The fan carrying one of the most popular brands in the field has been tested against the latest competitors. Among them are the new Arctic P14 Pro (A-RGB), Noctua NF-A14x25 G2 PWM and Thermaltake Toughfan 14 Pro. And many others (including the FD Momentum 14/RGB) with which the TL-B14 will cross paths. In any case, the geometry of the Thermalright impeller is efficient, the price is low, and the results are impressive.
Base 6 equal noise levels…
There are several options by which to normalize the test modes for fans. In the previous chapter, we wrote that perhaps the least appropriate option is equal speed.
Settings according to the same static pressure or flow are for consideration, but we find it most sensible in the long term to normalize the measurement modes according to the same noise levels. Firstly because decibels are a logarithmic unit and all others scale linearly, but mainly because you can orientate fastest by the same noise levels. The easiest way to compare the efficiency of fans is just by how they perform at the same sound pressure level. Of all the options, this is the one that most people can best imagine and bounce off of when considering other variables.
The individual noise level modes are adjusted from low levels continuously to higher levels. All users will find their results in the tests, regardless of whether they prefer very quiet operation at the limit of audibility or whether high performance is paramount.
The quietest mode corresponds to 31 dBA, followed by 33 dBA, and for each additional mode we add 3 dBA, which always doubles the noise level (36, 39, 42 and 45 dBA). Finally, we measure the fans at maximum power. Here, each one already has a slightly different noise level, which we also report. If there are missing measurements between the results for any of the fans, this means that it was not possible to set the target noise level. Either because its minimum speed exceeds the quietest mode of 31 dBA or vice versa because the fan is quieter than 45 dBA at maximum power.
It is important to add that our noise level measurements are incomparable to the values quoted by the fan manufacturers in their specifications. One of the reasons is because we use a parabola-shaped collar around the sensor of the noise meter, which increases sensitivity. This is important in order to distinguish and set to the same noise level even modes at very low speeds, especially 31 dBA.
The noise meter next to the fan is quite close for sufficient resolution. The distance between the frame and the sensor is 15 centimeters. The sensor is positioned in such a way that there is no distortion or that the noise level measurements are not affected by airflow. Therefore, the noise meter is centered perpendicularly to the frame that defines the depth of the fan. Everything is always at the same angle and at the same distance. We use an inclinometer and markers to set the distances precisely and always the same.
We use a Reed R8080 noise meter to measure noise levels. This allows real-time averaging of samples, which is important for fine-tuning individual modes. We tune the fans until the specified noise level is reached to two decimal places, for example 31.50 dBA. The noise meter is the only instrument we calibrate inside our testlab. The other instruments have been calibrated by the relevant technical institutes. However, in the case of the noise meter, calibration is required before each test and we therefore have our own calibrator. This is already calibrated externally according to the standard.
I have this installed as a back exhaust fan on my Fractal Design Define S. In the front I have three of the Fractal Design’s older dynamic GP14.
This fan has a specific prrrrrrrrrr noise that becomes pronounced above 1100rpm.
I somehow prefer it over the extremely annoying high pitched whine of the Arctic P14 PWM.
My quest for a satisfactory quiet fan over 1000rpm continues.
Are you sure that the noise is not actually being generated by the grille on which the fan is mounted? Maybe it is resonating with the TL-B14 fan and is the source of the unwanted noise. With other fans this doesn’t necessarily have to happen, of course…
Please review the Thermalright TL-C12015B. Maybe the best slim fan after the P12 slim, and important as the range for slim fans is limited.
Wow, Thermalright’s offering is quite impressive in this slim space. 😉
TL-B12015: https://www.thermalright.com/product/tl-b12015/
TL-B12015 Extrem: https://www.thermalright.com/product/tl-b12015-extrem/
TL-H12015B: https://www.thermalright.com/product/tl-h12015b/
TL-C12015B: https://www.thermalright.com/product/tl-c12015b/
TL-H12015B-S: https://www.thermalright.com/product/tl-h12015b-s/
TL-C12015S: https://www.thermalright.com/product/tl-c12015s/
TL-C12015L: https://www.thermalright.com/product/tl-c12015l/
and super-slim (13mm) in 140mm format
TY-14013R: https://www.thermalright.com/product/ty-14013r/
That’s a very nice list of fans. Thanks for sharing! 🙂
Yes, the TL-C12015B looks good. Thanks for the tip! We are adding it to the list and will ask Thermalright for samples when we get the opportunity. No promises, but let’s hope we’ll get to see its tests on here. 🙂
1. For some reason, the positive/negative list in the evaluation section seems empty. Can you check if that’s also the case on your end?
2. On the topic of Thermalright, have there ever been considerations of reviewing some of TR’s CPU air coolers?
I’d love to see some of the detailed analysis you guys do for the likes of the Phantom Spirit 120 Evo, Royal Pretor 130 Ultra or the Peerless Assassin 140, just as examples for their 3 most performant recent models.
Sorry, no idea why this was posted a reply to you (Yamato). It was supposed to be a question to Ľubomír.
Thank you for the heads-up. 🙂
1.) The +/- table really was empty, but everything’s fixed now.
2.) We’re definitely interested in Thermalright coolers, and we already have a sample of the Royal Pretor 130 in the test lab. Their lower representation in our tests is only due to weaker local distribution, but that doesn’t change the fact that we want to cover Thermalright coolers too. The English edition of HWCooling does have global reach.
Is the TL H12-X28 anywhere in the schedule? Looks like a pretty good 120mm ARGB workhorse if the specs are anywhere near accurate
We don’t currently have the TL-H12-X28 fan in our testing plans. I agree its design is extremely attractive, but I’m constrained by limited time. While I believe we’ll eventually get around to testing this fan, I really can’t make any promises right now.
I’m sorry if it has been asked before or if it’s already on the schedule, but could you guys review the Sudokoo Mach140 fan, the Sudokoo Proteus 360 AIO and the Thermalright Stream Vision AIO?
IIRC, Sudokoo Mach is on the schedule, but I don’t know if it’s 120 or 140. 😛
Either will be great. Comparing the 120 with the Phanteks T30 or the 140 with the Arctic 14 Pro will show whether Sudokoo’s product is competitive.
I’m looking forward to it. The aerodynamic design of these fans looks really promising, and based on previous experience, I’d expect the Mach120 to deliver some very attractive results. 🙂
And you can find the TR Stream Vision AIO review here:
https://quasarzone.com/bbs/qc_qsz/views/2023652#p5
😛
Nice! Thank you!
As for Sudokoo fans, we have Mach120 samples in the test lab. Tests of these fans will definitely come out sooner or later. Regarding the Mach140—can’t say yet, we’re not that far ahead, haha. The Proteus and Stream Vision coolers are very good suggestions for future tests as well, but I can’t promise anything for now. We’ll see. 🙂
No problem! I know it’s not possible to review every piece of available gear.
Anyway, thank you for everything you have been doing!