The DeepCool FT12 and FT14 fans
Regarding the new FT series fans, DeepCool talks about increased development efforts and more extensive changes in the approach to the build. Not only has there been a densification of the impeller, but also that everything is now built around a three-phase torque motor. The latter has up to 12 stator slots, which are illuminated by white LEDs. In this respect, the overall design is really quite original.
DeepCool FT fans are meant to address the biggest shortcomings of their predecessors (from the FK/FC series). The noise level at critical sound frequencies could be significantly lower. This is both because of the wider impeller blades with the potential for lower vibration, and the use of stiffer material. The PBT is newly reinforced with glass fiber.
The total number of blades is unchanged (compared to the FK120), as far as the 120-millimeter FT12 fan is concerned. There are still nine. The leading and trailing edges are slightly shorter, but still retain an efficient shape with a more pronounced curve. The 140 mm fan (model FT14), which was previously missing from DeepCool’s offer, is also based on this modern geometry. However, this one already has two fewer blades – seven in total.
The speed range of the 140 mm FT14 fan is quoted at 500–1650 rpm, where at the maximum the airflow should reach 133.93 m3/h and the static pressure 3,6 mm H2O. This could mean that the airflow drop through an obstacle (e.g. through a liquid cooler radiator) could be extra-small and the cooling performance extra-high. And perhaps even at that extra low noise level. That will only be shown in the tests.
A very high static pressure (4.2 mm H2O) is also indexed for the smaller FT12 fan in 120 mm format. With this value, several readers will probably wonder whether the parameters might be exaggerated. We don’t know, but we will find out. Anyway, the gaps between the individual blades are quite small, which gives the fan certain prerequisites to better withstand back pressure. The airflow of the FT12 fan is specified up to 127.42 m3/h. This figure corresponds to a maximum speed of 2150 rpm. The parameters indicate 500 rpm as the speed minimum, which implies a very wide speed range at least for PWM control.
Also notable with the DeepCool FT12/14 fans is the 10-pole motor with up to 12 stator slots. The torque is three-phase. For example, Noctua found no justification to use it for the new generation of its fans, but these are different designs and ultimately different priorities for different features. DeepCool does see some sense in the three-phase torque in its fans, and the motor’s design also gives the world something to admire. Its transparent hub housing cover. Each of the stator slots even has its own white LED next to it. However, this illumination can be turned off with a button on the back of the impeller hub.
The fan bearings are to be “true” fluid dynamic bearings (FDB). MTBF value is not disclosed by DeepCool.
The DeepCool FT12 and FT14 fans will be available in both all-black and all-white (with a WH at the end of the designation). The suggested price for the smaller FT12 fans, regardless of the variant, is 20 EUR and for the larger FT14 fans 25 EUR. You can also find triple packs in stores.
English translation and edit by Jozef Dudáš
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- The DeepCool FT12 and FT14 fans
