Viewing page 3 of 6 pages.
Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 Next
EBM PAPST 4412 SERIES
Ambient noise at the time of testing was 19 dBA.
|
Low Speed: 4412 F/2GLL
|
| Brand |
ebmPapst |
Power Rating |
0.72W (0.06A) |
| Manufacturer |
ebmPapst |
Airflow Rating |
70m³/h (41.17cfm) |
| Model Number |
4412 F/2GLL |
RPM Rating |
1,300 RPM |
| Retail Availability |
Yes |
Noise Rating |
18 dBA |
| Bearing Type |
Sintec Sleeve |
Header Type |
3-pin |
| Hub Size |
1.86" |
Starting Voltage |
3.5V |
| Frame Size |
120 x 120 x 25 mm |
Number of Samples |
2 |
|
Our thanks to Craig in NJ and Ichbinleise for supplying these samples.
|
|
Voltage
|
Noise
|
RPM
|
CFM
|
Power
|
|
12V
|
24 dBA@1m
|
1290 RPM
|
54 CFM
|
0.64W
|
|
9V
|
20 dBA@1m
|
980 RPM
|
40 CFM
|
0.48W
|
|
7V
|
<19 dBA@1m
|
750 RPM
|
30 CFM
|
0.38W
|
|
5V
|
<19 dBA@1m
|
490 RPM
|
18 CFM
|
0.30W
|
|
@25 CFM (6.2V)
|
<19 dBA@1m
|
660 RPM
|
25 CFM
|
0.35W
|
May 5, 2008
The updated airflow results here are the result of improvements
in our testing procedures. They are more accurate than the original results
above, but they are not directly comparable. Please compare these only with
fan reviews published after May 5, 2008 — or ones that have updated
results published in a box like this one. |
|
12V
|
24 dBA@1m
|
1290 RPM
|
34 CFM
|
0.64W
|
|
9V
|
20 dBA@1m
|
980 RPM
|
23 CFM
|
0.48W
|
|
7V
|
<19 dBA@1m
|
750 RPM
|
18 CFM
|
0.38W
|
|
5V
|
<19 dBA@1m
|
490 RPM
|
11 CFM
|
0.30W
|
|
@20 CFM (7.4V)
|
<19 dBA@1m
|
780 RPM
|
20 CFM
|
0.41W
|
Papst has evolved into ebmPapst, but the 4412 series hasn't changed.
|
Medium Speed: 4412 FGL
|
| Brand |
ebmPapst |
Power Rating |
1.25W (0.105A) |
| Manufacturer |
ebmPapst |
Airflow Rating |
94m³/h (~55 CFM) |
| Model Number |
4412 FGL |
RPM Rating |
1,600 RPM |
| Retail Availability |
Yes |
Noise Rating |
26 dBA |
| Bearing Type |
Sintec Sleeve |
Header Type |
Molex pass-through |
| Hub Size |
1.86" |
Starting Voltage |
3.4V |
| Frame Size |
120 x 120 x 25 mm |
Number of Samples |
1 |
|
Our thanks to EndPCNoise for supplying this sample.
|
|
Voltage
|
Noise
|
RPM
|
CFM
|
Power
|
|
12V
|
30 dBA@1m
|
1610 RPM
|
69 CFM
|
1.19W
|
|
9V
|
23 dBA@1m
|
1260 RPM
|
53 CFM
|
0.86W
|
|
7V
|
20 dBA@1m
|
980 RPM
|
40 CFM
|
0.66W
|
|
5V
|
<19 dBA@1m
|
670 RPM
|
26 CFM
|
0.48W
|
|
@25 CFM (4.9V)
|
<19 dBA@1m
|
660 RPM
|
25 CFM
|
0.48W
|
May 5, 2008
The updated airflow results here are the result of improvements
in our testing procedures. They are more accurate than the original results
above, but they are not directly comparable. Please compare these only with
fan reviews published after May 5, 2008 — or ones that have updated
results published in a box like this one. |
|
12V
|
30 dBA@1m
|
1610 RPM
|
45 CFM
|
1.19W
|
|
9V
|
23 dBA@1m
|
1260 RPM
|
32 CFM
|
0.86W
|
|
7V
|
20 dBA@1m
|
980 RPM
|
23 CFM
|
0.66W
|
|
5V
|
<19 dBA@1m
|
670 RPM
|
16 CFM
|
0.48W
|
|
@20 CFM (6.1V)
|
<19 dBA@1m
|
810 RPM
|
20 CFM
|
0.57W
|
Papst fared poorly in
our last fan roundup, despite great expectations and many recommendations
via word of mouth. In fact, our experience was so contrary to expectations that
we had to wonder whether we'd looked at the wrong fan. And, when German web
shop Ichbinleise offered
to send us a pair of low speed Papsts, we jumped at the chance to let Papst
redeem itself.
