Help with fans: Scythe v Noctua, Low v Med flow

[tsponholz]

I'm looking to switch out the stock fans that come with my Lian-Li PC-V1000. I have one front/bottom intake and one back/rear exhaust. There is also a Scythe 120 MM fan on my Infinitty cooler that blows directly onto the rear exhaust fan. Options:

Lower flow w/ less noise:
Noctua 1200 - 17 dBA, 47.6 CFM (81 m3/h)
or
Scythe S-Flex (low flow) - 20.1 dBA, 49.0 CFM

Medium Flow w/ more noise than above (still quieter than what I got):
Noctua 1300 - 19.8 dBA, 54.2 CFM (92.3 m3/h)
or
Scythe S-Flex (medium flow) - 28.0 dBA, 63.7 CFM

Will I have enough ariflow to keep things cool at my lowflow option?

Second, which brand is better? If, for practical purposes, the difference is not significant between the two, I'd probably get the Scythe because I can just drop into my favourite store and grab them (and they look a little nicer because they are black). I have to order the Noctua's.

Thanks.

 

[imported_Scoop]

Where do you get those numbers? Check this fan roundup at silentpcreview:

http://www.silentpcreview.com/article695-page1.html

If you ask me, Noctua NF-S12-800 is my choice for case fans. Scythe S-Flex SFF21F at 1600RPM is the way to go for a HSF. And I'd say the Noctua looks nicer, Scythe is just.. black.

 

[tsponholz]

Originally posted by: Scoop
Where do you get those numbers?

These are just the specs listed on the retail sites that I am buying from, which in turn come from the manufacturers site. I know I shouldn't trust that, but I thought I'd throw them in as a guidleine.

I had read that article quite some time ago, and actually is what got me looking at Noctuas originally. Thanks for reminding me. Great article, btw.

Originally posted by: ScoopIf you ask me, Noctua NF-S12-800 is my choice for case fans.

So, in your oppinion, will two of these move enough air inside my case? I would go for that set up because they are even quieter.

Originally posted by: ScoopAnd I'd say the Noctua looks nicer, Scythe is just.. black.

The "just black" won't show up through the very open grill of my V1000, the beige of the Noctua might. Though I applaud them for not going "normal."

 

[imported_Scoop]

If your CPU HSF pushes the air in the direction of the case exhaust fan, it should be enough.

 

[gingerstewart55]

Originally posted by: Scoop
Where do you get those numbers? Check this fan roundup at silentpcreview:

http://www.silentpcreview.com/article695-page1.html

If you ask me, Noctua NF-S12-800 is my choice for case fans. Scythe S-Flex SFF21F at 1600RPM is the way to go for a HSF. And I'd say the Noctua looks nicer, Scythe is just.. black.

I'd actually refer the OP to SPCR's recommended fan page. While the Noctua made the list, they had some interesting things to say about it...........

http://www.silentpcreview.com/article63-page2.html

A very unusual fan from an Austrian company posing as a research institute. Unusual blade design produces more airflow than usual, but possibly at the cost of reduced pressure. Reports from real users have suggested that, despite measuring higher, actual cooling power is slightly less than it should be. Noise character was very broadband and became inaudible at a relatively high voltage. However, it lacks the buttery smoothness of some other fans. An effective choice for a case fan, but the questions raised about its pressure make us hesitate to recommend it for use on a heatsink.

You are right, though......fairly effective case fan as long as you have very little obstruction between it and the outside. Once you place obstructions in its flow path (not very open mesh grilles, filter medium, etc.), its flow rate drops rapidly.

Another fan to consider for a case fan is the Nexus. At least as good as the Noctua but without the loss of flow when restricted.

 

[imported_Scoop]

Originally posted by: gingerstewart55

Originally posted by: Scoop
Where do you get those numbers? Check this fan roundup at silentpcreview:

http://www.silentpcreview.com/article695-page1.html

If you ask me, Noctua NF-S12-800 is my choice for case fans. Scythe S-Flex SFF21F at 1600RPM is the way to go for a HSF. And I'd say the Noctua looks nicer, Scythe is just.. black.

I'd actually refer the OP to SPCR's recommended fan page. While the Noctua made the list, they had some interesting things to say about it...........

http://www.silentpcreview.com/article63-page2.html

A very unusual fan from an Austrian company posing as a research institute. Unusual blade design produces more airflow than usual, but possibly at the cost of reduced pressure. Reports from real users have suggested that, despite measuring higher, actual cooling power is slightly less than it should be. Noise character was very broadband and became inaudible at a relatively high voltage. However, it lacks the buttery smoothness of some other fans. An effective choice for a case fan, but the questions raised about its pressure make us hesitate to recommend it for use on a heatsink.

You are right, though......fairly effective case fan as long as you have very little obstruction between it and the outside. Once you place obstructions in its flow path (not very open mesh grilles, filter medium, etc.), its flow rate drops rapidly.

Another fan to consider for a case fan is the Nexus. At least as good as the Noctua but without the loss of flow when restricted.

Like I said, Noctua isn't my choice as a heatsink fan, just as case fans.

 

[Sheninat0r]

The 1300RPM Noctua you have listed is completely different from the 1200 and 800RPM models. It has an entirely new blade design, which is optimized for high-pressure situations like restrictive intakes or HSFs.

 

[tsponholz]

From what I'm hearing though, there is not a significant difference between the choices. I want quality, but I will go for the conveniance of being able to drop in and pick up the Scythe over a very minor performance/noise improvement.

 

[darkxknight]

u can get 2 scythes for the price of 1 noctua. think about that.