Apache's v's SickleFlow's

zoomee · 10 Apr 2011 at 18:53

Hey all,

So numpty here went and purchased some Coolermaster Sickleflows when he already had some Akasa Apache's (2 on my H50 and 1 as case intake)- doh.

Dilemna is - Which Fan would be better for cooling down a 120.3 Rad (used to push air through a top mounted rad) - yes I know what the specs are, but theres also other factors like dead spots to take into account.

I havn't got round to completing the w/c yet (a couple of days away yet) - hence the question. For those who don't know the specs are as follows:

Akasa Apache: 1300RPM/ 57CFM / 16dB / £15 each
Coolermaster SickleFlow: 200RPM/ 69CFM / 19dB / £6 each

Aim is for a quieter system (Apache's would be the obvious choice) but a fan controller will probably be bought soon enough to bring the noise down, AND I can probably sell the apache's for more second hand....

xiphrex · 10 Apr 2011 at 21:39

If you bring down the sickleflow and apache to ~1000 RPM they will pretty much perform the same.

The sickleflow at 2000RPM is going to be too loud (actually, looks like its more than double the loudness of the apache).

For quietness I would go with the apaches with a fan controller.

zoomee · 10 Apr 2011 at 22:07

double? hmm - I thought according to the above specs it would be 3db louder @ more RPM's but more CFM available if I needed it.

Decisions decisions lol - I don't know which ones to keep as my mate wants to buy either from me lol.....

Anyone any experience with performance cooling a radiator?

xiphrex · 10 Apr 2011 at 22:42

Decibels is a logarithmic unit, 2db more and its double the loudness.

Exsurgo · 10 Apr 2011 at 22:50

Always remeber that fan manuacturers specifications are never accuate. From the one review I have read that has both those fans in it, on a high FPI(Swiftech) radiator the Sickleflow has better CFM/Noise ratio. The Apache(Viper) is better at lower rpms ( ~ <700).

The Sickleflow was actually one of the top fans tested.

zoomee · 11 Apr 2011 at 09:12

poo - its get more confuzzling! appreciate the advice guys

I have an EK rad - not sure if its High FPI or not....

Decided to keep the Apaches for now

Scougar · 11 Apr 2011 at 16:27

I have 2 sickleflows and 1 apache. The apache is noticeable quieter, so I use the sickleflow's for the HSF fans further inside the case rather than as case fans. I use the apache as an intake fan.

I'd be happy with either fan, but I'd defo want a controller if I got the sickeflows.

Greboth · 11 Apr 2011 at 17:32

I have both and I would keep the apaches. The sickleflows are good fans but I find they suffer too much with motor whine at full speed though they do shift some air. The apaches though are quieter and shift pretty much the same air. The small drop in airflow shouldnt be too noticeable in temps at all but the noise gain is worth it in the end.