Fan Testing Round 11

Welcome to my round 11 fan testing.  This is a fairly small round of fans from the kits I previously tested.  Rather than do my normal written form, I’m trying to do this more video based.

Before I do that, I would first like to thank my parts sponsors, without their support this test wouldn’t have happened:

Kit Fans Intro

This video does some physical comparisons of the fans and gives you a good close up look of the fan, sleeving, build quality, etc compared with my previous best performing fan the Gentle Typhoon.

Fan Test Rig Description

This video is just a quick overview of the flow bench and meters used in the fan testing to follow.

Individual Fan Tests

The following videos are of the actual test run on each fan recorded with audio and stepping through 50FPM air flow results.  You can now easily adjust two or more fan videos to like air flow numbers and pause them both, then switch back and fort for a direct apples to apples air flow comparison.

Larkooler Kit Fan

Corsair H100i SP120 Kit Fan

Swiftech H220 Kit Fan

XSPC 750 Kit Fan

Servo Nidec Gentle Typhoon AP-15

Extracted Results

These were pulled from the video, by isolating a looped region where air flow was close to the 50FPM increment.  This provides the resulting detail read on the meters and a calculated RPM.  On the right are some subjective noise quality comments I added as I reviewed and extracted the results.

Summary Radiator Noise Level vs Radiator Air Flow

This is the “Meat & Potatoes” result.  While I wish I could measure noise quality in a good quantitative way, that’s really not possible.  The next best thing is to compare noise levels when mounted to a radiator at like air flows through that radiator.  It takes into account the fans pressure capabilities and puts it in a more real world condition.  It’s not perfect, but the best thing I’ve been able to come up with to simplify radiator noise performance.  Fans that extend further right are capable of higher air flow maximum results at 12V.  Fans with lines lower on the Y axis are producing more air flow per noise level.

No real surprise, but the kit fans all tested relatively the same (most within 3dbA or less differences which fall within the “barely perceptible” level).  The Helix fan did for some reason have a bit higher than expected harmonics on the radiator bench which didn’t seem to be as noticeable when actually testing in a case, but it is something I heard a little when trying push only.  In push+pull I noticed most of that helix harmonic disappeared.

I would consider the kit results to be relatively similar, they are like most fans and all perform roughly the same.  The Gentle Typhoon however does seem to retain that unique ability on a radiator and tested upwards to 8-9dBA lower in noise level at 12V than other fans producing the same flow.  The H100i fans and their 2700RPM capability did produce the highest maximum air flow, but it comes at the prices of having a fairly gritty noise quality.  Noise quality isn’t captured well in the graph and really only something you can listen for in the videos.

The other aspect I’m now noticing that is missing from this single fan test bench is harmonics between the two same fans.  In the thermal testing using the kits and earlier noise testing, I had significant RPM harmonics issues with the H100i fans, but a single fans test scenario completely misses that.  This is something I seriously want to consider in fan flow bench future upgrades.  I think it is important to capture the “paired fan” harmonics effects as it can be fairly significant.  The helix H220 fans did really well paired together in the kit testing, but you just can’t see that in a single fan test.

Also as noted some of the pressure harmonics issues can also be mitigated for by going push + pull.  The helix fans don’t show real well in this single push test, but I found when testing four fans in push/pull on a radiator the fans worked very well together.  They are not up to Gentle Typhoon silence or build quality standards, but in use I would say they fair better than what the above chart or single fan test result demonstrates.

I also think the Larkooler fan subjectively sounds quieter than the produced dBA.  I’m not sure how to describe it, but the sound type is more lower in frequency and seem to contain less motor noise and gritty noise that is more prevalent in the other fans.  It has a noise quality that reminds me of the noise blocker series which I’ve always liked.  Noise level doesn’t measure anything special, but I think this fan does have pretty good noise quality particularly at slower speeds.  This is another one where my own ear and the meters don’t really agree all that well..:)

This at least gives you one more perspective on the sound.  I would suggest listening to the fans at like air flow levels and make a decision not based on noise level, but what you perceive as being less irritating.  That is likely a combination of frequency, noise quality, and noise level.  Don’t put too much weight on the noise level, it is important, but it’s not the entire picture and each person and each setup will be slightly different.

