which S-Flex[?]

glock19 · Post by **glock19** » Tue Aug 10, 2010 10:35 am

Just discovered this forum and after reading some of the posts have a question.

I currently am using a Scythe S-Flex SFF21D 120mm fan for case exhaust. It's been a good fan, quite and apparently cools my simple system. I want to add another 120mm fan inside to cool my HD's.

I've read several posts recommending the SFF21E fan that runs at 1200 rpm, and running it at lower voltages, and less rpm's. Seems to be highly rated and preferred over the D.

So whats the difference in running the E model at lower voltage (and lower rpm) or running the D model at 12 volts and 800 rpm? Looks to me like it would be the same cooling effect.

tim851 · Post by **tim851** » Tue Aug 10, 2010 12:21 pm

Personally, I think the S-Flexes are not worth the upcharge. Especially if you run at low RPMs, the slipstreams will do the trick nicely.

shleepy · Post by **shleepy** » Tue Aug 10, 2010 2:18 pm

From what I understand, the E model, when turned down to 800 RPM (i.e., undervolted), will have more favorable sound characteristics, compared to the D model at the same speed. That said, if you have the D model and you're fine with it, it might not be worth the hassle to get an E model and manually undervolt it.

Michael Sandstrom · Post by **Michael Sandstrom** » Tue Aug 10, 2010 6:06 pm

Try Jab-Tech.Com for the lowest prices on Scythe fans.

probey · Post by **probey** » Sun Aug 15, 2010 2:48 pm

I would prefer the 1200 rpm one connected with a fan controller. That gives you more flexibility in terms of noise and cfm combination.

DrCR · Post by **DrCR** » Thu Aug 19, 2010 1:28 am

Check out the sticky.

the 800rpm version isn't quite as quite as the 1200rpm version, at a given rpm.

I like Slipstreams for case fans. s-flexes for horiztonal situations (if I'm feeling conservative that day) and higher restrictive environments like heatercores

I personally consider 800rpm loud nowadays, though it is within maximum 'SPCR-spec', I like my fans much slower -- but you really have to make sure you know what your doing so you don't overheat your computer. In a nutshell, arriving at SPCR with the SFF21D @ 12v as your starting point isn't bad at all! Just goes to show how prevalent quite computing is nowadays.

Edit: +1 on jab-tech. I use them for heatsinks too (make sure you got a good heatsink/fan setup before you start trying to get something better than a SFF21D @ 12v for case cooling).

Das_Saunamies · Post by **Das_Saunamies** » Wed Sep 01, 2010 7:15 am

I can give a thumbs-up to the 1200 RPM S-Flex, have two in the case running at 800 RPM (for gaming) and they are smooth and quiet, even when mounted horizontally.

The 800 RPM Slip Stream is a surefire drop-in solution though, and that's what I have to cool my HDDs. Did not add one bit to the overall noise level of the rig even when not mounted in the separate bottom section of the P182.

Post by **NeilBlanchard** » Wed Sep 01, 2010 7:39 am

Welcome to SPCR! That's a really friendly handle you've got.