one that has characterized the company for many years. And even though the 5-blade fans of the “P” series had certain shortcomings, they demonstrated just how efficient even low-cost designs can be. In the case of high-speed models, such as the tested P12 Max, they also show how far cooling performance can be pushed. Read more “Arctic P12 Max: Five blades pushed to the limit”
A simple, yet “effective” case. That’s one way you could title an article analyzing the BeQuiet! Pure Base 501 Airflow (BG074). The test model features solid metal panels on both sides – non-transparent – each lined with sound-dampening material. Foam. In short, you’re dealing with a design rooted in the old school, something increasingly rare these days. Despite that, the purchase price of this case remains relatively low, close to the ground. Read more “Aimed at lower temperatures. BeQuiet! Pure Base 501 Airflow”
A relatively small PC case with the potential to attract the masses. That is, if you care at least a little about colorful lighting. Otherwise, we’re still in the “midi-tower” class, where price accessibility also plays a role. Within BeQuiet!’s product lines, this case still belongs to the lowest (Pure Base), although it keeps a “higher” standard throughout. There’s nothing that would suggest excessive cuts or visible flaws. Read more “BeQuiet! Pure Base 501 DX: A mainstream case with ARGB”
BeQuiet! also enriched Computex 2025 with its presence. Lots of new things – cases, coolers and… did you know that the latest BeQuiet! power supplies now feature a passive fan mode? A feature previously unavailable in the brand’s PSUs is slowly entering the market. Users asked, users received. You can also look forward to the new Pure Loop 3 coolers, coming sooner than you think. Read more “BeQuiet!: (Semi)passive cooling mode for PSUs now available”
You may know the Cypriot company operating under the name Valkyrie from our tests. We’ve reviewed several of their coolers and a fan. There’s little to criticize about the products themselves, but as they admit – prices need to come down. If that happens, many of their components, including PC cases, may suddenly start looking much more appealing. Valkyrie showcased exactly what’s on offer at the Taipei exhibition center. Read more ““Cooling” brand Valkyrie at Innovex 2025: Prices to go down”
In connection with Arctic, we were most interested in the details surrounding the new “Pro” P-series fans featuring seven blades. These recently appeared on the Liquid Freezer III Pro coolers, and not only are these fans heading for individual sale, but their aerodynamic design will also serve as the basis for upcoming 140 mm variants. At the Computex 2025 booth, Arctic even had its own PC case on display. Read more “Arctic sunsets P12/P14 fans, but Pro line gets a 140 mm model”
Fractal Design’s Computex 2025 showcase took place in office-style spaces – very pleasant ones, at that. What stood out was the fact that their latest cases were equipped with components, allowing visitors to see complete builds. For instance, you could view the Meshify 3 XL in a full desktop setup, or explore cable management in the North XL RC, where an unconventional layout keeps everything out of sight from the front. Read more “North XL (RC) with rear connectors and FD Meshify 3 XL in practice”
It’s not “just” about metal components anymore. DeepCool is introducing wooden elements to its coolers and also PC cases. And DeepCool isn’t relying solely on looks – “Spartacus” is the name of a new line of liquid coolers aiming to push the limits of thermal performance. The high bar – perhaps even higher than before?– is also being set by the dual-tower Assassin VC Elite cooler. Read more “DeepCool working with wood… integrated into coolers and cases”
We spoke with a Noctua representative not only about their upcoming 120 mm fans, designed to surpass the performance of the older NF-A12x25 models, but also about their integration into CPU coolers. Yes, they’re coming. And why exactly do these fans use winglets on the blades? It’s also possible that sooner or later, we’ll see Noctua fans with a thicker profile. However, new single-tower coolers with 140 mm fans are now unlikely. Read more “New 120 mm Noctua Fans Coming in June. What About Coolers?”
The term “PSUs” often first brings Seasonic to mind. They’ve been making power supplies for a long time – 50 years, in fact – and are also behind various proprietary technologies like OptiTech, which includes protections for the PSU itself (OptiSink 2.0), and OptiGuard (protecting 16-pin PCIe connectors). Seasonic is also taking its fan development seriously, boosting efficiency in part by increasing thickness – to a non-standard 30 mm. Read more “Seasonic at Computex 2025: “30 mm” Fans and OptiTech”
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