So...I'm warming up to test round 5, with three new additions sponsored by another community member vhaarr...thanks!
Also a special thanks to Hondacity for the GT I'll be using as a baseline.
The latest contenders:
The Gelid and Artic Cooling fans both sport a more pressure oriented 9 blade design, while the Noise Blocker uses a more standard 7 blade option.
As far as bearings go, the Gelid uses a "Nanoflux" bearing. The noise blocker is using what they call a "NB Nano-SLI" bearing.
It seems... the word "NANO" is becoming the standard Buzz word and not just for coolants....
The half price Coolermaster is sporting a "Long Life Sleeve" bearing, so I'm curious to see if we're paying an extra $10 for the word or if there are real noise benefits to the higher end bearings..we will soon see..
I may also run a few other fans I have collecting, namely the Yate medium with curved blades since it performs so well for the price, but also the Zalman ZM-F3 since I believe it edges out the yate and fitting of the $10 category.
I finished the new Test Chamber this evening, and just starting in on some anemometer calibration. Here is a quick summary of changes all in an effort to deaden any possible test rig induced noises plus improve the anemometer readings through flow straightening and volume:
- Heavy Walled 8" PVC structure
- 21" Overall Length
- Flow Spreader built using 1" ID ABS pipe x 4" length, Chamfered
- Anemometer vane probe now fixed over a reduced 3.5" ID circular cross section (Better Low CFM response)
- Rad Board Template is interchangable for 140mm fan compatibility or other options
- 4X Larger Internal Volume (1000+cubic inches vs 250) for more stabilized flow
- Heavy Duty Rad Board(3/4" Hardwood Plywood) for reducing any resonance
I'm also a bit on the fence about testing with or without a gasket..
Would you guys prefer to see the testing occur with a vibration isolation gasket or not?
I have a spare TFC noise absorber I had in the drawer I can make use of easily enough...??
Should have time to make the video runs this weekend I think..
Also let me know of any particulars you'd like to see..
Cheers!
Martin
Update 10-8.
Made some more changes to the sound chamber, and started the unboxing, figured I'd share some pictures as testing gets started:
Coolermaster
Gelid
Noiseblocker
So far they are all nice fans, but I'm most impressed with the Noiseblocker gasket/grommet system, it's really nice (completely isolates the screw) and a tight custom fit to this fan for case fan type installs. I also like the modular sleeved wire lengths to pick from, this is all a step above most fans regarding accessories.
UPDATE 8-10-10
A few of the videos are ready for your review:
INDIVIDUAL VIDEOS
R5 Fan Test Cooler Master R4 2000RPM R4-C2R-20AC-GP DF1202512RFUNCF
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NRmC5NnZH1U
R5 Fan Test Gelid FN-FW12-15-B Wing 12 1500RPM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wEr74q-HbBg
R5 Fan Test Noise Blocker PL-2 1400 RPM Black Silent Pro Fan
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ywXYTC8dL9k
R5 Fan Test Servo Nidec (Scythe) Gentle Typhoon AP-15 1850RPM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rm6jlrqifQE
R5 Fan Test Yate Loon D12SM12 Curved Blade Black 1650RPM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qiN1p8iX5EA
R5 Fan Test Zalman ZM-F3 1800RPM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cBKa9SXliWk
R5 Fan Test Noctua NF-P12 1300RPM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_27oS9kO4I
R5 Fan Test Modified Silverstone AP121 1500RPM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l-iHY4q05z8
R5 Fan Test Push + Push Yate Loon D12SM12 Curved Blade 2X fans
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WkcDp2bf640
R5 Fan Test Push + Pull Yate Loon D12SM12 Curved Blade 2X fans
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4wsSSMKHY1s
COMPARISON NOISE LEVEL VS CFM CHARTS
COMPARISON VIDEO LINK
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T98Tmh57Eso
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