Epilogue
As usual, I will be a straight shooter. I expected more out of this fan, especially in airflow, where it hit the bottom in the normalized noise results, and it didn’t do well in airflow at maximum readings, too. Nonetheless, it performs well in static airflow, at up to 30 dBA, where its noise output isn’t annoying. At 35 dBA and 40 dBA, the Phanteks T130-120 doesn’t leave any room for competition. Given my recent methodology changes, I will check again (for the 5-6th time, lost count so far) with a different Phanteks fan to verify its performance. Fan testing is highly complicated and requires major effort and constant re-checks to provide the most accurate results. After all, the 60K Longwin machine must work all day to justify its cost!
The Alphacool Apex Stealth Metal Power 120mm has a nice metallic frame. It is highly noise efficient and performs well up to 30 dBA in static pressure, so if you need something fancy for your radiator or heatsink and don’t want to exceed 30 dBA, it will be a good choice. On the other hand, if you need a case fan, stay away from it because this is not its purpose, given the low airflow. The increased price is justified by the top-notch build quality and the metallic frame’s durability. Still, if you don’t care much about durability and need a fan for regular usage, the Phanteks T30-120 has a similar price while offering top performance at static pressure and airflow. I was anxious to test this fan and see if it could finally dethrone the Phanteks fan, but it wasn’t even close. I hope Alphacool continues on this project and delivers a fan with 115 CFM and close to 6.5 mmAq static pressure at 3000 – 3100 RPM max speed, with noise output at the same levels as this one (40 dBA).
The reason I don’t give a recommendation badge to this product is that I want to see higher airflow, given the increased price tag. Just wanted to make this clear.
To check all alternative fan offerings, read my Best Cooling Fans article before investing in new cooling solutions. You help me a lot by using my affiliate links, which don’t increase the product’s price. I get a commission from Amazon every time you do it, which can make a difference for me, especially now that I am on my own, working exclusively for my media and not for someone else.
- Top build quality
- Hydro dynamic bearing
- Noise-effective design
- High static pressure in the 20-30 dBA noise output range
- Metallic frame
- PWM control
- Daisy-chain option
- Wide fan speed control range (296– 3091 RPM)
- Rich bundle
- 5-year warranty
- Expensive
- Poor airflow performance (compared to similar speed fans)
- Lack of ARGB lighting might let down some users (not me!)
Buy ARCTIC F12 PWM PST
Buy Thermaltake SWAFAN EX 12 RGB
Buy be quiet! Silent Wings 4 140mm PWM
Buy Thermaltake TOUGHFAN 12 Pro
Buy XPG Vento Pro High Performance PWM
Buy Corsair LL Series, LL120 RGB
Buy NZXT AER P – RF-AP120-FP – 120mm
Buy Cooler Master SickleFlow 120 V2 RGB
Very good review. Love the page 8 normalized noise tests.
– Woud love a ”real world” thermal test like der8auer did with a radiator too. Lot of numbers, cfm, noise etc but what does it translate in °C ?
– Wish you added to the charts : Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM /// be quiet SILENT WINGS PRO 4 120mm PWM /// ARCTIC P12 Max
And when you hit the max speed for exemple noctua remove it for the later stages.
I usually set my fans 800-1000 RPM idle and 1300-1800 for gaming.
We will add more soon. We are re-testing most stuff right now.
A real-world test would only cover 1% of all possible scenarios because some radiators need high airflow, others high static, and others a mix.
In the real world, you see static in cooling systems and airflow for chassis use.
The Phanteks T130-120 might not leave room for competition, but it’s the only one 30 mm high, instead of 25 as all the others.
Looks a tiny bit unfair this way, if you ask me.