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SCYTHE S-FLEX & KAMA FLOW SERIES
Ambient noise at the time of testing was 19 dBA.
|
Kama Flow SA1225FDB12L (1,000 RPM)
|
| Brand |
Scythe |
Power Rating |
0.13A |
| Manufacturer |
? (Sony bearing) |
Airflow Rating |
38.9 CFM |
| Model Number |
Kama Flow SA1225FDB12L |
RPM Rating |
1,000±10% RPM |
| Retail Availability |
Japan Only |
Noise Rating |
15.8 dBA |
| Bearing Type |
FDB |
Header Type |
3-pin |
| Hub Size |
1.89" |
Starting Voltage |
6.6V |
| Frame Size |
120 x 120 x 25 mm |
Number of Samples |
3 |
|
Voltage
|
Noise
|
RPM
|
CFM
|
Power
|
|
12V
|
22 dBA@1m
|
1040 RPM
|
43 CFM
|
0.61W
|
|
9V
|
~20 dBA@1m
|
800 RPM
|
32 CFM
|
0.38W
|
|
7V
|
<19 dBA@1m
|
610 RPM
|
23 CFM
|
0.27W
|
|
5V
|
<19 dBA@1m
|
410 RPM
|
14 CFM
|
0.19W
|
|
@25 CFM (7.4V)
|
<19 dBA@1m
|
650 RPM
|
25 CFM
|
0.30W
|
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
|
22 dBA@1m
|
1040 RPM
|
29 CFM
|
0.61W
|
|
9V
|
~20 dBA@1m
|
800 RPM
|
21 CFM
|
0.38W
|
|
7V
|
<19 dBA@1m
|
610 RPM
|
16 CFM
|
0.27W
|
|
5V
|
<19 dBA@1m
|
410 RPM
|
11 CFM
|
0.19W
|
|
@20 CFM (8.4V)
|
<19 dBA@1m
|
740 RPM
|
20 CFM
|
0.35W
|
We discovered the Scythe
Kama Flow in our roundup of 80mm fans, where it was the only fan to equal
the Nexus 80 for quietness and noise quality. Its only downside? A lack of availability
outside of Japan.
Scythe also sells a 120mm version of the Kama Flow in Japan, and it promises
to be just as good as the 80mm version. However, international users stand a
better chance of getting their hands on the bigger version — or at least
one that is very, very similar. Scythe's S-Flex fans look — and sound
— almost identical to the Kama Flow, and these are available internationally.
Both fans use Sony's S-FDB bearings, both have the same blade design, and both
are characterized by three tiny pinholes in the center of the hub. In fact,
the only discernible differences that we could find were the design of the frame
(S-Flex is double-ribbed and seems slightly heavier), and the speed ratings.
It seems likely that there are other "unofficial" models in this
line as well — most of Scythe's recent heatsinks have featured quiet, low
speed fans that sound very similar to the S-Flex / Kama Flow, including the
odd 100mm fan found in the Scythe
Infinity. The common thread appears to be the S-FDB bearing, which Scythe
has licensed from Sony.
|
Slow Version: S-Flex SFF21D (800 RPM)
|
| Brand |
Scythe |
Power Rating |
0.10A |
| Manufacturer |
? (Sony bearing) |
Airflow Rating |
33.5 CFM |
| Model Number |
S-Flex SFF21D |
RPM Rating |
800 RPM |
| Retail Availability |
Yes |
Noise Rating |
8.7 dBA |
| Bearing Type |
FDB |
Header Type |
3-pin |
| Hub Size |
1.89" |
Starting Voltage |
8.9V |
| Frame Size |
120 x 120 x 25 mm |
Number of Samples |
1 |
|
Voltage
|
Noise
|
RPM
|
CFM
|
Power
|
|
12V
|
~20 dBA@1m
|
850 RPM
|
32 CFM
|
0.34W
|
|
9V
|
<19 dBA@1m
|
620 RPM
|
23 CFM
|
0.27W
|
|
7V
|
<19 dBA@1m
|
430 RPM
|
14 CFM
|
0.24W
|
|
5V
|
Stall
|
Stall
|
Stall
|
Stall
|
|
@25 CFM (9.5V)
|
<19 dBA@1m
|
650 RPM
|
25 CFM
|
0.28W
|
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
|
~20 dBA@1m
|
850 RPM
|
23 CFM
|
0.34W
|
|
9V
|
<19 dBA@1m
|
620 RPM
|
16 CFM
|
0.27W
|
|
7V
|
<19 dBA@1m
|
430 RPM
|
11 CFM
|
0.24W
|
|
5V
|
Stall
|
Stall
|
Stall
|
Stall
|
|
@20 CFM (10.8V)
|
<19 dBA@1m
|
750 RPM
|
20 CFM
|
0.31W
|
The S-Flex is available in three different speed ratings: 800 RPM (SFF21D),
1,200 RPM (SFF21E), and 1,600 RPM (SFF21F). Most users will probably be interested
in the -D or -E variants which are around the 1,000 RPM mark that is generally
the fastest a 120mm fan can be run quietly. The Kama Flow fits right in between
these models at 1,000 RPM.
The S-Flex package includes a Molex to 3-pin adapter with an RPM monitor
cable.
The Kama Flow's noise character was almost identical to its smaller brother.
It was quiet, very smooth and had just a touch of whine at full speed. It also
sounded almost identical to the Nexus and measured identically as well. The
only real difference was that the Kama Flow sounded slightly more tonal, which
unfortunately made it a bit easier to hear. The noise had other similarities
as well; both fans produced predominantly low frequency noise, and both vibrated
enough that they may be prone to resonance if hard-mounted.
