PWM controlled 120 + 140 mm RGB LED fans w/ Noctua NF-S12A FLX and NF-A14 FLX specs

[Hobby Gamer]

Chapettes & Chaps,

I currently have Noctua NF-S12A FLX ( 120x120x25, 1200 rpm, 17.8 dB/A, 107.5 m³/h, 1.19 mm H2O, 3-Pin ) and Noctua NF-A14 FLX ( 140x140x25, 1200 rpm, 19.2 db/A, 115.5 m³/h, 1.51 mm H2O, 3-Pin ) case fans in my box. ( http://noctua.at/en/products/fan )

For my upcoming build (Anidees AI Crystal Cube based) I'm looking for case fans with almost similar specs as my Noctuas, but with (led) lights and PWM controlled.

I bumped into the Anidees AI Halo fans ( http://www.anidees.com/aihalo ) which I really like. But their specs can't hold a candle to my Noctuas and they only come in 120mm. Any experiences with noise emitted from about half an arm's length (45 - 50 cm) with the AI Halo are welcomed.

I've been searching online but what I'm looking for (Anidees AI Halo looks but with RGB-LEDs instead, and with approximate Noctua specs) doesn't seem to exist.

I've seen The Guv's review of the Corsair Maglevs but it didn't include emitted noise measurement.
I also can't find emitted noise measurements for Corsair HD120 fans.
Same situation for NZXT Aer RGB & HUE+ (or withour HUE+).

 

[tinytomlogan]

Noise is very subjective and you could only ever compare our results to our results.

We have never done a big batch test and tbh if you want quieter fans you turn them down. Also diferent case grills, rads make a huge difference to noise

 

[Hobby Gamer]

Agree on that. Most manufacturer's specs and tests don't even mention at what distance the mic was when measuring db/A. Or with editorial tests the mic is right in front of the fans, or only 10 cm away. While I'm hoping for measurements at 45 - 50 cm or (more realistic in my case) a full arm's length.

But I have to narrow it down with some criteria to just a few candidates, before I buy one of each candidate and test it myself.
Because when I'm forced to buy 5 candidate case fans that might add up to €100.--. Of which I have to put four on the shelf after testing, and then buy more of the quietest case fans. I can buy a second Ryzen CPU or motherboard for that money.
So to narrow it down I compare manufacturer's specs (assuming/realising that these will be more favourable than reality) and, if possible at all, like to hear users experiences with those fans.

I guess that I'm going to buy more fugly Noctuas without LEDs and PWM. I know these to be super quiet with high air flow and static pressure. With case fans, low noise is more important than LEDs and PWM.