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Product:
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AcoustiFan Noiseless & DustPROOF 80mm Fans |
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Price:
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$33 (CAN) / $28 (U.S)
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Supplied By:
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QuietPC
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Author:
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Hi-TEK
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Date:
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August 17th, 2005
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Rating:
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Click image for larger view
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Click image for larger view
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A single AcoustiFan Noiseless & DustPROOF 80mm fan comes bundled with a modified 3-pin to 4-pin cable adapter.
The 3-pin to 4-pin cable adapter is quite unique and allows consumers to configure this fan to operate at
three different voltage levels. The AcoustiFan can operate at its full 12V, 7.5V or at the lowest
voltage rating of 5V. While this interchangeable configuration works, it’s a messy method for those
consumers who don't have access to some sort of fan controlling device such as a Baybus or Rheobus.
As an add-on accessory, QuietPC also provides a Soft Gel Fan Mount Kit. The kit consists of four soft gel
grommets and four mounting screws that can be used to reduce fan vibration once this product is mounted
inside a case chassis.
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Click image for larger view
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Click image for larger view
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If you are still not convinced that the default accessories bundled with the AcoustiFan will eliminate
all fan vibration noise, QuietPC again provides yet another add-on kit called the Soft Silicone Fan Gasket.
The Soft Silicone Fan Gasket consists of four fan mounting screws, four rubber grommets and a silicone
adapter. The adapter also called "40 Shore A Hardness" is 2.5mm thick and fits around the base of the fan
softening any noise generated from the fan once installed on a 80mm fan mount.
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Click image for larger view
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Click image for larger view
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In order to test the AcoustiFan Noiseless & DustPROOF 80mm Fans, I first powered the fans using the default
3-pin to 4-pin adapter and then switched to a Vantec 3.5" Nexus Multi-Fan controller. At the full 12V, there
is an audible soft humming noise that is generated by the fan. Once the fan is lowered to its respective 7.5V
and 5V the fan is dead silent. Here is a comparison chart of different 80mm fans that MTB has had a chance
to evaluate over the years.
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MTB 80mm Fan Comparison
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| AcoustiFan Noiseless & DustPROOF 80mm Fan | 19.9 CFM | 15.6 dBA |
| Vantec Spectrum UV LED Fans | 36 CFM | 34 dBA |
| Sunbeam 80mm UV CCFL Fan | 31.73 CFM | 28 dBA |
| Sunbeam Silent Anodized LED Fans | 23.08 CFM | 19.85 dBA |
| Bits Modding 80mm UV Fan | 26.97 CFM | 27.39 dBA |
| Vantec 80mm Stealth Fan | 27 CFM | 21 dBA |
| Cooler Master 80mm TLF-R82 Neon LED Fan | 32.11 CFM | 25 dBA |
| Xoxide 80mm Case Fan | 30 CFM | 29 dBA |
| Vantec 80mm Tornado Fan | 84.1 CFM | 52.2 dBA |
| Panaflo "Low" 80mm Fan | 24 CFM | 21 dBA |
| Adda 80mm AD0812MB-A70GL Fan | 31.4 CFM | 28.3 dBA |
| Sunon 80mm KD1208PTB3-6 Fan | 31 CFM | 28 dBA |
What is interesting to note in this comparison chart is that the AcoustiFan Noiseless & DustPROOF 80mm Fans have
the lowest dBA rating of the bunch measuring at 15.6 dBA. There is a big trade off for the lower noise reduction
in the fact that this fan moves less air at 19.9 CFM. This means that this product should only be deployed for
special applications that require noise reduction such as a Home Theatre PC or low-end workstation. You wouldn't
want to use this product on a high performance system and lose out on much needed cooling performance.
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Conclusion:
QuietPC has enhanced its product line with the introduction of some of the quietest fans currently on the market.
The AcoustiFan Noiseless & DustPROOF 80mm Fans work as advertised and provide low noise levels for those consumers
looking to silence their PC's. The bundled accessories and add-ons are a plus and very easy to install whether
your case chassis consists of a desktop or full tower case. Add in the extra screws, silicone gel grommets, and fan
gasket and you have a well rounded package. I am a little skeptical on the DustPROOF concept and can only speculate
that this can only be judged over a period of time. While the AcoustiFan Noiseless & DustPROOF 80mm Fans do have positive
attributes there are some negative points worth mentioning. While I applaud the inclusion of the 3-pin to 4-pin
fan adapter for lowering fan speeds the default configuration is quite messy. Once installed, consumers will have
to power down their systems, open the side case panel and manually re-configure the fan for noise reduction. As
previously mentioned, there is a big trade off for noise reduction in the fact that these fans move less air
than rival fans currently on the market. By far the biggest negative aspect of this product is the current retail
price of $33 (CAN) / $28 (U.S). The high price point will no doubt deter the average consumer from purchasing
these fans since you can pick-up a simple fan controller for the same price. To be fair the AcoustiFan Noiseless &
DustPROOF 80mm Fans have been priced to compete against the SilenX
brand which currently has gained some level of popularity. Overall, I'm rating the AcoustiFan Noiseless & DustPROOF 80mm Fans
a final score of 7 out of 10. If you have any questions regarding this
review be sure to visit the QuietPC website for more information
or discuss them in our forums.
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Pros:
- Whisper quiet fans
- Add-on accessories for noise reduction
- 3-pin to 4-pin adapter allows voltage adjustment
- Fan Gasket Kit is easy to use
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Cons:
- Price
- 3-pin to 4-pin adapter design could be improved
- Big trade off for lower noise reduction in less CFM moved
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