Corsair AF & SP Series Computer Case Cooling Fans Showcase & Review NCIX Tech Tips

Corsair has lent its expertise to so many categories, so why should fans be any surprise?
CA: ncix.com/search...
US: ncix.com/search...
Click here to download the graphs: docs.google.co...

[@smckinnon]

This video was way ahead of it's time.

[@hurvee12]

yes even now it is still very usefull. now i understand all this airflow static pressure shits

[@larssinnige9314]

5:34, the fan speed of the fan...

[@latitude9926]

Poor Linus

[@gligorvlad7321]

so basically SP vents go with HDD cages front, radiators and back exhaust, aaand the AF ones go where there is free space to blow in like from HDD cage to vid card, side case blowing inside or lower case blowing inside?

[@NCIXcom]

Some reviewers have to worry about that, but for me it's not a concern. I work for NCIX. NCIX sells everything.

[@ZABabyblue]

i would have liked Corsair Air Series AF120 3x Performance Edition Corsair Air Series SP120 3x Performance Edition

[@daperpkazoo]

I've been watching techtips for well over a year now, and this is by far the best one you've done. Great job Linus!

[@InkDropFalls]

I find that machine more interesting than the fans ...That machine is a beast ...

[@DstzVd]

+InkDropFalls It WAS a beast. haha

[@valvaliant4433]

Reading this comment in December 2018 with my 1070 ti and ryzen 7 like lolololol

[@kn7a]

I dunno why, I know nothing about building a pc and prob never will. Yet you manage to hold my attention on computer fans for 13 mins. Bravo. Good stuff

[@ponddust5419]

the sp produces the same cfm as the af with no pressure so, why does the af series exist if it doesn't provide as much pressure as the sp when adding resistance?

[@ponddust5419]

ty for the clarification there :)

[@franggyyanez]

Linus, thanks to you i built my first gaming pc, installed it myself, know more about gpu,cpu,psu man you are the best i cant stop watching your videos then running to my pc to practice what i have learned !! just wanted to say thank you and keep it up !! people like me need people like you !

[@worstenbroodje6832]

should I use the SP or AF ones on my CPU cooler?

[@Marc7665]

You will want the SP series for a radiator (like the h100i), or "tower cooler" (like the Noctua NH-U12S)

[@worstenbroodje6832]

Marc Collingsworth Thank you very much good sir!

[@blah012345678]

there is a built in resistor that decreases the amount of current being pushed to the fans thereby decreasing the speed of the fan which in turn reduces noise because the fan vibrates less. Also, bigger resistor=slower the fan=softer the sound. Hope that explains your question.

[@realdogacademy]

please be more thorough next time..... ;)

[@themanofram]

"these fans are cool." I see what you did there Linus ;)

[@MvP4eVa1]

@NCIXcom keep up the good work, You should do more fans test (smoke test) because there's to many GPU, CPU bechmark test only, which is not bad at all, but show us more things like PSU load test and efficiency also ... so again, FAN test are very interesting for those who pay over $25 per fans, they deserve to know what they are really getting..

[@sauceover]

For the H80 running 2 NF-F12s, there was a difference...however, as we pushed the button, it took a LONG time (approximately 2-3 minutes) before we noticed any sound difference. It's entirely possible that there was never a speed change and we simply got used to the sound.

[@GuMpAkC]

I love the fans. I bought $200.00 worth for all of my systems at home, and then some spare. Corsair's best product to-date I believe.

[@LordHood2]

well to those of us to whom fans are a big part of our build(s) (which btw is everyone whos ever built any kind of system), knowing everything about a certain fan before buying is a relatively important thing to know, and thus deserves this attention. The tests in this video are something I know I have been waiting to see for a very long time. Thumbs up to you Linus for them.

[@askloglog]

you sir are correct in saying looking good doesn't improve performance, however the cooling performance of these is on par with Noctuas that are twice the price, they are louder (thus the price difference) but some people don't care about noise "pollution" of these fans but DO care about looks and cooling performance.

[@Rebasepoiss]

You are correct when looking at the 12V graph but at 7V the AF series performs significantly better in a free flowing environment than the SP series. And that's what matters, I guess, since few people run their case fans at 12V if they care about noise.

[@kaidentrask]

Most in-depth explanation of computer fans ever.

[@HLPC_2]

aw man, Linus you just relieved me! I actually bought the SP 120mm Fans for my radiator without knowing if they were the right choice, but luckily they are! Oh boy, I see what performance I'll be getting when my build is done!

