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Review Types

Preview {previously called Initial}: All fans have this. These videos do not contain any test data. I show the fan and point out interesting features, and run it from the lowest RPMs possible to maximum next to my microphone as I listen and report anything odd I hear in case my mic doesn't pick it up (e.g. harmonic resonances, of which I am aware of 2 pitches; persistent tones that might irritate some people; clicking, scraping, rubbing and other bearing noises); this is to give viewers an approximation of what they might hear if they use the case but please note that the fan may be quieter in the case! If the fan has LEDs, I also show you those. I then give a rough estimate of the static pressure and indicate if the fan is good for the case (exhaust, intake), air coolers and water coolers. After that, I show my spreadsheet and read off the specifications, most of which are from the manufacturer and/or vendor website(s).

Interim: Any of these videos will focus on particular aspects of the performance of the fan, primarily airflow (in cubic feet per minute - CFM), static pressure (in millimeters of water - mmAq) and noise production (human-perceived decibels - dBA), which will include a spectral analysis. Not all fans will have this type of video. In rare cases, the fan may have follow-up videos that are not about performance, such as with the bgears b-blaster 180x38R, for which I received some damaged products.

Final: All fans will have this. If no interim video has been created, this will include the performance information and will show the ranking of the fan based on CFM, mmAq and dBA. Rankings will change each video to reflect the current fans position. A separate blog post will show the rankings.

Visual comparisons show both fans so that viewers can see how they differ.

Auditory comparisons seek to give the viewers a taste of what the fan MIGHT sound like, given that my new mic hasn't got an amplifier or much of a range (but is slightly less "canny" sounding than my Nexigo camera's mic).

All statistics in previews (aka initial reviews) are garnered from packaging and websites, so the comparisons just give a sense of what each has to offer without having to search on the web. Eventually, my spreadsheets will be released so that members can view them.

Comparison videos may be of the preview type, or with actual testing results, as are the comparison videos shown at the bottom of this page.

How To/Installation Videos

How To Use the DarkRock ARGB & PWM Fan Hub

Previews

LED, RGB & ARGB Comparisons

Airflow & Pressure Differential Comparisons

120mm Fans

Airflow Comparison, Ep 1: 5 Fans, 12V, 120x25mm + Gui-And-Jing GAJDH12025B + JMC 1225-12 HB-A P/N 1202611-4 + WDERAir 12025 USB with 3-speed switch + Wathai Waterproof (IP68), Dustproof 2-pin fan + WGMHEFUN 120mm USB fan with pot speed controller (with and without plastic grill)
Airflow & Pressure Differential Comparison, Ep. 2: 5 Fans, 12V, 120x25mm + AmRunJe IP67 Dust- & Waterproof Sitting fan w/Variable Speed Control & Legs + Jungle Leopard Astro V2 + Ocypus Delta F12 + Ocypus Gamma F12 + U+MLife 120mm 12V Brushless Fan 3-Pin
Airflow & Pressure Differential Comparison, Ep 3, 5 120mm Fans + Bitspower Griffin 120 Extreme 2500 Edition + Xiang Yu/SMTime (Huangshi Xiang Yu Light Industry Co, Ltd) XY-12038B2H 110-220, 240VAC Splash-re