Advertised Vs. Real Performance
This is probably the most crucial page, showing how accurate the data provided by the manufacturers/brands on their products is. Since nobody so far could verify these numbers, it was an open field for every brand to declare whatever it wanted, but this stops now. I should also note that I strictly follow the specific guidelines (ISO7779: 2018) for taking noise measurements in information technology and telecommunications equipment.
In the table below, anything in Red means bad news, while the Blue fonts are good!
| Performance Metric | Advertised Performance | Real Performance | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max Speed (RPM) | 2000 | 2004 | +0.2% |
| Max Input Current (A) | 0.2 | 0.11 | -45% |
| Max Power (W) | 2.64 | 1.31 | -50.38% |
| Qmax (CFM) | 47 | 44.23 | -5.89% |
| Pmax (mmAq) | 2.09 | 1.84 | -11.96% |
| Max Noise Level (dBA) | 24.6 | 28 | +3.4 dBA |
We have three blue and three readings here, with two of the latter being in the performance section, which is the most important. The fan’s performance (airflow and static pressure) specs are not close to the advertised ones, but they are not miles away, either.
Hello and thank you for the detailed review of the new Alphacool Apex Stealth Metal 120mm.
After reading your old articles I bought 3× Thermaltake TT TOUGHFAN 14 Pro and 3× Thermaltake TT TOUGHFAN 12 Pro to replace Be Quiet! SILENT WINGS PRO 4 140mm PWM and 120mm (Airflow in a MSI MPG Quietude 100S).
I find the framework to be of higher quality, more mature. I like the wiring without a sleeve, easier to fold and store.
For the same dB noise there is a vastly superior CFM and Static Pressure, and all this for almost a quarter of the price less (in Europe).
I was impatiently waiting for the Alphacool Apex Stealth in 120mm (and 140mm in 2024?) but your rigorous testing proves that there is a problem in the design of the blades.
I saved time and money thanks to you