Category: Fans

Antec Storm 120: Efficient in the middle price class

Cooling, Extra tests, Fans | | Ľubomír Samák

After many years, we finally managed to get our hands on the Antec Storm 120. That is, 120 mm fans combining an attractive (and efficient) geometry with good price accessibility. Although these are not outright cheap fans, the price is still relatively low. The result is quite appealing. Don’t look for technical perfection here, but “for that kind of money” it is good. Especially if you also value other things than the price/performace ratio. Read more “Antec Storm 120: Efficient in the middle price class” »

Endorfy Stratus 120 White ARGB: Illuminated, inexpensive, efficient

Cooling, Extra tests, Fans | | Ľubomír Samák

Efficient ARGB fans are rare—especially when, in addition to a low price, they also offer a less common variant. In this case we mean white materials, from which the illuminated Stratus fans are made. To begin with, here is an analysis of these fans in the physical 120 mm format. Prepare for tests packed with details that this article brings. A serious candidate for selection? Absolutely. Read more “Endorfy Stratus 120 White ARGB: Illuminated, inexpensive, efficient” »

Phanteks T30-140: Exceptionally efficient XXL fan

Cooling, Extra tests, Fans | | Ľubomír Samák

It arrived quietly, but we had been looking forward to it for a very long time. In its form factor, the Phanteks T30-140 fan works wonders and often defeats everything that stands in its way. Yes, even the Noctua NF-A14x25 G2 PWM is often the “next in line”, albeit at the cost of a thicker profile. Airflow is exceptionally high (and consequently cooling performance) through obstacles. Larger fans now have a new dominant model. Read more “Phanteks T30-140: Exceptionally efficient XXL fan” »

DeepCool FD12 V2: Maximum airflow, minimal price

Cooling, Extra tests, Fans | | Ľubomír Samák

Lower price, higher cooling efficiency. That is what distinguishes the FD12 V2 fans (compared to their predecessors). DeepCool has improved the aerodynamic performance of the newer FD12 (V2) in several ways, making them more attractive despite the lower price. Much of this is due to the impeller ring, a feature not previously used. Arctic (with the P12 Pro fans) should take notice. Read more “DeepCool FD12 V2: Maximum airflow, minimal price” »

HAVN H12: Teeth, protrusions… segmentation everywhere you look

Cooling, Extra tests, Fans | | Ľubomír Samák

Blades, hub—everywhere there are features disrupting an otherwise smooth design. This kind of detailing defines the HAVN H12 at first glance—and the second impression is just as striking. With the kind of geometry the H12 brings to the table, reaching the absolute top tier is possible. In practice, however, it’s essential to find the right scenarios and fine-tune the right settings to end up truly satisfied. Read more “HAVN H12: Teeth, protrusions… segmentation everywhere you look” »

The end, or just the beginning? 100 fans in HWCooling tests

Cooling, Extra tests, Fans | | Ľubomír Samák

Our database now includes one hundred fans—75 in the 120 mm format and 25 models with a physical size of 140 mm. In this article, we have compiled all data into unified charts. What was once separated for clarity is now brought together again, and the commentary will also include a… look ahead regarding fan testing. But we can already reveal that there is still a lot more to come. Read more “The end, or just the beginning? 100 fans in HWCooling tests” »

Arctic P12 Pro Reverse A-RGB: Looking good, working well!

Cooling, Extra tests, Fans | | Ľubomír Samák

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. Read more “Arctic P12 Pro Reverse A-RGB: Looking good, working well!” »

Analysis of DeepCool’s efficient 120 mm fan—the FD12

Cooling, Extra tests, Fans | | Ľubomír Samák

We couldn’t deprive you of the results for this model. Just ahead of the release of the second version of the DeepCool FD12, we’re publishing the results of the first so you have a comparison available—not only with the technically more modern variant, but also with competing fans. As for the FD12’s characteristics, even within its price class they are already attractive. In the end, judge for yourself based on hundreds of measurements. Read more “Analysis of DeepCool’s efficient 120 mm fan—the FD12” »