So there is another round and the Gentle Typhoon retains it’s low noise/rad air flow ratio crown.  Nothing comes close…

XSPC Raystorm X2O 750 RS240 Extreme Universal CPU Water Cooling Kit

Welcome to my second value ($100-$150) 2 x 120mm water cooling kit review, the XSPC Raystorm 750 RS240 DIY Water Cooling Kit w/ Free Dead-Water. These XSPC kits have been very popular among the forum users due to their extreme value and good Do-It-Yourself parts. This kit is very much DIY-custom regarding installation and does not come pre-filled like the AIO units such as the Corsair H100 or Swiftech H220. It does however come packed full of value and the performance level we expect from a DIY-custom water cooling parts.  Unlike the sealed AIO kits with their tiny little 1-2watt pumps intended for CPU only needs, this kit affords you flexibility and enough pumping power (6W) to expand later to include a GPU and extra radiator.  It also provides your usual DIY flexibility in allowing custom barbs/compression fittings and any flavor tubing you want to suit your custom build needs.  Last but not least, it comes in a mostly individual component package (Except for pump/reservoir combo) that makes future upgrading things like the CPU block less costly.  XSPC wraps all that up with some additional visual bonuses such as blue LED modules for both CPU block and reservoir that does add some nice visual flare to your custom water build.  The kit also comes at the ready with extra hardware to mount external radiators which is something those AIO kit’s just can’t do because you need to route tubes through case walls, etc.  In the end it provides you with a big box of water cooling goodness intended to start you in the journey of water cooling without breaking the bank and retaining as much flexibility in installation as possible.

This review is a “LIVING” review as I’m still in the process of testing and writing up the results.  If you have testing or review request, please post in the comments. 

A very special thanks to Mark from FCPU for sponsoring this XSPC Raystorm 750 kit, your one-stop-shop for all your PC modification supplies.

A quick photo of the Kit’s Raystorm block in darkness action!

Product Description

The XSPC Raystorm RS240 Extreme Universal CPU Water Cooling Kit comes complete with everything you will need to cool your CPU. This kit is designed to handle your CPU and can be expanded to handle more blocks as well.

The kit uses the newest XSPC CPU block, the Raystorm as the core cooling component. This block has a pure copper base and is a top of the line in performance and looks. XSPC coupled this with their RS240 radiator which is a thin profile radiator giving more flexibility with compatibility.

The reservoir is a combination of the XSPC dual bay reservoir along with a XSPC X20 750 pump. This pump has been revised and is much more reliable than previous revisions. It is now injection molded for seamless joints and this new revision 4 model is a black color.

This kit comes compete with all fittings, clamps, fans, mounting hardware and hose.

Note: Kit does NOT come with fluid or additive.

Features

• Designed for Multi-core CPUs
• Complete Kit
• Top End Performance
• Full Copper Base Water Block

Specifications

CPU Block
Compatibility:	AMD Sockets 939, 754, 940, AM2, AM3 Intel Sockets LGA2011, LGA1366, LGA1156, 603, 604 *Requires mounting holes
Block:	XSPC Raystorm – AMD and Intel
Sockets:	AMD Sockets AM2, AM2+, AM3, AM3+ Intel Sockets LGA1366, LGA1156, LGA1155
Base Dimensions:	56mmx56mmx3mm
LED Support:	4x 3mm LED Holes
Radiator
Radiator:	XSPC RS240
Dimensions:	121x35x277mm (WxDxH)
Ports:	G1/4
Screws:	6-32 UNC
Fans:	2 x 120mm (4x with push/pull)
Reservoir
Reservoir:	XSPC X20 750 Dual 5.25″ Pump / Reservoir Combo
Fitting Ports:	2 x G1/4″
Dimensions:	149 x 100 x 85mm (WxDxH)
Tubing and Fittings
Tubing:	2 Meters – 7/16″ x 5/8″ Clear
Fittings:	1/2″ Barb (Hose Clamps Included)
Pump
Pump:	XSPC X20 750 (Black Revision 4)
Pump Performance:	750 lph
Delivery head:	1.8m
Voltage:	12V (4pin)
Fan
Fan:	2 x XSPC 120mm x 25mm Radiator / Chassis Fan – 1650 RPM
Size:	120mm x 25mm
Airflow:	65.2CFM
Noise:	~29dBA
Static Pressure:	1.8mmAq
Operating Voltage:	5.5 – 13.8V.
Connector:	3-Pin
Wire Length:	45cm
Included:	RayStorm CPU Waterblock X2O 750 Pump/Reservoir RS240 Dual Radiator G1/4″ to 1/2″ Barb (Black Chrome) x6 Plastic Hose Clip x6 XSPC 1650rpm 120mm Fan x2 120mm Fan Grill (Black) x2 Intel and AMD RayStorm Brackets Socket 1366 and 1155/1154 Backplates Socket AM2 and AM3 mounting kit 80mm to 120mm Radiator brackets 3mm Twin Blue LED with 4Pin Molex 5mm Blue LED with 4Pin Molex 2 Meters of Clear 7/16″ Hose 24pin ATX Bridge Tool K2 Thermal Paste

