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.
Aerodynamics-wise, the blades are long with significantly curved leading edges—reinforced at the tips by an integrated ring. This ring is part of the impeller, suppressing vibrations and providing certain performance benefits. In the most critical area, airflow separation is reduced compared to a design without the ring, resulting in higher pressure. However, only slightly—and it must also be considered that the ring’s thickness shortens blade length, which in turn reduces airflow at identical RPM.
Still, as mentioned, the blades are relatively long. This is partly enabled by a smaller hub, with a cover surface diameter of only about 33 mm, tapering toward the tip (with aerodynamic narrowing) to around 31 mm. For comparison, the FD12 V1 had a hub diameter of nearly 45 mm—significantly larger. A smaller hub allows more blade area, but it also raises questions about stability and overall lifespan. Durability depends partly on the robustness of this section, although DeepCool may already have found an optimal balance in this format.
Whether a fan runs flawlessly for five or fifteen years is almost irrelevant, as in both cases it exceeds the practical lifespan of the rest of the system. DeepCool does not state MTBF. We do know that some form of hydrodynamic (“fluid”) bearings is used.
Airflow is high (approx. 135.73 m3/h according to DeepCool), as is static pressure (up to 4.15 mm H2O), since the DeepCool FD12 V2 reaches up to 2500 RPM at maximum speed. This represents a significant generational speed increase. The lower limit remains low (around 500 RPM), allowing quiet operation. The operating range is therefore exceptionally wide, enabling both low-noise tuning and high cooling performance.
DeepCool specifies noise both frontally and from the side—33.32 and 35.66 dBA respectively, with higher noise recorded from the front. We discussed this topic in our interview with Noctua. Sound propagation varies by angle and measurement distance.
Three fans may exceed the 1 A typical motherboard header rating, as indicated by the 0.40 A value on the label. A triple pack is available, where interconnected fans run from a single header. The hub diameter is notably small—barely 34 mm at its widest point (about 31.5 mm at the aerodynamic front).
Power connection differs from FD12 V1 (which used modular cabling). Here, DeepCool uses a traditional dual-connector cable (female and male), enabling daisy-chaining. The fan supports PWM control via a 4-pin connector.
The DeepCool FD12 V2 is a 120 mm fan. Detailed specifications are available in the table on the next page.
Please note: The article continues in the following chapters.
