How does the NL-ACF1 compare to other VRM fans?
Many liquid coolers use 40, 50 or 60mm VRM fans that produce high-pitched noises and are hidden underneath covers or screens, hampering airflow. By contrast, the NL-ACF1 leverages an 80mm size impeller that’s completely uncovered, which ensures both superior airflow and quieter operation with a more pleasant, lower-pitched sound signature.
We have compared the NL-ACF1 to a competing solution that utilises a 60mm diameter fan that is located underneath a screen that sits on top of the pump cover. We tested two different settings inside the Antec Flux Pro Noctua Edition, one with the auxiliary fans running at full speed and one with the auxiliary fans normalised to the same noise level. In both cases, VRM fan noise levels were measured at a distance of 10cm in axial direction from the hub of the fan and then converted to 1m distance.
In the setting with the auxiliary fans running at full speed, the NL-ACF1 achieved 1.5° lower VRM temperatures while producing more than 20dB(A) lower noise levels:
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With the auxiliary fans normalised to the same noise level (30dB(A) from 10cm or 10dB(A) from 1m), the NL-ACF1 achieved around 7°C lower VRM temperatures compared to the competing solution:
Thanks to its larger diameter, high-efficiency impeller, unrestricted intake and optimised outlet, the NL-ACF1 can achieve better performance at similar noise levels or similar thermal performance at lower noise levels compared to competing solutions that use smaller fans, especially if they are located underneath screens or other structures.
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