New fan competition for Gentle Typhoon (Swiftech Helix) - Page 6

Doubtful that's the only difference, given the differences in specs. Even if the fan itself is the only thing used, the motor could be different. A difference in motor can be huge. Just look at the "real" vs. "fake" YL fans.

How long have these been on the market? Strange that there isn't any kind of review on the net yet. Or even an unboxing video. Or something...
Edited by Droogie - 5/16/12 at 6:12pm

I think they haven't been out for that long... only got to learn about these fans from Performance-PC's Facebook page.

Looking forward to your results/reviews, PunkNugget.

Might have to grab 4 of these for a build hopefully there will be some reviews soon

Well, I ordered a pair. If I like them, I'll grab another 2 for p/p.

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

cool but for that price if there even half way decent im might end up grabbing 4 for a build so do tell what ya think of them when ya get them please (wonder how easy they will be to take apart cause for my build id like to paint the blades a dark red )

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Re: What's the Helix120 Z-bearing?

We still haven't had time to write a white paper or even a small description about Z-bearing so I am just going to say a few things. It is NOT a ball bearing, so you don't get the usual 5~9V clicking sound you typically get with ball bearing fans. In just a few words the Helix Z-bearing is an improved sleeve bearing. Sleeve bearings rely on the lubrication to reduce bearing friction and temperature. Over time lubricant tends to go away and after some time (typically a couple of years) there is not enough lubrication to keep the bearing cool and maintain a low friction. Z-bearings address this problem with an on-shaft mechanism that basically seals the lubricant inside the bearing. This substantially increases the fan's MTBF.

Re: Kukri?
The motor itself plays a huge part in the actual performance and there is no comparison possible between the 2,200 RPM kukri and the 1,800 RPM Helix. As discussed with Martin and others, the actual noise level and audio spectrum both depend a lot on what the fan is attached to. You will get very different results where you test the fans on the open or if it's attached to low or high FPI radiator, a CPU heat sink, onto the chassis, if there is a fan guard (its shape), if you are using a shroud, etc. The main parameters influencing noise level / audio spectrum being: actual RPM, pressure, volume.

We've actually spent quite a few months selecting and adjusting parts to get to these specifications.. and we will keep doing that because there is always room for improvements . I pretty much spend half my time in design and half in testing. As much as I enjoy testing in general, I am not afraid to admit that fan testing is subjective and very challenging. Even if you rely on equipment to measure noise level, audio spectrum, flow rates and other static pressure you still have to come up with a testing methodology that will (no matter what!) affect the results (specically: what flow restriction does one apply to the fan). We've obviously thoroughly tested the GT's and I have to admit I am quite pleased with the audio response of the Helix, at least to my ears. I personally never run my fans above 1200 RPM (unless I'm gaming - whenever I have time... ) and that's a speed at which the helix really shines.

I've tested dozens and dozens of fans, and the best advice I can give is: if you are really, really serious about getting fans that fit your ear, then try several of them and be your own judge .


Stephen
Edited by stephenm - 5/17/12 at 4:22pm

Should only take one day, hopefully. Ordered them from performance-pc. They're only 70 miles away.

I ordered a pair as well, will compare them with GTs..... hope the z-bearing can use vertical mount and last as GTs...

Nice. Please do let us know how they are... especially to the gentleman with the Gentle Typhoons (hopefully what you have are the AP-15s -which I am considering between this). Thanks.