Lighting on LCP! Fractal Design Momentum 12 RGB analysis

Cooling, Extra tests, Fans | | Ľubomír Samák

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.

Results: Frequency response of sound w/o obstacles

Measurements are conducted using TrueRTA, which captures audio data across 240 frequency bands within the 20–20,000 Hz range. To facilitate comparisons between articles, we extract and present the dominant frequency from each of three spectral bands: low (20–200 Hz), mid (201–2000 Hz), and high (2001–20,000 Hz) in standardized bar graphs.

However, for an even more detailed analysis of the sound expression, it is important to perceive the overall shape of the graph and the intensity of all frequencies/tones. If any aspects of the graphs or data tables are unclear, detailed interpretation guidelines are provided in this article.

Most fan-related acoustic activity occurs within the 70–7000 Hz range. Frequencies above 7000 Hz typically represent electromagnetic interference from the test environment, while the lowest bands below 70 Hz may also include such noise, albeit mixed with aerodynamic sound. Although we could exclude these frequency extremes, they are retained to detect and visualize potential anomalies.



Wordpress Table Plugin



Wordpress Table Plugin



Wordpress Table Plugin
Why is a value sometimes missing for a fan? There can be several reasons. Most commonly, it’s because the fan couldn’t be regulated to the target noise level. Some fans have higher minimum RPM (or they spin slowly but have an excessively noisy motor), or they are simply slower models that can’t reach higher decibel thresholds. Results are also omitted from graphs if the impeller scrapes against the mesh of a nylon filter. In such cases, we classify the combination as incompatible. And of course, a zero in the graphs naturally appears in situations where we record an actual 0.00. This often occurs at extremely low speeds when obstacles are present or during vibration measurements.


Contents

   

Related articles

Arctic BioniX P12 A-RGB: Efficient, inexpensive, illuminated and…

Cooling, Extra tests, Fans | | Ľubomír Samák

And with very clever daisy‑chaining from one fan to the next. This is what can fill in the ellipsis in the headline. The aerodynamic efficiency remains top‑tier, built on a design that Arctic revised some time ago (with the P12 Pro fans), but which can still be considered “new.” The BioniX P12 A‑RGB fans certainly are (new), and in this in‑depth analysis we focus on how they work. Read more “Arctic BioniX P12 A-RGB: Efficient, inexpensive, illuminated and…” »

Contents

   

ID-Cooling AM-120-K: Bet on an Elegant Geometry

Cooling, Extra tests, Fans | | Ľubomír Samák

It has exactly the elements that make an inexpensive fan aerodynamically efficient and acoustically unobtrusive. Or rather, not too obtrusive—at least at lower, non‑high speeds. At higher speeds, every fan is “noisy,” but making a low‑cost fan that can still be described as pleasant to the ear is already something of a feat. We can, however, state that ID‑Cooling has achieved this with the AM‑120‑K model. Read more “ID-Cooling AM-120-K: Bet on an Elegant Geometry” »

Contents

   

BioniX (P) now with seven blades, smarter daisy-chaining

Fans, News | | Ľubomír Samák

Arctic’s new BioniX fans, which adopt a seven-blade geometry, just like the “base” P1x A-RGB models, are nearing release. Based on the results of the older BioniX “P” fans, it can be assumed that aerodynamic efficiency will be higher this time. Alongside the fans, Arctic is also preparing a fan hub to which they can be connected. The method of daisy-chaining one fan to the next is innovative as well. Read more “BioniX (P) now with seven blades, smarter daisy-chaining” »

Contents

   

Comments (2) Add comment

  1. The RGB variant, despite having a smaller rotor size to work with, outperforms the black variant the vast majority of the time. I suspect the RGB variant was designed first, which is then stretched outwards to form the black variant’s motor… If the 14 cm variants are designed the same way I suspect we’ll see relatively worse results.

    Anyway, excellent job from Fractal.

    Reply

    1. In terms of unobstructed flow, they are similar, but with increasing resistance, the flow of the RGB variant increases. Ľubo and I thought, that the paradoxically shorter blades, which probably lead to higher RPM, probably contribute the most to this behavior. And secondarily, perhaps the less conical inner frame 🙂

      Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *