Noctua on measuring fan noise: Different angles, different results

Noise measurements are an extremely complex topic. Imagine you have ten different sound sources. The noise from each will radiate through the space in different ways, and measuring ‘which is the noisiest’ and coming up with a clear verdict on that is a really hard nut to crack. To give you a better idea, we’ve interviewed Noctua. Different measurement techniques yield potentially different and sometimes contradictory conclusions. Read more “Noctua on measuring fan noise: Different angles, different results” »

DeepCool FT: Robust impeller and three-phase torque

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. Read more “DeepCool FT: Robust impeller and three-phase torque” »

Low profile in 80mm format. Arctic released the P8 Slim PWM PST

Primarily for the needs of very small computer systems, Arctic has expanded its range of low-profile fans. It did this with the P8 Slim PWM PST, which is not only low-profile, it keeps its dimensions smaller in the remaining two axes as well. With 80 mm it copies well, for example, minimalist cases for Raspberry Pi and similar single-board computers. This small fan has a blade count above Arctic’s standards. Read more “Low profile in 80mm format. Arctic released the P8 Slim PWM PST” »

Asus TUF Gaming TR120 (ARGB) Reverse: A nicer look? Yes, but…

This is a first – a fan with the leading edges of the impeller blades on the opposite side to normal ones. This is primarily done for a better view of “fans without stator struts” in cases with glass side panels. In addition, such an unconventional design also has quite clear and measurable advantages and disadvantages, also in terms of functional characteristics. Let’s take everything in turn. Read more “Asus TUF Gaming TR120 (ARGB) Reverse: A nicer look? Yes, but…” »

What to expect from Noctua’s new top-end CPU coolers (and fans)?

Well, after all! The NH-D15 G2 cooler will no longer be on Noctua’s roadmaps. Neither will the separate pack of 140mm NF-A14x25r G2 PWM fans it uses. Both Noctua’s new flagship cooler and the first fans from the new generation are on their way to stores. This comes after years of development and detailed tuning. We can now take a look at the key elements involved with these cooling components. Read more “What to expect from Noctua’s new top-end CPU coolers (and fans)?” »

Arctic P14 Max: The best yet? Well, it depends…

The culmination of our trilogy of tests of Arctic’s 140mm fans is here. With the P14 Max, the designers have worked on improvements that change both the acoustic properties and performance of the fan. The main new feature, the hoop, allows for, among other things, a significant speed increase, due to which this fan can have a really high airflow. On the other hand, fans of extra low speeds will not be too pleased. Read more “Arctic P14 Max: The best yet? Well, it depends…” »

Arctic P14 PWM PST CO or ball vs. fluid bearings

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” »

Arctic P14 PWM PST: Unbeatable in its segment

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” »

BeQuiet! Silent Wings 4 (BL117): A white choice for your case

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” »

Endorfy Stratus 140 PWM: Low price, high efficiency

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” »

BeQuiet! put all their modern fans in white

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” »

Thermaltake Toughfan 14 Pro: Number one for radiators

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” »

Fractal Design Venturi HP-14 PWM: Against vibrations above all

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” »

Return to FDB – the main new feature of the Arctic P12 Max White

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” »

Seasonic MagFlow ARGB: Lighting with LCP? The right way

A concept in which an LCP impeller and ARGB LEDs meet is particularly rare. But it has enormous potential for achieving top-notch results. That is, as long as everything fits together optimally and there are no weak spots somewhere that increase the noise level. There are still a few things to tweak with the MagFlow ARGB fan, but already now, in its current form, it is a premium fan, and not only among lighted models. Read more “Seasonic MagFlow ARGB: Lighting with LCP? The right way” »

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