[@qwerto13]

Delta/1st PC fan Corps gives you these graphs when you go to their site which is very cool, i did not realize the importance of this information when making an informed purchase.

[@Coupeee94]

Properly made video with details and graphs. Now I know what fans to buy and which to leave on the shelf. Thanks a lot!

[@salami99]

HOLY CRAP NCIX HAS 365 VIDEOS EACH FOR EVERY DAY OF THE YEAR!

[@AltarenGalil]

came here for a corsair fan review and got pleasantly surprised by an extensive comparison. A refresh would be nice though

[@AttackOfTheThumbs]

My conclusion exactly. Ive liked their fans for a while now and typically undervolt to seven, so this just confirms my choices.

[@MrLexxBomb]

exhaust is somewhat more important... as long as the exhaust is pumping out the hot thin air the cold dense air will naturally be drawn into the case - adding an intake fan helps by adding to the natural air draw - hence why a pressure fan is useful... think of it like this Dense In - Thin Out... Its why cases are designed with the exhast being at the back near the top of the case... because thats the way the air will naturally travel.

[@brianrobledo1]

I ran my CPU and GPU's with fanless heatsinks for 2 years and I didn't find any problems with it ;)

[@BaconPersuasion]

lol you really do a thorough job i had to learn all this the hard way without good teachers like you

[@melvin5818]

This is what I call going above and beyond with a review lol

[@SuperJimBobJoe]

"Magical fantasy lala land" sounds like a good holiday destination.

[@meecob]

fun going back to here. Still dropping stuff

[@DeepakJindal07]

I am sure, pressure is not important, just a slight presure is enough to keep the 'temperature' of air in your case down. I am also sure that attaching a lawm blower will not put down your temperature down.

[@MrLexxBomb]

Air flow fans move more air...which is why you use them for exhaust and intake (if the intake is unobsured) you would only use the Pressure Fans for an intake if they are right infront of major obstructions such as hard drives. heck some cases even include fans moved behind the hard drives facing directly towards the graphics cards to improve air flow towards the graphics cards.

[@hdeezie80]

Yes you would hear them, I use them to cool my radiators in my case they have a slight whining noise when run off a molex connector or directly off the motherboard but they actually work really nicely when run off a fan controller I have 4 sp 120s and 3 af120s in a haf xm that are barely noticeable at about half speed.

[@MarshalBeard]

it's a RAR file. both 12v and 7v pictures are included, along with the 12V noise ratings.

[@madboyjonno3071]

I think it just reduces the voltage supplied to the fan using a converter cable which connects to the psu. Since its getting less voltage it will spin slower and hence less noise :)

[@Madblaster6]

I'm talking about air going out of the case. Thanks. Also, since exhaust is going out I don't know how you're gonna get dust going out of the case. I know cold air drops and hot air rises. You can see that in my vids. I'm asking witch fans intake more air I'm not asking about dust.

[@Madblaster6]

Thank you. This is the answer I was looking for. Although, I know hot air rises and cold air drops. I always intake from the bottom. I like the dense thin air analogy. It really cleared it up for me.

[@mrali95]

Actually I quite like the noctua colors, and they're still among the best. Just because the corsair fans gives better pressure in that machine doesn't mean that it does in a reallife scenario.

[@KyudoKun]

@4:34 Linus along with NCIX is working with a Nuke project, as you can see in his back. That blue cylinder shaped tank right there.. So much for a PC enthusiast, he would definitely use that to spread the PC Master race alliance awareness..

[@RhinoFeed]

Can I just buy that computer? That entire setup is exactly perfect for me.

[@geotherapy]

The SP120 runs at 2350 RPM and is very loud, the AF120 runs at 1650 RPM and is much quieter. They do have the same CFM rating at maximum RPM, effectively, but the difference is in speed and noise, and static pressure ratings.

[@MrLexxBomb]

Air Flow... he told you in clip... Static pressure is for moving air past obstacles such as radiators or drive bays... Air flow for intake/exhaust...

[@jephreyPR]

i FEEL SO GOOD TO BE A MECHANICAL ENGI AND UNDERSTAND ALL THIS IS GREAT :)

[@MasterRend4n]

"holy crap, corsair has fans now" I have a gaming setup from 2010, with fans 120mm, where it says Corsair on, so no big news there! however the new series does look awesome. really like the red design, matches my red LED's :D

[@MapleKeyboard]

I want that as a ringtone Holy crap corsair has fans now!