And, as with the 80mm versions, it was too close to call a clear winner between
the Kama Flow and the Nexus. Both were very, very quiet, so the deciding factor
has to be something other than noise. The superior quality of the S-FDB bearing
gives the Kama Flow an edge here and the wide distribution of the S-Flex takes
away the advantage that the Nexus had in the 80mm form factor.
As mentioned, the S-Flex fans sounded more or less identical to the Kama Flow
at the same speeds. For practical purposes, they can probably be treated as
one and the same, but we did notice two minor variations.
- The S-Flex models vibrated less than the Kama Flow, perhaps because of their
more rigid frame.
- The slowest S-Flex model had a slight ticking that was absent in all of
the other samples we tested. It's not clear whether this can be attributed
to the lower commutator frequency or if it's just sample variance making an
appearance.
The Kama Flow is probably the most usable fan of the bunch. It's 1,000 RPM
speed rating offers a lot of flexibility. At full speed, it is probably fast
enough for use in very hot systems while still being quiet enough for users
who don't seek absolute silence. It also undervolts well, and is inaudible at
7V. Its only disadvantage is its starting voltage, and it should not be used
at 5V.
The Low speed S-Flex is probably the best choice for those who just want a
drop in solution. It is very close to inaudible at full speed, and should disappear
entirely if there are any other significant sources of noise in the system.
The fact that it is so quiet at 12V makes it attractive to users who don't want
a fan that just works without needing to tinker with it. However, modders will
probably want to avoid it, as its extremely high starting voltage makes it useless
for undervolting.
The Medium speed S-Flex is the most suitable choice for those who don't have
access to the Kama Flow. It's only slightly faster, and it starts quietly and
reliably at 5V — an important feature for those who don't have variable
speed fan controllers. The high speed S-Flex is also an option. It's definitely
too noisy at full speed, but it is very usable when undervolted and can push
more air than the medium speed version if necessary.
|
Medium Version: S-Flex SFF21E (1,200 RPM)
|
| Brand |
Scythe |
Power Rating |
0.15A |
| Manufacturer |
? (Sony bearing) |
Airflow Rating |
49.0 CFM |
| Model Number |
S-Flex SFF21E |
RPM Rating |
1,200 RPM |
| Retail Availability |
Yes |
Noise Rating |
20.1 dBA |
| Bearing Type |
FDB |
Header Type |
3-pin |
| Hub Size |
1.89" |
Starting Voltage |
4.8V |
| Frame Size |
120 x 120 x 25 mm |
Number of Samples |
1 |
|
Voltage
|
Noise
|
RPM
|
CFM
|
Power
|
|
12V
|
23 dBA@1m
|
1230 RPM
|
51 CFM
|
0.62W
|
|
9V
|
20 dBA@1m
|
910 RPM
|
36 CFM
|
0.47W
|
|
7V
|
<19 dBA@1m
|
670 RPM
|
26 CFM
|
0.37W
|
|
5V
|
<19 dBA@1m
|
400 RPM
|
13 CFM
|
0.29W
|
|
@25 CFM (6.9V)
|
<19 dBA@1m
|
650 RPM
|
25 CFM
|
0.36W
|
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
|
23 dBA@1m
|
1230 RPM
|
34 CFM
|
0.62W
|
|
9V
|
20 dBA@1m
|
910 RPM
|
23 CFM
|
0.47W
|
|
7V
|
<19 dBA@1m
|
670 RPM
|
18 CFM
|
0.37W
|
|
5V
|
<19 dBA@1m
|
400 RPM
|
10 CFM
|
0.29W
|
|
@20 CFM (7.8V)
|
<19 dBA@1m
|
750 RPM
|
20 CFM
|
0.41W
|
|
Fast Version: S-Flex SFF21F (1,600 RPM)
|
| Brand |
Scythe |
Power Rating |
0.20A |
| Manufacturer |
? (Sony bearing) |
Airflow Rating |
63.7 CFM |
| Model Number |
S-Flex SFF21F |
RPM Rating |
1,600 RPM |
| Retail Availability |
Yes |
Noise Rating |
28 dBA |
| Bearing Type |
FDB |
Header Type |
3-pin |
| Hub Size |
1.89" |
Starting Voltage |
4.0V |
| Frame Size |
120 x 120 x 25 mm |
Number of Samples |
1 |
|
Voltage
|
Noise
|
RPM
|
CFM
|
Power
|
|
12V
|
31 dBA@1m
|
1590 RPM
|
70 CFM
|
1.05W
|
|
9V
|
23 dBA@1m
|
1190 RPM
|
53 CFM
|
0.75W
|
|
7V
|
~20 dBA@1m
|
890 RPM
|
39 CFM
|
0.57W
|
|
5V
|
<19 dBA@1m
|
550 RPM
|
23 CFM
|
0.41W
|
|
@25 CFM (5.2V)
|
<19 dBA@1m
|
590 RPM
|
25 CFM
|
0.43W
|
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
|
31 dBA@1m
|
1590 RPM
|
47 CFM
|
1.05W
|
|
9V
|
23 dBA@1m
|
1190 RPM
|
32 CFM
|
0.75W
|
|
7V
|
~20 dBA@1m
|
890 RPM
|
23 CFM
|
0.57W
|
|
5V
|
<19 dBA@1m
|
550 RPM
|
14 CFM
|
0.41W
|
|
@20 CFM (6.3V)
|
<19 dBA@1m
|
770 RPM
|
20 CFM
|
0.51W
|
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