Test Methodology
We evaluate cooling fans using an LW-9266 Fan PQ performance measurement apparatus. This highly sophisticated scientific instrument, made in Taiwan by Long Win.
Fan Testing Machine Technical Specifications:
- Manufacturer: Long Win Science & Technology Corporation
- Air Flow Rate: 2.4 – 250 CFM
- Accuracy of Air Flow Rage: <3.5% INFS
- Repeatability error: < 2%
- Static pressure: 0-20mmAq (100mmAq with the high static pressure throttle device)
- Overall Dimensions: 0.7 (W) x 2.2 (L) x 1.6 (H) m
- Power Source: 220VAC, 5A, Single Phase, 50/60Hz
- Based on Standards: ISO 5801-2007, AMCA 210-0, ASHRAE 51-2007, IEC 61591-2005, GB/T 1236-200
Besides the Long Win machine, we also use the following equipment.
Testing Equipment:
- Noise Test Environment: Hemi-Anechoic Chamber with 6 dB(A) noise floor
- Conditions: 25 (+-2) degrees Celsius, 40-50% humidity
- Sound Analyzer: Bruel & Kjaer 2270-S G4
- Microphone: Bruel & Kjaer Type 4955-A
- Mic Calibrator: Bruel & Kjaer Type 4231
- Data Logger: Picoscope TC-08
Pages:
The price of these best fans is something I wouldn’t consider. Best value is more important to me
Not all of the fans are expensive. For example, Arctic P12 PST PWM and Arctic P12 Max are about $10 each.
Thank you so much for these in-depth reviews! Currently speccing out fans for a water cooled server -extra thick radiators. Truly appreciate your normalized evaluations of CFM, static pressure, and noise at different speeds and sound levels. Your dedication is unmatched. You’ve easily put out the fairest and most comprehensive review of the SilverStone FHS 120X to date. Look forward to more ultra high performance fan writeups! I’m checking the site every day now!
thank you!!
I don’t see any Noctua ! At least from the point of noise if not else
In the next update. We are enriching our database day by day, re-testing also several fans to improve the accuracy of our results.
Hi! In the original review for the toughfan 12 pro, it ranked consistently lower than the XPG vento pro. However, in your revised list, it is now ranked consistently higher for both airflow and static pressure? Would you now recommend the toughfan 12 pro over the XPG vento pro, or would you stick with the vento pro for heatsinks with only 25mm fan clearance?
Hi! We re-tested again all normalized noise tests, changing some parameters and now we have some changes and the results are more accurate. If you are after higher static pressure, heatsink use, the Toughpro is a bit stronger.
How can we explain tha the #1#2#3 tab doesn’t give the same results as the charts ?
For example :
– Airflow at 20db on the chart : In Win Neptune, Silverstone Vista, Silents Wings Pro 4
– in the tab : Cooler Master Masterfan MF140 Halo2 Arctic P14 PWM PST CO EKWB EK Loop FPT 140 D-RGB
Do you apply some coefficient or something ?
Just forgot to update the 140mm fans, sorry 🙁 Fixed now. Thanks for catching that!
Thanks 😉
I’m looking for a 140mm fan on the front of the case, the best combination between airflow and silence, so your results are quite interesting (and surprising I would say)
Why there is no P12 Max in here, especially when it’s probably the best air pushed compared it’s price, makes no sense not putting it in here honestly. Is it top? Surely not. Best bang for the bucks? Most likely.
Because I haven’t tested it yet.
So t30 seems to be the best performer across static and airflow average wise but I was wondering how does the Phanteks D30-120 stack up for those looking for a white option or rgb?
Have you looked at these fans before ?
I’m looking for 2 fans to replace stock AIO fans and 3 new front case fans. I was just going to buy 5 noctua fans but they don’t even make your list.
InWin topped nearly all the charts in the 140 mm category yet no one else ever talks about them, why do suppose that is? Most of the media talks about Silent Wings, Noctua and other 140mm big name brands. How did InWin win nearly all the 140mm charts? Is the Neptune AN 140 relatively new?
Also – is there a way that you can list the RPM speed at each of the Db levels ? For example, 30DB is xRPM fan speed. Possible to list that?
Many thanks for your feedback! Your testing is the GO-TO for all product purchases. There should be no reason to go anywhere else with the type of scientific testing you have! Many, many thanks for providing this informatio – invaluable!!!!
Regards,
Michael
They are new, yes, released several months ago. Will see to put these graphs also there, sure.
Thank you for your kind words! Appreciate them 🙂
One more question about the InWin AN 140 Fan that you tested and which tops all your 140mm charts. I bought them and installed them. The MINIMUM operating speed is 900 RPM! This is not whisper quiet to begin with. I can clearly hear it. Is there a way to OVERIDE the minium manufactured fan speed?
I found a solution for the AN140 – set your BIOS to DC mode, set it to 0% at all temps, then use Fan Control (look on Github) to manually set the fans. I have them running at 650 rpm and they are whisper quiet at that level. I agree that the lowest PWM RPMs are too loud and make a somewhat annoying noise. From my real world testing, I cannot conclude if the AN140 actually moves a massive amount of air per db, but the RGB does look pretty and was the cheapest 140 RGB fan in my country. I was more impressed with the Lian Li P28 120 I picked up.
Remember that HWbusters measures in a hemi anechoic chamber with a 6db noise floor at 1M to create the 20 db chart. You will never be able to get your fans to the RPM he’s at to reach 20 db in your own real world use case.
Hi! Can you clarify WHICH BeQuiet Silent Wings 4 that you tested which is referenced in the 140mm test? Hi-Speed (2400 rpm) or 1100 RPM? Many thanks for the clarification. For example, you have the Silent Wings 4 at 70% at only 7-ish Db – which is REMARKABLY quiet at 70%. This leads me to believe you tested the 1100 RPM model. Thanks for clarifiying!
-MJ
Here are the max speeds that all fans achieved: https://hwbusters.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Fan_Max_RPM-2.png
Have you tested the Noctua NF-A12x25?
here are all the fans I have tested so far.
https://www.cybenetics.com/index.php?option=fans
Great article!
However, you really need to test and add the following fans to 140mm chart:
Noctua NF-A14 PWM
Noctua NF-A15 PWM
Thermaltake Toughfan 14 Pro
Cooler Master Mobius 140P
I will soon add them!