The Corsair SP (Static Pressure), AF (High Airflow) 120/140mm Fan Review
by E. Fylladitakis on November 25, 2015 8:00 AM ESTCorsair's 140mm Performance
AF140 White LED Quiet Edition
As mentioned previously, the variation on Corsair's fans means that this one is our 140mm model in the 'High Airflow' (AF) category, focusing on low-impedance (case-fan style) scenarios. The LED versions are not built as sturdy as the non-LED models, and this one comes in with the 'Quiet Edition' moniker as well. Here are the results for the AF140 LED QE fan at high and low voltage settings:
As it can be seen from the above performance chart, the AF140 begins with very low static pressure readings but its airflow increases as the airflow impedance decreases. This increase is dramatic when the airflow impedance pressure drop is below 0.3 mmH2O while the fan is operating at its maximum speed.
SP140 White LED
The Static Pressure line of fans focuses more on the early end of the pressure/volume curve, aiming to get higher airflow at the same pressure while potentially sacrificing the total peak volume flow at zero pressure. Similar to the AF model above, this is a 140mm LED version but not in the quest range. Here are the 12V and 7V results:
As expected by its design and specifications, the SP140 has a good static pressure, nearly 50% better than that of the high airflow AF140. However, its pressure to flow curve declines faster and the SP140, even though it has a higher maximum speed than the AF140, cannot reach very high airflow values.
Comparing the AF140 LED QE and SP140 LED
If we do a direct comparison at the different voltage modes, we get the following for 12 volts:
Then this is for 7 volts (note the different scales on both axes):
Note that their rotational speeds are not the same at either voltage. Still, the slower AF140 can move greater volumes of air when the airflow impedance pressure drop is below 0.3 mmH2O. However, if the airflow impedance is high, the SP140 will clearly provide better performance.
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Gonemad - Friday, November 27, 2015 - link
Too bad I couldn't find the non-led versions around here in time and budget; I'm sick and tired of that blue glow emanating from a case when you need some sleep. I got a case with thick foam filters (Tt Armor), so SP fans for me all the way (3rd rebuild in this case). Fewer, thicker blades is what I am looking for. No care for loud fans, since the graphic card makes the point moot.jhh - Sunday, November 29, 2015 - link
Yes, I got a similar case, and was given significant spousal input that the extra light had to go. A little bit of time with a wire cutter extinguished the LEDs, but am still left with the inferior fans.Gonemad - Monday, November 30, 2015 - link
I thought the same thing about the wire cutters, but I'd need to take the whole thing apart and search the proper wire to cut on the led ones I got. Not gonna happen, can't be ars... bothered.TelstarTOS - Saturday, November 28, 2015 - link
Very good article, but performance/noise charts and analysis are missing. I.e. in this case I'm not even sure that SP perf and quiet versions have same noise at let's say 1200rpm.EddyKilowatt - Thursday, December 3, 2015 - link
Cool stuff, guys. I appreciate the detail, and I appreciate even more that you didn't couple it to a self-deprecating "if your eyes haven't glazed over yet" type comment, all too common in the popular press when the going gets technical. AT continues to differentiate itself, *and* increase its credibility.juliabrown943 - Thursday, December 3, 2015 - link
what Jeffery said I am impressed that some one able to make $8960 in one month on the computer . you could try this out...............................juliabrown943 - Thursday, December 3, 2015 - link
what Jeffery said I am impressed that some one able to make $8960 in one month on the computer . you could try this out............................... earni8samsp99 - Monday, December 7, 2015 - link
To PWM or not to PWM?Does undervolting a fan to 7v have the same effect as a PWM fan set to 70% ? Is the static pressure and noise the same when flow is somewhat impeded?
TheRealAnalogkid - Monday, December 7, 2015 - link
I am greatly offended that I didn't something blah blah my rights blah blah my Dad's an astronaut bippy-boppity thar tekken ar jerbs.Oh, and thanks for starting fan reviews.
kaesden - Monday, January 4, 2016 - link
do these fans have PWM connectors or just the 3 wire connectors?