cooling PA120.3's (fans)

[Rover3500]

Hi,

I am cooling two PA120.3 rads on different loops, the fans that I bought to do the job are Thermotake 120mm Thunderblades, I was a bit put out by the name Thunderblade but read that the noise was just 21db with almost 70cfm output at 2000rpm, so I plumped for them.

After testing one it sounds a bit louder than 21db and after mounting it to the rad it was even noisier.

I have re-wired one of the fans to 7 volts (yellow/red wires) and found it to be about the noise level I am looking for, is there a way to work out the cfm to see if it will cool my rads properly set to 7 volts. I have read that the pa120.3 rads don't need high cfm rates to cool.

Any advice appreciated.

 

[Mr. Smith]

Why not set up your rig and see what temps you get? That is the acid test. I've had a range of fans on my pa120.3, 140cfm's, currently some 14db 70cfm fans... Anyway the temps never really changed so I'm thinking about getting some even quieter lower cfm fans...

I don't think there is a simple, accurate way to test the cfm. Manufacturers lie about db/cfm all the time...

 

[Rover3500]

Why not set up your rig and see what temps you get? That is the acid test. I've had a range of fans on my pa120.3, 140cfm's, currently some 14db 70cfm fans... Anyway the temps never really changed so I'm thinking about getting some even quieter lower cfm fans...

I don't think there is a simple, accurate way to test the cfm. Manufacturers lie about db/cfm all the time...

14db 70cfm ??? what make are they, I don't think Iv'e seen a spec' as good as that.

 

[haofeng]

i think he might mean a total of 70cfm between the 3 fans? not sure though, sounds a bit too good to be true.

 

[k4p84]

As the guys say. Do a temp test.

If undervolting the fans doesn't give you good temps it shopping time.

I've always been a fan of Noctua fans ....

ED

 

[haofeng]

they're great, but noctua fans have a habit of costing an arm and a leg...i'm trying to decide between a pair of yate loons and some noctuas for my pa120.2.

 

[k4p84]

If you want quality it is always going to cost you. true at between £10-£15 they are not cheap but i think they will always be worth the investment.

Hence why i have 10 in my case

ED

 

[haofeng]

10?!?!?!?!? what crazy case do you have? do you know anywhere doing them for 10? the lowest i've seen is 14 @ wcuk.

 

[k4p84]

Cosmos S mate. Keep an eye out for a little work log by me very soon

The Noctua range is what i was referring too, the 80mm come it at around £10.

ED

 

[haofeng]

Cosmos S mate. Keep an eye out for a little work log by me very soon

ED

will do. it's under water right?

 

[k4p84]

its getting the water cooling treatment atm

ED

 

[Mr. Smith]

I was looking for my fans but can't find them, I think they were silenx? or something? Deffo 70cfm each and really low db (20 or less). Jim knows.

In reality they are louder but still quiet, £15 each...

 

[haofeng]

oh, silenx. they have a reputation for being VERY optimistic with their noise levels...

 

[k4p84]

oh, silenx. they have a reputation for being VERY optimistic with their noise levels...

 

[k4p84]

I'm not sure how some companies 'work out' the db. I reckon some get the meter out in the next room..... WOW these fans are silent

 

[Mr. Smith]

I'm not sure how some companies 'work out' the db. I reckon some get the meter out in the next room..... WOW these fans are silent

LOL! They are all pretty lame/innacurate tbf.

 

[k4p84]

LOL! They are all pretty lame/innacurate tbf.

Noctua it is then

 

[Rover3500]

I'm not sure how some companies 'work out' the db. I reckon some get the meter out in the next room..... WOW these fans are silent

That is certainly the case for these Thermotake Thunderblades, I have now laid them to rest, even at 5 volts the buzz from the motor drove me mad

I have a mountain mods case with 13 fans, so noise can be an issue but also the cost at 13 * £££

I just ordered some LED Zalman's I just hope that these are silent @ low voltage.

Never going to touch Thermotake fans again

 

[Luigi]

I was looking for my fans but can't find them, I think they were silenx? or something? Deffo 70cfm each and really low db (20 or less). Jim knows.

In reality they are louder but still quiet, £15 each...

Silenx are a pile of crap.. (sorry)