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”
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!”
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”
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”
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”
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”
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”
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”
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”
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”
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. Read more “Arctic P12 Pro A-RGB: The Benchmark for Illuminated Fans”
Improvement? Clearly. Arctic had been gradually refining its older “P” series fans, but it seems the limits were only truly surpassed with an all-new seven-blade aerodynamic design. Its first carriers are the P12 Pro (A-RGB) fans, which are likely to become popular again. Airflow per noise unit is higher than before—once more elite, even with otherwise inexpensive fans. Read more “Arctic P12 Pro: Key to „noiselessness“ is in 7 blades”
If you’re looking for illuminated fans without compromises that also deliver high cooling efficiency, the FD Momentum 12 RGB may be the right choice. These fans strike an excellent balance between visual appeal and performance. Their efficient geometry and exceptionally rigid blades are complemented by circular lighting. The Momentum 12 RGB fans are so far the only illuminated fans we’ve given the “Top-notch” award. Read more “Lighting on LCP! Fractal Design Momentum 12 RGB analysis”
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”
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