[@TopSickLid]

yeah they're sp120 on the h100 and in the setup, they are pushing air through the radiator and out of the case :)

[@shimickey]

This episode was awesome! I learned so much, thank you for providing us with the information you acquired during your test, which I trust way more than any companies specification sheet.

[@Zeiss120]

Best NCIX/Linus vid, seriously good stuff with actual real data to back up claims

[@ERIK5564]

so let me get this straight static pressure is good for when their is resistance right behind the fan such as drive cages or radiators. and air flow is good for open space behind the fan

[@Simon1556]

Which is best for replacing the stock nzxt s340 case im going for a quiet system?

[@MrLexxBomb]

in reference to the sound testing - there is a university in England that has the worlds quitest room - background noise is -1db

[@MrLexxBomb]

Maybe Linus should do a clip on intake v exhaust - would be interesting to see how the two theories balance - could even examine it in relation to radiators . ie Pressure intake Radiator Pressure exhaust vs Pressure Intake Radiator Airflow exhaust for Push Pull configs... would be an intersteing episode...

[@jutenheim223]

You don't get his comment. He said that SP and AF have the same amount of airflow in open environment according to the graphs. So he's asking why get the AF when SP is good at open airflow and static pressure delivery.

[@jutenheim223]

And the only reason I don't get your comment is because it's not connected to what the DerMeister said. Your comment is explaining the difference between SP and AF, while DerMeister is asking why in the graphs, a corsair SP performs the same in an open airflow environment with the corsair AF. He isn't asking about explanations of the two fans.

[@andrewk1979]

By FAR THE BEST INTRO TO DATE,,,EPIC!!!!!!

[@kledder2]

Nice that Asus sponsors you while doing Corsair Products.

[@AlexHritz]

Linus' intro makes this video amazing

[@Synicade]

I would assume that as any other component of the PC, it gets hotter as speeds/efficiency goes up with time. Since we don't have mind blowingly fast RAM, RAM fans aren't too common. They exist though, and they DO help because I would assume that our ordinary standard of 1336 is much cooler than the up and coming 2133+.

[@pmiccich1]

why did you go so above and beyond with this one review? XD

[@Kynolin]

@NCIXcom Just FYI, there are rooms that are rated at negative decibels, where nobody has lasted more than 45min, because people freak out.

[@ahsanarefin3721]

Holy Crap!!! Corsair has fans now

[@ScaleCarModels]

Great video I need to upgrade my fans might look into these!

[@17GigaHertz]

Best NCIX Tech Tips intro ever xD

[@androkles04]

Thanks a ton. I have been looking into getting a new case due to my current not offering cooling to my graphics cards via the sidepanel and it being rather loud, and I now know to get the 550D. I also know what fans to buy if I found out my current ones are still too loud. :D

[@acemcgillicutty4420]

You didn't mention whether the radiator fans at the top were intake or exhaust fans.

[@AbolishedShadow]

+Ace Mcgillicutty They were exhaust. The face of the fans are always their intake, and the side with the crossbars are the exhaust.

[@flyboy2196]

The SP fans are just as good case fans as the AF fans from looking at those graphs.

[@snati4]

I like how you say efficiency makes more heat.

[@lilturk726]

I'd love to see this test again with some Silent Wings 2, Noctua and EKWB VARDAR fans.

[@TurbidAttack954]

This should be the corsair dream machine since it has corsair fans

[@god2many]

I have two Cougar 120mm PWM fans on my H80 and they work great.

[@PhunnyConflicts]

hey thanks a lot linus. this is really informative. im finally delving into my computer engineering classes and im sure this will have some irrelevancies to my studies. and btw, these vids are what i usually look forward too. a lot of good information! thanks again linus and linus' crew.

[@wck]

I assume pressure would also be important for an intake fan if it's pulling air from a restrictive area such as a dust filter?

[@orangetj1]

yes it does exist, they have even built a chamber that they claim is at negative 15 db ( I might be off by a little)

[@Madblaster6]

Right, but does it make a difference in intake. I mean sure you have some grill s the air has to go through but assuming it's exhaust don't you want more intake?

[@DarthSailorMoo]

that all depends. If you want it to sound like a jet get delta fans. If you want nice cooling or silent cooling then obviously corsair.

[@DivineMoment]

LMAO AT THE INTRO "HOLY CRAP.. Corsair has fans now!?!?!?!" XDD

[@marshall5132]

BACK IN THE DAY!!!!!!!

