Specifications
| Manufacturer | Thermalright |
|---|---|
| Model name and link to the manufacturer's website | Thermalright TL-C14X |
| Code models | 814256002691 |
| Fan size, mm | 140×140×26 |
| Bearing type | S-FDB Bearing V2 |
| PWM control | There is |
| Rotation speed, rpm | maximum 1800 (±10%) |
| Air flow, m³/h (ft³/min) | 157.2 (92.5) |
| Static pressure, Pa (mm H 2 O) | 21.9 (2.23) |
| Noise level, dBA | 30.2 |
| Rated current consumption, A | 0.35 A (12 V) |
| Weight, g | 180 |
Description
The fan is packed in a cardboard tray and a hard transparent plastic case.
The kit includes four self-tapping screws for installing fans into the case, as well as four long M3 screws for attaching to the radiator of a liquid cooling system or to the case. In addition, the kit includes four nuts and eight rubber spacers. Additionally, a power strip and a manual in Chinese are provided.
A six-year warranty is stated, but this must be clarified upon purchase.
The fan frame is made of durable gray-green plastic. The eyelets in the corners of the fan frame are fitted with vibration-isolating pads made of elastic plastic of medium hardness.
When uncompressed, the pads protrude approximately 0.5 mm.
According to the developers' idea, the provided elements should ensure vibration isolation of the fan from its mounting location. However, upon closer examination of the ratio of the fan mass and the rigidity of the provided pads, it becomes clear that the resonant frequency of the structure turns out to be very high, practically not providing effective vibration decoupling. Moreover, the sockets into which the mounting screws are screwed are part of the fan frame, which means that vibration from the fan will be transmitted through the screws to the mounting location without obstructions. Therefore, this lug design should be considered more of a fan design element rather than an effective means of vibration isolation.
The fan cable is enclosed in a braided sheath.
According to the myth, the outer shell supposedly reduces aerodynamic drag. However, given the thickness of the flat four-wire cable inside this sheath and its outer diameter, we seriously doubt the veracity of this claim. However, the shell helps maintain a unified style of the internal design of the system unit. It is important to note that the fan supports PWM control.
Testing
Let us present the results of a number of measurements.
| Starting voltage, V (short circuit* = 100%) | 3.4 |
|---|---|
| Stop voltage, V (short circuit* = 100%) | 3.3 |
Dependence of rotation speed on supply voltage
The nature of the dependence is typical: a smooth and slightly nonlinear decrease in the rotation speed from 12 V to the stopping voltage.
Dependence of rotation speed on PWM duty cycle
The adjustment range is very extensive: when the load factor (LC) changes from 20% to 100%, the rotation speed smoothly increases, ranging from approximately 550 to 1750 rpm. At 0% short circuit, the fan maintains a constant minimum rotation speed. This characteristic becomes important if the user seeks to create a hybrid cooling system capable of operating in a fully or partially passive mode at low load.
Volumetric productivity versus rotation speed
We remind you that in this test we create a certain aerodynamic resistance (the entire air flow is directed through the anemometer blades). Therefore, the obtained values are slightly lower than the maximum performance specified in the fan specifications. This is because the maximum performance stated is based on zero static pressure (no aerodynamic drag) conditions.
Volumetric output with minimal resistance to rotation speed
Without resistance, the fan pumps much more air per unit time.
Noise level depending on rotation speed
At high rotation speeds, the fan noise is quite loud.
Noise level versus volumetric output
Noise level versus volumetric output
Noise level from volumetric output at minimum resistance
Determination of performance at 25 dBA
It is inconvenient to operate a whole graph to compare fans, so from a two-dimensional representation, let’s move on to a one-dimensional one. In modern conditions and in the consumer segment, ergonomics, as a rule, takes priority over performance, so we will determine the fan performance at a noise level of 25 dBA for the case of high and low resistance:
| Conditions | Productivity, m³/h |
|---|---|
| High resistance | 24 |
| Low resistance | 147 |
In terms of performance for the case of high resistance, let's compare this fan with other fans tested under the same conditions:
It can be seen that the result for this parameter is not outstanding.
Let's also compare performance for the case of low resistance.
In terms of this parameter, this is the best fan of all those tested at the time of writing this article.
Maximum static pressure
The maximum static pressure is 36.1 Pa. The result for this parameter is good.
Strategically increasing the static pressure value maintains airflow at an acceptable level, especially in situations where significant aerodynamic loading occurs. For example, this may be caused by the presence of dense dust filters in the housing. It is important to note that the specified parameter is provided for the maximum rotation speed at which the maximum noise level is achieved. Thus, the presented diagram allows you to select the optimal fan for effectively pumping air through dense barriers, despite a possible increase in noise level.
conclusions
The Thermalright TL-C14X fan exhibits outstanding efficiency when operating at low static pressure, resulting in lower noise levels and more efficient air circulation than other fans tested to date. It is recommended to use it, for example, as a case fan, especially if there is no need to pump air through dense dust filters.