Test Methodology
I use an LW-9266 Fan PQ performance measurement apparatus to evaluate cooling fans. This highly sophisticated scientific instrument was 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, I 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:
Just saw the square frame A14x25 report! Seems like the round frame sample performed ever so slightly better? 1545~ rpm at 31.4dba while the square frame was 1505~ rpm at 32.9dba, would you say this is within sample to sample variability/margin of error? Or is there any possibility of the frame itself causing this small difference, even if only in this testing setup?
Thank you for all the testing btw, invaluable info, proper technical testing and insights for us. And I guess the square frame version will be available very soon, likely next week?
Hey Aris,
first of all, thanks for making these tests. I wish i saw them before buying my new fans😅
I wanted to ask if you could test push vs. pull when it comes to static pressure and flow? Or why you haven’t done it so far? Is it maybe not that different or literally the same?
I ask because i have to go with pull on my new PC, as it makes the loop much easier to do, but I’ve heard fans don’t like it so much compared to push.
Maybe you could chime in and tell me how you feel about it, would be really helpful 🙂
I could do that, but I would have to reconfigure my entire testing machine and do all the fans I have evaluated so far, so for now only push I am afraid. In any case keep in mind that a fan that is better in push, will also be in pull.
Thanks Aris,
im at that point where im probably in the overthinking stage, because building starts soon and i dont want to make an easy mistake that could’ve been avoided😅
I wish i knew you now make fan testing too at the start, then i could’ve asked about the push vs. pull stuff, but shit happens i guess haha
How do you feel about reviewing older models? I’d really like to hear your opinion on Silverstone FHP141. This 140mm×38mm chonky looks really promising judging by its product page and its single existing review. Neither of them went nitty gritty with it however, so I was hoping you’d fix that.
Does this fan currently only support the newly launched air coolers?
Can the current mounting screw holes be properly installed on radiators or other positions?
Nope it supports any cooler that can take 140mm fans.
The weak 1500 RPM limit prevents it from being the best 140mm fan IMO
At low RPM, the top 10 fans will likely perform the same in real world as long there’s no weird motor noise. And that’s pretty much the only thing this fan has to offer. P14 Max already offers this PLUS the ability to scale up to compete against high raw perf fans like Noctua Industrial 3000 RPM—-it’s practically like the Phanteks T30 but in 140mm. P14 Max is still the 140mm fan to beat. I hope Noctua release a higher RPM version to justify the high price.
We always wait the test of the fastest 140mm fan for a versus to the Super Flower Megacool. You have news about Noctua for the nf-a14 industrialppc-3000 pwm ??? Couple month ago you said your contact don’t reply and you will ask again.
Let me ask them again. I asked in the past, but they didn’t send them to me.
In worst case I think for that fan only, it worth that you buy it for the review. I think for that 140mm chart, that fan is a huge missing, because everyone know it was the best performer since a long time. There no others like that one excepted maybe Delta server fan in 38mm but no gamer buy this versus in old time like 2005.
Please send me a solid-works 3D model file for the NF-A6X25 PWM FAN.
Please let me know if the model is available or send it in a .step file format or any compatible format that is available.
hm not sure what you need/ask.
Can you please review the Antek Storm T3 140mm fans? Thir specs seem amazing for the price.
I will talk to Antec!
Yep. Really interested about these as well!
Another vote for Antek T3 140mm
They told me that they would send it for review. Still waiting, though.