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TEST RESULTS
Stock Fan Testing
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Stock Fan Measurements
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Voltage
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SPL@1m
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Speed
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12V
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31 dBA
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1930 RPM
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10V
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26 dBA
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1580 RPM
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9V
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20 dBA
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1180 RPM
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8V
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15 dBA
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760 RPM
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7V
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14 dBA
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550 RPM
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Fan @ 12V: The noise generated is very buzzy, but the abundance of turbulence
masks a slight tone that can be heard in close proximity. Needless to say it's
far too loud at 31 dBA.
Fan @ 10V: At 10V there is a 5 dBA reduction in noise which is significant
but not enough to make it tolerable. Two distinct noises also emerge: A low-pitched
hum which is likely caused by vibration, and tonality in the fan's bearings/motor.
Fan @ 9V: At this level the fan noise becomes bearable. The lack of
turbulence from the fan brings focus to the humming mentioned earlier.
Fan @ 8V/7V: At 8V and below, the vibration and tonality make the fan
sound "wobbly." This effect is audible at 1m in an open testing environment
but would likely be masked inside a case where it would be essentially inaudible.
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Tonality evident at ~800 Hz.
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Cooling Results
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ZEROtherm Nirvana
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Fan Voltage
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SPL@1m
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Temp
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°C Rise
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°C/W
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12V
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31 dBA
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36°C
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14
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0.18
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10V
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26 dBA
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38°C
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16
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0.21
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9V
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20 dBA
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39°C
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17
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0.22
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8V
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15 dBA
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44°C
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22
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0.28
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7V
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14 dBA
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49°C
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27
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0.35
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Load Temp: CPUBurn for ~10 mins.
°C Rise: Temperature rise above ambient (22°C) at load.
°C/W: based on the amount of heat dissipated by the CPU (measured
78W); lower is better. |
The Nirvana performed well at high fan speeds with a thermal rise of 14°C
at 12V. Cooling suffered little when the fan speed was dialed back to 10V and
then 9V, despite a dramatic reduction in noise. When the fan finally entered
quiet territory at 8V, performance decreased by 5°C and then another 5°C
at 7V even though the SPL was barely affected. At low fan speeds heat dissipation
takes a nose dive. This is typical for heatsinks with tight fin spacing, but
the rate at which its effectiveness degrades is still quite rapid.
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