Results: frequency response of sound
The vast majority of computers use two types of dust filters – a fine nylon one and a coarser plastic one. The fact that the plastic filter lets more through and is less efficient in this respect is already apparent from the eye, as it has a coarser mesh. But do you know which one degrades the performance of the fan more and by how much? One even “wheezes”, which is nicely indicated by a detailed noise analysis at 240 sound frequencies.
Sound colour when pulling…
Type of dust filter | Dominant sound freq. and noise level, Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM@7 V (pull) | NF-F12 PWM | NF-A15 PWM | ||||
Low range | Mid range | High range | |||||
Frequency [Hz] | Noise level [dBu] | Frequency [Hz] | Noise level [dBu] | Frequency [Hz] | Noise level [dBu] | ||
Plastic | 126,992 | -68,642 | 339,028 | -74,269 | 5583,400 | -89,100 | |
Nylon | Nylon dust filter | 195,849 | -63,331 | 201,587 | -62,790 | 1974,030 | -90,464 |
No obstacle | Plastic dust filter | 130,713 | -77,289 | 339,028 | -74,287 | 1974,030 | -90,361 |
…and when pushing air
Type of dust filter | Dominant sound freq. and noise level, Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM@7 V (push) | NF-F12 PWM | NF-A15 PWM | ||||
Low range | Mid range | High range | |||||
Frequency [Hz] | Noise level [dBu] | Frequency [Hz] | Noise level [dBu] | Frequency [Hz] | Noise level [dBu] | ||
Plastic | 164,688 | -70,389 | 339,028 | -69,640 | 1974,030 | -89,487 | |
Nylon | Nylon dust filter | 195,849 | -73,115 | 201,587 | -70,243 | 1974,030 | -89,922 |
No obstacle | Plastic dust filter | 50,397 | -79,330 | 201,587 | -71,454 | 1974,030 | -89,677 |
- Contents
- No two filters are the same
- Results: impact on airflow, pressure and noise
- Results: frequency response of sound
- So which type is the bigger brake?
Hi
This was kind of what I was after. I have some headphones that don’t have dust filters on the cups. I know it can affect the sound, but I am interested to see if using fine nylon would be best for dust and also not affect frequency as much.
Thanks
Now that’s a really interesting question. 🙂 Unfortunately, I can’t say how a nylon mesh similar to the one from dust filters for fans will affect the frequency of sound in headphones. It’s probably not a big deal, but… I can’t write anything that would be of any informational value to you.