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 | 2134 | +6.7% |
| Max Input Current (A) | 0.14 | 0.12 | -14.29% |
| Max Power (W) | 1.68 | 1.50 | -10.71% |
| Qmax (CFM) | 60.09 | 56.11 | -6.62% |
| Pmax (mmAq) | 2.34 | 2.26 | -3.42% |
| Max Noise Level (dBA) | 22.6 | 31.3 | +8.7 dBA |
Speed is higher than the advertised and power consumption is lower. The airflow is a bit off, not by much compared to other fans, though, and static pressure is close to the advertised value. Only noise output at full speed is far away, but I don’t know how Noctua measures noise in its products.
Hi there
I compared the the data of the max static pressure graph at 20 dBA Noise Output with the same graph from the test of the Phanteks T30 (https://hwbusters.com/cooling/phanteks-t30-120-cooling-fan-review-recheck/10/) and the values of certains fans change quite a bit. For example here the static pressure of the Phanteks T30 is 1.32mmAq in this test while it is 1.44mmAq in the review of the Phanteks.
So which are the “correct” values?
Cheers
Hi! Thanks for such a detailed review!
I agree, the hero of the review is far from the most productive fan in terms of noise normalization, but its quality is… a separate level
As a person for whom complete noiselessness of assembly is a priority, I cannot accept some models following the NF-A12x25 in the list of the best, simply because, based on personal experience and numerous reviews, after a while very unusual sounds at low rpm (~800-1000 rpm) begin to emanate from them
Therefore, in my personal top, I would give him a solid 2nd place in terms of a combination of factors
The rest is a matter of compatibility of the Phankeks T30 with your build. 😁
Suggestion: it would be cool to add fan testing for near-silent operation, 10 dBa, for example, there are probably a lot of silence maniacs in their builds 🙃
Also, please test the NF-A14 (aka A15 for the NH-D15 cooler)
Thanks!
Happy New Year to your team! 🎄
Happy New Year!
Unfortunately, I cannot do torture testing in noise measurements, for now at least.
This Noctua fan has sky-high quality and its bearing is among the best in today’s market, but since performance is of the highest priority, it needs improvements there.
In the way I test, even 20 dBA is very low, since I measure the fans from 1 meter away. I also have readings for 15 dBA.