The cheapest 140mm fan we’ve tested so far beats even significantly more expensive 120mm models at comparable noise levels. That’s because of the use of a larger cross-sectional area, as well as the efficient impeller geometry that the Stratus 140 PWM definitely has. “Cheap” fan doesn’t necessarily mean “weak”, though of course there are some compromises based on more limited manufacturing resources than with more expensive fans.
Results: Cooling performance per watt, static pressure
Explanatory note: From static pressure measurements, you know how efficient the fans are when set at the same noise level. We also measure the operating power draw in fixed noise level mode tests, so we can easily quantify which fan is not only more cooling efficient, but also more energy efficient. That is, which fan achieves higher static pressure per unit of power draw.
Why is there a missing value sometimes? There may be more reasons. Usually it is because the fan could not be adjusted to the target noise level. Some have a higher minimum speed (or the speed is low, but the motor is too noisy) or it is a slower fan that will not reach the higher decibels. But the results in the graphs are also missing if the impeller is brushing against the nylon filter mesh. In that case, we evaluate this combination as incompatible. And zero in the graphs is naturally also in situations where we measure 0.00. This is a common occurrence at extremely low speeds with obstructions or within vibration measurements.
stratus 14 is more expensive than arctic p14, therefore it’s not cheap.
It may or may not be. It will depend on the specific store you are shopping at. Somewhere the Stratus 140 PWM fan may be more expensive (probably especially in the US?), somewhere else it may be a bit cheaper.