DeepCool FC120: Big ARGB blades in a “small” cross-section

Evaluation

The biggest advantage, but at the same time the biggest disadvantage of the DeepCool FC120 fan are its long and overall large blades, whose area exceeds that of competing models. Among illuminated fans, this one represents one of the most efficient solutions with ARGB LEDs, in optimal conditions. However, it is important to notice its downsides, which are a side effect of the chosen rotor design.

Evaluation

The extra-large blades have made a positive impact in that the DeepCool FC120 achieves the highest airflow yet in “36–39 dBA” modes (950–1120 rpm) in a non-restrictive environment. Towards higher but also lower speeds, the efficiency and ranking of this fan deteriorates. At lower speeds at comparable noise levels, this is because in addition to aerodynamic noise, the bearing and motor sounds are already factored into the overall noise level, as spectrographs point out in their 900–1600 Hz band. Yet at equal, very low noise level the competing Aorus 120 ARGB is less efficient, even on a plastic filter, but there it’s already a very tight race at medium speeds.

The FC120 performs excellently on a hexagonal grille and across the entire speed spectrum stays in the top 5 Around such high-end fans as the BeQuiet! Silent Wings Pro 4 or the MSI MEG Silent Gale P12. On the radiators of the conductors and especially the passives of the radiators it is already worse, and it gets worse the higher the overpressure in the case. In such an environment, one of the biggest weaknesses starts to show – lower static pressure.

DeepCool has tried to reduce the gaps in the active cross-section of the fan, through which air escapes inefficiently due to back pressure, but it is still a bit spoiled by the rather low rigidity of the blades. These undulate and in the range of 1200–1350 rpm quite intense vibrations are also achieved. Outside these speeds the vibrations that are transmitted further (e.g. to the case) are already very low. This is also a testament to the highly effective vibration-mitigating corners. Still, even at lower speeds, blade undulation causes more intense noise around the rumblier 200 Hz. High-end fans with more rigid blades do not have this kind of problem.

More sensitive users will find the FC120 rumbling even at very low speeds. However, the noise level on the grille does not rise as much as with many other fans due to microturbulence. This is also why this usage situation produces top-notch results at equal noise level, although the static pressure is rather below average. The lower noise intensity at critical frequencies, in short, allows higher speeds. For system cooling, which is tuned to the lowest possible noise level and often comes into contact with metal grilles, the DeepCool FC120 really fits the bill. It’s also suitable for use with a plastic filter, but beware with a nylon one. Not that the FC120 can’t handle it aerodynamically, but with unreinforced center designs there will be friction between the motor housing and the dust filter screen as with many other models.

By the standards of illuminated models, the DeepCool FC120 may or may not be attractive for active cooling of cooler radiators. Because of the lower static pressure rotor design, this fan is more sensitive to the setup of system fans. It performs better in the case of underpressure than when faced with overpressure. We won’t go into detail now, however, this will be one of the big topics we will cover in 2023. What is also remarkable about the FC120 is the coefficient of airflow per watt. At lower speeds, the DeepCool fan ranks second in this indicator for now. Lighting efficiency is high, maximum brightness is average (For example the Gelid Zodiac glows significantly more intensely, but the Gigabyte Aorus 120 ARGB and the Reeven Kiran are less pronounced in this regard).

In the very end, we can conclude that the DeepCool FC120 is definitely an option that makes sense to consider when choosing illuminated fans. You already know its strengths and weaknesses, now it just depends on what you expect from the fan and how you want to use it.

English translation and edit by Jozef Dudáš




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