Noctua NF-S12A PWM: Example of unfortunate design

Cooling, Extra tests, Fans | | Ľubomír Samák

They never were as brilliant and amazing as marketing materials depicted (and still depict) them. Fans that are supposed to be top-tier for system positions are, at best, average. Well, judge for yourselves. We wouldn’t subscribe to the notion that these are currently aerodynamically attractive fans for PC cases. For the reason that they are not. And we can go straight to the specific reasons and arguments. Read more “Noctua NF-S12A PWM: Example of unfortunate design” »

Sudokoo Mach120: Maximum (cooling) efficiency

Cooling, Extra tests, Fans | | Ľubomír Samák

Results-wise, it’s an absolute top performer. This holds true even in combination with various obstacles. In other words, the competing Phanteks T30-120 often ends up merely as the “next in line.” And the Mach120 has aesthetic advantages over it as well. The operation of the Sudokoo (Mach120) fan is also characterized by lower vibrations. You also get high maximum airflow along with reliable operation even at low speeds. Read more “Sudokoo Mach120: Maximum (cooling) efficiency” »

NF-S12B redux-700: Noctua’s quietest fan no longer justifiable

Cooling, Extra tests, Fans | | Ľubomír Samák

An old, yet still-selling aerodynamic design. Despite being attributed with excellent properties, we dare to disagree. It’s not quite the ideal system cooling fan that the NF-S12B-redux impellers were historically famed for either. Yes, it is quiet—but without the “airflow”. By that logic—where low noise carries the utmost weight—one could quickly conclude that the best fan is no fan at all. “Zero” noise, but substantial airflow isn’t happening here either. Read more “NF-S12B redux-700: Noctua’s quietest fan no longer justifiable” »

Thermalright TL-B14 in a wide comparison of 140 mm fans

Cooling, Extra tests, Fans | | Ľubomír Samák

The fan carrying one of the most popular brands in the field has been tested against the latest competitors. Among them are the new Arctic P14 Pro (A-RGB), Noctua NF-A14x25 G2 PWM and Thermaltake Toughfan 14 Pro. And many others (including the FD Momentum 14/RGB) with which the TL-B14 will cross paths. In any case, the geometry of the Thermalright impeller is efficient, the price is low, and the results are impressive. Read more “Thermalright TL-B14 in a wide comparison of 140 mm fans” »

Arctic P14 Pro PST: The Best “Price-to-Performance” Ratio

Cooling, Extra tests, Fans | | Ľubomír Samák

The concerns were unwarranted. The Arctic P14 Pro (PST) fans are, at a comparable price, more appealing than their predecessors—the P14 series. They’re a step up in engineering refinement, pushing the limits across all key aspects you can think of. It’s clear that Arctic knew exactly what it was doing, and even after a major aerodynamic redesign, the company still holds the crown for overall excellent budget-friendly fans in the 140 mm format. Read more “Arctic P14 Pro PST: The Best “Price-to-Performance” Ratio” »

Fractal Design Momentum 14: This Is How It Should Be Done

Cooling, Extra tests, Fans | | Ľubomír Samák

Vox Populi, Vox Dei. You wanted tests of the Fractal Design Momentum 14 fan—you shall have them. Naturally, we also recognized the importance of keeping a check. Especially after what we observed with the RGB variants (Momentum 14 RGB). The non-illuminated FD fans are even a hair better—often unmatched far and wide. Fractal Design’s generational improvements in their fans have turned out as well as they possibly could. Read more “Fractal Design Momentum 14: This Is How It Should Be Done” »

Lack of space? Noctua NF-A12x15 PWM analysis

Cooling, Extra tests, Fans | | Ľubomír Samák

Sometimes, there’s just no other way—it becomes necessary to opt for a fan with a slimmer profile. Often, this is simply to ensure the fan fits inside the case at all. We’ve already covered several examples of such “low-profile” designs, and the Noctua NF-A12x15 PWM is one of them. It’s a model that comes with high expectations. And no, a 15 mm thick (or rather thin) fan doesn’t necessarily mean low airflow. That holds true in this case as well. Read more “Lack of space? Noctua NF-A12x15 PWM analysis” »

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