The 4412 F/2GLL model is a special low-speed version of the 4412 series. It
is not listed on any of Papst's numerous web sites, but a quick Google search
revealed numerous web shops that stock it — mostly silence oriented shops
located in and around Germany, where Papst is headquartered. We also threw a
faster 4412 FGL into the mix, which is why two sets of results appear above.
Although it bears the older Papst logo without the "ebm" prefix (marking
it as a pre-2003 model), it looks identical to the slower versions and sounds
similar enough that we feel comfortable mixing it in as an example of how the
4412 series performs one the whole.
A quick examination leaves the impression that this is a very serious fan.
It's heavier than most 120mm fans, and it has a metal axle embedded in the center
of the hub. It also spins very smoothly; when the power is cut, the rotor glides
easily to a halt rather than bouncing to a sudden stop when one of the magnets
in the motor assembly catches it. Perhaps this is why the starting voltage is
so low; a smoother rotor probably requires less force to put in motion than
one that has to overcome a static magnetic field.
Surprisingly, it appeared to blow slightly less air per rotation than the Nexus,
but the difference was not enough to make much difference to noise. The two
were more or less the same volume at a given speed, so it came down to noise
character to decide between them. And, while the Papsts were smooth (much smoother
than the 80mm model we listened to), the Nexus was smoother still. The Papsts
had a slight chatter or ticking that was slightly more pronounced in our two
low speed samples. From a distance and at higher speeds, the roughness in the
noise seemed to smooth out a little, but it never achieved the barely-there
hum that has made the Nexus so popular.
Regardless, the Papsts still managed to be inaudible at 25 CFM, so they are
quite usable. The low starting voltage is also an asset, as it allows for a
larger range of voltage adjustment. We are sure there are many users who will
be happy to trade a tiny bit of noise for Papst's reputation for quality and
longevity — or perhaps just on the basis of Papst's superior Sintec Sleeve
bearing.
Noise Recordings
ANTEC TRI-COOL 120
Ambient noise at the time of testing was 19 dBA.
| Brand |
Antec |
Power Rating |
? |
| Manufacturer |
Dynatron |
Airflow Rating |
39 / 56 / 79 CFM |
| Model Number |
TriCool 120mm |
RPM Rating |
1,200 / 1,600 / 2,000 RPM |
| Retail Availability |
Yes |
Noise Rating |
25 / 28 / 30 dBA |
| Bearing Type |
Ball? |
Header Type |
Molex / 3-pin Combo |
| Hub Size |
1.77" |
Starting Voltage |
3.2V @ High |
| Frame Size |
120 x 120 x 25 mm |
Number of Samples |
8 |
|
Voltage
|
Noise
|
RPM
|
CFM
|
Power
|
|
12V (High)
|
36 dBA@1m
|
1930 RPM
|
73 CFM
|
2.73W
|
|
9V
|
29 dBA@1m
|
1530 RPM
|
58 CFM
|
2.00W
|
|
Medium
|
27 dBA@1m
|
1430 RPM
|
53 CFM
|
1.90W
|
|
7V
|
23 dBA@1m
|
1220 RPM
|
45 CFM
|
1.54W
|
|
5V (Low)
|
20 dBA@1m
|
870 RPM
|
30 CFM
|
1.18W
|
|
@25 CFM (4.5V)
|
~19 dBA@1m
|
740 RPM
|
25 CFM
|
1.00W
|
May 5, 2008
The updated airflow results here are the result of improvements
in our testing procedures. They are more accurate than the original results
above, but they are not directly comparable. Please compare these only with
fan reviews published after May 5, 2008 — or ones that have updated
results published in a box like this one. |
|
12V (High)
|
36 dBA@1m
|
1930 RPM
|
53 CFM
|
2.73W
|
|
9V
|
29 dBA@1m
|
1530 RPM
|
41 CFM
|
2.00W
|
|
Medium
|
27 dBA@1m
|
1430 RPM
|
36 CFM
|
1.90W
|
|
7V
|
23 dBA@1m
|
1220 RPM
|
30 CFM
|
0.54W
|
|
5V (Low)
|
20 dBA@1m
|
870 RPM
|
21CFM
|
1.18W
|
|
@20 CFM (4.9V)
|
20 dBA@1m
|
850 RPM
|
20 CFM
|
1.18W
|
Antec's TriCool fans are fairly well known, though not specifically because