One particular to take extra note of is that this kit does not come with fluid. It does however come with a bottle of IandH Dead Water (Biocide), so you will need to buy a gallon of distilled water or a liter of water cooling fluid. In spirit of “Value” I chose the first because a gallon of distilled at Wal-mart is only 88 cents which fits this value theme nicely.  Also noteworthy is the 1.8m head pump and low restriction Raystorm CPU block that should leave you with some extra pumping capacity to handle adding more to the loop later.  There are also several other nice features not expected in a value kit such as the LED modules for pump and block, the 24pin ATX bridge tool to make bleeding easy, and the external radiator mount brackets so you can install the kit on back or on top of cases with limited space.  There is quite a lot in just one box..

Kit Reviews & Testing Begins

As water cooling has evolved over the past few years the quality and performance of kits has seen a similar progression and development.  Today you can spend anywhere from $80-$500 on a water cooling kit.  Up to this point my reviews have all been individual parts based.  I have never before attempted doing any sort of kit review and wanted to try.  I very much appreciate a good value and wanted to review beyond your typical unboxing or screenshot level of testing and understand the finer details of how kits compare at a more scientific level.  My first round of kits is focused on “Under $150″ and ” 2 x 120mm (240) radiator” as I feel to really see worthwhile silent water cooling benefits a  240 radiator is needed and I also wanted to keep in tune with the value concept and 100-150 seems like a good price point to start with.

Kit reviews shall begin!!

Before going too far, I would like to thank my Sponsors:

I would like to thank Mark from FrozenCPU.com for sponsoring the XSPC and Larkooler kits.

I would also like to thank Gabe from Swiftech for sponsoring the H220 kit.

I am also looking to expand and include some sealed kits such as the Corsair H100i, Thermaltake Water 2.0, and other sealed AIO systems, but I haven’t found sponsors for those yet.  The H220 does come filled and more plug and play, but all three kits are all easy enough to take apart and expand from a removable parts perspective.

COST COMPARISON

Larkooler BA2-241 – $129.95

Swiftech H220 – $139.95

XSPC Raystorm,750,RS240 – $144.95

So these kits are all under the $150 criteria and have 240mm radiators so they should be similar in terms of case compatibility being able to fit a 240mm sized radiator.  So, here we go…an adventure in kit testing for those looking to spend under $150.

GENERAL TESTING STRATEGY

I’m looking for feedback on testing requests before I am done.  So far I have developed the following general strategy:

• Phase 1 Kit Core vs Noise level (Core vs dbA) – Basic Kit testing with the kit fans focusing on what you get from the box and attempting to measure noise levels in both a qualitative and quantitative means.
• Phase 2 Kit + Fan Mod (Core vs RPM) – Testing each kit with the same fans.
• Phase 3 Expansion (Remaining Pump Power PSI vs GPM) – Breaking down each kit to test the remaining pump power including the kit.  This will be done via pressure manometer and flow meter to understand exactly how much pumping power remains to push through additional components
• Phase 4 Expansion CPU + GPU test (GPU Core vs RPM) – While I don’t yet have a  sponsor or a block for my (currently air-cooled) 570GTX, I may do a test with CPU & GPU put in the same loop as a thermal expansion test. I could see a lot of people wanting to add a GPU block to the system and I want to see how well they can handle that and do some GPU testing as part of the kit review.  I will keep trying and see if I can find some support for this latter test.
• Phase 5 Mods – Possibly look at what happens if you expand the radiator or better understanding what parts should be upgraded for future expansion.

If you have any testing wishes or suggestions, please let me know.  I am just getting started on these and plan to spend some quality time.  The H220 showed up first at my door, so it’s going to be first in line.  I will be focusing on Phase 1 in the near term.

