Page 2 - A Closer Look - Hardware and Software
The Corsair RS MAX series fans showcase a minimalist aesthetic, crafted from glass fiber-reinforced liquid crystal polymer. With no additional paint, the fans have a sleek and refined appearance. Corsair's sails logo appears subtly in gray on both sides of each fan, contrasting nicely against the black background. One important note is the lack of a protective guard on the air intake side, so caution is advised to avoid injury if you need to modify your computer while it is running. Each corner of the fan features a circular rubber pad around the mounting hole, designed to dampen vibrations and reduce any resulting noise when the fan is attached to less flexible surfaces. I will explore noise levels in more detail later on.
According to the product details provided by Corsair, the RS MAX series fans use magnetic dome bearings, which are designed to ensure a long lifespan and quiet performance. These bearings enable the fan to rotate without direct contact by suspending the rotor within the casing, effectively minimizing friction and wear. This technology is expected to produce lower noise levels and extend the fan's operational life compared to traditional ball or hydraulic bearings. While Corsair has not provided exact lifespan figures for their RS MAX Series fans, they do offer a 5-year warranty for added peace of mind. Based on my experience, I anticipate that the fan will operate quietly and reliably for an extended period, barring any intentional misuse or damage.
When examining the fan blades more closely, several distinctive features stand out. Both the RS120 MAX and RS140 MAX fans are equipped with impellers that have seven blades each. These blades widen as they extend toward the outer edge, resulting in a broader profile at the tips. For the RS120 MAX, the blades are relatively large, and while there is no overlap, the gaps between them are quite small. In contrast, the RS140 MAX also features large blades, but the gaps between the blades are noticeably larger compared to the RS120 MAX. In the RS MAX series, the angle at which each blade is set relative to the central hub changes along its length, from roughly 60 degrees near the exhaust side to about 30 degrees near the intake side. This variation is due to the convex curvature of the blades, which alters the angle between the leading and trailing edges. The blades curve outward at the ends, contributing to their overall curvature and giving the tips a shape reminiscent of a sickle. Otherwise, the surfaces of the blades are smooth, free from dimples or any other markings, contributing to their clean and efficient design. The overall fan blades design of RS MAX Series is identical to the Corsair iCUE Link RX series. Meanwhile, with a 30mm depth, the RS MAX fans are 20% thicker than standard PC cooling fans. According to Corsair, this increased thickness translates directly into enhanced cooling performance, providing stronger airflow and greater static pressure due to the larger fan blades.
Turning the fans over provides a detailed look at their backside. According to information from Corsair's official website, the RS MAX series fans feature AirGuide technology designed for concentrated cooling. Unusually, there are nine support arms connecting the central hub, which might seem excessive compared to the typical four arms used to minimize airflow obstruction. However, this design is not problematic for two reasons. First, the arms are quite thin. Second, their angled positions actually help guide incoming air. For insights on sound, airflow, and static pressure, I have referenced my colleague Jonathan Kwan's review of the Noctua NF-F12 PWM and NF-P12 PWM fans.
Noise and CFM, or cubic feet per minute, are closely related challenges when designing fans, as designers intend to achieve the best airflow-to-noise ratio. One would want the best amount of airflow while keeping it as quiet as possible. Even with the best ratio, it is quite difficult to measure objectively at all times. The most common unit of objective measurement is CFM for airflow and dB for noise. We will go over how application and CFM is related with regards to its standard measurements, but let us discuss perceived noise first.
dB, or Decibels, is a logarithmic unit of sound intensity. While it provides what appears to be an objective measurement for the most part, it should be noted that perceived noise levels to the human ear and actual sound intensity could result in very different perceptions. Human ears are more sensitive to particular frequencies, and when those particular frequencies are emitted from their source, it may appear louder than its numerical value suggests. The same can be said vice-versa -- frequencies that human ears are less sensitive to can actually have higher dB measurements from a sound meter, yet the human ears do not perceive it to be as loud as the numbers suggest. Other factors such as turbulence noise are often not measured correctly, therefore, while it usually provides a good reference, it does not necessarily reflect real life performance all the time. As such, a scaled unit of dBA, or Decibels A-weighted, is used to measure sound scaled to the human hearing threshold.
With considering the application and CFM of a fan, it is generally optimal to prioritize a high air volume flow rate. However, pure CFM values have limitations in indicating fan performance. It is not solely about how much air in can move per minute quantitatively, but equally important is how effectively it performs in real-world scenarios. The airflow-to-noise ratio plays a crucial role, as mentioned earlier. Additionally, static pressure is a key consideration depending on the application. High-resistance scenarios, such as dense fins on a large heatsink, require high static pressure, whereas case fans need less static pressure and faster airflow. There are instances where case fans may also benefit from higher static pressure, such as the front intake fans behind a mesh grille. Some fans are simply designed for different purposes, so choose one appropriate for your needs.
Now, let us delve into the technical details of these fans. The Corsair RS120 MAX operates at speeds of up to 2000 RPM, delivering a maximum airflow of 72 CFM and producing noise levels of up to 29.5 dBA. It also boasts a maximum static pressure of 4.2 mmH₂O. Meanwhile, the Corsair RS140 MAX runs at speeds of up to 1600 RPM, providing a maximum airflow of 104 CFM and producing noise levels of up to 31 dBA. It features a maximum static pressure of 2.4 mmH₂O. These specifications suggest that the RS MAX Series fans are capable of delivering high airflow, making them suitable for both exhaust and intake purposes, while also offering solid static pressure performance. We will explore how these specifications translate into real-world performance in our upcoming tests, which will assess more than just the raw data.
Managing multiple fans in a computer can often become a complex task due to the multitude of cables and connections required, which can create a cluttered and inefficient environment within your PC case. The process of ensuring each fan is properly connected, routed, and powered can be time-consuming, and if not done correctly, it can lead to restricted airflow, poor cooling performance, and an untidy look. The Corsair RS MAX series fans address this challenge by offering a conventional PWM solution for connections, simplifying the process without compromising on control. The fans come with a standard 4-pin PWM connector, which allows users to adjust fan speed based on the system's temperature requirements, ensuring both optimal cooling and noise control. Additionally, the cable length is about 60cm, which provides greater flexibility in routing and makes cable management significantly easier, even in larger cases. This extra length helps to keep the internal layout clean, improving both aesthetics and airflow, ultimately resulting in a more efficient and visually appealing system.
Page Index
1. Introduction, Packaging, Specifications
2. A Closer Look - Hardware and Software
3. Performance Tests
4. Conclusion
