Choosing a radiator fan- high static pressure

claypigeon101

claypigeon101

claypigeon101

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Hi guys. Was hoping for some clarification on high SP fans...

I understand the difference in design between high airflow and SP designs.. But put simply what's a great example of a high SP radiator fan that gives you good bang for buck?

I almost went with the Corsair SP120 just now but I was put off purely by the price. Are they worth it? And if so which model do you even go for... Low noise, high pressure... LEDs are nice but are they inferior in performance terms...

Also my case doesn't have noise insulation (until I custom cut my own foam) so the quieter the better within reason.

Hoping for some guidance and recommendations so I can understand how the measurements work, and I can find one to fit to my H80 radiator.

White blades or white LED would be nice.

I've had this recommended but I'm not sure if the pressure could be improved on another fan such as this Akasa one.

Any ideas? Or just straight recommendations. It's a big world of fans out there.

Thanks
 
claypigeon101 said:
I mentioned, Corsair H80, but it wasn't obvious sorry.
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Missed that part, sorry. So I don't have that particular model but essentially the fin thickness and fin density would dictate what kind of fans make sense. No one measured fin thickness (of course!) and looks like the FPI is ~20 or so. Asetek aluminium fins are ~35 microns thick on average if I remember correctly. If so, and assuming you have enough room for a single fan only, you need something like the EK Vardar F3/F4, NB-eLoop B12-3/B12-4 or similar in terms of fan speed (~2000 rpm), and a good high flow:noise ratio (that's where the EK fans are very good). Also look at OEM fans from Delta, San Ace etc on eBay in a similar max fan speed range.

If you can fit 2 fans then you have a ton more options where you can run even mediocre fans at ~1200-1500 rpm and get the same cooling at a lower noise.
 
vsg28 said:
...Also look at OEM fans from Delta, San Ace etc on eBay in a similar max fan speed range.

If you can fit 2 fans then you have a ton more options where you can run even mediocre fans at ~1200-1500 rpm and get the same cooling at a lower noise.
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Thanks so much for all this.

Can I ask whether push-pull is a far better configuration? I can squeeze it in I believe but I'd prefer just the one because of the neater aesthetic, and also I'd prefer to get an H100i or 105 etc because it fits so neatly in my new NZXT s340 case. Leaving a nice bright LED airflow fan at the rear exhaust instead of a chunky rad.
 
Well if you want to get a double radiator, then go for it. If aesthetics are a concern, then Corsair is updating their newer AIOs with the CPU pump/waterblock in the recently announced H110i GT. So depending on what you like better, you may want to wait it out for a newer batch.
 
Thanks vsg, some great input, I appreciate it.
I'm looking for one of those two you recommended.

Another question is- what fan speed do I choose? The Vardars aren't released yet but look great. But they all have three or four options.

In the end I'd like to use Grid+ fan controller when ocuk gets it back in stock.
 
Okay thanks for that. I'm reading more and more advice and reviews every hour and it's driving me nuts, haha.

I'm planning on dropping the H80 for a 240mm rad like the H100/105 for looks and a bit of overclocking potential, so I don't want to throw £20-30 of fans at the H80 if I'm going to sell it soon.

Would it be worthwhile me getting one Corsair SP120 to use on my rad and then I can sell it with the whole H80 later... or could you recommend two cheaper fans with good static pressure for rad use that I can use in push-pull.

I've realised the H80 unit has two 4pin input headers to control push pull fans... so I can get the 4pin SP120 that plugs into the header on the H80 unit itself for optimum (automatic) control I guess. That will surely do me for now til I decide whether I'm getting the bigger rad, or if not I can get another SP120 in push pull and keep it for good.

What do you think?
Appreciate your time.
 
I just got a few Parvum fans for my case. They come with a PWM splitter each, so you can chain them off 1 header.

Much better build than the stock AF140 and AF120 that came with the case, and quieter too... Also move more air through the restrictive filter mesh than the AF's
 
Ronald said:
I just got a few Parvum fans for my case. They come with a PWM splitter each, so you can chain them off 1 header.

Much better build than the stock AF140 and AF120 that came with the case, and quieter too... Also move more air through the restrictive filter mesh than the AF's
Click to expand...

Brilliant, thanks. Looking for a static pressure rating on them... doesn't seem to be stated anywhere! It's the pressure rating I'm mostly concerned with since I am only using one in push on my rad for the time being.
 
I think they are rebranded Alpenfohn wingboost 2, if that helps!
They are intended as SP fans, and the ratings differ from manufacturer to manufacturer and depends quite strongly on the Max RPM as well.

I chose them on price and non-sleeve bearings

I can find fans with 11mm H2O, but I rather not sit next to a fan that sounds like a vacuum cleaner.
 
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I've got 16 x Akasa Piranha 120 (12 on a two rads and 4 as case fans) and they can be a little bit noisy over 1300RPM. I bought them for < £5 each from OCUK and am very happy with them. They are 4-pin PWM.
 
Okay chaps... I went with the one SP120 high perf for my H80 cooler on recommendation in a rush from OCUK staff. Thanks for all your input... I may switch it for two in push pull if my temps need it.

This has been a really great thread that has helped me a lot, thanks so much.
 
I got the H80i.

Comes with SP120's as standard. Set it up as push/pull exhaust at rear of case sits here at idle 30c with i5 in my sig running at 4.2 Also looks pretty good :)

Corsair Link has them running at 1300rpm in balanced mode and tbh I don't hear them at all, put them in quiet mode and they drop to 800ish rpm with very little raise in the idle temps.

Am in the middle of an upgrade over time so I am thinking of getting a double rad setup next either one of the Corsair's again or maybe the NZXT Kraken X61 if I go for the NZXT case.

I like to match :)
 
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