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koslov · 04-22-2003, 03:31 AM

I've been snooping around for the optimal fans to use on my radiator, and as of right now, it's between the two versions of Panaflo's H1A: the FBA and the FBL. I run 80% Panaflo's in my case, so it's a brand I trust. I am planning to use a PWM controller with these fans, so high pressure and flow at high voltage and absolute silence at low voltage are requirements.

Here is the difference between these two models:

FBA:
Your standard axial box fan. Max air pressure of 6.18 mmH20 and airflow of 103.8 CFM.

FBL:
Octagonal layered "ringcage" housing. Supposed to reduce noise by as much as 5 dBa. Max air pressure of 5.5 mmH20 and airflow of 86.5 CFM.

Now here's where it gets confusing:

According to the spec sheet from Digikey, the max dBa of the FBL fan is 48, while the FBA fan is only 41.5. But the maxes occur at different points on the dBa / CFM graph. It's the fourth box down on the left side of the first page, titled "Panaflo-ES Noise vs Air Flow." So, at the highest static pressure, the FBL is noisiest, but at medium pressure, it is significantly quieter.

Now, according to Lytron, my rad will yield a mere .10 mmH20 air pressure drop at 70CFM. The FBL is supposedly louder at such small pressure drops like this. But why?

So, with all this data (and yet no actual "noise vs air flow" or "static pressure vs ariflow" comparing the 120mm versions), I am thoroughly confused on which one would actually be quieter in a real setup. Please help me out!

I would buy one of each and compare them, but unfortunately the FBL is $29, FBA is $18. However, if the FBL really yields 5 dBa less noise at the same airflow, $11 is certainly worth it for me.

edit: The FBL fan I am looking at is actually a U1A.

04-22-2003, 03:31 AM	#1
koslov Cooling Savant Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Posts: 264	Panaflo Fan Confusion: FBA or FBL? I've been snooping around for the optimal fans to use on my radiator, and as of right now, it's between the two versions of Panaflo's H1A: the FBA and the FBL. I run 80% Panaflo's in my case, so it's a brand I trust. I am planning to use a PWM controller with these fans, so high pressure and flow at high voltage and absolute silence at low voltage are requirements. Here is the difference between these two models: FBA: Your standard axial box fan. Max air pressure of 6.18 mmH20 and airflow of 103.8 CFM. FBL: Octagonal layered "ringcage" housing. Supposed to reduce noise by as much as 5 dBa. Max air pressure of 5.5 mmH20 and airflow of 86.5 CFM. Now here's where it gets confusing: According to the spec sheet from Digikey, the max dBa of the FBL fan is 48, while the FBA fan is only 41.5. But the maxes occur at different points on the dBa / CFM graph. It's the fourth box down on the left side of the first page, titled "Panaflo-ES Noise vs Air Flow." So, at the highest static pressure, the FBL is noisiest, but at medium pressure, it is significantly quieter. Now, according to Lytron, my rad will yield a mere .10 mmH20 air pressure drop at 70CFM. The FBL is supposedly louder at such small pressure drops like this. But why? So, with all this data (and yet no actual "noise vs air flow" or "static pressure vs ariflow" comparing the 120mm versions), I am thoroughly confused on which one would actually be quieter in a real setup. Please help me out! I would buy one of each and compare them, but unfortunately the FBL is $29, FBA is $18. However, if the FBL really yields 5 dBa less noise at the same airflow, $11 is certainly worth it for me. edit: The FBL fan I am looking at is actually a U1A. Last edited by koslov; 04-22-2003 at 04:16 AM.