Longer life in exchange for more noise? These are also some of the agenda items we’ll cover in our comparison of the Arctic P14 CO fan with the fluid bearing variant (P14). These are actually the main points. In any case, the ball bearings in the more expensive variant of these fans also have specific features that can be easily observed and distinguished even in normal, “home” use. Read more “Arctic P14 PWM PST CO or ball vs. fluid bearings”
What is fascinating about the Arctic P14 is the particularly high contrast of price to (cooling) efficiency. These fans are among the cheapest, while at the same time achieving top results with respect to all 140 mm fans in terms of airflow per unit of noise. And that’s even through obstacles. Arctic has made almost the maximum out of the funds available to produce the fan, and it is definitely worth it. Read more “Arctic P14 PWM PST: Unbeatable in its segment”
The Silent Wings (Pro) 4 represent the pinnacle of computer fan range. The non-Pro variants stand out especially in system positions and are not well suited for radiators. This is by design and in line with the sort of “micro-segmentation” of BeQuiet. In a white design, like the one tested, it will be quite difficult to find other 140 mm fans that are quieter at comparable airflow. Read more “BeQuiet! Silent Wings 4 (BL117): A white choice for your case”
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. Read more “Endorfy Stratus 140 PWM: Low price, high efficiency”
With the RS Max fans, Corsair is aiming really high. Across the most popular 120 and 140mm formats, it has incorporated technically what should define perhaps the most efficient fans of their kind. Especially when it comes to the 140mm variant. It too is 30mm thick, which combined with the curved LCP blades makes it a theoretical favorite to win many “first places”. Read more “Corsair RS Max: Fans that can rise to the top”
Noctua’s long-awaited next-gen fans in the 140mm format have experienced a setback in their planned release, but they also haven’t. They have indeed been delayed from the second to third quarter of 2024 in terms of standalone availability, but they should be out soon together with the cooler that replaces the NH-D15 at the top of the lineup. In addition, it’s also been somewhat declassified which of the “older” projects is nearing completion. Read more “Noctua: New 140 mm fans to premiere on a CPU cooler”
Some really attractive things are often overlooked or given less attention than they deserve, for various reasons. This is somewhat the case with the technically remarkable fan from PCCooler CPS – the F5 R120. This 120 mm fan with its features is in the company of the most prominent names, although it has its weaknesses as well. These may or may not interest you either. It depends on the use case. Read more “PCCooler CPS F5 R120 BK: Mid-range attacking the top”
The ongoing contest for Enermax PSUs is now even more attractive. You can also enter for fans, which we will be happy to add to the package for the winner. And also for free. In their case, we don’t even require them to be paired with the main build (with the Enermax PSU). You can use them as you see fit in some other computer where they will do a better job than gathering dust on the shelves of our testlab. Read more “Enermax contest bonus: You’ll also get fans with the PSU”
Slowly but surely, the Arctic P14 fan tests are coming up. In a short time sequence we will analyze all models that differ from each other more than the color design. After testing the base model, we’ll look at how the use of ball bearings (instead of fluid bearings) affects the results, culminating with the P14 Max framed impeller. That this fan must be the most efficient? Not necessarily. Read more “In the works: Trilogy of different Arctic P14 variant tests”
Both 120 and 140 mm BeQuiet! fans from the Silent Wings (Pro) 4 and Pure Wings 3 series are now available in an all-white design. So both more expensive and cheaper fans, which have in common a very high airflow per unit of noise. Across the entire price spectrum, you are dealing with some of the most efficient fans you can buy for computers. And not just among the white ones. Read more “BeQuiet! put all their modern fans in white”
Those interested in 140mm fans have reason to rejoice. After the P12 Max, Arctic is also releasing the P14 Max, which is one size larger. These stick to the already established features, such as a significant speed increase, but also probably a noise reduction even at low speeds. By all accounts, these should be universal fans that will be efficient across the entire speed spectrum, and on all types of obstacles. Read more “New Arctic P14 Max: Anti-vibration and high speed”
The title couldn’t fit a “despite complications with the frame”. Even though Noctua figured out that the fan blades could collide under adverse circumstances due to deformation of the frame in a more advanced stage of prototyping, it seems that the fix for this inconvenience didn’t take too long. We’re again at the point where it looks like Noctua’s 140mm LCP fans are right outside the doors of the retail market. Read more “Release of Noctua’s 140mm next-gen fans sticks to schedule”
While the selection of high-end 140mm fans is quite narrow, there is one model that may be of interest to you. Especially if you want the “most effective” for your radiator, at low noise levels. Certain features of the high-end admittedly don’t appear on the Toughfan 14 Pro, but when it comes to cooling radiators, Thermaltake’s fan doesn’t have much competition in this discipline. It will defend its place in silent builds. Although… Read more “Thermaltake Toughfan 14 Pro: Number one for radiators”
Venturi fans have some of the softest mounting corners. The transmission of vibrations from moving parts further away to anything (case plates, heatsink fins, …) is thus very significantly damped. Compared to other (even more modern Fractal Design models), these fans have more robust blades, which are both thicker and wider, and as a result, higher static pressure is also achieved at comparable speeds. Read more “Fractal Design Venturi HP-14 PWM: Against vibrations above all”
Arctic has released a new, white version of the P12 Max fan. However, it is not only a choice between light (P12 Max White) and dark (P12 Max Black), but also between different types of bearings, fluid dynamic and ball ones. In any case, it is once again a 120 mm fan that will be taking the top ranks in comparison tests with its performance characteristics. It has all the prerequisites to do so. Read more “Return to FDB – the main new feature of the Arctic P12 Max White”
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