they are quiet. Rather, it is because nearly every case that Antec has released
since the P180 has included
them as stock fans. As stock fans go, they're fairly quiet thanks to a three-speed
switch that allows the fan speed to be reduced to low noise levels. The switch
allows users to choose between noise and cooling, but we don't recommend using
anything except Low unless undervolting. It's good for Antec as well: It allows
them to cater to two different market segments — overclockers and silencers
— with a single product.
In addition to showing up in Antec's cases, TriCools are also available packaged
individually. Noise, speed and airflow are all identical in the retail version,
but there is one trait that sets them apart: The retail fans are made from clear
plastic — a nod to yet another market segment: Bling. We tested three samples
with black frames that came from various cases that we had lying around, plus
another five clear ones, and came to the conclusion that there was no audible
variation between the black and the clear versions. However, there are two variations
that we did not test: TriCool LED, and TriCool DBB (Double Ball Bearing). The
LED version should not sound any different from our samples, but this is not
true of the DBB version, as bearing design contributes significantly to a fan's
noise signature.
TriCool fans get their name from this three-speed switch.
Antec is a well known retail brand, so it's no surprise that the TriCool is
widely available. However, some may be surprised that it is not actually made
by Antec. Like many products in the tech industry, it is built to Antec's specifications
by a Taiwanese company that is only too happy to supply the kind of volume that
Antec can move. In this case, the company is Dynatron,
although the fan itself does not show up on Dynatron's product list. As far
as we know, Dynatron does not produce the TriCool for anyone but Antec, so it's
no surprise that they don't list it. However, it does make collecting specifications
a bit more difficult, since Antec's specifications lack details such as bearing
type and power rating.
At High speed, the TriCool was about as noisy as you'd expect of a fan spinning
at 2,000 RPM. It moved a lot of air, and it was definitely not quiet. The Low
and Medium speeds are of more interest, especially to a casual user who appreciates
the convenience of being able to make his fans quieter without purchasing a
separate fan controller or modifying his system in other ways. At Medium, the
fan was quieter, though still a long way off of inaudible, and most users will
probably choose to stick with the Low setting.
The Low setting was quite impressive; it deserves mention for having one of
the quietest "stock" speeds of any fan we've tested, although the
airflow drops off proportionally. Nevertheless, 20 dBA@1m is quiet enough that
some users may find it inaudible, especially in an office environment where
the ambient noise tends to be fairly high.
Noise quality was also fairly good. Like the Papst 4412, the TriCool was smooth
at high speeds, but developed some roughness when slowed down. In this case,
the roughness took the form of a chuffing noise that was clearly audible in
the Low speed setting and even when the fan was undervolted for the test at
25 CFM.
Unfortunately, this acoustic artifact at low speeds is enough to put the TriCool
behind the Nexus and the Papst; it is audible no matter what speed the fan is
operating at, which makes the TriCool unsuitable for users who want complete
silence. But that should not take away from its good points: It is cheap, widely
available, and is quiet enough for many casual users.
Noise Recordings
JUMP TO:
| Help support this site, buy from one of our affiliate retailers! |
|