THE CASE (XSPC H2 Tower)

I have two platforms, my Danger Den Torture Rack open test bench and my XSPC H2 Tower case I reviewed here.  While I could test the kits on the open torture rack, I wanted to simulate an actual enclosed case test condition including some grill restriction to simulate the air flow restriction and to also help evaluate the installation in a case condition.  I also wanted to the the kit radiators in a top mounted setup which is probably how most of these will test out.  Finally, I wanted something large enough that could be expanded for larger kit testing down the road or modified testing where you add a second radiator to the existing kit.  The H2 is massive in size and arguably overkill, but the grill in the top and 15mm fan spacing screw holes should make mounting the kit radiators very simple and easy to install.  There will be no case modding needed to fit any watercooling kit so it makes for a good 240/360/480 kit test case as well.

This case was sponsored by XSPC some time ago, a special thanks to Paul from XSPC for the sample.

More to come…

Cheers!
Martin

XSPC X2O 750 Dual Bay Nylon V4 Reservoir Pump

Welcome to my review of the revision 4,  XSPC X2O 750.  While I did test a similar submerged acrylic version of this pump many years ago here, this pump and reservoir has been revised several times since then including a brand new impeller, ceramic shaft, ceramic sleeve, a more stable magnetic field, and improved electronic components.  It is also a pump that is very popular due to XSPC’s amazing 750 kit price, so I was interested in checking out the latest revision and see how it does with all the upgrades and revisions.  So off to the test bench to evaluate full hydraulics and some video recording to share some noise recordings with you.

A special thanks to Paul from XSPC for providing the review sample:

Manufacturer Specifications:

http://www.xs-pc.com/products/pumps/x2o-750-dual-bayrespump-black-v4/

After nearly a year of development we are proud to release the latest version of our X2O 750 pump, the V4.

The acrylic reservoir has been replaced by a tough nylon reservoir with four brass M3 threads on each side. On the front of the reservoir the viewing window now sits flush with the beautifully finished, brushed aluminium faceplate, and the screws are now black to match the faceplate.

On the back of the reservoir we have added a spare G1/4″ port which can be used for a temperature sensor, or draining the system. We have also added a better the LED holder and improved the fill cap seal with a high quality thick o-ring.

The improvements are not just on the outside. We have fully overhauled the 750 pump with a new impeller, ceramic shaft, ceramic sleeve, a more stable magnetic field, and improved electronic components. These changes improve performance, improve reliability, reduce noise, and increase the lifespan of the pump.

Our most popular water pump just got even better!

– Pump Performance: 750 lph
– Head Delivery: 1.8m
– Low Noise, Low Vibration (42dB Max)
– Voltage: 12V (4pin molex)
– Tough Nylon Reservoir
– Dimensions: 149 x 86.5 x 103 mm
– Brushed Aluminium Faceplate
– Brass Screw Threads
– G1/4″ Threads
– Individually Pressure Tested
– 1x 5mm LED Hole
– Capacity 625ml

Maximum water temperature: 50C

Supplied with black faceplate, 8x M3,4mm screws, G1/4″ Plug, and blue LED.

So besides the all new tough nylon housing, the pump has really been overhauled with a new impeller, bearing, and electronics…very good!

XSPC X2O 500 Single Bay Acrylic Reservoir Pump

Welcome to my review of a brand new single bay reservoir pump, the XSPC X2O 500.

While I have had the opportunity to test many 20 watt+ bay reservoir pumps such as the XSPC D5 Bayres I tested here.  I know from experiments such as this flow sensitivity test on the Raystorm, that CPU blocks are very resilient to operating well at very low flow rates and in custom loops we generally have much more pump than really needed.  That is fine when space and cost are not high priorities, but there is a bit of a gap in pump options that are more value oriented and still have expansion and power capabilities beyond that of a CPU only loop pump. Most of the all in one kit pumps designed for CPU cooling only have pumps in the 1-2 watt range of power, but they are really maxed out and often can’t push flow much beyond about 0.5GPM. That’s where the X2O 500 fits into the picture, targeted for those that don’t have a budget or want to spend over $100 or more on pumping power, but they want something that is still expandable and capable of powering through multiple block and radiator systems as they upgrade.

A special thanks to Paul from XSPC for providing the review sample:

Specifications:

Since it is not yet listed on their website, I’ll just note some specifications that I can come up with on my own.

• G1/4″ Threads
• Brushed Aluminium Faceplate
• Acrylic Reservoir
• 1x 5mm LED hole
• Blue Sleeved LED provided
• Dimensions: 149 x 99 x 42mm
• 5 screws