Page 3 - Performance Tests
Using our tried-and-true APH proprietary 'scientific' method for measuring fan performance we devised back in 2007 by our Editor-in-Chief Jonathan Kwan, it is no surprise we are using it for this review as well. While it is not exactly the most objective method you can use (No kidding haha), there are a few attributes of fan performance that we can obtain clearly from our observations: Airflow, airflow consistency, and amount of static pressure generated. It visually portrays characteristics of each fan. We have placed the tested fans near the edge of the desk, to prevent air from the floor from bouncing back, thereby masking the actual performance characteristics of it. In addition, I have compared the Cooler Master Silencio FP 120 PWM Performance Edition fans with another 120mm fan focused on high pressure, the Fractal Design Venturi HP-12 PWM.
From our photos above, the Cooler Master Silencio FP 120 PWM Performance Edition is the fan on the right in the first two photos, and the fan on the left in the last one. Both of these fans were tested at both ends of their rated speed spectrum, but photos were taken at maximum setting. In most cases, it would be better to run the fan at higher speeds to introduce a greater volume of air into the system, but there are cases where a lower setting is more valuable, especially when it comes to quiet computing. As for the Silencio FP 120 PWM Performance Edition, it was quite obvious to me Cooler Master made an excellent fan. Just like the Venturi HP-12 PWM, it was able to keep the tissue paper floating. In our tests, there are two areas we look at. First is the area of the tissue paper closest to the fan. Fans with enough static pressure can keep this inner part floating high without any movement. Thankfully, even with Cooler Master trying to direct the air a bit more forward, it still is capable in keeping this area flying high. At the end of the paper is where we can evaluate airflow. High airflow movement means there will be enough air moved further away from the fan, which will result in keeping the end not wavering. As for the Silencio's hanging sheet, it never wavered around during our tests, but rather stayed consistently upright. These observed characteristics for both static pressure and airflow are very well demonstrated in the Silencio FP 120 PWM Performance Edition fan.
Perceived sound is another important factor when testing these fans. There is a limitation to this however, as it can be quite subjective to both the listener and the environment of the fans. I know everyone here at APH Networks really strives for as little noise as possible, and quite a few of us are picky. The noise levels of this fan was tested independently in a quiet room with all other noises from our system isolated to ensure that we are testing the fan alone. We rate the perceived noise on a scale of 0 to 10, where 0 is silence, while 10 is the loudest. For the Silencio FP 120 PWM Performance Edition at maximum speeds, I would rate it at 4.5/10. These results are good, but it is not necessarily the quietest, as the name would have suggested. While the fan itself was not too loud, there was a noticeable whirring noise at the maximum speed. However, there are a few things I should note. First is the fact the Silencio FP 120 PWM Performance Edition fan runs at 2400 RPM at highest speeds, which is quite a bit more than the HP-12. Thus it is only understandable the fan will be louder. Secondly, majority of the time your fans will not be spinning on full blast all the time. At operational speeds, the Silencio FP 120 PWM Performance Edition fans were closer to a 2.0 to 2.5/10. It is more likely to see a middle of the road speed from day to day, resulting in a quieter output. Therefore, I am still quite happy with what Cooler Master has provided with us today.
Page Index
1. Introduction, Packaging, Specifications
2. A Closer Look - Hardware
3. Performance Tests
4. Conclusion
