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 with a hexagonal grille

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.


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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.


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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

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