Page 3 - Performance Tests
To test the performance of the fans, the APH Networks proprietary testing method invented right here at APH Networks was used. While it is by no means the most objective of tests, this allows you to test your fans at a minimum cost using a piece of tissue paper and tape. As shown by the above photos, a piece of tissue paper was attached on top of a fan. The tissue paper should be able to naturally fall and cover the air outlet side -- the side where the motor rack is located -- of the fan. We have placed the tested fans near the edge of the desk to prevent air from the bottom surface from bouncing back, thereby masking the actual performance characteristics of it. Once the fans were powered on, the airflow, airflow consistency, and the amount of static pressure can be evaluated by observing the behavior of the tissue paper.
From the photos above, we can see the Thermaltake Riing Trio 12 RGB White was able to lift the tissue paper when in operation. The area of the tissue paper closer to the fan lifts fairly high while the rest of the tissue dips down noticeably at the end. It is good to see the Riing Trio 12 RGB White produced enough airflow and static air pressure to pick up the tissue paper, although it would be better if it was able to lift the entire tissue paper up at a taller height. However, this is also consistent with the specifications of the fan. The tissue paper held in place well for the most part and would only flap around a little bit with no dramatic movements. The tissue paper also sags a bit on the right side when viewed from the front. Both the airflow and static air pressure could be stronger, but ultimately, the performance is acceptable.
Perceived sound is an important factor when testing these fans, as we do want a good balance between airflow and noise. However, there is a limitation to this, as it can be quite subjective to both the listener and the environment of the fans. The noise levels of this fan were 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 complete silence and 10 is a heavy metal concert. At maximum speed, I would rate the Thermaltake Riing Trio 12 RGB White at about 2.5/10. The Riing Trio 12 RGB White proved to be a fairly quiet fan. In the end, the Thermaltake Riing Trio 12 RGB White provides a good balance between airflow and noise with dazzling RGB LEDs.
Page Index
1. Introduction, Packaging, Specifications
2. A Closer Look - Hardware and Software
3. Performance Tests
4. Conclusion
