A totally different type of fan than the ones we normally deal with. The Arctic S12038-4K is designed for high-performance servers, which is also reflected in its features. Very high airflow is provided by as much as 4000 rpm. And in order to ensure that the cooling performance does not drop significantly even through obstacles, the “extreme” Arctic fan has a profile that is as thick as 38 mm. Read more “Arctic S12038-4K: Massive fan for harsh conditions”
Gigabyte has put together a fan that combines ARGB LEDs, clever daisy chaining using connectors in the frame, and very good results on radiators. All of that for an attractive price. The design of the Aorus EZ Chain Fan 120 Ice seems to be optimized for use on radiators in particular. In fact, these are the cheapest ARGB fans with daisy chaining and this kind of efficiency that we’ve ever tested. Read more “Elegant first. The Aorus EZ Chain Fan 120 Ice is a neat piece”
We were very excited to see the results of the Grand Tornado 120. It looks good geometrically and is also one of the cheapest LCP models out there. Scythe has also informed us that the Grand Tornado 120 is set to outperform the legendary Gentle Typhoon (D1225C). And it’s true, it does outperform it, though perhaps in different ways than you’d expect. But the LCP fan from Scythe gets along really well with radiators. Read more “Scythe Grand Tornado 120: Even an LCP fan can be “cheap””
With the FT12 fans, DeepCool has departed somewhat from the aerodynamic design of the older FK120 models, which is also reflected in their different functioning. In some ways it’s a change for the better, in some ways for the worse, but overall the fans are attractive. One of the reasons is the unconventional design, which allows you to see inside the motor. The housing is in fact clear and you can also light up underneath. Read more “DeepCool FT12: Evolution in 120mm format”
Although very low, we did observe some vibration even with the Noctua NF-A14x25 G2 PWM fans. However, one question still remains unanswered, namely, how much range can there be in the observed vibrations across samples. We will focus on this in the coming weeks, and you can make your own guesses about the range of vibrations. The most accurate of you will then win… yes, the Noctua NF-A14x25 G2 PWM. Read more “Take a guess: How do Noctua NF-A14x25 G2 PWM fans vibrate?”
It took years, but finally DeepCool managed to modernize its fans in the 140mm format as well. The DeepCool FT14s present themselves with very attractive specs – both the airflow and static pressure are above standard, but the key is how these fans will fare in practice compared to competing models. What makes the FT14 visually different from those at first glance is that you can see inside the motor. Read more “DeepCool FT14: More revealing (than others) and more capable”
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”
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…”
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)?”
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…”
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”
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”
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