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Case, Power Supply, Fan Reviews
  Product:     AcoustiFan Noiseless & DustPROOF 80mm Fans  
  Price:     $33 (CAN) / $28 (U.S) 
  Supplied By:     QuietPC
  Author:     Hi-TEK
  Date:     August 17th, 2005
  Rating:     star star star star star star star

AcoustiFan Noiseless & DustPROOF 80mm Fans
Click image for larger view
AcoustiFan Noiseless & DustPROOF 80mm Fans
Click image for larger view
 

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.

AcoustiFan Noiseless & DustPROOF 80mm Fans
Click image for larger view
AcoustiFan Noiseless & DustPROOF 80mm Fans
Click image for larger view
 

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.

AcoustiFan Noiseless & DustPROOF 80mm Fans
Click image for larger view
AcoustiFan Noiseless & DustPROOF 80mm Fans
Click image for larger view
 
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.

MTB 80mm Fan Comparison
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.

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.

Thumbs Up! 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
Thumbs Down! 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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