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TESTING
As the case interior is almost identical to the R2, and there are no changes to the exterior/frame to affect thermal performance, we opted not to run the R3 through our usual, rigorous testing procedures. For thermal results, see our Define R2 review; there should be no appreciable difference between the two. We did test the baseline noise of the case, as different system fans were included.
Baseline Noise
The only change in the R3 that has a meaningful impact on noise output are
the case fans. The R2 uses Fractal's Silent Series 120 mm fans which spin at
approximately 1000 RPM at full speed. The R3 fans have a different design, and
are rated for 1350 RPM.
Old fan above, new fan below.
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The R3 fans have the same model number as those used previously but they are
higher speed variants with differently shaped blades. The blades on the previous
fans had almost straight trailing edges, resulting in a hook or boot-like shape.
These new ones are curved, creating a more symmetrical design.
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Specifications: Fractal Design Define R3 Stock Fan
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Manufacturer
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Fractal
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Power
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? |
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Model
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FD-FAN-120
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Airflow
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? |
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Bearing Type
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? |
Speed
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1350 RPM |
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Corners
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Open |
Noise
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? |
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Frame Size
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120 x 25 mm |
Header
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3-pin |
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Fan Diameter
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111 mm |
Start voltage
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< 3.0 V |
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Hub Size
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40 mm |
Weight
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120 g |
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Data in green cells provided by the manufacturer
or observed; data in the blue cells were measured.
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Baseline Noise Level
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Fan Voltage
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Fan RPM
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SPL @1m ( dBA)
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Rear Fan
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Front Fan
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Combined
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12V
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1260
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26
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22~23
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27~28
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9V
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1040
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22
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18
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23~24
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7V
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890
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18
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13
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18~19
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5V
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700
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13~14
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11~12
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14
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Measuring mic positioned 1m at diagonal angle left/front
of case.
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With a higher maximum speed, the new fans measure considerably higher in SPL
than the earlier models. Combined, the front and rear fans of the R2 measured
only 15 dBA@1m at 12V. The R3 fans start out at 27~28 dBA and don't reach 15
dBA until they are undervolted to close to 5V. The included fan controller can
only bring fans down to about 6V, so additional fan control measures are required
to make the R3 stock fans as quiet as the R2's.
The new fans do sound better at comparable SPLs. The R2 fans had a noticeable
tick in their acoustic signature audible even at one meter distance. The R3
fans are far more pleasant, with no ticking at all, and only a slight droney
quality at higher fan speeds. They sound very smooth overall. We should also
note that the front fan position is quieter with the door guarding it.
The stock fans measure 14 dBA@1m at 5V, producing mainly low frequency noise at 400 Hz or lower.
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