Panaflow/Papst Vs Normal Fans

[WobbleWobble]

What's the difference between a slow quiet Panalow/Papst fan vs a normal case fan? Can't you just achieve the slower RPMs by adding a resistor? The CFM for the Panaflow/Papst fans are lower than a normal case fan anyways, which is understandable. But wouldn't a normal case fan slowed down using a resistor give me a similar result compared to those Panaflow/Papst fans? I'm asking because a Sunon fan is only $8 CDN and the Panaflow fan is $30 CDN, locally.

 

[BG4533]

Both Panaflo and Papst have a very good CFM/ noise ratio. They are quiet without having to add a resistor. Many people do what you are talking about by either wiring the fans to run at 7 volts or 5 volts (there are tutorials all over the internet for this, just search), using a Rheobus or even just using a resistor. Be warned however, most fans will fail to start somewhere around 7 volts. Read through some of the posts here about Rheobuses, Fanmates and baybuses. These devices will let you easily change your fans speed and output with a switch/ knob.

Brian

 

[jarsoffart]

In the September 2001 AT HS review I think they mentioned how Papst were very carefully balanced to make them run better, but I think most people just choose Panaflos over Papsts and other regular fans. Panaflo fans have that hydro-sleeve bearing thing that is supposedly more than marketing, but I don't know. Panaflos aren't that expensive either. At allcorp.com and mpja.com they rae aound 5 USD each.

 

[OulOat]

Fans are not designed the same, just like car engines aren't designed the same. Fan blades are specifically designed for its purpose. Sure, fans will work at lower RPMs, but it's not going to be as efficent as a fan designed for that RPM.

 

[pelikan]

I like the absence of motor and bearing noise in Panaflos. With some low rpm or 7-volted fans you may not hear the air moving much, but the motor and/or bearings are loud. The two-ball-bearing fans I've tried have been loud at low rpm, while single ball bearing and sleeve fans have been pretty quiet.

 

[alkemyst]

dB is not always dB in a fan, cheap fans make extra noise and vibration.

A nice fan like a Panaflo's noise is coming only from the air output, not the bearings/motor.

A really nice fan like a PAPST and some other $20+ ones have a heavier and more finished feel/look to them. They also have absolutely no vibration since they are very well balanced (a normal fan has no balancing done).

There is a lot to be said in the difference of a $2 fan versus a $20 one, but not as much to be heard