Panaflo L1A vs Vantec Stealth

[WobbleWobble]

Which one is quieter? I have a couple Stealths and I like how it comes with a 3 pin molex already connected and a 3-4 pin adapter, but I'm considering buying a SK-7 and debating whether to put on a Panaflo L1A or Vantec Stealth on it. It'll be on an XP2500+ hopefully O/C'd to XP3200+. Noise is the biggest issue and they're both "rated" 21dba. However, it looks like the Vantec pushes more air.

Personally, I also have a Zalman 80mm in quiet mode rated at 20dba. But the Vantecs sound a lot louder, so I'm not sure if I should believe that rating or not.

Also, they should be able to handle that O/C right?

 

[modestninja]

I'd use a more powerful fan, at least an M1A on that heatsink if I was oc'ing that much. If you're concerned about having it that quiet why don't you get an slk-900 with a slow 92mm fan. That would be silent and keep it cool.

 

[WobbleWobble]

SLK900 is expensive... double the price of the SK-7. Either the SK-7 or a comparable Zalman setup is what I'm looking at. But I'm leaning towards the SK-7.

O/Cing isn't a huge issue with me, it's a nice side thing, but noise is the most important.

 

[Gaard]

I'm currently running Vantecs in one of my systems and Panaflos in the other. The Vantec's are louder (if you can call it loud). You still have very little noise with the Vantecs, but the Panaflo are whisper silent.

 

[KGB1]

Panaflo is the king. I ordered 8 80MM fans from bestbyte.net a while back. 4 panaflos and 4 vantec stealth. The Vantec started out pretty quiet but got louder over the course of the time I used it. I was loud in the end, and now I use a 7Volt modded power adapter to use them. However my 4 Panaflos are STILL quiet since DAY 1 and will be for how ever long it will take.

 

[Blooz1]

I started out with my 800a using a Vantec Stealth, and yes, it was very quiet. As I OC'd my 1700 higher, I changed it out for a Panaflo H1A, which pushes a lot more air.

I really didn't notice any difference in sound with the side panels on the case, but the temp dropped very nicely. If I was you, I'd think about something stronger than the Stealth if you plan to OC your Barton.

 

[MichaelD]

I haven't received my L1As yet, but I have had about a dozen Stealth's in various rigs for about a year now.

Stealth fans are quieter than typical case fans, but they are NOT 21db!!

They are not loud by any means. Compared to say, an Antec-branded fan that comes with an Antec case they are considerably quieter.

I have noticed a bearing rattle in two of them. One is in my server's PS. :| I did the fan-swap mod and regret it. Seems these fans were not cut out for 24/7 operation.

I have ten L1As on the way. Unfortunately, they don't have rpm monitoring, which really sucks. I'd gladly pay an extra $1 per fan for that little bonus. But from what I've heard and read, the L1A are the schiznitz. They will run 24/7.

*edit*
FWIW, I use a 34CFM Antec BB fan on my CPU HS. Being that it's buried in the case, you can't hear it anyway. I hear no diff b/t a Stealth and a standard case fan, when the fan is used on the CPU HS. It does cool better. Now, b/t a 34CFM case fan and a Tornado....you'll hear that diff!!

 

[0roo0roo]

sk7's are cheaper because their base impeeds airflow. this becomes more important at low rpms where air resistence really matters. i don't think sk7+ low rpm fan is a good idea for overclock. slk series is better for that.

 

[WobbleWobble]

I always thought that the Stealths weren't 21dba.

As for the SLK series, I think that it's a bit much to pay for a CPU cooling system. Esp when it gets to half the CPU cost (XP2500+). But ok, let's look at the SLK-800. I see on this site that there are 2 SLK-800 versions. Can anyone tell me the real difference?

Also, what about the SLK-700? I think by reading the specs, the TMD fan that it comes with is a bit loud. I want quiet... that's more important than speed.

 

[0roo0roo]

one is for p4, other for athlons. socket mounting with clips or screws.

stealth vantecs use ball bearings, so slightly louder slightly more air, garranteed to last though.

 

[Bookie]

well i can't tell you much that hasn't already been said, but I can confirm that the panaflos are definitely quieter, especially over time. I started out with stealths and then went to the panaflos. I now have a total of 11 panaflos in my three computers (which includes replacing all the ps fans). My stealths are just sitting in my tool box now.

 

[Slickone]

I've also read several posts on here by different people in the past saying their L1A's got louder over time.
So if 21dB isn't correct for the Stealth, if you had to guess, what would you say it is? Too bad we don't have tests done on each by the same person. I'm eyeing them since they have RPM monitoring.