Nidec Servo Gentle Typhoon AP-15 New Batch Sample ASpecial thanks to Vapor for sponsoring this fan..
This is one of the newer batch fans with a slightly different rear frame with openings near the PCB for what appears to be improved air cooling to the electrical parts.
PACKAGE
About average to less than average. No wire sleeving, comes in a clear plastic box with a molex adapter and some case screws, fairly minimalist style.
NOISE LEVEL
Nothing short of exemplary, this is the one area where this fan rules so far. It's particularly unique in that the typical fan air noise you normally hear is nearly gone completely. I suspect this is due to the very forward sweeping fan blades and high number of blades. Also the leading edge of the fan blades is more rounded and perhaps more shaped like a wing profile rather than a knife edge. Whatever it is...it works and works amazingly well in this test condition mounted on a radiator. Compared to the yate loon SM12 at 12V (32CFM), the GT is able to produce the same CFM level at nearly 9dbA lower levels. At the lower end near 16CFM, the difference reduces to about a 1-2dbA difference which is within the (3dBA barely perceptible range). This fan is really strong in noise level particularly at it's maximum RPM range
NOISE QUALITY
Variable, some good some not so good. There are certain volts and RPM where the noise quality is very good, there is very little motor noise and the ultra low level is overall a very good match. However, there are other voltage levels that resonate very slightly and create a bit of a whine. This particular sample resonated very slightly at 7V and a bit more at 8V, then pretty much gone from 9-12V. I'll see how Sample B does in this area.
RANGE
575-1800RPM is very good although you'll need to listen and pick your voltage somewhat carefully for optimal sound quality.
EFFICIENCY
This fan is exceptionally efficient, only 1 watt at maximum RPM is really amazing.
COST
Average to high. I've seen it sell anywhere from $14 to $20 a fan, so it's not a budget fan and it's not coming with a pile of features...not even sleeved wiring.
OVERALL
This is the fan to beat at the 35 CFM level for minimal noise level, but also it's noise quality is fairly good in some voltage ranges. It is not perfect though, it seems to have a very minor amount of resonance at 7 and 8V. Range is good, efficiency is excellent, and cost is ok to expensive. Overall, I suspect most people would be fairly impressed with this fan's noise level and tone, although the tone and sound is different and may not be for everyone. I suggest listening closely to the videos and make your own judgement. Better yet, buy one of your own and give it a good test before committing to a bunch more.
This fan gets another thumbs up
for it's amazing CFM/NOISE ratio at 12V, it really separates itself from the rest in this particular area.
VIDEO LINK
COMPARED TO ALL FANS TESTED SO FAR
UPDATE 11-17-10FYI,
I got Vapor's Sample B GT15 processed. It was really close to the sample A results and now that I've listened to the audio, I can't really tell the difference. If anything the sample B was perhaps a bit grittier on the bottom end, but was more consistent throughout the voltage sweep.
Also notice the bottom end of Sample B compared to the rest of the fans tested so far. The Arctic Cooling F12 is actually much the same, perhaps better at the 4-5V range. It's just hard to conclude anything when they are that close. My sound meter floor appears to be 31dbA, so it gets to be a bit suspect down that low.
COMPARED TO ALL FANS TESTED SO FAR
Edited by Martinm210 - 11/17/10 at 4:12pm 
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