The Candidates
Scythe S-Flex SFF21E
1200rpm Version: 49.0CFM / 20.1dBA / DC12V / 0.15A
Scythe S-Flex SFF21F
1600rpm Version: 63.7CFM / 28.0dBA / DC12V / 0.20A
Yate Loon DS12SL-12
1350rpm Version: 47.0CFM / 28.0dBA / DC12V / 0.30A
Panaflo FBA12G12L
1700rpm Version: 68.9CFM / 30.0dBA / DC12V / 0.24A
The Results
First of all, this is just a simple review and is based on manufacturer's spec and personal sensory. The good thing is these are good companies so their specs should be more or less on the spot.
Scythe S-Flex SFF21E
1200rpm Version: 49.0CFM / 20.1dBA / DC12V / 0.15A
Airflow : Pretty Decent. Comparing with Antec 50+ CFM or Panaflo 60+ CFM fans, the rated 49CFM should be just about there.
If Lian-li Adda fan(like no power at all...) has a score of 1 and Sanyo 80-100CFM fan's score is 5, then i would give this fan's air flow a score of 3.25/5.
Noise : Practically can't hear anything unless you put your ear right beside the fan. In that case, there is a very low humming sound.
Build Quality : Superb. Like Sanyo or Panaflo or Papst.
Price : USD13.99
Scythe S-Flex SFF21F
1600rpm Version: 63.7CFM / 28.0dBA / DC12V / 0.20A
Airflow : Good and quite strong. Personal sensory feels it is 20-30% stronger than SFF21E so the spec should be about right. In fact, it's very strong at this low noise!
I would give this fan's air flow a score of 3.75/5. (based on above example)
Noise : There is a pretty low humming sound when fan is placed about 15-20cm away. If fan is placed against ear, it gets slightly louder but really not much.
As long as you got a good case with noise insulation, you should not hear anything at all.
Build Quality : Superb. Like Sanyo or Panaflo or Papst.
Price : USD13.99
Yate Loon DS12SL-12
1350rpm Version: 47.0CFM / 28.0dBA / DC12V / 0.30A
Airflow : Pretty decent like the SFF21E. Very much the same really but i seems to have a placebo effect the SFF21E is a tiny bit stronger.
I would give this fan's air flow a score of 3.25/5. (based on above example)
Noise : Practically can't hear anything unless you put your ear right beside the fan. In that case, there is a very low humming sound.
Build Quality : A little filmsy if compared to Scythe, Sanyo, Panaflo, Papst but still better than average.
Price : USD5.95
Panaflo FBA12G12L
1700rpm Version: 68.9CFM / 30.0dBA / DC12V / 0.24A
Airflow : Strongest among the 4 fans tested. Not as strong(slightly weaker) as a Panaflo 80+ CFM fan so the rated 68.9 CFM should be about right. I would give this fan's air flow a score of 4/5. (based on above example)
Noise : Humming noise can be heard about 30cm away but the good thing is it is a low tone so even though louder, it is not those high pitch tone that will pierce your ears.
A case with good noise insulation should keep out most of the noise.
Build Quality : As always, Panaflo's quality is one of the best around .
Price : USD15.95
Conclusion
I recommend the following for the specific purposes.
Ultra Quiet + Decent Airflow :
Scythe S-Flex SFF21E
Yate Loon DS12SL-12
Good Airflow + Quiet :
Scythe S-Flex SFF21F
Stronger Airflow + Slight Noise :
Panaflo FBA12G12L
Best Price/Performance :
Yate Loon DS12SL-12
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