Fan noise levles, specifically Noctua

[JaZoN_XD]

Obviously, as we know, Noctua fans are proclaimed to be basically the best on the market and at the same time, one of the most silent. So here in 2015, maybe technology changed or something, but how does the noise levels of case fans compare? For example, I personally have the Aerocool DS 140mm case fans. At 7V, according the specifications, the fan noise is rated at 15.5dBA (I'm guessing the A means acoustical... does that matter?) while still pushing 71CFM of air at 1.4mm H2O. Compare that to a Noctua NF-A14 using the L.N.A (presumably the 7V adapter since there is a U.L.N.A), it only pushes 59CFm of air at 1.18mm H2O and with a noise of 16.4dBA! Yet, everyone insists that Noctua fans are basically the best on the market, including Linus. Can someone please enlighten me with knowledge? Are all dBAs, CFMs and mm H2Os from different companies created equal? Thanks.

[Prastupok]

A means A-weighted. (Decibel A-Weighted)

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A-weighting

 

Noctua fans are still incredible, but the EK Vardar are getting some very impressive reviews.

[SleathX1]

Are all dBAs, CFMs and mm H2Os from different companies created equal?

No. It is obvious that not every single company has the same measuring equipment and setup. That alone makes data very hard to compare directly. You have to hear them in person to tell (some of the time)

[WoodenMarker]

Fan specs are generally unreliable. Look at benchmark comparisons instead.

[JaZoN_XD]

Fan specs are generally unreliable. Look at benchmark comparisons instead.

Where can I find that? Is there a specific website that has a compilation of those somewhere?

 

Also, fan performance also is dependent on the case that it's in so...

[harriswho]

Personally I think that if you don't hear it you won't know. Not to mention that each fan may even sound different from case to case.

However because I am on the hunt for looking some quality made, quiet fans I usually review the sound of them on a guy's youtube channel that tests each fan and posts some benchmarks as well.

 

Here is his channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/CoolingTechnique

He has reviewed a ton of fans and I would like to believe that his setup (mic level, distance etc) is consistent.

 

Having a listen to a lot of his videos one can realize that low noise always comes with low CFM. The sweet spot of noise/performance can only be achieved by 2 or 3 companies out there.

[JaZoN_XD]

Personally I think that if you don't hear it you won't know. Not to mention that each fan may even sound different from case to case.

However because I am on the hunt for looking some quality made, quiet fans I usually review the sound of them on a guy's youtube channel that tests each fan and posts some benchmarks as well.

 

Here is his channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/CoolingTechnique

He has reviewed a ton of fans and I would like to believe that his setup (mic level, distance etc) is consistent.

 

Having a listen to a lot of his videos one can realize that low noise always comes with low CFM. The sweet spot of noise/performance can only be achieved by 2 or 3 companies out there.

And so, the conclusion is that Noctua is recognized as one of those companies?

[harriswho]

Personally I'd say yes. But they are expensive. Buying a fan or two is something anyone can afford for their system but buying 4 or more adds significantly to a budget.

For my system ill try the alpenfoehn wingboost 2 plus which is still a 4 pin fan coated in rubber, includes rubber mounts, comes with a YSplitter, is silent enough for my ears, pushes a respectable amount of air and looks nicer than beige and poo. And costs 1/2 of the price.

[WoodenMarker]

Where can I find that? Is there a specific website that has a compilation of those somewhere?

Also, fan performance also is dependent on the case that it's in so...

Look up benchmarks and reviews for whatever fans you're looking into and take each with a grain of salt. There are too many for a comprehensive compilation.

[JaZoN_XD]

Look up benchmarks and reviews for whatever fans you're looking into and take each with a grain of salt. There are too many for a comprehensive compilation.

 

Personally I'd say yes. But they are expensive. Buying a fan or two is something anyone can afford for their system but buying 4 or more adds significantly to a budget.

For my system ill try the alpenfoehn wingboost 2 plus which is still a 4 pin fan coated in rubber, includes rubber mounts, comes with a YSplitter, is silent enough for my ears, pushes a respectable amount of air and looks nicer than beige and poo. And costs 1/2 of the price.

Okay, great, thanks for the information!