[@SsJukeBox360sS]

Kinda wish the stock H100 fans had been used. Would be nice to know if the new fans are a viable option in changing the speed. The stock ones are just to loud.

[@PingByter]

i'm hosting 2 VPS's from my PC and when I sleep, I don't want to wake up for this sound "WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOoooooo...oOOOoOOoOOOOOOOOOO!!!!" -.-

[@JJooffaann]

In a case with overpressure (to prevent dust buildup), would the SP fans as intakes be optimal even if you have no harddrive cages or restrictions? Or is the overpressure really insignificant?

[@devilmikey00]

Ya I was going to try and make a green themed comp but green seems to be harder to find then red or blue.

[@TheUnclepecos]

0:00 Are you excited, Linus? :)

[@JohnD212]

This seems incorrect! From everything I've read, if you don't use the stock fans with the H100 you don't have the option to control or ramp up the speed of the fans..they just run at full 12V speed. Only the stock fans plugged into the H100 pump are controlled by the H100. Correct me if I"m wrong.

[@Arithorath]

Thanks for the hard work Linus and crew.

[@Bassen98]

Soooo, im using the NZXT H440 Case with 3 stock fans in the front. Just bought 1 SP120 Fan & 2 AF140 fans. Should i use the SP120 in the back, blowing out air. And the 140's at the top blowing in air?

[@st3yn]

The NZXT H440 has no 'direct' air intakes; the front and top of the case are very obstructed and have a lot of resistance. The fans have to really use effort to suck in air from the front, as its a very closed design. The top is similar, where the fans have to really push out the air from the venting holes. (Btw I also own the H440). What you'll want is 3 SP fans in the front (or 2 140mm SP fans), SP fans in the top, and one AF fan in the back. Front: Intake Top: Outtake (exhaust) Back: Outtake. Remember that hot air goes upwards, so you'll really need outtake fans in the top of the case. The pressure fans are definitely the way to go here, because the airflow paths are very obstructed by the case. The case is built for slick design and silence; not so much for great airflow. Another important factor in the front of the case are the HDD slots etc. that are directly behind the 3 front fans; SP fans perform much better when there's things obstructing the air flow.

[@anoopdsouza6868]

Bassen98 Ideally you want cool fresh air to enter from bottom front and the exhaust to be top rear, this will ensure adequate cooling for all your components. So the best case is 3 SP 140mm at front, 2 SP 140 at top (at 7V if you want +ve pressure) and 1 140 AF at rear. But since you already have bought the mentioned fans I would suggest u to keep the 3 front 120mm stock fans since they are static optimized and mount the ones you bought as 1 AF 140mm at rear, 1 AF140mm at top then the 120mm SP at top also.

[@Bassen98]

Anoop D' Souza Hello, i mounted 140mm at the back, 140 top and 120 on my cpu cooler

[@anoopdsouza6868]

Also added note exhaust at top rear because hot air always rises (think Hot air balloons). So don't go against physics or else useless vortexes will be formed inside the case.

[@WiseWaffle]

I'm My opinion, looking at the 12v PQ curves, the Corsair SP120 fans ONLY just provide less CFM that the AF120 Series. So, If your a bit of an elitist and you don't like the idea of having an AF and an SP series fan in your case, because of the different Blade design, then I'd recommend the SP120 series, that way, they can always be used for their intended use on radiators.

[@blown4six]

Come on over to Minnesota linus, we've got the worlds quietest anechoic chamber. At -9db (yes, negative 9 decibels) it's the quietest room in the world. Would probably work for testing how loud those fans are :)

[@sargony666]

So what is your verdict on the fans? I loved this whole video but I wanted you to compare them to say the Noctua ones and for YOUR opinion on them! Nice video!

[@SWELingonBerry]

I bought 5 corsair fans 2 hours before this vid came out lol!

[@DarkzWizard89]

Corsair has fans/fans now!

[@aSASa45454]

they have fans that go over ram, like 2x or 3x fans that clip onto the ram area.

[@oBCHANo]

There is a few places that have %100 sound proof rooms, at 0 DB, or very close to it at least. They could test the fans in there, unrealistic though, obviously.

[@xM4XvPA1Nx]

some people forget that they are on the internet and can freely look things up on this website called google. Its a great website you know

[@TheSighGuy]

Linus really loves those fans doesn't he.

[@b2ooo]

Awesome work Linus ! Was looking for this for a while !

[@KoolanceGamer680]

I just got a set of SP and an AF and they are awesome!!!

[@Helltech]

SP is for Rads and Heatsinks, AF is for case airflow.